The Best Spectator Sport...Bar None!
Dec 29 '00
There are always arguments as to which sport is the best way to see live in person but in my opinion, there is absolutely no experience like attending a hockey game. It is always an awesome, entertaining time and there a couple of things you can do to make the overall experience even better. Watching a game on television does not do it any justice.
The poetic artistry of the game can not be truly appreciated unless you actually see a game in person. A hockey game has many things happening at once which are interrelated to the flow of the game. If you have never attended a game before, you will be amazed at how much action is actually occuring on the ice surface between the continuous line changes and skating, the hard hitting body checks, the vociferous crowds, and the generally high energy atmosphere. Don't get me wrong; other sports like baseball and basketball are fun to attend to, but for excitement maximized, hockey is the ultimate.
Here are a couple of words of advice to help make attending a hockey game a better experience for you and those whom you attend with:
Eat Before The Game
Unless you have absolutely no time to spare, always lay out an hour of time to grab a bite before entering the arena. Food and drinks are expensive and the beer is watered down yet more expensive too. It is fun to go to a restaurant or a fast food joint with pals before the game to unwind after a day of work and get pumped up for the game, too.
Bring Your Vocal Cords
There is absolutely, positively nothing worse than a quiet arena. I have been to a couple of New York Islanders games at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island and this place makes a library look like Grand Central Station! It drains all the enjoyment out of the game when the place is quiet. Hockey is a passionate game, so a lack of emotion definitively decreases the fun. Make some noise!
Public Transportation
If available and practical, saves you time, money, and aggravation looking for parking and trying to get out of the lot after the game is over as well.
Use The Facilities Before The Game
The lines at the restroom in between periods are always long, winding, and endless. You will miss game play, guaranteed, if you go there right when the period ends.
Bring a Hockey Virgin!
Whenever someone who has never seen a game live before goes, they are a fan for life. They will be shocked by how much fun the game is and how exciting it is.
Wear a Hockey Jersey
Nothing worse than having the guy next to you wearing a suit and tie. I have my Messier jersey which always comes out when going to a Ranger game.
Get There Early (If You Can)
I never used to go in the arena too early but once I did and watched the warm ups and was amazed. First, you are allowed to go rink side in most arenas ( including Madison Square Garden ) and see the warm ups up close and personal. Most people ( like myself ) can neither obtain, have access to, or afford rinkside seats. This is your only chance to see the heroes of the game close. When I have a chance and time, I love seeing the players warm up and take glass rattling slap shots getting ready for the game. You appreciate the speed and skills a lot more after seeing the way they prepare for the game.
Have Fun!
Enjoy yourself. Cheer your favorite team and players. You are seeing the greatest spectator sport in the world.
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Epinions.com ID:
roynyr
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Member: Roy
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Update 2/22/09 - I have written my 300th review!!
GAME ON!
Huge NY Rangers fan!
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