The Sound of Tigers

Official Review by Gary Herman, Guest Reviewer, Royalty Tours USA

Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard is the home of the New York Islanders' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. For the 2010-11 season, they're celebrating their 10th anniversary in Connecticut's largest city.

The arena is conveniently located right off Interstate 95, exit 27. In addition, you can take the Metro North railroad, New Haven line. Furthermore, if you're coming from Long Island you can take the Ferry from Port Jefferson to get there. These alternate options leave you within a short walk of the arena.

This is an ideal place to take a family for a day or night out. They offer a more affordable entertainment value compared to attending a major league event such as going to see the Islanders play at the Nassau Coliseum.

As for the Islanders, many players have played and developed their skills right here in Bridgeport. For example, current Islanders like Trent Hunter, Bruno Gervais, Blake Comeau, Frans Nielsen, Rob Schemp, Jeese Joensuu and Trevor Gillies have played for the Tigers.

Food & Beverage    5

They offer a wide variety of choices such as burgers with or without cheese ($5.75), hot dogs (regular $3 or jumbo $3.50), pizza (cheese or pepperoni $6, sausage $6), chicken tender combo ($6.50), grilled chicken or chicken parm sandwich ($6.25), and a meatball grinder ($6.25).

As for specialties, they serve a carved roast beef sandwich with a pickle & chips ($7.50). They also have a stand called Tampico Kitchen which sells Mexican cuisine such as quesadillas on flatbread ($6), nachos ($4), and Churros ($3).

To drink you can choose from water ($3.50), Coke products (20 oz. $3.75 & 32 oz. $4.25), fresh squeezed lemonade ($4 regular & $5 large), Snapple or Powerade ($3.50), beer (20 oz. domestic draft $6 & 16 oz. imported $6.25), or wine by the glass ($5.50).

As for dessert, they serve Carvel Ice Cream large cup ($4.50), waffle cone or hot fudge sundae ($6). On the other hand, if you prefer an alternative they offer Rita's Ices ($4).

Atmosphere    3

Upon entry into the arena, they give you a newspaper about the team so you can familiarize yourself with anything happening with the team. In addition, they have free roster sheets at the souvenir stand so you can know who the players are for both teams.

It's a great family entertainment setting which allows children of all ages to enjoy themselves. The concourse is just one level so it's easy to navigate and hard to get lost.

Neighborhood    1

Since the arena is located right by the Harbor Yard, there really isn't much of a neighborhood to speak of. Within a half a mile there's a Subway, Quizno's and a McDonald's.

Fans    3

People who attend are mostly family oriented so it's a day or a night out for them. I was fortunate to be sitting by a family with a few kids. The father was explaining the game of hockey to his young sons. It was a welcomed breath of fresh air especially in this day and age. There are some die hard hockey fans like myself that attend these games since people in the New England area do love their hockey.

Access    5

Getting to the arena is very easy and they offer different modes of transportation. You can drive there since it's located right off the highway and they have a parking garage right next to the arena for $5.

Other options include utilizing public transportation via railroad or ferry which leave you within a short walk of the arena.

Return on Investment    3

The overall experience here is nice but it comes at a price. Their ticket prices, since they arrived in Bridgeport ten years ago, have always been rather pricey for the diehard hockey fan.

In order to get people into the arena, they offer different promotional deals such as discounts for being a Triple A member when you show a valid membership card.

They also have packages involving the Port Jefferson Ferry. As a whole, I suggest it as a good alternative to driving if you happen to be passing through the area.

Extras    0

There is nothing extraordinary about a trip to see the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.


Gary Herman is the Prince Charming of Stadium Travel at Royalty Tours USA.