Went to my first Devils game last night. I live 2 hours door to door from the rink so its tough to get to games unless its a weekend. Just some observations.
1. I thought doors opened at 6, but they didn't open up till 6:30. Are the Devils losing money from concession sales by not opening the doors an hour and half before game time? Or are they saving money in salaries for their workers? I am trying to remember what the gate opening time was at the old Continental Airlines arena when the games started at 7:30 back in the day. I don't think it was only an hour.
They switched this year to the 1 hour opening. Most arenas were already on the 1 hour schedule; I think we were one of the last to convert. This was the first time I ever had to wait 10+ minutes to enter for a regular season game. And that includes Marty night. I'm sure they had their operations/finance teams crunch the numbers. My complete guess is they were profitable in that extra half hour, but not enough to make it worth their while. Plus it helps local businesses and to a lesser extent the parking in the area MAYBE (since they don't have to open lots as early). Also, police presence can start a bit later
2. Dam music is way too loud. It makes it difficult to even talk to the person seated next to you. I guess thats the atmosphere the Devils want.
Personally fine with this
3. Seemed like a very young crowd in my opinion. A lot of couples in their twenties which I suppose is good long-term for ticket sales.
Lots of people home for the holidays. Also, families are less likely to make it out the day following a major holiday. Yea, the kids may have off, but parents are usually beat. Plus it was one of the few 7:30 starts
4. I think the intro video could be better. They have had some better ones in past years.
I think they were better in the past because we had more "recent" important moments. Gets tougher and tougher to make "hype" videos when the team hasn't seriously competed in a few years. The ones at the CAA used to get me pumped.
5. Do you guys like that ya-hoo chant after every goal. Don't the Islanders do that?
No. I complained about it when I heard it on TV and didn't participate in it last night. I was surprised the "Hey, you suck" chant wasn't too loud last night following goals. I'm fine with people that don't like it, but I'm a Rock and Roll Pt 2 pusher until the end.