Plans for the massive redevelopment around Ball Arena are beginning to take shape, with the first detailed concept submitted to the city this week. The proposal outlines the Wynkoop Crossing Pedestrian Bridge, which will span Speer Boulevard and serve as a critical link between downtown Denver and the new 70-acre neighborhood planned around the arena.
The pedestrian bridge is part of the initial phase of the project being led by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which aims to transform 55 acres of existing parking lots surrounding Ball Arena into a mixed-use district. City Council approved rezoning for the property last year, and in April, the developer unveiled plans for the first phase that will bring a new performance venue, a 13-story hotel, and two residential buildings.
Designed by Shears Adkins Rockmore, the bridge will land lightly in LoDo with a compact ramp and will tie into the Cherry Creek Trail near Wynkoop Street. Its placement is intended to integrate seamlessly with both the downtown streetscape and the planned activity hub around Ball Arena.
“This contextually responsive design can both enhance the existing urban environment and establish a foundation for sustainable future development,” the concept plans outline. “Wynkoop Crossing addresses long-standing challenges at this location, where pedestrian movement during Ball Arena events has been unsafe, vehicle circulation is difficult, and conflicts with bikes and scooters are common. The new crossing will serve as both a functional gateway and a symbolic link between Denver’s historic core and its emerging neighborhoods.”
While no other concept plans have been filed yet, the crossing is viewed as a key piece of infrastructure that would enhance connections to and from the arena regardless of how the rest of the redevelopment unfolds.
Project partners on the bridge include Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers, Wenk Associates, ZGF, Kiewit, and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
Project Goals
- Improve the pedestrian and multi-modal experience and safety across and surrounding Speer Boulevard.
- Ensure today’s development solutions align with and do not preclude long-term plans for Speer Boulevard, while promoting both near-term and long-term visions for enhancing the pedestrian and urban experience along the corridor.
- Connect and integrate with the goals and visioning of nearby districts, including AHEC, the 5280 Trail, the Outdoor Downtown Plan & Strategy, and others.
- Improve connectivity and experience between the Cherry Creek path, the Arena, and LoDo, supporting the Arena’s role as a key area of city activation within the broader urban fabric.
- Prioritize accessibility in all at-grade, underpass, and overhead crossing improvements.
Looking further ahead, the Ball Arena redevelopment envisions a “Sports Mile” that would extend Wynkoop Street through the site, creating a pedestrian corridor that links Ball Arena to Coors Field. The new bridge would play a central role in that future connection, offering direct access between LoDo, Cherry Creek Trail, and the emerging district.
