Ritchie Center A-Z Guide
The Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness is committed to providing an excellent guest experience while maintaining the safest possible environment for attendees. Please refer to this A to Z guide for important information regarding venue policies, general information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions for spectator events hosted at the Ritchie Center. Failure to comply with or disregard of the policies outlined in this A to Z guide, as determined by Ritchie Center event staff, can result in entry being denied or ejection from the venue.
Need to contact us? Please direct your questions, comments or concerns to athevents@du.edu.
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Accessible seating is available in all of the Ritchie Center venues. Tickets are sold in pairs in accessible locations: one (1) for the person in need of assistance and one (1) for a companion. Seating is limited, and it is sold on a first-come, first-served basis. It is possible to exchange seats for accessible locations if something has occurred that precludes you from accessing the location of the seats. You will need to contact our main ticket office to purchase/exchange these seats at 303-871-4625.
The Ritchie Center is located at 2240 E Buchtel Blvd, Denver, CO 80210.
All persons age 2 and older must have a ticket for admission into Ritchie Center events. Ticket holders are restricted to sitting in the location that appears on their ticket and agree to abide by facility and University policies. DU reserves the right to revoke tickets by refund of purchase. All persons entering the Ritchie Center are subject to search.
Alcohol is available for purchase to individuals 21 years of age and older inside the venue. Guests showing signs of alcohol impairment or overconsumption may be denied entry into the venue or may be ejected and subject to further disciplinary action. Such ejections or denial of entry are not grounds for refunds.
The Ritchie Center welcomes service animals utilized by guests with disabilities pursuant to the American with Disabilities Act. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered at all times, unless special circumstances exist, and will be required to rest in the seating area of the individual with a disability, rather than in the aisle. A guest whose service animal poses a threat to the safety of the other guests and employees, or whose animal is not housebroken, may be asked to escort the animal off the premises. Any service animal that displays vicious behavior toward other guests or employees may be denied entry or removed from the facility. All other animals, including emotional support animals, are prohibited.
An ATM machine is located on the west concourse, next to the ticket office.
Baby changing stations are available in restrooms located on the west concourse of the Ritchie Center at Sections 2/3 and 19/20.
The Ritchie Center has a Clear Bag Policy for all Athletic and external events. Bags must be clear and no larger than 12”x6”x12”. Small clutches, wristlets and wallets, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, will be permitted. Medical and diaper bags no larger than 12”x6”x12” are permitted. All permitted bags are subject to visual inspection upon entry.
There is no bag check available for bags that do not meet the clear bag or size requirements.
For the safety of all guests, while the game is in play during a hockey or lacrosse game, guests must wait in the portal entrance until play has stopped to go to their seat. The portal ushers will let guests know when the puck/ball is in play.
Signs, banners, large hats, costumes and similar items must not block the view of other guests and cannot be larger than 28”x22” or obstruct other guests’ enjoyment of the event. Signs, banners and hats cannot be political, crude or commercial in nature. Items may also not be secured to any Ritchie Center wall or railing without permission from the University.
Cameras are permitted for personal use as long as their use does not create a disturbance or obstruct the view of other fans. For the safety of student-athletes, flash photography is strictly prohibited. Photography with any type of professional camera within the Ritchie Center is prohibited unless prior arrangements have been made. Please contact the Director of Athletic Communication, Niko Blankenship, by email at niko.blankenship@du.edu or by phone 303-871-3942 for assistance.
The Ritchie Center has a Clear Bag Policy for all Athletic and external events. Bags must be clear and no larger than 12”x6”x12”. Small clutches, wristlets and wallets, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, will be permitted. Medical and diaper bags no larger than 12”x6”x12” are permitted. All permitted bags are subject to visual inspection upon entry.
There is no bag check available for bags that do not meet the clear bag or size requirements.
Concession stands are conveniently located throughout the concourse. All major credit cards are accepted. Concession stands no longer accept cash.
Major credit cards (Master Card, Visa and American Express) are accepted throughout the building.
All tickets will be issued digitally and electronically scanned to verify authenticity. Tickets which have been scanned upon entry cannot be reused by another fan. For ticket issues, please visit the main ticket office at the west doors.
Guest drop off is located on the north side of the building, at the circle off of Buchtel Blvd.
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Elevators are available for individuals who have the proper game ticket (Gold Club) on the west concourse. For guests with mobility impairments, the north elevator is available off the front circle (near Buchtel Blvd.).
For the safety of our fans, there are emergency call boxes located in parking lots and various points around campus. There are blue lights on the top of the emergency call boxes. Pushing the call button activates a direct phone line with DU Campus Safety that pinpoints the caller’s location.
Medical and other safety personnel are assigned to the venue. For assistance in any medical emergency, please contact an event staff member.
The Ritchie Center now features CEIA Opengate screening solution at entrances to allow for a faster, safer and better security experience. Guests may retain small personal items (cell phones, keys, wallets, etc.) on their person when entering unless directed otherwise by security personnel.
The Ritchie Center requires that all guests entering the venue for an Athletic or external event pass through our security screening process. Alternative accommodation for screening will be provided upon request. Guests who refuse screening will be denied entry. All permitted bags are subject to search upon entry to the venue.
In the event of an emergency, staff will utilize the public address system and the video boards to inform patrons of the situation and any instructions. In the unlikely event of an evacuation, please remain calm, assist others, and follow the instructions of event staff.
- All persons (excluding children 2 and under) must have a ticket for admission.
- Ticket holders must sit in the seat location on their ticket.
- All persons are subject to search upon entry to the venue.
- Bags must be clear and no larger than 12”x6”x12”. Small clutches, wristlets and wallets, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, will be permitted. Medical and diaper bags no larger than 12”x6”x12” are permitted. All permitted bags are subject to visual inspection upon entry.
- Only authorized personnel with proper game credentials will be permitted on the playing surface and game level.
- Tobacco use (including electronic cigarettes, vapor devices and cigarettes) is prohibited on University property.
- Animals, except for service animals, are prohibited inside the Ritchie Center.
- Ticket holders are responsible for their conduct as well as the conduct of their guests and/or person using the tickets. Violators are subject to disciplinary action up to and including the permanent revocation of tickets.
- The Ritchie Center has a no re-entry policy
- For prohibited items, please reference the “Prohibited Items” section below.
Guests may not bring outside food or beverages inside the Ritchie Center. Concession stands are located throughout the arena and offer a wide variety of food and beverage options.
DU game dates and times are subject to change. In the event a game date or game time is changed, please check www.denverpioneers.com.
Doors will open 60 minutes prior to the start of the event, unless otherwise noted. For Denver men’s hockey games, the Gold Club entry will open 75 minutes prior through the West Entry. Door times are subject to change without advance notice.
The University of Denver is committed to providing the best customer service. A guest services representative can assist you at the Guest Services Kiosk located on the west concourse by the ticket office.
All items that have been turned over to Ritchie Center staff will be taken to Guest Services on the west concourse. Items not picked up by the end of the game will be turned over to the Coors Fitness Center. Please call 303-871-3845 or visit the Coors Fitness Center front desk to ask about any items left at an event. The University of Denver is not responsible for items left at an event.
Parents/guardians with a lost child should contact an event staff member to notify them their child is missing. Measures will be taken to locate the child. If a child gets separated from their party, they should locate the nearest event staff member. If the child knows their seat location, attempts will be made to return the child to that location. Parents should predetermine an area both inside and outside the Ritchie Center to meet in the event they get separated.
Fans can pick up their game programs, schedules, register to win, and claim prizes during the game at the marketing table. For most events, it is located on the West Concourse near the ticket office. For gymnastics, please visit us at Section 3/4/5.
The University of Denver has merchandise stands located on the northeast concourse for most Athletic events.
Artificial noisemakers are prohibited from being brought into the Ritchie Center.
The University of Denver has several options for event day parking based on the event. Lots are cash only. Please click here for a detailed parking map. Parking in the neighborhood or other surrounding lots (not operated by the University) is highly discouraged and may result in ticketing or towing at your expense.
Parking for guests with disabilities is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify, a vehicle must display a valid state ADA placard, and the permit holder must be present in vehicle upon entry. The lot for guests with disabilities is available at the north entrance of the Ritchie Center off Buchtel Blvd.
Appropriate parking credentials must be displayed to gain entry into parking lots. These parking credentials need to be displayed while approaching entry into the lot.
To create a safe environment for all fans, the following items are not allowed into the Ritchie Center:
- Aluminum cans or glass containers
- Animals (except for service animals)
- Artificial noisemakers (air horns, whistles, cowbells, etc.)
- Bags that do not meet the clear bag or size requirements (no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”)
- Candles or open flame
- Containers including water bottles (empty or full)
- Derogatory/defamatory clothing or signage
- Drones or other unmanned aerial devices
- External flash camera units and interchangeable/detachable camera lenses longer than four inches
- Firearms, fireworks, weapons, explosives or any other harmful items
- Hard-shell coolers, containers or thermoses
- Helium balloons
- Illegal drugs or substances
- Laser pointers/pens
- Outside food and beverage, including alcohol
- Sealed bottles of water
- EMPTY (no liquids or ice) and PLASTIC water bottles (no metal or glass) ARE PERMITTED for Athletic and external events. Water fountains are located throughout the concourse of the Ritchie Center.
- Signage with stick or pole attached
- Signs, flags or banners larger than 28” x 22” or commercial, crude or political in nature
- Other items deemed dangerous or unnecessary by Ritchie Center staff
Fans are encouraged to use RTD to get to the Ritchie Center. The University of Denver Station services the E and H lines and the route 24 bus. For more information regarding RTD, visit www.rtd-denver.com.
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The Ritchie Center has a NO RE-ENTRY policy. Guests may not leave and re-enter the Ritchie Center on the same ticket. Guests should plan accordingly and bring everything they need upon initial entry. If an emergency arises, please contact a doors supervisor for assistance.
Restrooms are located throughout the Ritchie Center on the main concourse, as well as in the Gold Club above sections 3 and 19. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Gender neutral restrooms are available upon request.
The Ritchie Center now features CEIA Opengate screening solution at entrances to allow for a faster, safer and better security experience. Guests may retain small personal items (cell phones, keys, wallets, etc.) on their person when entering unless directed otherwise by security personnel.
The Ritchie Center requires that all guests entering the venue for an Athletic or external event pass through our security screening process. Alternative accommodation for screening will be provided upon request. Guests who refuse screening will be denied entry. All permitted bags are subject to search upon entry to the venue.
The Ritchie Center is committed to providing an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests with sensory processing needs. To support this initiative, guests may receive disposable ear plugs at no cost at the Guest Services Kiosk, located on the west concourse by the ticket office.
In accordance with University of Denver policy, smoking is prohibited at the Ritchie Center. There are no indoor or outdoor smoking areas available for guests to use during events.
Follow your Pioneers on Instagram (@denverpioneers), on Twitter (@DU_Pioneers) and on Facebook (DenverPioneers).
Strollers that fold or collapse to fit underneath seats are permitted into the Ritchie Center and encouraged to always remain on your person. Large strollers may be checked at our Guest Service Kiosk located on the west concourse by the ticket office. The University of Denver assumes no liability for lost, stolen or damaged strollers or items left inside.
For more information or to log into your student account, click here.
The throwing of any items is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action including ejection and prosecution.
The DU Athletic Ticket Office, located on the west concourse of the Ritchie Center, is open Monday-Friday (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.). For your convenience, the Ticket Office is open three (3) hours prior to puck drop for hockey and will remain open through the second intermission. Contact the DU Ticket Office (303-871-4625) for additional information.
Player Guest Tickets will be sent via mobile delivery to the email address submitted by the student-athlete. Box Office customer service windows will be open beginning two (2) hours before puck-drop for hockey and 90 minutes prior to the start of all other events. Valid photo ID and credit card (if applicable) are required for all customer service inquiries.
All persons age 2 and older must have a ticket for admission.
All tickets will be issued digitally and electronically scanned to verify authenticity. Tickets which have been scanned upon entry cannot be reused by another fan. For ticket issues, please talk to the main ticket office at the west box office.
Policies may vary for concerts and special events. Please contact Guest Services for information pertaining to specific events at athevents@du.edu.
If a patron has a concern about their tickets prior to game day, they should call our ticket office at 303-871-4625 or email rcboxoffice@du.edu.
If a ticket holder is having difficulty with their ticket(s) on game day, the patron can visit the customer service windows located inside the west entrance of the Ritchie Center.
The University of Denver is designated as a tobacco free campus. This includes cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vapor devices, etc. We request and appreciate your adherence and compliance with this University policy.
Trash receptacles for the disposal of trash, recycling and composting are placed throughout the campus and arena. Please help keep the campus and building clean by properly disposing your trash.
Video cameras are not permitted in the arena.
EMPTY (no liquids or ice) and PLASTIC water bottles (no metal or glass) ARE PERMITTED for Athletic and external events. Water fountains are located throughout the concourse of the Ritchie Center. Hard-shell coolers, containers and thermoses (ex: HydroFlasks) are prohibited.
Water fountains are located outside of all bathrooms on the main concourse level.
Weapons and firearms of any kind are prohibited to be carried in the Ritchie Center.
Free Wi-Fi access is available to all guests at Ritchie Center events. The public Wi-Fi name is DU Guest WiFi.
