What to Look For
- Altitude Sports Network access for local Avalanche games. Like the Nuggets, the Avalanche air local games primarily on Altitude Sports Network — the same channel affected by the Comcast/Xfinity carriage dispute since 2019. Bars on DirecTV, Dish, or Altitude-carrying providers are the ones to seek for local Avs games.
- National broadcast access for nationally televised games. The Avalanche appear on ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS for national windows. These are available at any Denver sports bar with a standard cable package — no special provider required.
- ESPN+ access for out-of-market NHL games and streaming-only matchups. Some NHL games air exclusively on ESPN+ without a cable simulcast. Bars that subscribe to ESPN+ and run it on screens can show these games.
- Audio management for hockey commentary. The pace of hockey and its play-by-play commentary add significant value — confirm the bar runs audio on the Avs feed rather than generic ambient music during the game.
Game Day Tips
- For local Avalanche games on Altitude, call ahead or use WhereToWatchSports to find bars confirmed to carry the broadcast. Do not assume a sports bar near Ball Arena automatically has Altitude — the Comcast dispute affects many venues.
- National games on ESPN and TNT are easy to find at any Denver sports bar. The Stanley Cup Playoffs receive heavy national coverage, making playoff games broadly accessible.
- Avs home game tip times at Ball Arena are typically 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM Mountain. Away games on the East Coast may start as early as 5:00 PM Mountain on weeknights.
- The NHL regular season runs October through April. The Stanley Cup Playoffs run April through June. Denver interest in the Avs peaks during playoff runs — popular bars fill quickly for late-round games.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is it hard to find the Avalanche game at some Denver bars?
- Local Avalanche broadcasts on Altitude Sports were unavailable to bars on Comcast/Xfinity cable during the Altitude–Comcast carriage dispute that began in 2019. Bars using DirecTV, Dish, or providers that carry Altitude can show local games.
- Which channels carry the Avalanche nationally?
- National Avalanche games air on ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS depending on the game. These are available on all standard cable and satellite packages. The Stanley Cup Playoffs receive national coverage on these same networks.
- How can I watch out-of-market NHL games at Denver bars?
- Out-of-market NHL coverage is available through ESPN+ and the NHL Center Ice package. Some Denver sports bars subscribe to these services for customers who want to watch non-Avs games. Check WhereToWatchSports for bars that confirm specific matchups.
- What time do Avalanche games start in Denver (Mountain Time)?
- Most Avalanche home games at Ball Arena start at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM Mountain Time. Away games depend on the visiting arena's local time — East Coast games may start as early as 4:00 PM Mountain Time on weeknights.
Find Confirmed Bars Now
The Altitude Sports carriage situation is the key variable for watching Avalanche games in Denver. For local broadcasts, use WhereToWatchSports to filter to confirmed bars that carry Altitude. For national playoff games on ESPN and TNT, almost any Denver sports bar will have it covered.