DENVER – The University of Denver Athletic Department has made significant enhancements to the game day experience in the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness ahead of the 2024-25 season, a start highlighted by Homecoming Weekend Oct. 18-19.
"Unquestionably when the Daniel L. Ritchie Center was built in 1999 it was a visionary state-of-the-art facility. In 2024, our focus has been to strategically update and renovate elements of the complex that will both enhance the building and maintain it as an elite facility for another 25 years," Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said. "We feel that these changes will positively impact our student-athletes, alumni, fans and all its guests as we maintain our high level of academic and broad-based athletic success."
PROUD OF #TENVER WHILE CHASING NUMBER 11
DU will hold its National Championship banner raising ceremony before the Saturday night homecoming date with Northeastern on Oct. 19 (5:45 p.m. ceremony, 6:07 p.m. faceoff).
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and be in their seats for this special ceremony. In the offseason, Denver moved the location of its national championship banners to a more prominent location in the arena while also serving as a backdrop for NCHC.TV and CBS Sports Network broadcasts all season long.
FLYING THE FLAG AT DENVER'S HOME FOR COLLEGE SPORTS
Starting with men's lacrosse last March, flying proudly all summer following TENver's National Championship and most recently returning to the flagpole for Denver men's soccer's No. 1 ranking in September, we are proud to recognize our nationally elite programs when they are the top-ranked team in the country.
The flag is currently flying for the No. 1 ranked hockey program.
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
A little more than 25 years after the Daniel L. Ritchie Center began to provide memories to Pioneer fans, Denver Athletics has replaced and upgraded the seating arrangements throughout the entirety of Magness Arena ahead of the 2024-25 hockey and gymnastics seasons.
While all the new seats will provide a more comfortable experience, different styles of seats have been incorporated throughout various price levels of the new configuration to elevate the game day experience the closer fans sit to the ice and floor of Magness Arena.
PREPAID PARKING OPTIONS
We heard your concerns last season and have expanded parking options for 2024-25. Fans can now pre-purchase parking passes for all events except hockey, gymnastics and men's lacrosse. Parking passes are available online up to 72 hours prior to the start of the event. Purchase early to tap, park and get to your seat with ease this season.
ELEVATING OUR GAME DAY FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Discover new options on the concourse this season to enhance your gameday experience. From freaky fast Jimmy Johns to No One Out Pizzas the Hut personal pan pizzas, we've got new options for you at Magness Arena this season. If you don't want to wait at stands for those, search out Grab N' Go options to get back to your seat without missing a second of the action.
Need something for your sweet tooth? Scream for the Pioneers and then scream for ice cream with Cream + Sugar Ice Cream.
A BRIGHTER VIEW IN MAGNESS ARENA FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON
Vivid lighting brings a better viewing experience to everyone in Magness Arena.
The University of Denver hired Musco to rebuild the lighting fixtures at Magness Arena in the offseason with new LED lighting and lenses. The new fixtures are set to produce a 10 percent brighter game day on the ice and mats of Magness Arena in 2024-25, enhancing both the fan experience and the broadcast presentation.
Under those bright lights shines Denver's new center-ice logo to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Denver hockey. The vibrant logo is complemented by the program's storied past to recognize our championship teams. Ten roman numeral 10s have been placed along center ice as a reminder of the 10 national championships that make DU hockey the best program in college hockey.
ADDED GLAM TO THE GOLD CLUB
A more functional and open-concept Gold Club lobby and the newly designed Hall of Champions highlight this year's new features in the Gold Club. New branded leather couches and a big-screen TV have been added to the lobby to provide a more welcoming experience to mix and mingle easily on game days.
The Crimson and Gold lobby has updated graphics and trophies to commemorate athletics' 35 total national championships, while also celebrating DU's success in women's athletics as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Denver women's sports.
Expanded executive chef options and "cocktails of the game" join Gold Club staples like the candy bar to sweeten up the premium space this season.
FRIDAY NIGHT IS JERSEY NIGHT ALL SEASON LONG
Throughout the course of the 2024-25 Denver hockey season, fans are encouraged to wear their favorite DU jerseys for a chance to be featured on the videoboard. Fans can also "Enter to Win" a Denver hockey jersey each Friday night.
Not getting your lucky number drawn? Fans can bid on game-worn jerseys at the Pepsi Fan Zone or stop at the Pioneer Store located on the northeast and southwest corners of the Magness Arena concourse.
Game day promotions this season include CC White Outs and Red Out North Dakota on Valentine's Day weekend. Check Denver's schedule page throughout the season to view upcoming promotions for your next visit to Magness Arena.
DENVER'S HOME FOR COLLEGE SPORTS
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