McNichols Park

What was once an iconic Denver sports arena is now the vibrant McNichols Park. McNichols Sports Arena, affectionately nicknamed “Big Mac,” opened its doors in 1975. It was a bustling hub, hosting legendary sports moments and electrifying concerts. Named after Denver Mayor William H. McNichols Jr., the arena was the heart of Denver’s sporting scene. The Denver Nuggets called McNichols Sports Arena home from 1975 to 1999. It also hosted the Colorado Rockies hockey team and even the first-ever UFC event in 1993. The roar of the crowds during Nuggets and Avalanche games echoed through the city. Music legends graced the stage at McNichols Sports Arena. From Lawrence Welk’s inaugural concert in 1975 to ZZ Top’s final performance in 1999, the arena pulsed with energy. Heart, the Grateful Dead, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Paul McCartney and Wings, the Bee Gees, KISS, and countless others left their mark on McNichols’ stage. Remember the epic 1983 basketball game between the Nuggets and the Detroit Pistons? It was the highest-scoring game in NBA history, a triple-overtime thriller that ended 186-184 in Detroit’s favor. But McNichols Sports Arena, like many arenas of its era, eventually became outdated. Despite a 1986 renovation that added luxury suites and upgraded scoreboards, the arena couldn’t compete with newer venues. In 1999, the Nuggets and Avalanche moved to the Pepsi Center, and McNichols Sports Arena met the wrecking ball in 2000. But from the rubble emerged McNichols Park. The space that once held a sports arena now offers green fields, recreational facilities, and a vibrant community atmosphere. So, next time you’re at McNichols Park, take a moment to imagine the echoes of cheering fans and the electrifying energy of a packed arena. McNichols Park stands as a testament to Denver’s vibrant past and its exciting future. It is a place where memories of sporting triumphs and legendary concerts intertwine with the laughter of children playing and the quiet enjoyment of a sunny afternoon.