What's Your Favourite Arena?

[RGM81]

Neat question posed on TSN yesterday:

The demolition of the Spectrum in Philadelphia on Tuesday marks the loss of yet another NHL arena that has provided some great hockey memories.
It was the scene of the Flyers' first Stanley Cup victory in 1974 - when the Broad Street Bullies upset the Big Bad Bruins to become the first expansion team to win hockey's Holy Grail.
The following year, the Flyers hosted the Russian Red Army team in a game that can be remembered by the famous quote, "They're going home!" When the Flyers played it tough, the Russians left the ice and the game was delayed until they returned.
Each NHL arena has its own charm and mystique. The old Chicago Stadium was considered by many to be the loudest arena in the league and the new United Center is not far behind. The Montreal Forum was said to be home of the ghosts of great players that donned the famous bleu, blanc et rouge and many feel they now reside in the Bell Centre.
Who can forget the original Stampede Corral in Calgary with the high boards and the fans right on top of the players? Or Maple Leaf Gardens with owner Harold Ballard looking on from his bunker?
Madison Square Garden in New York is commonly referred to as the world's most famous arena and fans in the 'blue seats' play a big part in that, especially when the Rangers host the Islanders; just ask Denis Potvin! In Vancouver, the atmosphere is electric at Rogers Arena when anthem singer Mark Donnelly holds up the mic and allows the fans to sing 'O Canada' at Canucks' games.

So here's Dave's question to you: "What is your favourite NHL arena, past or present?"

Discuss.

[CLEsportscards]

The Igloo

[stop__dreaming]

I've only been to the following:

Scotiabank Place (Ottawa), Wells Fargo Arena, Spectrum (Philadelphia), TD Banknorth Garden (Boston), Air Canada Centre (Toronto) HSBC Arena (Buffalo) and Rogers Centre (Vancouver) so I cannot really comment on what is the best, but from my experience. I loved the Wachovia Centre - now Wells Fargo, for obvious reasons. I think if I was a neutral, I would still pick Philly as one of the best atmosphere's.

Air Canada Centre was alright and Boston was really good, too.

Worst was Buffalo's, and probably the second worst city I've ever visited.

[30ranfordfan]

My favorite? List of ones I've been to is too short: Maple Leaf Gardens, Air Canada Centre (both TOR), Bell Centre (MON), The Igloo (PIT), HSBC Arena (BUF), and Nationwide Arena (CLB).

Best atmosphere, not even close. Bell Centre in Montreal.

Best actual building? I'd go with Nationwide in Columbus.

[stop__dreaming]

My favorite? List of ones I've been to is too short: Maple Leaf Gardens, Air Canada Centre (both TOR), Bell Centre (MON), The Igloo (PIT), HSBC Arena (BUF), and Nationwide Arena (CLB).

Best atmosphere, not even close. Bell Centre in Montreal.

Best actual building? I'd go with Nationwide in Columbus.

I've heard the Jackets have a nice building from various people. How come?

[zPens87z]

The Mellon Arena, no place will ever be like it.

[whatagoalie43]

United Center

[CSSports]

Actual Arena - Got to be Staples Center - Most modern & its got almost everything you can imagine and if you could see Panasonic 4HD scoreboard, it would blow you away - the screen is soooooo crisp and clean in HD, its mindboogling! Other than that, I have only heard of the Old Chicago stadium but never got to go visit it



As for fan experience - I have been to 13 arenas....LA, Pho, Ana, SJ, Van, Edm, Nash, Fla, NYR, NYI, NJ, Tor, Col....and out of those arenas - San Jose had the best fan base and best fan experience.....even if I was the only Kings fan in the building....That place was 99% Teal.....

And lastly, fan to fan experience, I would have to say (besides LA since I have Season Seats), I would say I had the funnest time with other fans in Colorado....

[ibanezplayer409]

the xcel energy center here in minnesota is my fav. sell out crowds are always the most exciting and everyone is respectful of other fans.

[30ranfordfan]

Well, there's a few reasons.

Keep in mind - I find most hockey rinks to all the same. The playing surface is (has to be) and the actual seating for any modern building is all pretty much identical. You get the same sight lines at any building (it isn't like Baseball or Football where the stadiums can be dramatically different, at least in some respects).


Columbus put the rink in a great spot (the way I understand it - they redeveloped the area based on the rink going there) so there's lots of hotels / restaurants / bars all within walking distance of it. Makes the whole night out that much easier and more enjoyable. While that doesn't make it a better rink - it does make people's impressions of it better.

For the rink itself, really the only way one building can distingguish itself from the otherse, is ease of access.... good concessions..... and how the concourse is layed out. I thought Columbus did a great job on all three fronts, making the game that much better to be at.

I'll admit though - I may be a little bit biased. My Avatar was a screen shot taken from the TV feed of that game. MacTavish isn't supposed to be the focal point..... it's me (in the Oilers jersey, having a drink, right behind his left shoulder). Me and the friend I went with had REALLY good seats when we were there.

That was a couple of years ago. Going back this winter for another game. Maybe my impression will be different?

I've heard the Jackets have a nice building from various people. How come?