Hockey Night in South Bend

Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder

When you think of Notre Dame, you probably think of football. As well you should. Notre Dame is one of those historic programs with an absolutely historic home in Notre Dame Stadium. You should go see a Notre Dame football game if you ever have a chance.

However, Notre Dame hockey is not without its tradition. The founder of the program, as well as the first head coach, was Charles "Lefty" Smith. Smith guided the program into NCAA Division I play in 1968. Smith sadly passed away in early January 2012, but not before the University decided to honor him by naming the ice at Compton Family Ice Arena, Lefty Smith Rink. Prior to Smith, Notre Dame also maintained a hockey squad that played from 1919-1927, as well as one season in 1912-1913.

The program has never won an NCAA championship in hockey, but appearances in the Frozen Four in 2008 and 2010 have raised expectations in South Bend.

The new ice and the new $50 million facility are both immaculate, and you can certainly add a trip to Compton Family Ice Arena to your must see list if you are a fan of college hockey. In fact, it may very well be possible to see a football game at Notre Dame Stadium as well as a hockey game in the same day. Check the schedules carefully in October and November.

Food & Beverage    5

Looks can certainly be deceiving. I took one pass around the spacious concourse to get my bearings, and thought that I would be expecting the usual mix of hot dogs and the three P's of sports arena food (pretzels, popcorn, and pizza). These were here of course, but there are several interesting options that make it worthwhile for you to save your appetite until you arrive at the game.

There's the Duck Dog ($7) which is made from locally sourced duck from a farm in Middlebury, Indiana and it was absolutely delicious. I also tried the Irish Poppers ($6) which are corned beef, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut in ball form and then deep fried and served with a thousand island dipping sauce - really good. Also on the menu is a pot roast sandwich ($8.50), chicken Philly flatbread sandwich ($7), rib-eye sandwich ($10.50), Dyngus Dog (which is loaded with potatoes, cheese, and sauerkraut, $7). There are several more options, but those are the highlights.

They serve Coca-Cola products at Compton Family Ice Arena. A large souvenir sized soda is $5, and a small will cost you $4. If you have a serious need for pop, then you can get the bottomless soda for $8. There are also hot beverages, which I rather like when attending a hockey game. Cocoa and coffee go for $3, or you can get a souvenir cup for $6 (they are big on souvenir sized items, as they have a souvenir popcorn as well, $7).

If you don't like your selection at one concession, then just keep walking because the options vary with each stand. Another great thing about the food experience is that the concourse surrounds the stands and ice, so you can always keep an eye on the action as you wait in line or walk around. There are also several ledges along the seating area if you want to stand and watch the game while you polish off your encased meat.

The South Bend Chocolate Company also has a stand, selling their wares by the pound. If you have a significant other who is begrudgingly dragged to the occasional game, then this may be a good way to make it up to her (or him as the case may be).

Atmosphere    5

I really like the Notre Dame campus. I know that Notre Dame tends to be school or sports team that people either love or hate, but to me there is just a special energy when you're on the campus of Notre Dame. Compton Family Ice Arena is close enough to Notre Dame Stadium and Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center that you can take a walk around those stadiums. In fact, on November 12, 2011, the football, hockey, and basketball teams all played home games at their respective home venues. That would have made for quite a triple header!

The exterior of Compton Family Ice Arena matches perfectly with many of the other buildings on the campus, sort of a new gothic look. Inside, with the exception of the west end which is bleacher seating, you will find blue plastic chairback seats with better than average legroom and cupholders.

The Notre Dame Hockey Band is located on the second level, and does a good job of punching out pop hits and traditional Irish fight songs. Above the band you will see four flags beneath the words "God, Country, Notre Dame." The four flags (United States, Canada, Austria, and Sweden) represent the four nations where Notre Dame players have hailed from over the years. Presumably this will grow as their international recruiting persists.

The scoreboard is state of the art with changing and interesting angles of what is happening on the ice. This is especially good when the puck is along the boards and you don't have a great angle from your seat. The sound system is new and very loud, with bass that will shake your seat. This may or may not be your thing, but there is no denying that it peps up even this crowd which skews a bit older in demographics than other college hockey venues I have visited.

Neighborhood    4

Some of the neighborhood is certainly the lovely campus, and weather permitting, a walk to the Golden Dome and the Touchdown Jesus mural on the library are worth your time, as well as a lap around the football stadium.

I have really come to like Legends of Notre Dame, a bar/restaurant located in the same parking lot, just across from the Leahy entrance to the football stadium. They serve really good food, and have interesting beers, including local options. There are a number of cleverly named entrees, like the "Build One for the Gipper" burger. Most important though, it is convenient.

If you want to venture into South Bend proper, then my recommendation would be Mulligan's, a fun and friendly little spot that is a good spot to grab a pint or two.

If you are early, and want to take in some culture, then check out the Snite Museum of Art on campus, on the northwest side of the football stadium.

Fans    3

The band doubles as the student section essentially, and do their part, but they could be better supported by larger numbers of Notre Dame students.

The remainder of the crowd does tend to be a bit older, with several families in attendance as well. Dressed mostly in blue and white with smatterings of green, the crowd remains engaged, but often stoic during play.

Access    5

I was pleasantly surprised to find free parking at the hockey game, something that is always appreciated especially when visiting a larger program like Notre Dame. Bathrooms are clean and modern. Concourses are wide. Getting in and out was rather easy. All in all, it doesn't get much easier to attend a game than what you will expect going to a Notre Dame hockey game. There was a bit of gridlock leaving the lot, but nothing too drastic.

My greatest difficulty was that a new venue, residing on a road that doesn't really exist was not something my GPS was up for. But once I searched for Notre Dame Stadium I was all set.

Return on Investment    5

Tickets along the glass are only $20. Other lower bowl seats are $14, or $7 for seniors (defined as over 55) and youth (defined as college age with ID or younger). Seats in the mezzanine or with access to the club O'Brien's are only $20. It really is an amazing value, and though tickets are hard to come by in the inaugural season, it's a great deal if you can get your hands on them.

Add in free parking and fairly reasonably priced and interesting food options, and you will be in for a good night, which is also cost effective.

Extras    4

One extra point for the very friendly staff. I was greeted probably 10 times as I traversed the arena, and not with that "Can I see you ticket" kind of look, but just a friendly warm smile and nod of the head or short good evening. I have had similar experiences at both football and basketball games, so it is clearly no accident, and the University and staff are to be commended.

Another extra point to Lefty Smith. I was fortunate to attend the first home game after his passing, and there were fitting tributes to the man before the game and during the first intermission. The naming of the ice had already occurred, but it felt just that much more special to see his name down on the ice on this particular occasion.

A third extra point for the kids game that was played during the first intermission. This is a somewhat common promotion at hockey and basketball games, but to do it with play-by-play, and instant replays on the scoreboard was pretty special, especially because these kids looked like they were about 5 years old. It was pretty cool.

Finally a fourth point for that indescribable feeling you get when you visit some place special. Notre Dame in general does that for me, and the football stadium does as well. Who knew that hockey would have that certain je ne sais quoi?

Final Thoughts

If you haven't experienced a college hockey game, then it is something I highly suggest you explore. There are a multitude of great collegiate hockey experiences out there, and Notre Dame and the brand new Compton Family Ice Arena is certainly among those. Go this year if you can. You can thank me later.