Do you like your team's arena?

[613Leafer]

If you're high in the upper bowl of the ACC, you can't see the whole jumbotron. Also, the "standing section" at the top, you're right up against a concrete wall.

Ottawa by comparison you can see the whole jumbotron from anywhere, and there's a nice wide comfortable concourse at the top of the upper bowl. Granted, they built their arena in the middle of nowhere, so presumably their arena is several dozen metres wider to help accommodate that extra space.

So Ottawa has the better rink IMO, but way way worse location.

 

[Rhaegar Targaryen]

Ottawa doesn't have a super nice arena, IMO, but there's not a bad seat in the building. The location is awful though

 

[rynryn]

mean.

 

[rynryn]

Absolutely agree! I'm definitely going to make an effort to cut down on my cigarette consumption during games. Convincing my in laws to follow suit is going to be the hard part

how much money do you spend on smoking? How many more games is that you could go to? Stop smoking. There are a lot of things people from outstate don't seem to realized, like you can't just walk around with a beer in your hand, you can't provide a minor with alcohol even if its your kid, etc. I don't know where you can do this but it isn't in the cities.

people will complain/threaten to sue the arena if they're particularly angry and they are exposed to smoke--and non smokers greatly outnumber smokers now so there is both the law and public opinion to make management eager to just toss you no questions asked if they catch you.

 

[Cherpak]

I guess it's alright.. I went to a Sabres @ Bolts game last year and I thought their arena blew ours away

Spent a lot of time when it was still called the St. Pete Times Forum. Great location near Channelside. Parking is open and spacious.

One caveat though, if your going up the escalator and you reach the carpeted area and don't have the proper credentials/money, you may be escorted out by a nice gentleman about the size of a dump truck.

 

[cptjeff]

As a Canes fan living in DC, I'll comment on Verizon Center and PNC, since I usually get to at least one game a year at both.

Verizon Center's location cannot be beat. Right in the middle of things downtown. Stores, resturants, nightlife, museums, whatever you want to do before and after the game, it's all right there. A short walk to the national mall and literally on top of a metro stop- a hub with three lines, to boot. Somebody early in the thread complained about gentrification- that was pretty much by design. The area was absolutely terrible and incredibly dangerous before the Verizon Center was built- building the arena brought in a ton of business and was one of the biggest catalyzing factors that helped to revive all of DC's core. Yes, people got priced out- because it's no longer a violent slum.

However, the arena itself is lacking- narrow concourses on the upper level make it hard to move around (though that's just a factor of having a constrained size building downtown), and unlike the food around the arena, the food in the arena is utter garbage. The beer selection is poor as well- there are a few craft beers, but if you want something other than a crappy american lager or an IPA it's going to be hard to find. In game experience is the same generic screamy music and jumbotron "make some noise" crap every other arena seems to do these days, which is to say, poor. Views are good, but the cupholders have no bottom, and cannot hold any of the cans of beer sold in the arena.

PNC: In the middle of nowhere, which works for NC, where everyone is driving. Right on the interstate, so it's easier for fans to come from other parts of NC. The concourses are fairly roomy, and there are several legitimately good food options, including some with local color- the pulled pork barbecue has long been a staple, and while it's not gonna win any awards, it's actually pretty dang good. With two sauce options, of course- Eastern and Western. You can still get the generic hotdog and chicken fingers type stuff, but why would you? Oh, and beer selection is probably the best I've ever seen at a pro sports arena, with a pretty good variety of local craft beers spread all around the arena. Game experience has gotten better- it used to be generic scream, but they've started incorporating some more songs with actual melodies and local sound in recent years, including having local artists play during intermission during some games, which l love. The view at PNC has always been great and continues to be so.

 

[Cherpak]

how much money do you spend on smoking? How many more games is that you could go to? Stop smoking. There are a lot of things people from outstate don't seem to realized, like you can't just walk around with a beer in your hand, you can't provide a minor with alcohol even if its your kid, etc. I don't know where you can do this but it isn't in the cities.

people will complain/threaten to sue the arena if they're particularly angry and they are exposed to smoke--and non smokers greatly outnumber smokers now so there is both the law and public opinion to make management eager to just toss you no questions asked if they catch you.

Most people don't continue smoking because they want to. Its an addiction. Just like drugs/alcohol/food etc. "Stop smoking" is an easy mantra for non smokers but it really can be a struggle for those addicted.

And before anyone starts going off about me being a smoker, know that I have never smoked in my life. Been around plenty who have to include family/friends and co workers. Military,EMS, Police etc. High stress careers tend to see more smokers than not.

That being said, I'm surprised anyone in this country doesn't know that public smoking has pretty much been banned and or illegal indoors and in some cases outdoors nowadays.

 

[K1984]

Slight exaggeration, but the problem remains, long lines, awkward positioning of the washrooms near concession stands creating a bottle neck while your bladder explodes.

I've been to at least a dozen games at Rogers this year in all different areas of the building. Not once have I come close to missing any action and I take a **** every intermission.

The bathroom lines are not an issue whatsoever as long as you don't lollygag to them when the intermission starts.

 

[rynryn]

Sorry, OT.

Though i personally find an anti-smoking stance a positive in evaluating an arena experience. I know my companies insurance program includes free counseling and free nic gum so maybe there's something out there that would allow these tragic addicts to make it through that terribly long three hours or whatever they might spend rubbing elbows with non-smokers.

edit: and iirc the industry/job with the highest rate of smokers is still the service industry, by far. stressful but not really the kind of stress that elicits sympathy and tolerance for a habit that negatively affects others.

 

[Harvey Birdman]

The only thing I dislike about the xcel is how there is no indoor smoking area. The short break in between periods just simply isnt enough time to get outside and smoke a few cigarettes.

So over the last few seasons I've basically just let it go and have decided to take my cig breaks in the bathrooms. Surprisingly Ive only gotten a handful of complaints from fans over the years.. I know its not a big concern for many but if they are unwilling to change the rule I will continue to smoke inside. Other than that I love the arena. Shame that I can only make it to about 20 games a season though with the prices

As a smoker I get you have to smoke outside away from the arena then just suffer away through the game till the end. IMHO there should be a smoking area in places. Like if there was a pure bar bar in the building, no food served and it was a closed area. But if there isn't such a vendor in a arena you just have to accept tough luck.

 

[Cherpak]

i know plenty of people who have done it. I realize it's an addiction. There are plenty of absolutely free programs out there to provide resources to stop, there are plenty of negatives, the positives aren't as alluring as, say, heroin, and if you have insurance through work chances are pretty good they'll give you free gum and counseling to get you through the tough times like having to forego smoking for the long long period of time a hockey game takes to complete.

iirc the service industry has the highest number of smokers. i don't know if you want to call that high stress or not.

I know plenty who have done it as well. Still doesn't make it as easy as you want it to be. Many have tried patches, gum, etc. You make it sound like its as easy as breathing.

I didn't say it was the highest usage. I only said from MY experiences there is a lot of tobacco use in those sectors. Those are very high stress positions. Therefore I have seen first hand the difficulties smokers have. Being in the service the gov't loves throwing the anti smoking help out there. Saves them millions in later health costs. So they offer gum, mints, patches, therapy. You name it and they offer it.

You clearly have some vendetta against smokers. Maybe you'll one day be lucky enough to face your own addiction. Sure hope someone like you is around for understanding.

 

[mnwild*]

So do the non-smokers just simply believe they are better than the smokers and go out of their way to ruin everyone elses good time just because people make different choices in life?

If the anti smoke people are so concerned about me and my health why dont they just go all the way and make them illegal. I dont think the existence of a smoking area would obligate everyone who buys a ticket to congregate there!

 

[NeverForget06]

So do the non-smokers just simply believe they are better than the smokers and go out of their way to ruin everyone elses good time just because people make different choices in life?

If the anti smoke people are so concerned about me and my health why dont they just go all the way and make them illegal. I dont think the existence of a smoking area would obligate everyone who buys a ticket to congregate there!

You complain about XCEL but at Rogers Place there is not even an outdoor smoking option. You leave to take a smoke and you are not getting back in the building. Completely non-smoking. No ecigs or other shortcuts either

 

[psycat]

SAAB Arena (Linköping SHL) https://www.google.se/search?q=saab...hULiCwKHYvaCREQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=cVfjbD0IzaRjlM:

Like it well enough! Prefered the old "hockey barn" though.

 

[TaLoN]

Outside of Barclays , MSG, and maybe SAP if you dropped someone onto center ice blindfolded, and removed all the ads an put gray seat covers on all the seats to obscure the color scheme, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between arenas.
You may be able to tell the ACC is a bit bigger than the TD Garden, but by and large, the arenas are basically the same.
They are all symmetrical donuts.
now AHL rinks look very different. The Dunkin Donuts center, XL Center, Blue Cross Arena, Mass Mutual Center are actually structurally different.
Same with College, nobody is going to mix up Matthews Arena and Agganis, or Alfond Arena and Gutterson Fieldhouse, because they are all structurally different.

There would be major giveaways to identify the Xcel Energy Center. The lighthouse, the view right into the concourse from the ice etc... the building has character.

 

[TaLoN]

So do the non-smokers just simply believe they are better than the smokers and go out of their way to ruin everyone elses good time just because people make different choices in life?

If the anti smoke people are so concerned about me and my health why dont they just go all the way and make them illegal. I dont think the existence of a smoking area would obligate everyone who buys a ticket to congregate there!

Yes, but an indoor smoking area would require employees to keep it clean etc, thus why Minnesota will not allow it. Employees are guaranteed a smoke free work environment.

Just accept it, is illegal to smoke indoors and that's not going to change.

Use the outdoor smoking area if you need to smoke, then come back inside after.

 

[Satastic]

Just quit smoking

I wish it was that easy

 

[pucky]

Saddledome is an outdated mess.

Not just for Flames games but as an entertainment venue. Concourse is too small, sightlines aren't as good as newer rinks, not enough washrooms or concessions, ugly on the outside and even uglier on the inside, horrible acoustics for concerts and most acts skip it cause the roof doesn't allow for many rigs.

It needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Even if it means that tickets are a bit more expensive.

Careful what you wish for. It won't be 'just a bit more expensive.' In fact, I think it's dumb when fans WANT a new arena... they get no benefits from it. As you can read here, the Oilers fans can't even find time to go to the washroom in a brand new zillion dollar arena. The owners are only thinking of maximizing profit... might have more seats but most of them are expensive and ticket prices are always increased - a lot. Some of the American fans are lucky - if their teams are not in big hockey markets. They get a new arena and ticket prices aren't too bad considering elsewhere. But, if you're in a major hockey market, forget it unless you can afford to go.

Look at the new arena in Brooklyn! The sight lines are atrocious and it wasn't even designed with hockey in mind. The ones that have consideration within the design to incorporate hockey, even they have flaws - poor ice, long bathroom lines etc. etc. They are multi-purpose stadiums and hockey is the least priority wise.

 

[CanadienShark]

Never been. I like the Sens arena, except it's out in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Bedards Dad]

I'm at ACC weekly, and it is ok. Not the best, but not the worst I have been too. Does the job and the location is perfect.

 

[trckrdr]

What rink is this?

Looks like Vaillant Arena to me.

 

[Martinez]

I've never had any big problems with the joe because there's not a bad seat in the building. The parking complex is tough to get out of after the game, so that could be improved at LCA. Also, I wish the beer was cheaper. But I'm really looking forward to LCA, the joe wasn't bad but it was quite outdated.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

I like SAP Center but I wish there was more to do after the game or more resturants to go to before the game. Yeah you have San Pedro Square which is quite a ways from the arena, but there is nothing on the other side of it. At least it's right next to the train station so that's a plus.

I can confirm this is the case. Wish there was more directly around SAP

 

[NickLidstrom]

CTC is aging well but it's probably among the worst locations in all of sports.

The Joe is iconic but it's really showing its age. LCA is looking promising.

 

[DrJustice]

TD Garden....Liked it better as The Garden.