DENVER — The NBA will kick off the 2023-24 season by honoring the world champion Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets open the NBA's regular season Tuesday, hosting the Los Angeles Lakers at 5:30 p.m. at Ball Arena.
Before the Nuggets raise several banners to the arena rafters, a free fan festival will be held across the street.
Warner Bros. Discovery Sports announced it will begin its 40th consecutive year of NBA coverage with the "NBA on TNT American Express Road Show." The free experience opens at 3 p.m. Tuesday on the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus.
The festival will be anchored by TNT’s "Inside the NBA" team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. The group will provide live pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage from the site.
The festival will also feature musical performances by The Chainsmokers and Dermot Kennedy after the game.
While the road show is free for fans, American Express Card Members will have access to a dedicated entrance and an opportunity to secure a spot in preferred viewing areas for the performances.
NBA on TNT American Express Road Show
- Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus
- Festival doors open - 3 p.m.
- Road show closes - 11:30 p.m.
Lakers vs. Nuggets
- Ball Arena
- Ball Arena doors open - 3:30 p.m.
- Ring and banner ceremony - 4:45 p.m.
- Lakers vs. Nuggets tip off - 5:30 p.m.
"They never won a championship. So it's a big deal to experience that and see them get the rings. It’s gonna be electrifying," said Marcus Burrell, who came to Denver from Seattle to attend the home opener.
He lived in Denver as a kid and had been a Nuggets fan for years.
"It’s just important to have those memories when you do get older. Like yes, I was there. I do remember this," Burrell said.
"I don’t care if they’re excited, I am. But I know they are. I know they are," Denver resident Ron Roybal said.
"Me and my brother have been fans for a really long time and to see that in person will be pretty special," Landon Wright said.
Wright grew up in Denver, but now lives in Minnesota. He flew back to town to be part of the season tipoff celebrations.
"Just 'cause it’s never happened before, I would say," Wright said. "And everybody’s under contract for a few more years."
Wright is hoping for a repeat championship this year, starting with the first game Tuesday night.
"Broncos not being very good kind of helps people realize it’s not just a football city," Wright said.
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