Where to watch Avs playoff games if you don’t have $1,000 for a ticket

It’s hard to duplicate the electricity of a Colorado Avalanche home game, and now that the team is in the Stanley Cup finals — for the first time in 21 years — the atmosphere at Ball Arena is going to be even wilder. Unfortunately, so are the ticket prices, which are running from $800 to $1,000 each on aftermarket websites for the cheapest seats alone.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the games, all of which start at 6 p.m., in the company of several dozen, or even a few hundred, of your closest burgundy-and-steel-blue-wearing buds. In fact, the city of Denver went out of its way to make it easier for bars to host watch parties by temporarily waiving a rule that makes them wait 30 days for permission to modify their premises.

The official, team-sponsored watch parties will take place on the Tivoli Quad, at 900 Auraria Parkway, where there will be giant screens and food and beverages from Tivoli Brewing as well as some food trucks. Free and open to the public, the parties begin at 5 p.m. on each day there is a game. There will also be chances to win limited-edition Avs swag, team autographed items, and more. For more information, go to ColoradoAvalanche.com/WatchParties.

The first party takes place at 6 p.m. in Denver on Wednesday, June 15. The remaining events are on Saturday, June 18, Monday, June 20 and Wednesday, June 22. Those will be followed by up to three more parties on the Tivoli Quad if needed.

Beyond that, every sports bar in town, along with dozens of other bars, restaurants and breweries will be showing the games. Here are few of the parties and what they offer.

Blake Street Tavern, which is one of Denver’s top sports bars, will be in full swing during each game, with watch parties featuring game sound turned up. The venue is huge, but that doesn’t mean it won’t fill up, so plan to get there a little early as it’s first come, first served. 2301 Blake St.

McGregor Square will also be hosting parties similar to the ones it has had throughout the playoffs. These free outdoor events are in front of a massive screen. In addition, the venue is offering a VIP Stanley Cup watch party on June 18 the 3rd floor terrace. 1901 Wazee St.

Highland Tap & Burger continues its series of Avalanche Happy Hours with specials like $2 Coors Lights, $3 Dale’s Pale Ales, $5 well drinks, $4 meatball sliders and $6 taquitos. The deals are good from when the puck drops each night until the end of the game. 2219 W. 32nd Ave.