You’d think a random Tuesday in the middle of January would be a quiet night for the Mile High City. Honestly, it's usually just cold and dark by 5:00 PM. But if you are looking for live sports in Denver today, you’ve actually caught a pretty fascinating window in the local calendar.
We aren't just talking about the usual suspects. While the big pro teams are mostly out of town or recovering from recent heartbreakers, the city is vibrating with a mix of high-stakes bull riding and some unique collegiate action. Plus, we are smack in the middle of a massive news week for Denver’s sports future.
The main event: PBR Bull Riding at the Coliseum
If you want to be physically present at a sporting event tonight, the Denver Coliseum is the place to be. Tonight, January 13, at 7:00 PM, the PBR Bull Riding tour is taking over as part of the National Western Stock Show.
This isn't just some local rodeo. We are talking about world-class athletes (both human and bovine) competing in one of the most physically demanding sports on the planet. The Coliseum has a specific kind of energy during the Stock Show—smells like hay, dirt, and adrenaline. It’s gritty.
Tickets are starting around $61, and here’s a pro tip: your event ticket actually includes grounds admission for the day. If you get there early, you can wander the Stock Show, grab some questionable (but delicious) fried food, and see the livestock before the chutes open at 7:00.
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Where are the Nuggets and Avs?
You might be wondering why Ball Arena is dark tonight. Basically, the schedule makers gave us a bit of a breather after a wild Monday.
The Colorado Avalanche just had their massive 17-game home winning streak snapped last night in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was a tough one to swallow. William Nylander ended it, and honestly, the air kinda went out of the building. The Avs don't play again until Friday when they host Nashville, so they’re likely hitting the practice ice or nursing some bruises today.
As for the Denver Nuggets, they’ve hit the road. They are in New Orleans tonight to face the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center.
If you’re looking for live sports in Denver today from your couch, this is the one to circle. Tip-off is at 6:00 PM local time. Nikola Jokić is playing at a level that feels almost routine now, which is the scary part. He’s averaging nearly a triple-double again, and the Nuggets (26-13) are looking like they’re finally hitting that mid-season championship gear. They’re 3-point favorites tonight against a Pelicans team that has been a bit of a wildcard. You can catch that on Altitude or whatever streaming workaround you’ve figured out by now.
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Collegiate Action: DU Pioneers
The University of Denver (DU) has a light home schedule today, but the slopes are where the real action is. The DU skiing team is competing in the Slalom events today. It’s a bit of a trek if you aren't already in the mountains, but for the true stat nerds, you can follow the live timing through the Pioneers' athletics portal.
If you’re waiting for hoops, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow night when the DU men's basketball team takes on Oral Roberts at 7:00 PM. Tonight is mostly about the preparation.
Big news for Denver soccer fans
While there isn't a match tonight, every sports bar in town is talking about the announcement that dropped this morning. The Denver Summit FC, our new NWSL team, finally gave us some clarity on their inaugural 2026 season.
They’re going to kick off at Empower Field at Mile High on March 28. But the real news today is that they’ll be playing their early home matches at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park while their permanent home in Centennial is finished. It’s a huge win for the local soccer community, even if we are still a couple of months out from the first whistle.
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The Broncos and the Playoff Hype
Let's be real: the biggest "sport" in Denver today is the collective anxiety over Saturday. The NFL officially confirmed the kickoff time for the Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills divisional playoff game.
The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They’ve had 13 days of rest. Empower Field is going to be an absolute madhouse this weekend. While there's no game today, the practice facility in Englewood is the center of the universe right now. Expect every local sports talk radio station (shoutout to 104.3 The Fan) to be dissecting Josh Allen’s tendencies for the next twelve hours straight.
Actionable ways to enjoy Denver sports today
If you are itching for some action, here is exactly how to handle your Tuesday:
- Go to the Coliseum: Grab a seat for the PBR at 7:00 PM. It’s the only major live event physically happening in the city limits tonight.
- Watch the Nuggets: Tune in at 6:00 PM. Watch how Jokić handles the Pelicans' size. It’s always a chess match.
- Stock up for Saturday: If you’re planning on going to the Broncos game, buy your cold-weather gear today. The shops at Cherry Creek or even the team store at the stadium will be picked over by Thursday.
- Check the High Schools: Don't overlook CHSAA. Local high school basketball and hockey often have Tuesday night slots. Check the MaxPreps schedule for your specific neighborhood; it's often the most "pure" sports experience you can get for ten bucks.
The city might be between major home stands for the big four, but between the dirt of the PBR and the playoff fever building for the Broncos, there is plenty to keep you busy. Just make sure you're dressed for the January chill if you're heading to the Stock Show.