Munn Ice Arena

Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder

For 323 games, in a period that extended from 1985-2003, Munn Ice Arena sold out every single game. It is either fortunate or unfortunate when you visit today that the streak is no longer in effect. The availability of tickets is a good thing, but I would love to see this venue when it is packed with fans.

An unremarkable, but comfortable venue, Munn Ice Arena has been the home of Michigan State Spartan hockey since 1974. The arena holds 6,470 when at capacity, and provides fans with mostly green plastic bleacher seating with slightly below average leg room.

College hockey is one of the best environments to witness the sport, and a trip to Munn Ice Arena is no exception.

Food & Beverage    3

When I entered the arena on the north side, I instantly smelled that intoxicating aroma of roasted nuts. It is becoming almost typical to find roasted cashews and almonds in a sports stadium/arena, and the nuts sold here (which by the way emanate from the south end of the arena) are some of the best that I have had, and worth the price for a $5 small (get the small, it's all you'll need).

Otherwise, the menu is pretty unremarkable. The pizza is made on the premises ($4), but was just average. I would recommend going for the Johnsonville bratwurst ($4), which was rather juicy and delicious. Other options include the basic hot dog ($3.50), pretzel ($3.50), nachos ($3.50), and carmel corn ($3).

Soda is available by Pepsi with a medium going for $3.50, or a large in a souvenir cup for $4. Hot beverages, always preferred at a hockey game, include Tim Horton's brand coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino ($2).

Atmosphere    4

This isn't the kind of place that will give you goose bumps the second you enter the arena, but there are 3 National Championship banners hanging over center ice, and that certainly adds to the historical aspect.

The first five rows near the boards are green plastic seats with chairbacks and slightly below average leg room. The next 13 rows are green plastic bleachers. There are no cupholders and the atmosphere is pretty ordinary.

I'll get more into it in the Fans section, but it is the student section and the interest of the other fans that really makes for a fun environment to watch hockey.

There is no scoreboard hanging over the center of the ice, an omission that I really enjoy, and makes for a cleaner viewing experience. Instead there are video boards high behind each goal, and scoreboards in opposing corners displaying the basics; time, score, period, and penalty information.

My recommendation on where to sit would be section H, so you are at center ice, and facing the Spartans bench, as well as the student section (section X). The home and visiting benches face each other, with the penalty box being on the Spartans side.

Aisles are guarded by ushers, limiting the movement in the seating area while the puck is in play, which is a very good thing indeed.

Neighborhood    3

East Lansing, Michigan is a college town in every sense. Don't confuse the Michigan state capital of Lansing with the green and white capital of East Lansing. They may be close in proximity, but they are very different.

Regardless of the sport, whether it is football at Spartan Stadium or basketball at the Breslin Center, I like to go to the Harrison Roadhouse. They have delicious burgers and a wonderful beer menu, and they are only about a 1/2 mile from the arena. It's a bit of a walk if you choose to go that way, but reasonable if the night isn't especially wintry.

Next door is Roadhouse Pub, which is nothing to write home about. On the night of my visit, I had the pleasure of sitting next to surefire hall of famer Chris Chelios at the bar, and I admit that influenced my interest in the place. There are also pool tables here if you're looking for a place to have some drinks and spend some time either before or after the game.

Another favorite of mine is Dublin Square, a slightly upscale Irish pub with good food and bar scene.

Fans    4

The thing that makes college hockey special is the presence of the student section. There is typically a band for home games amongst the students, but they do a pretty good job of their own, standing and cheering (and taunting) throughout the contest. The rest of the stands seem to be filled with fans who absolutely love hockey. They are a quiet bunch, but that is only because they are intently watching the hockey before them. They will erupt after a goal, along with a blaring horn, and the playing of the Michigan State fight song. You'll also find the concourses virtually empty when the game is on, a true testament to the interest and support of the fans.

Access    4

It is just a short drive to get to Munn Ice Arena off of US-127, I-69, or I-96. I was happy to find that parking was only $5 along Kalamazoo Street, just in front of Jenison Fieldhouse. From there, it's just a short walk to the non-descript building in between Breslin Center and Spartan Stadium.

Once inside, there is a single concourse above the lone seating bowl. It is very wide, and also offers fans a great place to stand and watch hockey from whatever perspective they like.

There are only two restrooms for each gender. They aren't overly large, but I didn't notice any lines forming, even between periods.

Return on Investment    3

Tickets for Michigan State Spartan hockey start at $20. The ticket buying process is far from straightforward if you visit the Michigan State athletics website. It seems as though buying a ticket is only possible through a resale, and even that is rather difficult to navigate. Don't expect to walk up to the window to snag a ticket.

Once you're able to actually find a ticket though, you can look forward to an enjoyable night of hockey. Concessions are average, but fairly priced, and parking is reasonable as well.

Extras    2

One extra point is awarded to the opportunity to sit in an arena with 3 championship banners. An NCAA Championship is a beautiful thing and deserves respect.

Another extra point awarded for the absence of an overhead scoreboard at center ice. It really makes the action so much better to watch.

Final Thoughts

Munn Ice Arena doesn't have the old charm that Yost Ice Arena has, but it is a devoted and intimate venue that allows you to see the game in a spectacular way. Collegiate hockey really is special, and if you are in the area, or are a major fan of hockey, then this is an arena you should see.