Banana Ball is returning to Denver next spring with two games at Coors Field in May.

The Party Animals and the Loco Beach Coconuts will face off on May 29 and May 30.

Watch below: 'Sea of Yellow' to take over downtown Denver as Savannah Bananas return to the Mile High City 'Sea of Yellow' to take over downtown Denver as Savannah Bananas return to the Mile High City

Fans can join the lottery for a chance to purchase tickets. The lottery is open through Oct. 31, and a random drawing will take place before the event to purchase tickets. You can find the Ticket Lottery List at

www.bananaball.com/tickets.

All Colorado Rockies full season ticket plan holders, as well as MVP and Hall of Fame Passport Mini-Plan holders, will have the chance to buy Banana Ball tickets through an exclusive presale.

Fans looking to get season tickets to the new Colorado Springs UFL team can do so later this month.

The league announced that season tickets for the Colorado Springs team will go on sale at the team launch event on Oct. 25 at Weidner Field. They will then go on sale the following day at www.theufl.com/colorado.

Each team will play five home games during the 2027 season, and season ticket packages start at under $100 per ticket in every market, officials say.

Season ticket members will also get a member gift, 20% discount to merchandise, invitations to events and more.

The UFL season will kick off on March 26 and the full schedule will be released at a later date.

The Loveland Ski Area began snowmaking operations on Wednesday night, becoming the latest resort in the mountains to start making snow amid colder temperatures and the first natural snowfall.

According to officials, snowmaking began at 7:04 p.m. and crews are working to build a base of snow ahead of opening day.

See the operations in the video below Loveland Ski Area begins snowmaking operations for 2026-27 season

Small-scale snowmaking began at Loveland in 1966 and during the 1967-68 season, officials said that Loveland became the first major ski area in Colorado with snowmaking capabilities.

Now, Loveland's snowmaking system covers more than 240 acres of terrain.

"For 60 years, generations of Loveland snowmakers have worked through cold nights, early mornings, high winds, and challenging mountain conditions to prepare the slopes for skiers and snowboarders," they said in a statement. "At Loveland, the start of snowmaking marks the beginning of the ski season. Once temperatures cooperate, crews work around the clock to prepare the mountain for opening day."

The first goal is to establish a top-to-bottom run with tree-to-tree coverage and an approximately 18-inch base of packed snow. Snowmaking usually continues into early to mid December.

Loveland is hoping to open in either late October or early November, depending on conditions. It opened on Nov. 8 last year.

The team's initial goal is to establish a top-to-bottom run with tree-to-tree coverage and an approximately 18-inch base of packed snow. Loveland's high elevation and experienced snowmaking crew have helped establish a long tradition of early-season skiing and snowboarding.

Snowmaking typically continues into early to mid-December as crews expand coverage across the mountain and supplement natural snowfall.

Loveland is targeting an opening between late October and early November, weather and conditions permitting. Last season, Loveland opened on November 8.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is praising deputies for helping stop a wrong-way driver on I-25 early Tuesday morning.

According to the sheriff's office, dispatch received reports of a car traveling north in the southbound lanes of I-25 in Castle Rock around 4:45 a.m. Tuesday.

See the dashcam video bleow Video shows DougCo deputies stop wrong-way driver on I-25 who had 7 prior DUI convictions

Deputies attempted to stop the car, but it fled at speeds exceeding 80 mph while continuing to travel in the wrong direction.

The Lone Tree Police Department worked with the sheriff's office to close the highway ahead of the suspect.

Deputies continued a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) to bring the vehicle to a stop, but the suspect initially refused to exit before the suspect was taken into custody.

According to the sheriff's office, there were multiple indicators of possible impairment, and the suspect refused testing at the hospital to determine his blood alcohol level.

Deputies also determined the suspect has a long criminal record in Colorado, with seven prior DUI convictions across several decades. The suspect also had a suspended license

"Wrong-way drivers create an immediate and potentially catastrophic danger for everyone on the roadway, Sheriff Darren Weekly said in a statement. I'm proud of the quick decisions, teamwork, and professionalism demonstrated by our deputies and our partners at the Lone Tree Police Department. Their actions helped prevent what could have been a tragic outcome and kept our community safe. Let me be clear: we will not tolerate impaired driving in Douglas County. Time and again, impaired drivers put innocent lives at risk, and our deputies remain committed to holding those who make that dangerous choice accountable while doing everything possible to protect the public."

UCHealth broke ground on a major expansion project at Memorial Hospital North on Tuesday. The project will nearly double the hospital's size.

According to UCHealth, the expansion includes a new six-story in-patient tower that will add 36 medical-surgical beds and 14 intensive care unit beds when it opens.

That tower will increase the hospital's capacity from 140 beds to 190 beds with the ability to grow to 320 beds as the demand for care increases.

This groundbreaking represents more than the beginning of a new building, UCHealth President and CEO Elizabeth B. Concordia said in a statement. The Memorial Hospital North expansion is a major investment in our community and our mission, strengthening access to high-quality care and ensuring patients throughout southern Colorado can benefit from the nationally recognized specialists and services offered across UCHealth.

Other aspects of the $463 million expansion include:

Four new operating rooms in phase one, with four more planned for future phases, bringing the eventual total to 18 ORs Parking structure with 875 parking stalls Expanded kitchen and dining space for patients, visitors and staff Renovation of the main lobby to incorporate the new tower Space for more emergency department exam rooms Laboratory expansion

The expansion comes amid a growing demand for healthcare in the Colorado Springs & Pueblo regions. According to officials, hospitalizations at Memorial Hospital North increased 25% from 2020-2025, emergency department visits increased 41% and the number of surgeries grew 59%.

Memorial Hospital North has been operating at or near capacity for several years, and these investments will substantially increase our ability to meet the growing demand for inpatient, surgical and specialty care in northern El Paso County, UCHealths southern Colorado region President and CEO Lonnie Cramer added in a statement.

According to officials, the project spans 308,000 square feet of new construction. About 45% of the space will be built out for immediate use, while the rest will be shell space for future growth.

Construction will take place in phases, and the new parking garage is the first project set to be complete i the spring of 2028.

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The first snow of the season has fallen at Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek Resort and Butte Mountain Resort.

According to officials, Vail Mountain received nearly three inches of snow and Beaver Creek got around an inch of snow. Additional snowfall is in the forecast, and teams will begin snowmaking this week.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort also got a dusting of snow, officials said. The resort's 65th season will kick off on Nov. 25.

Vail is targeting an opening date for Nov. 13 while Beaver Creek is looking to open Nov. 25.

Watch below: One more day of dry and sunny conditions before mountain snow and rain move in One More Day of Dry and Sunny Conditions Before Mountain Snow and Rain Move In

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is remembering the incredible life of Kimba, a 48-year-old African elephant who passed away this week.

According to zoo officials, Kimba was considered geriatric for an African elephant and was the second oldest in the zoo's herd of aging female elephants.

Officials said that Kima had occasionally dealt with lethargy and decreased appetite at times, but starting having more off days recently.

"Despite receiving dedicated care and treatments that helped previously, this time Kimba did not recover to the quality of health she deserved. Kimbas care team made the emotionally difficult and compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her, surrounded by her trusted care team, on Mon., Oct. 12," the zoo said in a statement.

Kimba came to the CMZoo in 1981 at just three years long with her lifelong bestie, Lucky, who is now 46 and still living at the CMZoo.

Kimba was the first elephant I trained in a shared space, back when sharing space was the standard practice, Ilana Cobban, elephant care manager at CMZoo, said in a statement. She weighed 11,000 pounds at the time, and I was all of five-feet-and-five-inches tall. She was just massive, and she taught me so much about elephant behavior and how to work with them as individuals.

More than 13 years ago, the zoo decided to develop the specialized staff, housing and expertise to care for the aging elephants. It even built what it calls a "retirement community" for the elephants, allowing them to flourish.

"Kimba spent her Last Best Day on Sunday doing her favorite things. She and Lucky enjoyed hours together in the vacation yard, soaking up the sunshine and grazing on grass. Kimba was surrounded by her devoted animal care team, including several keepers who had cared for her for more than 20 years. Though her absence will be deeply felt, the lessons she shared with us over the years will remain an important part of her legacy," the zoo said in a statement.

Kimba's herdmates were given access to her shortly after her passing to help them process the loss, according to the zoo. The team will continue to monitor her best friend, Lucky, closely, along with the entire herd.

"When Lucky shows the team shes ready, they will offer her social opportunities with other members of the herd," the zoo said.

You can read more on the zoo's tribute here.

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The Denver Nuggets revealed new uniforms Monday that will honor the 50th anniversary of the ABA-NBA merger.

According to the Nuggets, the new uniforms are part of a season-long celebration to honor the merger, which brought the Nuggets into the NBA.

The new uniforms will be worn for nine games this season, according to the team, with seven of those games played at Ball Arena.

Check out the uniform below

The ABA franchise was established in 1967 as the Denver Rockets, and the nickname was changed to the Nuggets in 1974 in anticipation of a merger to avoid a conflict with the NBA's Houston Rockets.

The new uniforms are a modernized take on the Denver Rockets' orange road uniform and feature the Rockets original logo on the shorts and the arched "Denver" on the jersey.

The team will also have a special court for the games.

Merchandise with the ABA-inspired colors will also go on sale Monday, Oct. 19.

The games when the uniforms will be worn are:

Dec. 27 vs. Indiana Jan. 21 vs. Washington Feb. 4 vs. Dallas Feb. 11 vs. Chicago March 1 vs. Brooklyn March 3 vs. San Antonio April 8 vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is looking for volunteers for the Sportsperson's Roundtable to share insights on wildlife management and recreation issues across the state.

According to CPW, the department depends on feedback from hunters and anglers to make decisions about managing fish, wildlife and habitat. That's where the Sportsperson's Roundtable comes in.

The department said that the roundtable gathers to discuss issues and gather ideas, and provides a forum for the hunting, angling and trapping communities to share information

CPW is looking for people from the Northwest, Northeast and Southwest regions to maintain a geographically diverse membership.

People who are accepted to the group will serve two-year terms. Responsibilities include:

Participating in a half- to full-day in-person meeting twice a year and occasional virtual meetings. Travel to in-person meetings is at the members expense. Attending regional CPW Sportspersons meetings and other meetings with hunters, anglers, and trappers in your area. Maintaining strong relationships with fellow sportspeople and staying informed about current events and emerging issues. Identifying topics for discussion at Roundtable meetings, and actively sharing information and ideas with Roundtable members and CPW staff during and between meetings. Providing your contact information on the CPW Roundtable webpage and being available to sportspersons around the state to discuss information pertinent to the Roundtable.

Those interested can fill out the application on the CPW website and haven until Monday, Nov. 2.

The Colorado State Patrol is reminding drivers that October through December is the peak season for wildlife crashes.

According to CSP, animals move to lower elevations for the coming season, and thousands of wildlife crashes are reported each year.

Last year along, there were nearly 4,000 wildlife crashes across Colorado, according to CSP data. It has also increased every year from 2021.

Its Autumn in Colorado - Wildlife is On the Move

(Colorado)While wildlife crashes happen year-round in Colorado, October through December is the peak season due to animals moving to lower elevations (migration) for the coming season.

"Many species of Colorado wildlife are highly vulnerable to being struck at this time of year because it is also their peak mating season. They are more mobile, easily distracted, and more likely to be crossing roadways," CSP said in a press release.

Last year troopers responded to over 3,900 crashes involving wildlife, with autumn as the most active months, explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. While white-tailed deer and elk are the most frequently struck wildlife, we have other species such as pronghorn, bear and marmots that ensure every region of our state is susceptible to wildlife encounters. It is up to all of us to remove distractions and watch out for these beautiful animals.

Some of the highest-risk areas for crashes in the state, according to data, are:

Highway 160 (Durango to Pagosa Springs and Durango to Mancos) Highway 50 (Pueblo to eastern state line, Blue Mesa Reservoir and Gunnison to Parlin) Interstate 70 (Floyd Hill, Mt. Vernon Canyon and Eagle) Interstate 25 (Castle Rock to Larkspur) US 285 (Morrison) Hwy 40 (Craig to Steamboat, Tabernash, and Berthoud Pass) Hwy 24 (Riverside to Buena Vista, Newett to Johnson Village) Highway 550 (north of Durango and from Montrose to Ouray)

CSP also has several tips for drivers to avoid a wildlife crash. They include:

Dont exceed the speed limit. Scan roads (or shoulders) for movement and eye shine. Use bright lights at night when safe. If you have time and space behind you, stop for wildlife on the road/use hazard lights. Be aware of groups: remember that if you see one animal, there may be others nearby. If you encounter an animal and don't have time to safely brake in a straight line, the right choice is to drive through, staying in your lane. If you are traveling in an outside lane with the white stripe to your right or a single lane, angle slightly to hit the butt of the animal. Never swerve or jerk your vehicles wheel. If you are involved in a crash with an animal, call 9-1-1 just as you would in any other emergency. Also, if you see wildlife in distress that may have been struck on or near the side of the road, call *CSP so the right resource can be notified and sent to the scene.

Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal is retiring next year on the day he marks 40 years with the department.

The fire department announced Wednesday that Royal will retire March 9, 2027, exactly 40 years after his first day with CSFD.

With nearly five decades in fire and emergency medical services, Royal will have served six years by the time he retires and has served more than two decades in chief officer roles. He was named a battalion chief in 2005.

According to the fire department, he was a paramedic for 28 years and helped deliver 24 babies, including one that was named after him.

He was also involved in several other programs, and helped establish CSFD's Tactical Emergency Medical Services.

Royal has earned numerous awards and distinctions throughout his career, including two Medals of Distinguished Service and the Firefighter of the Year award. In 2023, he was named George Mazzotti Fire Chief of the Year by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. In 2024, he was named International Career Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

He said one of his proudest accomplishments is the department's response efforts to the significant events in the Colorado Springs area, including the 1997 blizzard, Cattle West Apartment Fire in 2007, Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 and Black Forest Fire in 2013.

Its hard to believe this time has come. I have loved my career and the wonderful men and women that I have been able to work with over the years, Royal said in a statement. It has truly been an honor and the most rewarding opportunity to serve our citizens and visitors within the community of Colorado Springs, as well as having a front seat to seeing how the members of the CSFD have been able to influence the fire and medical services across our region and even nationwide through their pursuit of excellence and innovation. I am more than confident that the department is in good hands as they move into the future based on the caliber of our staff and their desire to positively impact our citys public safety each and every day.

Chief Randy Royal has given 40 years of extraordinary service to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, and his impact will be felt for generations. He has led with courage, humility, and a deep commitment to mission first, people always. From advancing emergency medical care to leading through some of our communitys most difficult moments, to embracing innovation that has made our city safer, Randy has dedicated his career to protecting others and preparing CSFD for the future, said Mayor Yemi Mobolade.

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Just before the start of the regular season, the Colorado Avalanche announced they have extended head coach jared Bednar through the 2030-31 season.

The 54-year-old is entering his 11th season as head coach of the Avs, and is the winningest coach in Avalanche/Nordiques franchise history with a 445-262-75 record in 782 regular season games.

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In the playoffs, Bedhard has a 60-40-1 record, which is the sixth-best winning percentage of all time.

The Avs have made the postseason in all but one of Bednar's seasons which was his first in 2016-17.

Jared has done an outstanding job over the last decade, and theres no doubt in my mind hes the best coach for this group, said Avalanche President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Joe Sakic. He commands the room and has complete confidence of the players. Were excited to continue to have him in charge, and we believe that his presence maximizes the teams potential while this core group is intact.

Im extremely happy and grateful to continue leading this group, said Bednar. My family and I have loved being a part of this organization from the beginning, and I cant thank the Kroenke family and Joe Sakic enough for their support. I look forward to working hard each day this season and beyond to accomplish our goal of winning another Stanley Cup.