Going to my first Hockey game, where should I sit, what do I need to know?

LR = Let's Run

My opinion is Hockey is the best of the big 4 sports to see live. The pace is very fast. Plus so much happens away from the puck which is not seen on tv.

Sitting anywhere is fine- not too many bad seats.

If you can get a basic understanding of the rules like icing, offsides, line changes, etc, that will help some of the confusion. Also depending on which teams you are seeing find out their star players and watch for them.

My son plays hockey so I am biased.

Any specific questions Ill do my best to answer.

old fat guy wrote:

My opinion is Hockey is the best of the big 4 sports to see live. The pace is very fast. Plus so much happens away from the puck which is not seen on tv.

Sitting anywhere is fine- not too many bad seats.

If you can get a basic understanding of the rules like icing, offsides, line changes, etc, that will help some of the confusion. Also depending on which teams you are seeing find out their star players and watch for them.

My son plays hockey so I am biased.

Any specific questions Ill do my best to answer.

So I don't need to sit against the glass to see everything, right?

Only reason to sit by glass is so you can be on TV. Club is best then mid 1st level.

But really not too many bad seats.

Which game you going to?

Hockey is great. Facepaint is pretty much mandatory - FYI.

Stars vs. Capitals

NICE!!!

Caps- The great 8 - Alexander Ovechkin. Ugliest dude ever but he is a Beaut at hockey.

Goalie Holtby is on Fire.

Dallas - watch the the Benn-Seggin line. So good.

There are many quality players in this game - nice one to be at. Have fun!

Up against the glass is great for when they hit each other into the boards right in front of you.

Center ice is great for viewing the whole game.

Being behind one of the goalies is great when the puck is in that zone.

Yes. Hockey is the best game to see live because you can see the plays develop.

Look for #8 on the Caps even when he doesn't have the puck to see how he gets open and how he attacks the puck.

And don't ever look away during live action.

No matter what seems to be happening, a goal can be scored within 5 seconds of any situation.

It also could be 30 minutes until the next goal.

Just keep watching. It won't be boring.

Fair points stated by the poster above. I like sitting in the corners near the top of the first level. You're close enough to the ice, but far enough away to see the play develop from a good angle. Also, you don't have to turn your head back and forth.

get a seat on the aisle, near the beer stand. It's the only way to survive a hockey game. I always thought soccer was boring. That is, until a "friend" took me to a hockey game.

its a good game to see. Dallas has arguably the best top line in the league right now and ovechkin is the best goal scorer of this generation so there should be no shortage in action

Been there.... wrote:

get a seat on the aisle, near the beer stand. It's the only way to survive a hockey game. I always thought soccer was boring. That is, until a "friend" took me to a hockey game.

Said the runner. I will be a hockey tourney all weekend, but I hopefully will get to watch Marathon trials and you know I will watch every step and love it with out feeling boredom. That being said Distance running as a spectator sport is so much more boring that hockey.

different strokes for different folks I guess

old fat guy wrote:

If you can get a basic understanding of the rules like icing, offsides, line changes, etc, that will help some of the confusion. Also depending on which teams you are seeing find out their star players and watch for them.

OP, I want to second this. Ask someone to explain those aspects to you. Understanding offsides and icing makes the game way more exciting. You'll appreciate a great play to keep the puck in the zone, or to clear it, way more.

Upper most level...cheap seats will sufficeth.

Former Pro (Minor league) goal judge here. I sat by the glass every game for 2 years. My ears are still ringing. If you sit by the glass, try not to flinch and bring ear plugs. Other than that, sit mid-level close to center ice if possible. Otherwise, the corners aren't bad.

Just go and have a good time. Also realize as a scrawny runner you will never be as cool or pull as much ass as a hockey player.

I went to a hockey game and sat behind the goal. During practice some one hit a shot that just cleared the glass and hit two rows back and three seats over. That means it would have hit me in the face had I been sitting three seats to my left.

I left.

Just pay a little extra and get a seat ON the ice. The Capitals often have promotions allowing a few fan to sit on the ice (right on the blue line I believe). Make sure you wear a helmet as sitting on the ice could result in injury.

Have fun and make sure you wear your skates!!

ineturtle wrote:

I went to a hockey game and sat behind the goal. During practice some one hit a shot that just cleared the glass and hit two rows back and three seats over. That means it would have hit me in the face had I been sitting three seats to my left.

I left.

Maybe they didn't have the nets up hat protect the fans during practice.