Top Ten NHL Arenas

If you’ve ever been to a hockey game, you know that there’s so much energy, you can feel it. No, literally, feel it. Like the insane fans bumping into you every 10 seconds. That energy doesn’t come from the team, or even the screaming coaches on the bench. It comes from the arena. 20,000 enthusiastic, dedicated, and slightly mental hockey fans. But hey, those are the best kind, right? Often times, the arenas affect the play of the team. Boring crowd? Boring play. Loud crowd? Intense game. They feed off of each other. Here’s MY top ten NHL Arenas.

10.  Xcel Energy Center- Home of the Minnesota Wild

The Xcel Energy Center made number 10 on the list. The fans certainly seem to know the game, front to back. The crowd is active, no matter what the play is. Penalty kills, scoring chances, or outstanding defensive play all draw cheers from the crowd.

9. Prudential Center- Home of the New Jersey Devils

The Prudential Center is proud to be home to the only professional sports team located in New Jersey that represents the state through their name. The fans certainly show their appreciation for it, as well. Their fans are extremely lively, and live by the statement “Jersey’s Team”.

8. Staples Center- Home of the Los Angeles King

The Staples Center is one of the most coveted and gorgeous arenas in the NHL. Well-put, it’s simply beautiful. Kings fans are loud, and most carry around great memories of previous games. Once the lights dim, the crowd erupts. A loud “Go Kings, Go!”. The energy is amazing in there.

7. Verizon Center- Home of the Washington Capitals

While the Washington Capitals may have some rough patches with the on-ice aspect of the game, the crowd certainly does not disappoint. One of the most energetic moments in a Capitals game is during the national anthem. The whole crowd screams “RED!” at “And the rocket’s red glare...” Such a powerful moment, and a must see, for sure.

6. Madison Square Garden- Home of the New York Rangers

MSG is easily one of the most talked about concert venues in the country. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a traffic maze when going there, but the prize inside is well-worth the wait. WIth tickets constantly selling out, Rangers games are always a treat. Loud New York fans amplify the already crazy atmosphere, and make it a unique experience.

5. Air Canada Centre- Home of the Toronto Maple Leafs

You may be wondering as to why the Toronto Maple Leafs are on this list. If you are one of those people, you’ve clearly never been to a Leafs game. No matter how well their team is doing, Leafs fans have enough energy to power the city for a day and a half. Not to mention the Leaf’s recent, yet short, playoff run. Never in my life have I seen so many happy people. Toronto fans are just getting warmed up, and they’re already as enthusiastic as they get.

4. TD Bank Garden- Home of the Boston Bruins

If you’ve ever been to a Patriots game, you know what to expect from Boston sports fans. Right? Nope. Bruins fans cease to amaze me with their vivid chants. These people take their hockey seriously. Bruins fans are known to be a bit feisty, but when it’s playoff time, you better watch out. You should probably bring some ear plugs, too. It gets pretty loud in there.

3. Consol Energy Center- Home of the Pittsburgh Penguins

Do I really need to say more about them? Penguins fans are by far the most dedicated and passionate hockey fans I have ever met. And with dedication, comes volume. Penguins fans know their hockey, and they know their team, and they’re very vocal- no matter what.

2. Bell Centre- Home of the Montreal Canadiens

Ah, the good old Habs. It’s often said that the energy inside of the Bell Centre is like nothing you could ever imagine. It’s a truly unforgettable experience, and the atmosphere in there will have you shaking for days. Put that on your bucket list, folks. Not even I can put the feeling into words.

1. United Center- Home of the Chicago Blackhawks

Here we are, number 1. Who other than the Blackhawks? There’s a reason the UC’s nickname is the Madhouse on Madison. Once the Hawks score and Chelsea Dagger blares, the whole building erupts into song, dance, and cheer. With every pass and play, the crowd ooh’s and ahh’s. It’s loud. It’s huge. It’s packed, night after night. Blackhawks games have become so incredibly energetic and fun that even the standing room only tickets are readily available. You don’t wanna miss a Hawks game.

Well that concludes my Top Ten NHL Arenas, and I hope you liked it! Feel free to comment what you think, if I should edit any, or rearrange. All your input helps! I’ll leave you with one last question: What arena, in your opinion, is the most energetic?