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There’s an energy brewing in the Mile High City, as we find ourselves on the cusp of a historic moment for Colorado sports: The Denver Nuggets are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. And for local fans, there’s no better feeling than relishing that excitement in the air and enjoying the games surrounded by fellow diehards. Here, our favorite spots around town for Nuggets Nation to cheer Denver on in their first-ever championship run.
Number Thirty Eight
With arena-size screens streaming every game of the Finals, bites from Split Lip Chicken, and a plethora of beer, and booze on tap to choose from, you can join the camaraderie of a giant watch party and still have room to roam at this expansive indoor-outdoor bar and entertainment venue in RiNo. Local radio station Jammin’ 101.5 will host watch parties for the first two games on June 1 and June 4 and will be giving away exclusive Nuggets-themed “Mile High Vibe” T-shirts. 3560 Chestnut Pl
Chopper’s Sports Grill
Opened in 1996 by the former trainer of the Denver Nuggets, Robert “Chopper” Traviglini, this classic Cherry Creek watering hole has real heart for the home team. With 360-views of TVs–including the 165-inch, high-definition video wall—there isn’t a bad seat in the house either. Chow down on the tried-and true Chopper’s burger or your choice from the stacked menu of sammies and other comfort foods; or take advantage of clutch weekday happy hour deals on shareables like $7 sliders from 3 to 6 p.m., plus two-for-one well drinks or select draft beers from 3 to7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close and $10 pitchers on the weekends. 80 S. Madison St.
DNVR Bar
This East Colfax tavern has become the epicenter of hype for Mile High City sports teams since opening in 2020. Just be warned: The bar reaches capacity well before tip-off, so come prepared to camp out early and cheer (most likely) from the standing-room sea of fellow fans. Luckily, DNVR Bar is offering weekday happy hours from 2 to 4 p.m. including half off draft beers and select appetizers, plus other deals available all series long, like $4 Funslinger Lagers from Breckenridge Brewery and $20 select beer buckets during every second half. A $10 cover at the door gets you your first Breckenridge Brewery beer (no cover for DNVR Diehard members). And you can pay your respects with the in-house specialty shot “the Joker”—made with Rakija Serbian liqueur. 2239 E. Colfax Ave.
Tom’s Watch Bar
Count on a great view of the game from truly anywhere inside this two-story, 14,000-square-foot mecca in McGregor Square, where more than 115 TVs and clear-cut audio filtered to every table help the Coors Field–adjacent sports bar live up to its name. Fuel your crew with shareables like adobo chicken deep-dish nachos or Tom’s Famous Prime Rib Dip over your choice of tater tots or garlic fries. Then, toast to Denver’s domination over the Miami Heat with a crisp pour of one of the nearly dozen Colorado Native brews on tap from the AC Golden Tank Room. 1601 19th St., Unit 100
McGregor Square
Join the action downtown with the mega watch party at McGregor Square’s outdoor plaza, where you can catch every minute of games one and two in fitting fashion on the giant 66-foot LED screen. Pre-game with a live DJ set one hour before game time, and grab drinks at the on-site bar or peruse even more beverage and bite options from food stalls inside the Milepost Zero food hall. Or, upgrade to the VIP experience on the Rally Hotel third-floor terrace for a prime viewing spot, shorter lines, plus a special menu and food service. 1901 Wazee St.; general admission, $30; VIP tickets for $80
Sports Column
The energy is always buzzing at this long-standing sports haunt located in the heart of city’s Ballpark neighborhood, making it an ideal NBA Finals haven for Denver diehards. Revel in in the atmosphere with 22 big screens, including several 100-inch TVs, spread throughout the brick fortress’ first-floor bar and rooftop patio, and enjoy happy hour specials are tough to beat—$3 beers or $5 from 4 to 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. to close—and standard sports grill grub or Colorado favorites like the loaded green chili cheese fries. 1930 Blake St.
