Claire Lavezzorio is a reporter at KMGH Denver7 in Denver, Colorado.
Hockey bars across the Denver Metro are preparing for a surge in fans as the Colorado Avalanche open Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild .
From Sobo 51 Bar & Grill on South Broadway to Bender's Bar & Grill in Westminster, venues are staffing up, rearranging furniture, and bracing for standing-room-only crowds.
'Halfway through the first, we'll have to put up a sign that says no one else can come in,' said Jared Jackson, a bartender at Sobo 51. At Bender's, employees are taking a similar approach.
'We'll bring in more tables and chairs, take reservations for parties of more than eight, and try to staff up as best we can,' said Cathy Hooper, general manager. For many, the excitement goes beyond just the game-day atmosphere. The series reignites a longtime rivalry between Colorado and Minnesota — one that fans say adds extra intensity.
► Watch Claire Lavezzorio's report in the player below:'I have the utmost respect for Minnesota, but I would be scared if I were them,' said Avs fan Sarah Deuel. Avalanche fans are feeling confident heading into the series, though some nerves remain.
'I really hope we come out guns a blazing, but I'm nervous,' said Deuel. With the best record in the league and a first-round sweep already behind them, the Avalanche enter Sunday's Game 1 as a team with momentum — and a fan base ready to carry it home.
'We've got to ride this AVS high all the way,' said Amber Kaufman, a life-long fan. Game 1 of the second-round series between the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild is Sunday. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at Ball Arena. This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI.
Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Ball Arena Colorado Avalanche Denver Metro Minnesota Wild NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Hockey Bars Hockey Fans
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns boaters of low reservoir levels, potential restrictionsClaire Lavezzorio is a reporter at KMGH Denver7 in Denver, Colorado.
Read more »
Fake court summons text scam draws hundreds to Denver district courtColin is a photojournalist who joined Denver7 in February 2021.
Read more »
Warmer weekend in Denver metro; cooler, stormy next weekDanielle is a Denver7 evening meteorologist who’s been predicting Colorado’s ever-changing, ever-challenging weather for more than a decade.
Read more »
Forget 'Rich Mom' Style—Ashley Graham Dresses Like a 'Power Mom' With 'Marie Claire'Meguire Hennes is the fashion staff writer at Marie Claire, where she breaks down the celebrity looks living rent-free in her head (and yours). Whether a star is walking the red carpet or posing on Instagram, Meguire will tell you who they're wearing and why. When she's not gushing about A-listers from J.
Read more »
Here’s why spring rain won’t change metro Denver drought restrictionsThe recent spring rain across metro Denver helps turn yards and parks temporarily greener, but it won’t make up for the record deficits driving extreme drought conditions that have forced utilities to restrict irrigation.
Read more »
Mamdani raises eyebrows with Gracie Mansion video pushing DSA House candidate Claire Valdez: 'Unseemly'Claire Valdez for Congress
Read more »