Friday Faceoff: The Broncos expect to open a new stadium in 2031 at Burnham Yard under the Walton-Penner ownership group. Should Kroenke Sports & Entertainment also consider a new venue to replace Ball Arena?

Evan Rawal, Avalanche beat writer

Answer: No

Ball Arena is just fine … for now.

Having now traveled to several arenas around the NHL and seen other buildings in North America, there’s nothing wrong with Ball Arena. Sure, it’s getting up there in age and will turn 30 in 2029. But it’s holding up just fine. There are 18 NHL teams playing in buildings older than Ball Arena.

Hard to believe, I know.

The Avalanche redid their locker room last year, something that was long overdue, and I’m sure the players appreciated it. The visiting locker room is in decent shape when you compare it to some of the rooms the Avalanche use on the road. KSE gradually has been making upgrades to the overall arena that improve the fan experience as well.

More than anything, the location of Ball Arena is perfect. The Kroenkes wouldn’t have any issues finding a new location, but there’s no reason to mess with a good thing right now. It’s next to public transportation and there’s plenty of parking around for anyone who drives to the game.

Replacing Ball Arena? Now is not the time. A new practice facility for the Avalanche? Now you’re talking.

Kyle Fredrickson, Broncos beat reporter

Answer: Yes

Want to read a crazy fact? Two of the top 10 richest professional sports owners in the world, according to Forbes, have teams in the Mile High City.

Rob Walton (worth an estimated $118 billion) and Stan Kroenke ($21.3 billion) have all the resources to build world-class facilities. The Broncos are making it a reality with a new stadium. What’s holding back the Avalanche and Nuggets?

Ball Arena has its charms and history, with multiple championship teams dating back to its opening as Pepsi Center in 1999. But times have changed. The arena has remained (mostly) the same.

The Kroenkes are moving ahead with The River Mile development plan to remake the roughly 60 acres of land that surrounds Ball Arena near the South Platte River. KSE signed an agreement to keep the Avalanche and Nuggets at their current location through 2050. The terms allow for KSE to build a new arena on the property or nearby where Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is slated for redevelopment.

It appears the Walton-Penner group and KSE have a healthy working relationship. KSE President of Team and Media Operations Kevin Demoff told The Denver Gazette in September it’s been “spectacular to watch” the Broncos ascend on and off the field.

Why not embrace a healthy sports rivalry when it comes to one question: What is the best sports venue in Denver?

If KSE wants to be in that conversation, replacing Ball Arena with a modernized venue needs to happen.