The Denver Nuggets are getting a new beverage. Or arena name anyway.
After 21 years, the building in which Nuggets play home games has changed its name from the Pepsi Center to Ball Arena. (The NHL’s Colorado Avalanche also play home games there.)
The move is part of a multiyear partnership between Ball Corporation and Kroenke Sports and Entertainment. The Nuggets are officially owned by Ann Walton Kroenke, whose husband, Stan Kronke, transferred them over after buying the Los Angeles Rams. The NFL forbids owners from owning teams in separate markets.
Ann, by the way, is the daughter of Wal-Mart founder Bud Walton.
Anyway, back to the arena.
Pepsi will remain the official beverage sponsor of Ball Arena, so it’s truly a change in name only. But all fans really care about is the team inside the building, and the Nuggets are coming off a season of hope — after overcoming 3-1 playoff deficits against both the Oklahoma City Thunder and heavily favored Los Angeles Clippers.
It is not known when next season will tip off, though it is believed to be set for late December or early- to mid-January.
