This week’s top five,
inspired by the recent news of the New York Islanders to move to Brooklyn’s
Barclay Center, features the top venues in the NHL today taking into account
atmosphere as well as physical appeal.
By Andrew Miller
As of Friday, the NHL has cancelled all games through
November, a clear sign that the two sides remain far apart and that a full
season is no longer a possibility. Early estimates put the total lost money at
$720 million. NHLPA leader, Donald Fehr commented the owners knew their
decision to reject the proposals, “after considering them for only ten
minutes.” It seems as if the lockout has no near end as more and more players
move over seas.
5. Prudential Center (New Jersey Devils)
Located in Newark, New Jersey, “The Rock” starts off the
list at number five. Not known to be a hockey hot bed, the Prudential Center
offers fans a great viewing experience. It was opened in 2007 and features wide
open concourses as well as many great areas to catch some grub in between
period. Although the arena only holds 17,625 fans, the Devils faithful are
always loud and into the game.
4. Madison Square Garden (New York Rangers)
Often called the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square
Garden comes in at number four in the best places to watch a hockey game. The
oldest arena on the list, constructed in 1968, has a longer history than any
other venue in sports. “The Garden” boasted a 100 percent sell out rate last
year and is simply a special place to catch a game. From the signature ceiling
to the iconic Rangers emblem at center ice, Madison Square Garden should be on
the bucket list of any true hockey fan.
3. United Center (Chicago Blackhawks)
“The Madhouse on Madison” opened for business in 1994,
receiving renovations in 2009 to its 300 level seating. Although fans pack the
house by leading the league in attendance with 21,533 people per game, just a
few years ago in the 07-08 seasons the United Center posted a third to last
capacity rate of 82 percent. However, post cup era, the Hawks put the mad back
in madhouse coming in with 108 percent capacity rate in the past season. Always
an electric atmosphere, fans erupt every time the signature goal song, “Chelsea
Dagger” goes off in Chicago, placing the arena at number three.
2. Joe Louis Arena (Detroit Red Wings)
Located appropriately at 19 Steve Yzerman Drive, Joe Louis
offers a great environment to see one of the most consistently elite teams in
the league. Nicknamed “The Joe”, it has hosted four Stanley Cups since opening
in 1979. Come playoff time, one can see the ritual of a squid hitting the ice
to commemorate a local fish vender who threw the eight tentacled animal onto
the ice to symbolize the then eight wins it took to win Lord Stanley’s Cup.
There is a reason it has hockey town painted on the ice as the struggling city
continues to come out to support their Detroit Red Wings in droves, creating a
special atmosphere that places “The Joe” second on the list.
1. Bell Centre (Montreal Canadians)
All five previous arenas have something special to offer
even an average fan, but the Bell Centre turns watching hockey into a near
religious experience. A sea of red fills the seats for every game, selling out
every game last year while having one of the biggest arenas in the NHL. Start
with showcasing your countries favorite sport, add 24 championships and a fan
base built since the original six, and the result is the loudest place for a
hockey game in the world. This absolutely electric atmosphere gives the Bell
Centre the honor of Best Arena in the NHL
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