If you’re planning to attend a hockey game in New York, you’re in for a treat. But if this is your first time watching hockey in person, you might not know what you need to do to prepare for the big day. Luckily, you can just show up and have the time of your life, but in order to maximise your enjoyment as much as possible, there are a few things you need to bear in mind. Check out the following tips to make your upcoming hockey game a roaring success.
Buy your tickets in advance
Showing up to a hockey game without buying your tickets is risky. Even waiting until a few days before the match can leave you disappointed. Regardless of whether you’re on the hunt for Brooklyn Aviators or NY Rangers tickets, you’ll be able to get exactly what you need online. Double check the dates and the location before checking out and make sure you bring your tickets with you on the day of the match. Lots of venues now allow e-tickets, making it much easier to just grab your phone rather than having to plug in your printer or wait for tickets in the post.
Figure out the best route
Hockey games can be incredibly busy, so you need to figure out the route you’re taking before the big day, especially if you’re driving and need to find parking. Knowing which roads to turn down will help you immensely when navigating the traffic, as making a wrong turn can put you right at the back of the queue. You should try to leave with plenty of time to spare, as being early is always better than being late. If you do arrive too early, there’s plenty to do and see in New York so don’t worry about getting bored.
Wrap up warm
This might seem like a no-brainer to some people, but you’d be surprised by how many first-time hockey fans end up freezing cold in the stadium. Ice hockey, of course, is played on the ice, meaning the stadium itself is kept at low temperatures. There aren’t any heaters, so you’ll want to wear a winter coat and bring along some gloves. It’s always better to wear too many layers rather than too few, as you can always take some of them off if you do find yourself getting too hot.
Leave room for snacks
You might be tempted to fill up on food before heading to the game, but most hockey stadiums will have food you can buy there. This adds to the experience of being at a live game and will make the experience all the more enjoyable. If you arrive early, you can beat the queues and sit down in your seats with any food you might want before the crowds arrive. But don’t forget there will be an intermission where you can grab snacks too. Try to avoid standing up and down during the game itself as this can ruin the experience for other fans sitting near you.
