I have always wanted to go to an NHL game in a different city, but I have yet to get the chance, so I thought maybe it would be cool to learn a little bit about other fans' experiences. Speaking with people about their teams, arenas, experiences and special traditions has gotten me so excited to visit different NHL teams, and I hope it excites you too. Who knows, maybe this will help you plan your next trip!
Nashville Predators
Kale talks about his experiences in Nashville and a typical game day for the Predators.
Best way to get to your home rink?
Probably by car but avoid Broadway whenever possible. It’s always packed, especially on weekends and event days -- whether it be a Preds game, a Titans games or a concert.
Name and fun fact about your rink
Bridgestone Arena. They’ve hosted 2 NHL drafts (2003, 2023) at the arena, both of which will be remembered for a long time. 2003 is considered the best NHL draft class in league history, and in 2023, most of the buzz was surrounding Matvei Michkov, and who was going to end up getting him.
Door open rule?
90 minutes prior to an event.
Go to food item?
I’ve been spoiled when going to Nashville because of my grandpa being a commentator. We were fortunate enough to get access to what they call the Lexus Lounge, and the unique part is the food they serve is according to whatever is popular in the opposing city. For example, pizza for Chicago or brisket for Dallas, but my favourite menu item is the funnel cakes.
Warmups
I try to go to warmups regardless of what arena it is and warmups usually start around 30 mins before game time usually. In Nashville, Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg are the fan favourites for signs and things like that.
Anthem traditions and singers
In Nashville they emphasize “You see” in the American anthem for Juuse Saros. During the playoffs, the Preds take pride in having a special guest sing the anthem, like Carrie Underwood or Keith Urban, for example.
Whose is your arena PA, in arena host, any other notable people during games?
Paul McCann is PA and every time he says “final minute of the period”, the fans yell “THANKS PAUL!”
Giveaways during games?
One giveaway that stood out for me was Terry Crisp night in 2022 against St. Louis; they gave out t-shirts with his catch phrase “bring the passion” on it.
TV timeout games and intermission games?
Live music between periods!
3 Stars of the Game traditions?
I usually don’t stay for 3 stars, but a unique tradition to me happens before the game when Paul McCann is reading off the starters for the opposing team. After every name the fans yell “he sucks!” When they say the head coach's name, they yell “he suck’s too.”
Players that typically interact with fans after games?
Pekka Rinne and PK Subban were really good when they used to play. As for current players, Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly are typically really good.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Alyssa tells us a little bit about a Blue Jackets game day.
Best way to get to your home rink?
I live in Cleveland so I have a straight 2 hour shot down I-71. It’s in the Arena District, which has lots of restaurant options for anyone who wants to grab food before the game.
Name and fun fact about your rink
Nationwide Arena recently also became home to the Columbus Fury of the Pro Volleyball Federation.
Door open rule?
Doors usually open 1 hour before game time.
Go to food item?
Timbits and hot chocolate from one of the Tim Hortons stations in the arena!
Warmups
Warmups take place half an hour before the game starts. Usually if you have a sign for a specific player they’ll try to get over to you with a puck, especially if you have a drawing or friendship bracelet. For my birthday I went down to the glass for warmups with a sign saying “it’s my 1st game and 21st birthday, #4 puck?” and got a puck from Cole Sillinger!
Pregame walkouts
Our infamous cannon is fired when the team is introduced onto the ice before the game, as well as after each goal.
Anthem traditions and singers
When CBJ national anthem singer Leo Welsh is introduced, fans shout “Leo!”
Whose is your arena PA, in arena host, any other notable people during games?
Greg Murray is our in-arena announcer and Mike Todd is our in-arena host. The Vector Security Cannon Crew fires the cannon and will also help fans take pictures with it! Also, the Blue Jackets mascot is Stinger the green yellow jacket!
Giveaways during games?
We’ll have the more traditional in-game giveaways with hat and potato chip tosses, as well as a blimp that goes around the arena dropping t-shirts, but the CBJ also have some unique giveaways. With our partnership with Jet’s Pizza, there is a pizza giveaway during games. Fans also win free chili from Roosters if the Jackets score 3 goals, and when those 3 goals happen, the arena bursts into a “chili” chant. Also, if the Jackets win at home fans get a free coffee at Tim Hortons the next day.
TV timeout games and intermission games?
During intermissions, kid hockey players will get the chance to play on the ice and fans can also get the chance for Zamboni rides. During intermission on theme nights, information is shared related to the theme.
3 Stars of the Game traditions?
For the 3 stars, our players will be announced onto the ice and always skate over to a young fan to give away their stick, and our first star will do an interview after they come out. Our players also have their own tradition in which they name their Donkey of the Game, and the player gets a donkey hat with the CBJ logo and 13 patch in honor of Johnny Gaudreau, who would call his teammates donkeys.
Where to go for player signings and meetings after games?
Fans can wait by the McConnell Garage which is near where the players will come out, and most of them will stop to take pictures and sign autographs.
Players that typically interact with fans after games?
A lot of our players will stop to interact with fans after games including Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, Cole Sillinger, and Sean Kuraly (a Columbus native).
Montréal Canadiens
Kendra, who you may know from some amazing Habs Fan TV videos, speaks a bit about what a game is like in Montréal.
Best way to get to your home rink?
The Metro! I get off at Bonaventure.
Name and fun fact about your rink
Bell Centre. It's the second largest hockey arena in the world and holds up to 21,105 people!
Door open rule?
90 minutes before the game starts.
Go to food item?
Hot dogs!
Warmups
Arrive when the doors open and make your way down to the glass. Security will tell you to sit four rows from the glass and then they'll let you go to the glass 2 minutes before warmups start. They don't give out a lot of pucks, but if you show them the numbers on your jersey, you'll be appreciated by that player. They give a lot of stick taps and do subtle things to acknowledge your sign. I think they're pretty good about stopping by for a selfie if you ask for one. Xhekaj will offer you a decent amount of interaction. Hutson will smile at you, but he's pretty locked in; he's always zooming around. There's so many little routines that each player does that I can't even fit it into this textbox. It's a long wait, but warmups are the absolute best.
Pregame walkouts
Before the game begins, they dim the lights and play the intro of Fix You by Coldplay. People take their phones out to use their flashlight and as the song ramps up they enter the ice. It gives me chills every time.
Anthem traditions and singers
The Canadian national anthem is bilingual. The first half is French and the second half is English.
Whose is your arena PA, in arena host, any other notable people during games?
Diane Bibeau plays the organ live! She's the best so cheer for her when she's on the Jumbotron!
Giveaways during games?
If you are sitting in the Molson Export Zone, there's a good chance that if you cheer loudly enough, an employee will give you a ticket for a free beer or merch. In the Ford Zone, you could be given a sign with a player's face on it or you have a good chance to win a t-shirt. They also do a giveaway for a gift card to The Keg. You just take a selfie at the game and use #habselfie before the second period and you could win!
TV timeout games and intermission games?
Intermission games are done by kids who are usually pre-selected by the host. Not much to remark.
3 Stars of the game traditions?
Pretty typical. They come out and put their stick in the air, then the first star signs the camera lens.
Where to go for player signings and meetings after games?
Best chance to meet players and get stuff signed is either before morning skate on game day at the Bell Centre, so be there around 9:30 AM, or go to a practice at their practice facility in Brossard. You may not meet many players after, but Montembeault always stops. Best place to go after the game is right outside the Bell Centre and meet the guys from HFTV!
Players that typically interact with fans after games?
Again, it's pretty tough after games. You might be running out into traffic, but you could potentially meet players from the away team easily as their bus would be right beside the Bell Centre, or you can wait for them outside the Ritz Carlton Hotel. I would just go get my interview done by the boys at HFTV for a chance at minor internet fame.
Edited by Neha Grewal
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