DENVER – The University of Denver Athletic Department has made significant upgrades to the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness as the 2023-24 athletic season continues when Denver Hockey hits the ice this weekend to open the 25th year of the Ritchie Center with Homecoming Weekend (Oct. 27-28). Fans are encouraged to arrive early ahead of this weekend's puck drops (7 p.m. MT Friday, 6 p.m. MT Saturday) for the best experiences.
"On behalf of the University of Denver Athletics staff, we're excited about the new upgrades to the fan experience inside the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness, and we can't wait to open the gates to Magness Arena for Homecoming this weekend," Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said. "The student-athlete and fan experiences are two of the most essential parts of any athletic department, and we think these latest enhancements reflect those priorities."
Concession Options and Gold Club Upgrades:
Concession upgrades this year include a cashless system throughout the arena to speed up transactions. Sodexo, official concessionaire of the Pioneers, has new options to enhance the game-day experience while also making the time out of your seat quick and easy. Grab-n-go stations around the concourse will get fans right back in their seat before the end of intermission. The grab-n-go beverage stations will feature canned cocktail selections from corporate partners Hooch Booch, VAQIT and other fan favorites.
A variety of new food options will be available throughout the arena as well including Papa John's Pizza to be sold in-venue at all Pioneer athletic events. The northwest side of the concourse will include a rotating menu from Junction Food Hall including mouth-watering BBQ and chicken wraps.
The U.S. Bank Gold Club will feature revamped menus throughout the course of the season to continue to build on the premium experience offered to Pioneer fans. The Gold Club bar will feature a new drink menu with a featured drink for every game. The Gold Club will open 75 minutes prior to puck drop.
Ritchie Center Evolution with New Brand:
The Ritchie Center has evolved with new branding, beginning with the student-athlete locker-room level and the 2023-24 playing surfaces of Magness Arena, Hamilton Gymnasium, Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium and the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Denver has set out to create a true at-home feel that the student-athletes, fans and the entire University can be proud of.
Denver's athletic programs have already begun to unveil their new uniforms, proudly displaying the modernized arch Denver across the chest as well as the interlocked DU which aligns with the University brand to elevate awareness on a national level. Several more upgrades are planned throughout the year and into next season including the Magness Arena main concourse which will display championship banners to highlight the prestigious success of its athletics programs. Seating in Magness Arena will also be included in future upgrades to make the fan experience more comfortable.
New Glass and Boarding System in Magness Arena:
Fans around the glass will have an improved view in 2023-24 so they do not miss a minute of the action. The new glass and boarding system were installed in the offseason to improve the sight lines rink side and overall ice quality for our student-athletes that feature LED goal lights. The boarding system will also include camera holes so media and Denver's social media platforms can continue to bring you the best content they can.
Centralized Fan Relations Location:
Just inside the west entrance to Magness Arena, Denver will have staff at an all-encompassing Fan Relations corner, presented by Pepsi. This will serve as a one-stop shop for fans with any questions that can help improve the game-day experience. Fan Relations will also include help with ticketing needs, stroller checks, lost and found, and other venue information.
Breck Brew and New Pioneer Store Location:
Magness Arena's northeast corner will continue to be home to Breckenridge Brewery's in-venue options to quench your thirst pre-game to post-game. Next to Breckenridge Brewery, enjoy an on-site new Pioneer Storefront presented by Follett, a convenient on-site stop for the latest DU apparel. An extra secondary pop-up will be on the south concourse during games.
Secure Entry and Efficiencies:
To speed up entry into the venue and continue to provide the safest possible environment, DU will enforce the University's of Denver's Clear Bag Policy A newly branded complimentary clear bag will be available for fans who have yet to secure one, while supplies last. Metal detectors were added at each entrance as well to go with our clear bag policy to supply ease on game days. Emptying pockets and removing jackets or hats will NOT be necessary.
Denver Fully Digital:
As a reminder, all tickets are digital, and we encourage you to download yours before you approach the entry points on game day. In addition to tickets, official game programs have also gone digital. There will be QR codes throughout the facility, or fans can click here to access programs for DU ticketed sports all season long. Tickets for this weekend's series are available here. Concession stands throughout the Daniel L. Ritchie Center are also cashless this season.
More Updates Still to Come:
The University of Denver plans to continue upgrades throughout the year and into next season including updates around the Ritchie Center concourse and venue. Thank you for your continued support of Denver Athletics, and thank you for your patience with updates around the building as we begin to celebrate the 25th season of the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness.
Denver Digital Ticket Reminder:
Get your tickets for all of Denver's 2023-24 athletic events by clicking here. A reminder for fans, Denver tickets have also moved to digital entry, so load your tickets and parking passes prior to arriving to your next event.
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