Customers using RTD's services to attend March Madness playoff games should plan ahead, expect crowds

RTD is prepared to support an increase in ridership during first-round March Madness games on Thursday, March 20, and Saturday, March 22, at Ball Arena. The venue's close proximity to multiple bus stops and rail stations makes public transit a safe and ideal way to attend the games.

To travel to Ball Arena for the basketball tournament, fans can use RTD’s Next Ride trip planning tool and simply type “March Madness” in the destination field. RTD’s trip planner will show all transit options available to reach Ball Arena. The “March Madness” navigation feature will list the departure and arrival times of all rail lines and bus routes serving Ball Arena.

Rail Service: Ball Arena Connections

The E and W light rail lines directly serve the venue, which can be accessed at Ball Arena•Elitch Gardens Station. The station is a one-minute train ride from Denver Union Station, with eight trains an hour providing connections. Ball Arena is approximately a 10-minute walk from Denver Union Station and the Downtown Loop, which is served by the D, H, and L lines.

All rail service into Denver Union Station allows customers to easily transfer to the E and W lines. Customers using the D and H lines into downtown Denver can also reach Ball Arena by exiting the train at the Colfax at Auraria Station and walking to the arena, which takes about 20 minutes.

Bus Service: Ball Arena Connections

Customers looking for an easy transfer to the E or W lines at Denver Union Station should consider using the Flatiron Flyer and local bus routes 0, 9, 10, 15, 20, or 32.

Customers are urged to check schedules ahead of time to see final bus and train times. The last westbound W Line train from the Ball Arena•Elitch Gardens Station is 11:55 p.m. on Thursday, and the last scheduled southbound E Line train of the night is 11:58 p.m.

Helpful Tips

• Be patient and prepare for large crowds, including on platforms, trains, and buses.
• Sign up for Service Alerts or check RTD's website as some services may be temporarily detoured.
• Skip the line at ticket vending machines – download the RTD MyRide app and purchase fare online.
• The Auraria West Station will be closed between 12:30 and 7 p.m. to account for the large increase in crowds in the area. Please use the nearby Empower Field at Mile High Station to make connections in the area.
• Check the RTD website before you travel for real-time schedules and plan your trip using the “March Madness,” or “Ball Arena” navigation feature for playoff games, or type in “Civic Center Station” to reach the political rally at Civic Center Park on Friday evening.
• Download the RTD Transit Watch App to report any personal safety or security issues. The app is available for iOS and Android devices in both English and Spanish
• Visit RTD’s Safety and Security webpage to learn more about the agency's efforts to bolster personal safety and enhance security across the entire system.