Hockey on the Upscale
Written: Dec 31 '00
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Pros: cleaner, roomier, comfortable seats
Cons: less spirited than the Spectrum
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| jwalters24's Full Review: First Union Center |
I've been a hockey fan since before I was out of diapers. I was lucky enough to have a much older brother who toted me around to all the games. I can remember the old Spectrum like it was yesterday. Yes it was dirty, crowded, and in need of some help, but it was also full of this incredible spirit for it's team. There's nothing like the old fashioned hockey fans during a good game.
I was sure I'd miss that old place when the First Union Center opened. That feeling lasted until I set foot in the new arena. The first thing I noticed was the enormous size of the place. It's so much bigger than the Spectrum was. The floors were real, and not concrete, and the place just had a friendlier atmosphere (unless you're from the visiting team!!). There are Flyers displays up all over the place, and it's a Flyer fan paradise.
My first time at the First Union Center, my husband was entertaining clients, and we sat in the club box seats. I noticed that each section had their own bathrooms and cash bar, and the neat thing was the restaraunt directly behind us. We made reservations and ate between periods. They serve "real" dinners complete with salads and bread. The price is a bit expensive though. The seats themselves were very comfortable, and there was more room than at the Spectrum. I didn't feel smushed at all. The only drawback to the box seats was the crowd didn't seem to be into the game as much as I was used to. Most of them seemed to be the corporate type, entertaining their clients. I like to get into the game, so I stuck out like a sore thumb.
Usually when my husband and I go to a game, we sit in regular seats on the lower level. These seats are also much more spacious than at the Spectrum, and everything is definitely cleaner. There are more restrooms, and less waiting to use the bathroom, which is a plus when you want to hurry back and see the game. There are many modern concession stands, all with good food. The only problem is the expense. A few hot dogs and a coke can set you back a good $10.00 There is also a wonderful roast beef sandwich stand! The lines are usually long, but it's worth the wait.
Speaking of price, the tickets for good seats can range upwards from $45. It's also $10 to park. I think the price increase has made it hard for the every day crowd to attend a lot of games. The crowd now is more of the yuppy type, and definitely not as rowdy as the crowd at the Spectrum. We were at the Flyers/Devils game seven, and although it was loud, it wasn't nearly as spirited as it would have been in the Spectrum.
Finding the First Union Center is easy, and there are four entrances off of two main roads. Parking can be a hassle sometimes, unless you have a preferred parking pass. We were herded in all different directions before finally being able to park. The walking distance wasn't extremely far, but it was farther than I'd like to walk for $10.
There are a lot of small souvenir shops, and one large one at the main entrance. There is a good variety of items here, but some are expensive. The jerseys can be found much cheaper elsewhere, but the t-shirts and smaller ticket items are fairly priced.
Overall, the First Union Center is a much needed improvement over the Spectrum. It's cleaner, friendlier, and has more commodities. There's an amazing light and sound system, and the scoreboard shows instant replays, just in case you missed something. My experiences at the First Union Center have all been positive, and the Flyers have definitely made it their new home. The only thing I miss is the old crowd and the spirit that seems to be a little toned down at the new arena.
Recommended:
Yes
Parking Availability: Busy But Manageable
Seat Location: First 20 Rows
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Epinions.com ID:
jwalters24
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Member: Jennifer Walters
Location: Elizabethtown, PA
Reviews written: 170
Trusted by: 23 members
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