The Avalanche began in 1972 as the Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association and moved to Denver in 1995. They have had three homes: the Colisée de Québec, McNichols Sports Arena and, since 1999, Ball Arena in downtown Denver.
Here is every home in order, with the years the team played there, what made each one matter and what stands on the site today. Each arena links to our full guide.
Every Avalanche Arena, 1972 to Today
- Quebec City
1972–1995Home of the Quebec Nordiques for seven WHA seasons, which count in the franchise's history (1977 Avco World Trophy), and 16 in the NHL. A 1980 renovation added a glass facade and brought capacity up to NHL standards.
Today: Closed since 2015; demolition is planned to start in 2027 at the earliest
Stadium history →- Denver
1995–1999The first Denver home, shared with the Nuggets. The Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in their first season here, 1995–96, and played their last game here on June 1, 1999.
Today: Demolished in 2000
Stadium history →- 1999–presentCurrent home
Opened October 1, 1999 as the Pepsi Center and renamed Ball Arena in 2020. Shared with the Nuggets. The Avalanche clinched the 2001 Stanley Cup here and won again in 2022.
Visiting guide →
Avalanche Arena FAQ
Where did the Avalanche play before Ball Arena?
At McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, for their first four seasons (1995–1999). Before the move they spent 23 seasons as the Quebec Nordiques at the Colisée de Québec, seven in the WHA and 16 in the NHL.
How many arenas have the Avalanche had?
Three: the Colisée de Québec (1972–1995), McNichols Sports Arena (1995–1999) and Ball Arena, which opened as the Pepsi Center in 1999.
Why did the Nordiques leave Quebec City?
Team president Marcel Aubut feared losses the club could not sustain without a bailout from Quebec’s provincial government. Premier Jacques Parizeau turned him down, and in May 1995 Aubut accepted an offer from COMSAT Entertainment Group, owner of the Denver Nuggets, to move the team to Denver.
Is the Colisée de Québec still standing?
Yes, for now. It closed in 2015, when the Videotron Centre opened, and has been closed to the public since. In 2025 it was announced that it will be demolished, but the work is not expected to start before 2027. McNichols Sports Arena in Denver was demolished in 2000.
Where do the Avalanche play now?
At Ball Arena in downtown Denver, shared with the Nuggets. It opened in 1999 as the Pepsi Center, took its current name in 2020 and seats 17,809 for hockey. The Avalanche won the 2001 Stanley Cup there.