Attending live sporting events in Colorado can be great for bonding with the family, but depending on the sport, ticket prices can really add up. This summer doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg when you seek out sports that are lesser-known to spectators or offer lower-cost ticket deals. Families can catch the action for less money, experience all the same thrills, and support local athletes along the way.
Colorado Speedway
Head a short distance north of Denver on I-25 to Dacono, for some short track NASCAR racing action. On regular nights of racing (prices higher for special events), adult tickets (13 and up) cost $14 while kids’ tickets (five to 12) are $6. Young race car enthusiasts age four and under are free and also get a free hot dog. If the regular crowd is a little too rowdy, look for seats in the no-alcohol family section. Register the kids for a chance to become a trophy presenter.
Colorado Rockies
Rockies ticket prices vary depending on the popularity of the opponent, and the time they throw out the first pitch. If you aren’t picky about what team you see the Rockies play, you can save money with Coca Cola Value Packs. The package includes four tickets, a parking pass, and hot dogs and soda for four, for $59 (upper level), or $79 (lower level). Also look for appreciation day ticket packages, including Teacher/Educator Appreciation (May 11), Healthcare Appreciation (May 10), and Military Appreciation (May 26).
Glendale Raptors
The Raptors have been bringing the excitement of rugby to Denver since 2007. General admission kids’ tickets are just $5 while adult tickets are $25. The Fan Zone at Infinity Park opens two hours before each match for all kinds of fun including games, food trucks, and a chance to get a photo with their mascot, Rudi the Raptor. Don’t forget to bring an autograph book to the pitch, as the players often hang out to meet their fans. Theme game days also add to the fun.
Boulder Valley Velodrome
It might be the cheapest Thursday night you can find because it’s free to watch the track cycling races at the velodrome in Erie. Grab dessert or dinner at one of the food trucks outside of the velodrome, or bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the picnic tables. Saturdays often feature live racing that is also free to watch. There’s nothing like seeing the pink of a Colorado sunset above the bikes as they zoom past.
Colorado Rapids
Coca-Cola Fan packs offer the best deal for families to see Rapids soccer in action this season. Sold in a minimum of two, the packs offer tickets, a meal, and a drink starting at $26, based on the specific match. Selecting an opposing team that doesn’t have a large draw can also help save you money.
Boulder County Bombers
Head to the Boulder County Fairgrounds to see some of the toughest women on roller skates this side of the Colorado River. Tickets for this roller derby cost just $15 for adults, while children 12 and under can watch the excitement for free.
Dacono BMX
This BMX bike track east of Erie along the I-25 corridor features a large race once a month in the evening, and weekly Saturday morning races throughout the summer (weather permitting). All the BMX bike racing action is free to watch at this primarily volunteer-operated, nonprofit organization.
Denver Bulldogs
Catch this Australian rules football club, also known as “footy,” in action for free at Westminster City Park. The biggest event for the Bulldogs takes place on July 13th where the eight-time men’s national champs and the six-time women’s national champs take on teams in the USAFL Central Regional Tournament.
