Downtown Everett Hockey

Official Review by , Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

The $83.3 million dollar, 8,300 seat (8,500 with standing room only), Comcast Arena opened its doors in September of 2003. That same year the Western Hockey League expanded to include a new franchise, the Everett Silvertips. While the Silvertips opened their inaugural season on the road, they played their first home game at Comcast Arena on October 4, 2003.

Food & Beverage    4

Inside Comcast Arena you have several great choices including the incredible "Arena Grill" that features a beautiful view of the entire arena to go with their great food. As you make your way around the arena you will find classic choices like hot dogs ($3.50-$4), Philly Cheesesteaks ($8), pulled pork sandwiches ($10), chicken strips ($8), Bratwursts ($7.50), hamburgers ($7-$9), pizza (from local company Alfy's Pizza, starting at $5) as well as bottomless selections on popcorn ($8) & pop ($8). Other selections include a Wine & Tappas Bar featuring a great selection of local Washington Wines, "Habenero's" a build your own nacho bar and "Possession Sound Surf & Turf" featuring fish & chips ($10) and a local favorite, clam chowder ($8).

If you are a beer guy or gal, Comcast Arena serves up the usual suspects with Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Miller Light, Coors & Coors Light. However, they feature some great micro brews that include Kona Longboard, Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen and Power Play Pale Ale, which can only be found at Comcast Arena and is specially made for the Everett Silvertips by the Scuttlebutt Brewing Company located in Everett, WA.

Atmosphere    3

Everything inside of Comcast Arena screams hockey from the big posters advertising upcoming games, to the banners of past team achievements hanging from the rafters. While I am not big into hockey, I really appreciate the team history that can be seen and felt as you walk around the arena.

Neighborhood    4

Comcast Arena is located in downtown Everett, WA. The area surrounding the arena is different on all sides. Directly across Hewitt Ave (on the north side) you have many small businesses, including restaurants & pubs sure to satisfy any craving. The selection includes Brooklyn Bro's Pizzeria (classic New York style pizza), Gordito's Healthy Mexican Food, traditional bar food at the Ynot Sports Pub & more upscale pub grub from the Fish Tale Brew Pub (including organic and gluten free) who also feature several beers brewed in-house. The other side (south side), on Wall Street, has several office buildings as well as the multiple story Snohomish County Corrections Facility. Despite its proximity to this building I can honestly say that at no time have I felt like I was in a bad part of town when I have visited the Comcast Arena. The neighborhood feels very safe, despite the corrections facility being located so close.

Fans    4

Silvertip fans are rabid hockey fans. They know their sport and they are proud of it. While they may not turn out in mass for every home game, the few thousand that are there make their presence known throughout the game.

Access    4

With its bridge like spires on top, the arena can be seen from the major highway, Interstate 5, that runs through town making it easy to find. There are several free parking spots on the street surrounding the arena as well as a few paid lots ($10/spot) on either side of the arena.

Return on Investment    3

Between the free parking, great food and an even better microbrew selection to go along with some really exciting local hockey, you simply can't go wrong for what you will pay to attend an Everett Silvertips game at the Comcast Arena.

Extras    3

Bonus points to the builders of Comcast Arena for making the box seats big enough so even the larger fans, like myself, can sit in the seats comfortably.