Stadium Journey's NHL Arena Rankings 2026
- David Hegler
- 3 hours ago
- 7 min read
With the Stanley Cup Finals just around the corner, we here at Stadium Journey decided to renew our rankings of the NHL’s arenas. It's one of our favorite traditions!
Stadiums are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the stadium), return on investment and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more stadiums receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review, just click on the photo or the link of each venue.
The results will undoubtedly provoke discussion and endless debate among you diehards. We’d also like to remind you that the views and opinions expressed by the individual correspondents do not reflect those of all correspondents involved and we at Stadium Journey are not responsible for any emotional outbursts that will occur. As a matter of fact we encourage you to express your thoughts and pleasures or displeasure on any of our social media channels through Facebook, Instagram, Threads, "X" (formerly known as Twitter), and BlueSky. It’s ok. We’re ready for it.
David Hegler - The SAP Center is perfect for the Sharks as it represents the city’s culture while providing impeccable views in all corners of the arena.
Greg Venuto - The building is the smallest arena in the league, with a seating capacity of 15,294, but its size can make for a loud building when the Jets ignite.
Greg Venuto - The Canadian Tire Centre is probably a mid-level NHL venue for atmosphere. It features solid sightlines and is a good place to take in a game with not as many amenities. The exterior of the CTC is impressive as the cylindrical structure is lit up and has nothing blocking its view.
Lloyd Brown - Despite the large capacity of the arena, there really are no bad seats. Sightlines are excellent even in the 300 level.
Joseph Oakes - Before each game, a local celebrity (such as an area college coach) will crank the hurricane siren to get fans pumped up. At various times throughout the game, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions will crank up. The management does a great job of incorporating hurricane and storm-related graphics and activities into the game day experience.
Jim Flannery - Action at the Scotiabank Saddledome has created some fantastic memories over the years…Although this arena’s days are numbered, going to the Saddledome to take in a Flames game is still always a good time.
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.
Lloyd Brown - The Red Wings have a long and deep relationship with the Motor City. The Little Caesars Arena is a more than worthy successor to the team’s previous homes over the past century…. the Olympia and the Joe Louis Arena.
Greg Venuto - The crowd is enlivened by the Flyers hype video and the appearance of its mascot Gritty on the ice who plants the Flyers flag, then takes to center ice like a Rocky replica and knocks out a “player” wearing the opposing team’s jersey.
Greg Venuto - The Arena, right next to Belmont Park, has undergone minor tweaks and has established itself as a great place to take in a hockey game or any event it hosts.
Greg Venuto - The arena seems a bit older than some of the modern buildings but a recent renovation has kept the arena relatively up to date.
Dave Cottenie - Rogers Arena has an attractive exterior, featuring silver paneling with blue highlights. It is really wedged into Downtown Vancouver with viaducts on both sides of the arena.
Dave Cottenie - KeyBank Center is a solid NHL facility, and a trip to the Sabrehood is worthwhile. Fans in attendance are pretty loud and the chant of “Let’s Go Buff-A-Lo” can be heard often.
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.
Lloyd Brown - When you are building a new venue in Las Vegas, a simple utilitarian building will just not do. The ownership’s expertise in entertainment, along with Populous’ expertise in venue design has created a great facility for hockey fans in Las Vegas.
Greg Venuto - The State of Hockey theme is reinforced throughout the stadium. With enthusiastic fan support in a rabid hockey market, the Grand Casino Arena is clearly worthy of a Stadium Journey.
Marc Viquez - The Nationwide Arena is a fine place to watch an NHL game. The sightlines, food and drink, and neighborhood provide the opportunity for a wonderful night watching hockey with friends and family.
Lloyd Brown - The Delta Center has been around for nearly 35 years, but it has undergone several major renovations over the years to keep up with the changes in the sports facilities industry.
Marc Viquez - The building is the largest in the United States by square footage, with a capacity of 19,717 and room for approximately 3,000 additional standing-room spectators.
Paul Baker - The Boston area features some of the most rabid fans in the league, and when the black and gold get on a roll, this is one of the loudest venues in the entire National Hockey League.
Steven Kee - The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century.” The Devils have been playing games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, lovingly known as “The Rock” since 2007.
Eric Moreno - If you’re a hockey fan, The Hangar needs to be a stop on your bucket list, and if you’re a sports fan, add it as well. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed either way.
Greg Venuto - The Space Needle might be the most visited attraction in Seattle, but Climate Pledge Arena is quickly becoming a must-see venue for sports fans and concert devotees.
Dave Cottenie - 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 and continuing to revamp and upgrade the experience.
Gregory Koch - The experience at a Washington Capitals game is top-notch. The crowds here are excellent, the product on the ice is outstanding, and the atmosphere is one of the best in the league.
Patricia Beninato - As far as NHL venues go, PPG Paints Arena gives hockey fans a top-of-the-line game experience. PPG Paints Arena holds 18,187 for hockey, with great views from every seat, which are all comfortable and well-spaced.
Greg Venuto - Madison Square Garden is special, from the lobby to the box office, the team store, and the exhibits that commemorate special events. MSG is always deserving of a Stadium Journey and not just for hockey.
Dave Cottenie - In Montréal, hockey is like theatre. Fans do not head for the exits during play or hang out in the concourses during the game. Hockey is paramount in Montréal and everything else is window dressing.
David Welch - Hockey in Nashville is an outstanding experience, from the in-game entertainment to the energy on the ice. What truly sets Bridgestone Arena apart, however, is the vibe of Broadway just steps from the front doors – the country music, party atmosphere that seamlessly carries inside and helps make Smashville one of the NHL’s most unique, fan-friendly destination.
Andrei Ojeda - With Crypto.com celebrating its [27th] 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.
Jim Flannery - It would be pretty easy to rest on your laurels if you run a well-liked facility like Rogers Place. But management has chosen not to do that, instead continuing to work on improving the fan experience for anyone who comes to the arena to see the Edmonton Oilers play.
Chris Green - The Tampa Bay Lightning have made game day a full experience. From the pre-game festivities and fan zone outside the arena’s main entrance, in an area dubbed Thunder Alley, you can easily see why fans flock to the arena for outdoor watch parties during the playoffs.
