Where Can You Find the Top Seating for a Hockey Game?

audience in their sits looking at the ice hockey game

Navigating hockey game seating can be a bit of a challenge. The ultimate seating choice is often influenced by your personal taste, although some general principles can offer guidance.

For the optimum hockey game experience, consider securing seats located halfway up the lower section, positioned at either end of the neutral zone. These specific seats offer an unobstructed view of all the on-ice action, ensuring you won’t miss any captivating moments.

Undoubtedly, one of the least desirable spots to sit during a hockey game is situated behind the net, regardless of the level. While attending a hockey game is enjoyable, being positioned in this area often hampers your ability to gain a clear view of the gameplay, resulting in a reliance on the jumbo tron to follow the action.

Let’s delve further into the diverse seating options available at hockey games, delving into the advantages and disadvantages associated with each.

AspectLower BowlUpper BowlSuites
ViewClose, immersiveElevated, broadVaried, panoramic
ProximityCloser to actionFurther from iceVaries
CostModerate to highAffordableHigh
ComfortComfortableStandard seatingPremium
AmenitiesBasic concessionsLimited amenitiesEnhanced
Crowd DensityModerately crowdedLess crowdedExclusive
SocializationClose interactionLimited interactionExclusive
Special FeaturesFan zones possibleN/APrivate services

Close-Up Experience: Ice Level Seats by the Glass

Ice level seating, positioned right alongside the glass, presents a distinctive opportunity. These seats provide spectators with an intimate encounter, bringing them so close to the action that they can even catch the players’ conversations on the ice. The sensation of witnessing a powerful collision against the glass just inches away is truly unparalleled.

Nevertheless, exercise caution if you place your drink on the glass, as it often ends up being accidentally spilled.

For those seeking a firsthand view of the game, opting for ice level seats is a must. Among the most coveted positions at a hockey match are those situated against the glass. If an up-close game experience is what you desire, these seats undoubtedly offer the prime choice.

Yet, a significant drawback of ice level seating is its proximity to the ice, making it challenging to observe the action at the far ends.

Prime Views: Lower Bowl Seating

  • Lower bowl seating often represents the finest options available at a hockey match. These seats provide excellent vantage points to enjoy the unfolding action, strategically situated at the arena’s midpoint between the ice level and the upper bowl.

In lower bowl seating, you’ll find it much simpler to take in the entirety of the action without the need to strain your eyes to discern players’ names on their jerseys, a challenge commonly faced in upper bowl seats.

Affordable Perspective: Upper Bowl Seating

  • The upper bowl commonly offers tickets at a more economical price point, while still granting a satisfactory game view.

Interestingly, certain individuals might actually favor the upper bowl over other seating sections. It strikes a balance – not overly close to the ice where visibility becomes an issue, yet not so high that you feel disconnected from the excitement.

Consider this: there must be a rationale for many scouts opting for boxes situated at the arena’s summit rather than closer to the ice.

These seats not only come at a more budget-friendly rate than those below, but they also generally offer a less congested environment, affording attendees an enhanced game perspective.

In most venues, the upper bowl stands as the most affordable alternative. Remarkable seats can often be secured for $50 or even less.

Elevated Luxury: Arena Suites

  • In many hockey arenas, there exists a segment of seating known as “club seats” or “suites.” These spaces generally offer superior vistas and a higher level of amenities compared to other sections within the arena.

A significant number of these suites are equipped with private restrooms and dedicated waitstaff, all designed to enhance the enjoyment of your time spent at the game.

Moreover, suites extend access to diverse food and beverage choices, ensuring you have all the essentials for crafting an indelible and remarkable experience.

NHL Game Costs: Factors and Options

Curious about the price of experiencing an NHL game? 

  • On average, attending a hockey game costs around $100. However, this figure is variable, contingent upon a range of factors;
  • Your seat’s location, the quantity of tickets you purchase, the ticket type, and the city you’re in will all influence the ticket price.

For instance, watching a Toronto Maple Leafs game will consistently prove more expensive than attending a Florida Panthers match. Surprisingly, there are instances when it’s actually more cost-effective to watch the Leafs play on an away game. Traveling to Florida, arranging accommodation, and securing game tickets can often be a more economical way to catch the Toronto Maple Leafs in action than when they’re playing on their home turf.

  • Distinct arenas feature divergent pricing for their tickets. If you’re in search of a budget-friendly avenue to witness a hockey game, it’s advisable to explore various venues to identify those offering lower ticket costs.

If you’re open to allocating more funds for your tickets or have connections with individuals possessing surplus tickets, you might even secure access to seats within the first few rows without an exorbitant expenditure.

Factors Behind High Hockey Ticket Prices

Ever wonder about the steep costs of hockey tickets? Many hockey matches unfold in arenas nestled within bustling metropolises, where the cost of living tends to be elevated. Notably, teams like the New York Rangers and New York Islanders play in league-owned venues, enabling them to retain all generated profits.

This holds true for NHL franchises with ownership of their arenas. The Montreal Canadiens, for instance, command premium prices, surpassing other teams due to their arena ownership and subsequent ticket pricing strategies.

Furthermore, the NHL leverages the high ticket prices as a tool for promoting their product to potential sponsors and partners. Frequently, the league offers promotional bundles, where game tickets might be listed at $150 each, or two tickets can be acquired for $200 each if purchased beyond the local area. This strategy encourages attendees to explore additional hockey-related purchases, including branded jerseys, refreshments, souvenirs, and memorabilia.

Lastly, the scarcity of available tickets plays a pivotal role in driving up their prices. The law of supply and demand is at play, as hockey fans vie for a limited number of tickets before they’re completely sold out.

The Hockey Arena with the Most Seats

Presently, the Bell Centre in Montreal holds the distinction of being the world’s largest hockey arena. With a capacity to accommodate up to 21,273 spectators, this arena stands as a remarkable gathering place for hockey enthusiasts.

Its reputation extends beyond mere size, as it has garnered recognition as one of the premier destinations in North America for experiencing the thrill of a hockey game.

Conclusion

In the world of hockey, the best seats offer a spectrum of experiences. From the intense intimacy of ice level seats to the panoramic view of the lower bowl, each section has its unique appeal. Suites and club seats elevate luxury, while the upper bowl balances affordability with decent views. Ultimately, the choice rests on your preferences – whether it’s proximity, comfort, or budget. Regardless of where you sit, the electrifying energy of a hockey game is a constant that transcends seating, ensuring a thrilling experience for every fan.