Road Tripin' Atlanta (me)

[nccanes]

Looks like we will be heading down to Atlanta for the game next Wednesday. I know I've asked before (since we were originally planning the Jan game), but since the old posts are gone, any info from those that have gone to a game in Atlanta, I'd love to hear it.

We're staying at the Hilton Downtown. Would have loved to stay at the Westin, but I got a great rate (about 1/4 of the price) and we'll survive. I think we're just a tad far to walk (2 young kids) to the arena. I presume we'll take a cab.

I've already found out that Philips doesn't allow fans in for pre-games skates (either team), so that's out.

We don't currently have tickets, since our trip was rather up in the air. I have talked with the ticket office there and considering it's a week night and both teams aren't exactly lighting it up, they suggested I just buy them from the box office on game day (just in case of a last minute trip cancellation). We're hoping to be down low at the Canes shoot twice end.

Guess that's it!

[nccanes]

Looks like we will be heading down to Atlanta for the game next Wednesday. I know I've asked before (since we were originally planning the Jan game), but since the old posts are gone, any info from those that have gone to a game in Atlanta, I'd love to hear it.

We're staying at the Hilton Downtown. Would have loved to stay at the Westin, but I got a great rate (about 1/4 of the price) and we'll survive. I think we're just a tad far to walk (2 young kids) to the arena. I presume we'll take a cab.

I've already found out that Philips doesn't allow fans in for pre-games skates (either team), so that's out.

We don't currently have tickets, since our trip was rather up in the air. I have talked with the ticket office there and considering it's a week night and both teams aren't exactly lighting it up, they suggested I just buy them from the box office on game day (just in case of a last minute trip cancellation). We're hoping to be down low at the Canes shoot twice end.

Guess that's it!

[nccanes]

Looks like we will be heading down to Atlanta for the game next Wednesday. I know I've asked before (since we were originally planning the Jan game), but since the old posts are gone, any info from those that have gone to a game in Atlanta, I'd love to hear it.

We're staying at the Hilton Downtown. Would have loved to stay at the Westin, but I got a great rate (about 1/4 of the price) and we'll survive. I think we're just a tad far to walk (2 young kids) to the arena. I presume we'll take a cab.

I've already found out that Philips doesn't allow fans in for pre-games skates (either team), so that's out.

We don't currently have tickets, since our trip was rather up in the air. I have talked with the ticket office there and considering it's a week night and both teams aren't exactly lighting it up, they suggested I just buy them from the box office on game day (just in case of a last minute trip cancellation). We're hoping to be down low at the Canes shoot twice end.

Guess that's it!

[crazy4canes]

If you don't mind public transportation, I would suggest taking the Marta bus. It's dirt cheap and they run every 5-10 minutes. I'm sure the hotel has a schedule and the location of the nearest bus stop. About the arena, it's adjacent to the CNN center so if you've never been there and you want to go, it's a good way to kill time before the game. Or, if you'd prefer, the Coca Cola museum is about 2 blocks from the arena.

Have fun!

[crazy4canes]

If you don't mind public transportation, I would suggest taking the Marta bus. It's dirt cheap and they run every 5-10 minutes. I'm sure the hotel has a schedule and the location of the nearest bus stop. About the arena, it's adjacent to the CNN center so if you've never been there and you want to go, it's a good way to kill time before the game. Or, if you'd prefer, the Coca Cola museum is about 2 blocks from the arena.

Have fun!

[crazy4canes]

If you don't mind public transportation, I would suggest taking the Marta bus. It's dirt cheap and they run every 5-10 minutes. I'm sure the hotel has a schedule and the location of the nearest bus stop. About the arena, it's adjacent to the CNN center so if you've never been there and you want to go, it's a good way to kill time before the game. Or, if you'd prefer, the Coca Cola museum is about 2 blocks from the arena.

Have fun!

[folgersnyourcup]

Awesome! I hope you have a really fun time! I know the players like it when fans come to cheer for them in other arenas!

[folgersnyourcup]

Awesome! I hope you have a really fun time! I know the players like it when fans come to cheer for them in other arenas!

[folgersnyourcup]

Awesome! I hope you have a really fun time! I know the players like it when fans come to cheer for them in other arenas!

[caniac369]

I was just at the Hilton Downtown for that conference I went to back at the end of January. Wonderful place and the people there are really nice.

[caniac369]

I was just at the Hilton Downtown for that conference I went to back at the end of January. Wonderful place and the people there are really nice.

[caniac369]

I was just at the Hilton Downtown for that conference I went to back at the end of January. Wonderful place and the people there are really nice.

[nccanes]

I was just at the Hilton Downtown for that conference I went to back at the end of January. Wonderful place and the people there are really nice.

Thanks Caniac369! You wouldn't know if the Hilton was in walking distance to Philips/CNN center would you?

[nccanes]

I was just at the Hilton Downtown for that conference I went to back at the end of January. Wonderful place and the people there are really nice.

Thanks Caniac369! You wouldn't know if the Hilton was in walking distance to Philips/CNN center would you?

[nccanes]

I was just at the Hilton Downtown for that conference I went to back at the end of January. Wonderful place and the people there are really nice.

Thanks Caniac369! You wouldn't know if the Hilton was in walking distance to Philips/CNN center would you?

[nccanes]

Hoping NCCANES doesn't mind I borowed her Avatar...

I don't see one?!

[nccanes]

Hoping NCCANES doesn't mind I borowed her Avatar...

I don't see one?!

[nccanes]

Hoping NCCANES doesn't mind I borowed her Avatar...

I don't see one?!

[caniac369]

I was just at the Hilton Downtown for that conference I went to back at the end of January. Wonderful place and the people there are really nice.

Thanks Caniac369! You wouldn't know if the Hilton was in walking distance to Philips/CNN center would you?

Wouldn't know that, but I do know that the Georgia Dome is about a 30 minutes walk from the hotel if it's anywhere near there.

[caniac369]

I was just at the Hilton Downtown for that conference I went to back at the end of January. Wonderful place and the people there are really nice.

Thanks Caniac369! You wouldn't know if the Hilton was in walking distance to Philips/CNN center would you?

Wouldn't know that, but I do know that the Georgia Dome is about a 30 minutes walk from the hotel if it's anywhere near there.

[caniac369]

I was just at the Hilton Downtown for that conference I went to back at the end of January. Wonderful place and the people there are really nice.

Thanks Caniac369! You wouldn't know if the Hilton was in walking distance to Philips/CNN center would you?

Wouldn't know that, but I do know that the Georgia Dome is about a 30 minutes walk from the hotel if it's anywhere near there.

[caniac369]

Hoping NCCANES doesn't mind I borowed her Avatar...

I don't see one?!

Decided to go Avatar 'naked' for a while... :angel:

[caniac369]

Hoping NCCANES doesn't mind I borowed her Avatar...

I don't see one?!

Decided to go Avatar 'naked' for a while... :angel:

[caniac369]

Hoping NCCANES doesn't mind I borowed her Avatar...

I don't see one?!

Decided to go Avatar 'naked' for a while... :angel:

[Shell]

I've gone down to Atlanta on business a few times and found the MARTA very easy to use and convenient. Atlanta rush hour sucks and I like the dependability of a train!
I've ridden the Marta by myself several times and never felt threatened in any way. Here's their website if interested: http://www.itsmarta.com

[Shell]

I've gone down to Atlanta on business a few times and found the MARTA very easy to use and convenient. Atlanta rush hour sucks and I like the dependability of a train!
I've ridden the Marta by myself several times and never felt threatened in any way. Here's their website if interested: http://www.itsmarta.com

[Shell]

I've gone down to Atlanta on business a few times and found the MARTA very easy to use and convenient. Atlanta rush hour sucks and I like the dependability of a train!
I've ridden the Marta by myself several times and never felt threatened in any way. Here's their website if interested: http://www.itsmarta.com

[nccanes]

This is longer than I expected. Read it when you're bored. ;)

Well, we did it. Our first Canes Road Trip. The game was a stinker, but the experience was worth it. I think Folgers had the same luck on his trip, a loss, but he enjoyed it too. I really hope to get in a game or two on the road next year.

Okay, here’s goes a little recap for those interested.

After arriving in Atlanta mid afternoon and checking into our hotel we headed to Philips Arena to buy tickets. We didn’t buy ahead of time because we didn’t want to get stuck with the tickets should the trip get canceled. Anyway, after looking for seats in the corner where the Canes shoot twice, I splurged and got 2nd row seats in the corner.

Philips is connected to CNN Center and it took us a little bit of time to find our way around since the security allowed you access into the building only thru certain doors. Anyway, once we knew our way around all was fine. (But Philips only has outdoor box office windows– how uncivilized! ;) )

After catching some lunch/dinner at a Mexican place, we made our way over to the Westin and decided to get a drink and cookie from the Starbucks in the lobby. Our timing was lucky I suppose, because we saw about half the team and coaches come down and grab a drink and mill around until it was time for them to leave. We left the Westin heading back to CNN Center and noticed about 5 guys waiting by the team bus, each with “stuff” for the players to sign. To me, they looked like people that would be turning around and selling it, no Canes fans for sure, no Thrashers fans, no kids or families.

After killing some more time at CNN Center, we went ahead and entered the arena when it opened. We peeked inside the arena to look around and find out where the Canes bench and entrance was before returning to the concourse to walk around, etc. Amazingly, the Thrashers shop had everything 50% off (can you imagine the Eye store doing that?). The kids picked up a fitted hat with the logo that was the least identifiable as Thrashers gear, lol.

When we went back to the arena, we made our way down to the Canes bench/entrance. Wally spotted us immediately and pointed and waved hello. We chatted with him for a bit and he gave the kids 2 pucks. Finally the team emerged (from behind the bench, just like at the RBC) and the kids were able to bump fists with a few of the guys as they came out. We moved around a bit during the warm-ups, and the kids went back to the entrance to wish them luck for the game. As we left to find out seats, Wally called out and gave them Wallin’s stick that had been cracked during warm-ups! :D Thrilling to them of course, especially for my son that is a lefty.

Anyway, our seats were 2nd row in the corner and we enjoyed the game as much as you could being a Canes fan. There were at least 15 Canes fans that I saw in the arena.

General comments about the arena/crowd. At first we thought that this place was “better/cooler” than the RBC, but by the end I realized I much prefer our arena. The place is so tall and cavernous that it seems very impersonal. The one side with 3 levels of luxury boxes is neat looking, but very odd. The “club” seats that are beneath them were virtually empty, so it must be strange for players to face that from the bench. The crowd was lively, but other than the goals, weren’t really loud, imo. There is a lot of “ambient” noise in that place (did I use that word correctly?). The whole lower level is made up retractable seats (perhaps not the club side) and during every break in play when people are going up and down a lot of noise is made on that aluminum flooring. It was freezing in there last night, and practically breezy in our seats. Twice I thought I was about to blink out a contact lens because they had dried out too much!

The crowd, as I mentioned, was lively. Many fewer families than here and more that didn’t seem to be really watching/reacting to the game than I notice here. For a winning night, they seemed a little grumpy. No standing O to greet the team, no real reaction to a PP or PK. They only had about a 2 in 6 winning percentage for the Kiss Cam, lol. Didn’t care for the never ending Jumbotron trivia/games that went on during the breaks. They had a roving microphone guy (J Bird) that would round people up for various things (totally not hockey related), so between that and the music they played over him, it just seemed like a bunch of stuff that never seemed to finish before the play started again. There were a few things that they did do that were different and nice.

Everyone we spoke to was very nice - fans and Philips employees. Even my kids commented about the ushers. As I mentioned in the game thread, my younger son was shown during the 2nd intermission on the Canes broadcast. Forslund said something like “some young Caniacs in attendance”.

Guess that’s the highlights, I’ve kind of skimmed over the game. If I think of anything worthy to add about that, I’ll do it in the game thread. Sorry for the length! :)

[nccanes]

This is longer than I expected. Read it when you're bored. ;)

Well, we did it. Our first Canes Road Trip. The game was a stinker, but the experience was worth it. I think Folgers had the same luck on his trip, a loss, but he enjoyed it too. I really hope to get in a game or two on the road next year.

Okay, here’s goes a little recap for those interested.

After arriving in Atlanta mid afternoon and checking into our hotel we headed to Philips Arena to buy tickets. We didn’t buy ahead of time because we didn’t want to get stuck with the tickets should the trip get canceled. Anyway, after looking for seats in the corner where the Canes shoot twice, I splurged and got 2nd row seats in the corner.

Philips is connected to CNN Center and it took us a little bit of time to find our way around since the security allowed you access into the building only thru certain doors. Anyway, once we knew our way around all was fine. (But Philips only has outdoor box office windows– how uncivilized! ;) )

After catching some lunch/dinner at a Mexican place, we made our way over to the Westin and decided to get a drink and cookie from the Starbucks in the lobby. Our timing was lucky I suppose, because we saw about half the team and coaches come down and grab a drink and mill around until it was time for them to leave. We left the Westin heading back to CNN Center and noticed about 5 guys waiting by the team bus, each with “stuff” for the players to sign. To me, they looked like people that would be turning around and selling it, no Canes fans for sure, no Thrashers fans, no kids or families.

After killing some more time at CNN Center, we went ahead and entered the arena when it opened. We peeked inside the arena to look around and find out where the Canes bench and entrance was before returning to the concourse to walk around, etc. Amazingly, the Thrashers shop had everything 50% off (can you imagine the Eye store doing that?). The kids picked up a fitted hat with the logo that was the least identifiable as Thrashers gear, lol.

When we went back to the arena, we made our way down to the Canes bench/entrance. Wally spotted us immediately and pointed and waved hello. We chatted with him for a bit and he gave the kids 2 pucks. Finally the team emerged (from behind the bench, just like at the RBC) and the kids were able to bump fists with a few of the guys as they came out. We moved around a bit during the warm-ups, and the kids went back to the entrance to wish them luck for the game. As we left to find out seats, Wally called out and gave them Wallin’s stick that had been cracked during warm-ups! :D Thrilling to them of course, especially for my son that is a lefty.

Anyway, our seats were 2nd row in the corner and we enjoyed the game as much as you could being a Canes fan. There were at least 15 Canes fans that I saw in the arena.

General comments about the arena/crowd. At first we thought that this place was “better/cooler” than the RBC, but by the end I realized I much prefer our arena. The place is so tall and cavernous that it seems very impersonal. The one side with 3 levels of luxury boxes is neat looking, but very odd. The “club” seats that are beneath them were virtually empty, so it must be strange for players to face that from the bench. The crowd was lively, but other than the goals, weren’t really loud, imo. There is a lot of “ambient” noise in that place (did I use that word correctly?). The whole lower level is made up retractable seats (perhaps not the club side) and during every break in play when people are going up and down a lot of noise is made on that aluminum flooring. It was freezing in there last night, and practically breezy in our seats. Twice I thought I was about to blink out a contact lens because they had dried out too much!

The crowd, as I mentioned, was lively. Many fewer families than here and more that didn’t seem to be really watching/reacting to the game than I notice here. For a winning night, they seemed a little grumpy. No standing O to greet the team, no real reaction to a PP or PK. They only had about a 2 in 6 winning percentage for the Kiss Cam, lol. Didn’t care for the never ending Jumbotron trivia/games that went on during the breaks. They had a roving microphone guy (J Bird) that would round people up for various things (totally not hockey related), so between that and the music they played over him, it just seemed like a bunch of stuff that never seemed to finish before the play started again. There were a few things that they did do that were different and nice.

Everyone we spoke to was very nice - fans and Philips employees. Even my kids commented about the ushers. As I mentioned in the game thread, my younger son was shown during the 2nd intermission on the Canes broadcast. Forslund said something like “some young Caniacs in attendance”.

Guess that’s the highlights, I’ve kind of skimmed over the game. If I think of anything worthy to add about that, I’ll do it in the game thread. Sorry for the length! :)

[Stormbringer]

Very cool Eileen...thanks for sharing this! :cool:

[Stormbringer]

Very cool Eileen...thanks for sharing this! :cool:

[Alicia]

Great post Eileen! Sounds like you guys had fun, in spite of the loss.

[Alicia]

Great post Eileen! Sounds like you guys had fun, in spite of the loss.

[hyena]

eileen, thanks for sharing your story! i only wish you could have gotten a win. when they showed your son on TV, i was like, "HEY, i know that kid!!"

i've never been to philips for a hockey game but i've been there for concerts. it's a really nice arena but definitely a step below the RBC. ;)

[hyena]

eileen, thanks for sharing your story! i only wish you could have gotten a win. when they showed your son on TV, i was like, "HEY, i know that kid!!"

i've never been to philips for a hockey game but i've been there for concerts. it's a really nice arena but definitely a step below the RBC. ;)

[Turbulence]

After catching some lunch/dinner at a Mexican place,

Would that be Linner? It follows the same rule as Brunch, I guess. :cool:

Good Road Trippin'. I'd love to get to an away game sometime...anywhere but MSG (Weird dream about an away game at MSG...did I ever tell y'all about it?)...sounds like Phillips is easy to get to and easy to get seats for.

:vamp:

[Turbulence]

After catching some lunch/dinner at a Mexican place,

Would that be Linner? It follows the same rule as Brunch, I guess. :cool:

Good Road Trippin'. I'd love to get to an away game sometime...anywhere but MSG (Weird dream about an away game at MSG...did I ever tell y'all about it?)...sounds like Phillips is easy to get to and easy to get seats for.

:vamp:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yay! Thanks for the report Eileen! I missed your son on TV but we have the game on tape so I'll go back and look for him sometime this weekend. I was thinking y'all might get on!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yay! Thanks for the report Eileen! I missed your son on TV but we have the game on tape so I'll go back and look for him sometime this weekend. I was thinking y'all might get on!

[nccanes]

Yay! Thanks for the report Eileen! I missed your son on TV but we have the game on tape so I'll go back and look for him sometime this weekend. I was thinking y'all might get on!

The kids were hoping for it for sure.

I re-read my post and realized I didn't give Wally enough props. I have to say that Wally has got to be one of the coolest dudes around. He is always so happy and is so nice to boot. Two people were sitting behind the kids as they were leaning over waiting for the team and were just so surprised/impressed that Wally recognized us and gave the kids pucks, etc. They were rather shocked when Wally said "wait" and then handed up Nicky's stick. Of course, Wally said something like "now, this is for your Mom" and laughed. ;)

[nccanes]

Yay! Thanks for the report Eileen! I missed your son on TV but we have the game on tape so I'll go back and look for him sometime this weekend. I was thinking y'all might get on!

The kids were hoping for it for sure.

I re-read my post and realized I didn't give Wally enough props. I have to say that Wally has got to be one of the coolest dudes around. He is always so happy and is so nice to boot. Two people were sitting behind the kids as they were leaning over waiting for the team and were just so surprised/impressed that Wally recognized us and gave the kids pucks, etc. They were rather shocked when Wally said "wait" and then handed up Nicky's stick. Of course, Wally said something like "now, this is for your Mom" and laughed. ;)

[CanesFever]

Thanks for that great post, Eileen. It was really an interesting read. I agree with you wholeheartedly about Wally. He's the BEST!

[CanesFever]

Thanks for that great post, Eileen. It was really an interesting read. I agree with you wholeheartedly about Wally. He's the BEST!

[Alicia]

Thanks for that great post, Eileen. It was really an interesting read. I agree with you wholeheartedly about Wally. He's the BEST!

Yes, he definitely is!

[Alicia]

Thanks for that great post, Eileen. It was really an interesting read. I agree with you wholeheartedly about Wally. He's the BEST!

Yes, he definitely is!

[Jeff O Rocks]

Glad you had fun nccanes....sorry the game was not fun!! and you guys are all correct...Wally is the best!!

[Jeff O Rocks]

Glad you had fun nccanes....sorry the game was not fun!! and you guys are all correct...Wally is the best!!

[crazy4canes]

Thanks for the report, Eileen! I agree, their arena is very odd. Looks cool when you first walk in, but that soon wears off.

[crazy4canes]

Thanks for the report, Eileen! I agree, their arena is very odd. Looks cool when you first walk in, but that soon wears off.