Not all hockey arenas are created equal. Similar to the NFL, NHL fans have seen their share of different arenas, big and small, good and bad, and also bizarre. So, if you have never been to a place and are wondering if it is worth your time, or maybe it would be better to watch the game from the comfort of your home, you should probably first explore a little about it. Some arenas are ok, some are just bad and you cannot do anything about it but avoid visiting those.
And yet, there are some arenas that everyone is recommended to visit because of their unique designs, unique atmosphere, or unique history.
In this post, we discuss three of the best NHL arenas that will never disappoint you. Even if the game manages to disappoint you, the arenas will not.
T-Mobile Arena
T-Mobile Arena is one of the most modern and its sleek design really makes it look and feel better than some older places. It gives these slight spaceship vibes that make it way more striking and impressive than all other venues around. Inside is as good as outside, with a small but cozy lower deck and a larger one to accommodate fans.
T-Mobile Arena was opened in 2016 and since then, it has been one of the top spots for sports events and other entertainment and shows in North America.
All this is partially because of its location, sitting just off the Las Vegas Strip, a hotspot for entertainment itself. T-Mobile Arena is part of the whole entertainment scene, with casinos, hotels, and bars.
The fact that the arena is situated in Vegas has impacted its design a lot and it has everything you’d expect – huge glass windows, billboards, bright colorful lights, and so on. Inside, there are general areas and some luxury options. In one of the upper sections, there is a castle for DJs and performers. The pregame show? It’s a spectacle you won’t find anywhere else in the NHL. T-Mobile Arena isn’t just about hockey; it’s about delivering an unforgettable entertainment experience.
The drawbacks of the place are it’s being pricey, and also pretty busy because tickets are on the higher side but people still flow in.
Rogers Place
Rogers Place is located in Edmonton’s vibrant “Ice District”. It is surrounded by many different bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. Something new arrives literally every year. There is a separate casino attached to the arena where you can also play at the best payout online casino Canada, and a community rink. In other words, Rogers Place has something for everyone.
Talking about the exterior, Rogers Place is not that impressive. It looks more like a boring hotel or even an apartment building due to being so plain. Compared to other NHL venues, it could definitely be better.
Inside, however, gives a completely different impression and a cutting-edge vibe. The facility is modern, with chrome finish shining everywhere, so the contrast between the exterior and the interior is striking. Moreover, the arena has an impressive main entrance, a bar, and a unique oil-drop shape. To be honest, if we don’t look at the exterior, Rogers Place has everything you’d want from a modern hockey arena. There are premium seats, drinking rails, restaurants, and a huge HD scoreboard.
Yes, of course, there are some downsides. The place may feel a little bit too corporate because there are many exclusive club sections and average fans with regular seats seem to be missing quite a lot. Also, the area keeps getting better every year which is also good news.
Bell Centre
When NHL players are asked about their favorite arena to play in, the Bell Centre in Montreal is often on top of the list, and there’s a good reason.
The arena not only has a modern design but creates a unique atmosphere, referencing the rich history of the Canadiens. One of the features that make this arena really outstanding is the steep seating that places the viewers practically directly on top of the players.
The exterior of the arena is also decent and the lightning is very sharp. However, location is probably the key drawback because the arena is squeezed between office buildings and hotels.
Interestingly enough, the arena is 30 years old but it is in a very good condition. Of course, it is smaller than many other newer arenas, and while many fans actually enjoy the tight space that makes it cozier and more of a community builder, it is still less comfortable. However, despite its drawbacks and shortcomings, the Bell Centre arena is something every NHL fan has to see at some point. Its top-notch ice quality and impressive capacity make it special among other venues.
Any of these three arenas can be compared to other facilities around the country and obviously some people have their own favorite places. The good news about the NHL is that fans can travel around during the season, watching games in different cities and visiting different arenas, and this can also be a fun experience and a part of the NHL fan’s lifestyle.
