Like others, I have sat in club seats a few times over the years including at the end of the 2013 season and beginning of the 2014 season specifically. In that time frame, the food quality was more noticeably different and my experiences regarding the food since have not been much better either. The difference in those 7-8 months wasn't even a reasonable difference where it is along the lines of 'not what it was but still passable'.
Being in clubs in more recent years even, why bother going in early to get some ok free food when the option to get far superior food over in Ironbound or some quality options closer to the arena are also on the table and get to help out those mom and pop businesses on top of it. The incentive isn't really there as much. Sure it is nice to have the option of free food, but I'd rather spend the few extra bucks and have a real good meal compared to free food that is just ok. There really isn't much of an excuse either for premium level seating to have questionable food.
When the organization was strapped for money, the options were better and they were focused on quality first and foremost because quality will always make a better experience, be it food or in any other area. The same philosophy was used in having the AHL team in Albany vs Binghamton (Albany was more expensive but provided better facilities) as another example. The organization has more money now and the offerings are as noted, not as good. It is unfortunate because the potential is there to be better.
The restaurant on the other hand still seems to be of the same quality more or less and while I haven't sat in the new lofts yet, I haven't heard anything negative about the food and offerings.
I've liked the arena seating color scheme because it is a nice balance of representing the team colors more or less (no go on white seats though
, want to talk about a mess?!) and isn't too flashy while not being too dull either. That maroon and black balance throughout gives it some character and the Devils logo on the leather clubs is a unique touch too that I don't believe many, if any other teams have. Maybe a more red ala the Habs at the Bell Centre would have been more appropriate of a red than the maroon shade on those seats, but the maroon shade does fine too.
All black over the arena ala the Kings at Staples Center just makes and gives the arena a darker feel. I was disappointed actually that the Bruins recently got rid of their yellow seats at the TD Garden in place of all black. The yellow was a unique and fitting scheme relative to team colors with a classic look to the arena.
Here is some of what I'm talking about with the all black (with before and after of the TD Garden too). I just don't think all black works as well or gives much character as other options could or even a mix like we have.
