Going to a live NHL game for the first time...questions about getting the best out of my experience?

Question

So now that I'm lucky enough to live and go to college in two cities with NHL franchises, since I recently moved (Washington Capitals and Nashville Predators), I've decided that I want to attend at least one home game of each team in these coming weeks. Nashville's next home game isn't until Saturday, November 14 against the Montreal Canadiens. I plan on watching the Capitals play the Buffalo Sabres when I go home for Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 25.

So first of all comes buying the tickets. I have little to spare so I'm looking mostly for affordability, though am willing to pay a little more if it significantly improves my experience. Where do you all buy your tickets? What source has affordable prices and a good selection? I've only looked at Ticketmaster (they charge a fee on everything) and Stubhub so far. For watching the Predators, finding tickets won't be a problem, as I've found out that they have incredible promotions. I'll be able to get guaranteed $10 tickets (they release 100 tickets at this price every gameday this season), although they are "upper level." Should I settle for that? Is the view from way up there acceptable?

So now I'm just looking for Washington Capitals tickets for the game against the Sabres. I'm finding the lowest price to be about $25 now. Which side of the upper area of the rink makes for the best viewing? The ends (north-south)? Corners? Center (east-west, facing players' benches)? And finally, do you have any specific tips once I'm there watching the game? What to wear, what to eat, etc, etc? Thanks a bunch. I'm hoping this turns out great, as I've been a hockey fan since 2001 (though not exactly loyal, after neglecting to pay attention a couple years after the lockout), but haven't really had the opportunity to attend games until now.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

get the upper level. The view is still good, but the cost is a lot less. My recommendation would be the first few rows of the top level of the arena close to center ice. If you have to settle for a corner seat, choose the side where your favorite team will shoot twice(1st and 3rd period). It should be listed if you view the arena seating chart. I sat near the corner in the 2nd last row at HSBC earlier this season and the view was actually pretty good. I was pleasantly surprised.

For the Caps, I found this ticket exchange thing on their website where season ticket holders sell tix to games they can't attend https://teamexchange.ticketmaster.com/ht…

I'd go to a bar/restaurant before the game near the arena. Probably lots of other hockey fans there, and you won't get killed by the overpriced arena food. Remember to 'rock the red' at the Caps game, and enjoy all the Sabre fans that will be in attendance. I hear that some of them are really obnoxious.

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Asker's Comment:

Thanks to you and Leafsfan as well for the advice.

Answer 2

between the bluelines, upper deck. stay in your seat while the puck is in play.

Answer 3

Nashville: The upper bowl is fine. Personally, I prefer sitting at the ends (I have season tickets and my seats are behind one of the goals) in that you can see the play develop. If you can get a $10 ticket go for it; you can't even see a movie for that nowdays! There's a few decent bars near the arena (I found a microbrew pub that was popular with the locals- the last time I was in Nashville was spring 2007, so things may well have changed- the name of the place escapes me). For Nashville, figure there will be a pretty good Habs contingent (the Original Six teams all have pretty solid fanbases although for Nashville, I'm sure Chicago and Detroit being divisional rivals probably get a better turnout) especially on a Saturday night.

Washington: Been there several times (it's an easy drive from Toronto); if you can sit at the end the home team shoots at (given their offensive nature) you'd probably do well (for the upper bowl). I'd avoid the corners if you can. Tons of bars close to the arena (there's one that's connected to the arena that's pretty popular- the name escapes me but they had a good selection of draft beer), and they have a subway station right at the arena. Really, it's one of the best setups in the league. Given that you're going the day before American Thanksgiving, I'd say shop around; I can't help but think you'll have a ton of folks dump tickets.

Source(s):

Been to 2/3 of the NHL rinks