The Stanley Cup playoffs are underway, so Stadium Journey felt it was time to do what we do best - rank the NHL hockey rinks.
Stadium Journey ranks arenas based on their unique FANFARE rating scale, which incorporates a venue’s food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fans, accessibility, value, and other factors to create an overall score. When two or more venues are tied, Stadium Journey consults its Council of Elders to break the tie. It’s a different way of looking at venues and produces some variability in our lists that you don’t see elsewhere.
As usual, we predict that this list will garner a great deal of debate. We welcome your input by joining discussions on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We’re sure your NHL Arena ranking list differs from ours, and isn’t that what makes these lists so engaging?
Chris Green - The Tampa Bay Lightning have broken all expectations for a Florida hockey franchise, and their game day experience has become one of the best in the league. From the spotless interior of the venue to the bounty of food options, there is plenty to love at Amalie Arena.
Lloyd Brown - The Climate Pledge Arena is much more than just the newest rink in the NHL. It is an experiment in using the most current “smart” technologies to minimize (hopefully to zero) the carbon footprint the facility leaves after each event it hosts.
David Welch - Hockey in Nashville is an amazing experience, including both the in-game entertainment and the excitement of the game on the ice. But what sets Bridgestone Arena apart is the vibe of Nashville’s Broadway, which has been brought in just steps from the front doors – this feeling helps bring the party atmosphere of the area into the game.
Jim Flannery - Rogers Place is a worthwhile place to visit even if you’re not there for a hockey game. There is so much to see and do in and around the building without ever walking through the gates that you could spend a couple hours just checking the place out. Once you’re through the gates, this is a beautiful building with truly state-of-the-art features that should impress most everyone.
Andrei Ojeda -With Crypto.com celebrating its 25th season, the Kings have had their share of great moments, rewarding their loyal fanbase with a contending team during most seasons as well as their two Stanley Cup triumphs.
Dave Cottenie - Without a doubt, a trip to Centre Bell to see the Montréal Canadiens needs to be near the top of any hockey bucket list. Although the arena itself is not earth shattering, the Canadiens put on a terrific product, even when the team is down.
Patricia Beninato - As far as NHL venues go, PPG Paints Arena gives hockey fans a top-of-the-line game experience. Due to its semi-northeastern location, it attracts hockey fans from all over the U.S.
Dave Cottenie - All hockey fans should consider making a pilgrimage to see the Toronto Maple Leafs and extend the trip to see the city of Toronto and especially the Hockey Hall of Fame. Scotiabank Arena remains among the premier venues in the league and MLSE has done a spectacular job keeping the arena relevant for the last two decades.
Greg Venuto - Nationwide Arena is clearly a beautiful and fan-friendly arena to watch an NHL game. Despite being over 20 years old, it seems new and up-to-date. It is definitely worth a visit if in town and the benefits are reasonable prices and plenty to do just outside its doors.
Ken Thorp - UBS Arena is a decent venue. The arena has enough bells and whistles to provide an adequate game day experience. They have a ridiculous amount of food choices as well as concession stands. Stadium Operations work extremely hard to keep the fans engaged in the game.
Greg Venuto - MSG is certainly a must-see venue not just for avid hockey fans but for casual and non-sports fans too. The Arena sells itself plus the Garden produces a worthy day or evening of entertainment.
Gregory Koch - While the experience of a Capitals game at Capital One Arena has diminished somewhat since the Stanley Cup run a few years ago, it is still one of the better experiences in the NHL. Hockey fans will want to Rock the Red and check out a game here.
Steven Kee - The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century. The arena is accessible via mass transit, close to great restaurants, and provides a variety of services and features throughout the game.
Chris Green - All-in-all, FLA Live Arena is family friendly and provides a quaint atmosphere. The last few seasons are proving that this quaint atmosphere can also swell into a roaring crowd, thanks to successful records.
Paul Baker - The TD Garden is only the third venue that the Bruins have called home in close to a century of competition, after the Boston Arena (now called Matthews Arena) and the Boston Garden. Built just nine inches from its predecessor, it is named for its sponsor, TD Bank.
Greg Venuto - The Minnesota Wild continue to play before hockey-crazed, sellout crowds at Xcel Energy Center. The building, while 23 years old, continues to shine as fans rock out to Shout after every Wild goal.
Robbie Raskin - KeyBank Center is a solid place to catch a hockey game in one of the best American hockey markets. Sabres fans are welcoming and friendly, the arena is comfortable and has been updated pretty well over the years.
Paul Baker - While hockey may not be the first thing on your mind as you wander around southern California during a warm winter day, a trip to the Honda Center provides a mighty good experience for any fan, whether you are coming from the frigid north or not.
Greg Venuto - United Center is a must-see venue for sports fans and hockey enthusiasts alike. If the Hawks can trend upward, a Stadium Journey to the Windy City will be even more memorable and could ignite the United Center to madhouse status once again.
Lloyd Brown - The Vegas Golden Knights “broke the ice” as the first major league professional sports team to set up shop in Las Vegas. The city sells out games and the team’s performance on the ice is far above what is expected, winning the ultimate trophy – the Stanley Cup – in 2023.
Lloyd Brown - In Canada, ice hockey reigns supreme, and Vancouver was the first Canadian city on the West Coast to receive an NHL franchise. This has led to a long history of sellouts throughout the club’s 50-year existence. Packed stands lead to a great environment in the seating bowl. The seating areas fill early as the crowds do not want to miss even the warmups.
Greg Venuto - The Enterprise Center is a solid venue to take in an NHL hockey game. The arena features good food and drink choices and favorable sight lines. The fans are warm, inviting and enthusiastic about their team which is now a St. Louis tradition for over 55 years.
Steven Kee - The Wells Fargo Center is still a first-class and modern building for hockey and sports fans. The atmosphere, energy, and festive spirit during the holiday season make it an ideal destination when it town.
Dave Cottenie -The San Jose Sharks are a great experience for all NHL fans. Their influence throughout the 90’s is undeniable and they have had great influence opening up the southern belt to NHL hockey. A trip to the Shark Tank will be a memorable one for hockey fans everywhere.
Greg Venuto - Ball Arena is a great place to visit while in Denver to take in a hockey game. The fans are enthusiastic and the team is usually at the top of the standings.
Jim Flannery -The Olympic Saddledome opened in 1983, constructed in anticipation of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and has been the home of the Calgary Flames ever since. Over the years, the Saddledome has seen a few renovations, increased seating capacity, and a couple name changes; it is now known as the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Lloyd Brown -Winnipeg has been given a second chance with an NHL franchise and there is no chance of the fans allowing the team to move elsewhere again. They fill the Canada Life Centre for every game, cheering loudly for the local boys while organizing chants to disrupt the visiting team’s concentration. The whole town turns out in their blue-best when the Jets are in town.
Michael Davis - American Airlines Center is one of the finest sports venues in America, located in a great city and home to a hockey organization that seems committed to being in Dallas for a long time. A visit to American Airlines Center to watch the Stars play is a wonderful way to spend an evening in Dallas.
Joseph Oakes - PNC Arena is routinely sold out and offers a great environment to watch Carolina Hurricane NHL hockey. Even though the venue is approaching 25 years old, it is still a modern arena for NHL hockey.
Meg Minard - The NHL’s Detroit Red Wings moved from its aging Joe Louis Arena to the new, technologically-advanced Little Caesars Arena in 2017. The new arena has many great features while still maintaining the Hockeytown history.
Dave Cottenie - It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Ottawa Senators and their much maligned building in Kanata. It must be said, however, that regardless of the situation with the Canadian Tire Centre, the Ottawa Senators are still an NHL experience and fans will still have a great time during the game.
Greg Venuto - For what it is, Mullett Arena offers a charming setting for fans who can get close to the action and see and hear everything up close. It is not an NHL venue, but seeing top-flight players in such an intimate setting is fabulous.