Worst and Best Arena In The NHL

[HockeyFan]

I dunno if this is the right place...but it is cool to talk about!

Worst: I say the Meadowlands or Nassau In NY!

Best: Our ESA (RBC), Pepsi Center, Xcel Engergy Centre!

[StormShaman]

Best I've been to: XCel Energy Center in St. Paul. If you haven't been to a game there I recommend it highly.

Worst I've been to: MCI Center in DC.

[Kat]

Best: Pepsi Center.

Worst: Mellon Arena... it has great history, but good ol' Mario has a point about the place being a bit worse for wear.

-Kat

[Turbulence]

Never been to any but RBC...but I've heard that Nassau is by far the worst for fans and players...A true dump.
As far as the best, what could be better as far as fan-friendlyness, comfort, and atmosphere than our own RBC Center? Lots of parking, traffic isn't horrible after games, the lower bowl filled with cheering families instead of suits, a winning team (knock on wood)...what could be better?

[Kat]

Never been to any but RBC...

...what could be better?

Having somewhere to go hang out (that was somewhat close by or within walking distance) after the game would be nice... parking pricing is a bit ridiculous... public transportation option (park 'n ride)...

-Kat

[tommy]

Worst: Mellon Arena. Just trust me.

Best: I've only actually been to a couple different ones, but I hear that the Thrashers arena is pretty nice.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

From all I've heard our parking pricing is pretty damn bargain compared to others around the league. If we are talking fantasy land then, yeah, free parking would be fabulous!

I haven't been to enough different hockey arenas to comment (three total I think) but I will say, at the risk of being struck by lightening, that MSG is the absolute WORST for televised games, IMO.

The absolute best arena to me is whichever one the Canes happen to be playing in. ;)

[Stormbringer]

Never been to any but RBC...but I've heard that Nassau is by far the worst for fans and players...A true dump.
As far as the best, what could be better as far as fan-friendlyness, comfort, and atmosphere than our own RBC Center? Lots of parking, traffic isn't horrible after games, the lower bowl filled with cheering families instead of suits, a winning team (knock on wood)...what could be better?

What he said...plus another vote for Mellon (along with Nassau) for worst arena here based on what I've read here and elsewhere.

[StormShaman]

As far as the best, what could be better as far as fan-friendlyness, comfort, and atmosphere than our own RBC Center?

Dude, you need to check out the Xcel Energy Center sometime. The Vault is nice, but it's pretty spartan. The X is pretty damn sweet--almost like watching the game in your own living room. It's easily my favorite arena.

[HockeyFan]

Worst: Mellon Arena... it has great history, but good ol' Mario has a point about the place being a bit worse for wear.

I forgot that one! I went to a game there (Mario's second game back actually, suprise gift from friends we know up there! :spin: ) and for one thing, the arena is confusing to get around in for the first time. And secondly, the place is OLD! The history yes...but sometimes things have to go (like the old Forum) but I mean, yea, the Igloo is one of the worst!

[1Irbegirlforever]

I've actually been to the Ice Palace, the home of our rival Lightning and it was pretty decent.

But it could NEVER compare to our rockin' RBC Center!!!!!!

I also noticed that the fans weren't NEARLY as loud as the Caniacs are! :D :spin:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I have never been to an away game either..but I hope to this year..maybe Atlanta or a Florida game....

I have to vote for the BEST arena..and that is the ESA ;)

Is it just me or do some of the other arenas look really dark and dreary ...on tv at least? :roll:

[HockeyFan]

Is it just me or do some of the other arenas look really dark and dreary ...on tv at least?

Yea, I have noticed that! Especially the MSG, Nassau and Skyreach centre! I love how ours is well lighted!! (And looks great on tv too!)

[nccanes]

Best: I've only actually been to a couple different ones, but I hear that the Thrashers arena is pretty nice.

Philips arena is very nice and pretty cool, but I wouldn't rank it "better" than the RBC for watching hockey. That huge wall of suites (one stacked on top of the other - 3 or 4 levels high) is just plain strange. There is a small lower level on that side, but it's just not the same.

I also didn't like the entire lower level being made up of retractable seating. Only the first 4 rows or so are like that at the RBC.

It's a cool place, but not a great hockey arena or anything.