The winter months mean the NHL season is underway once again, and the tremendous history of this international game is rooted in each of the league’s 31 arenas. From Phoenix to Edmonton, every NHL city is distinctly different, and the best way to learn more about each of these communities is simply to go.
With that in mind, here’s our list of the five NHL arenas you must visit, focusing on American cities where an assignment could be waiting for you.
- Madison Square Garden. The World’s Most Famous Sports Arena is home ice for the New York Rangers, one of the league’s original six franchises. A visit to New York speaks for itself and you should never pass up the chance to see the Rangers at the Garden. NYC also being a top spot for holiday season travel (here)
- Little Caesars Arena. The new home of the Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesars Arena replaced the historic Joe Louis Arena, but the proud history of the Red Wings remains. The new venue boasts a lavish hall of fame to the team, so come early when you go to Detroit. There’s plenty to see here besides the game on the ice.
- Bridgestone Arena. Is hockey viable in Nashville? You bet. The Predators have formed one of the league’s best teams and most devout fan bases. Nashville is also an amazing place to catch a game. Surrounded by fun eating establishments, live bands play in the arena on a stage as the Zamboni travels around the ice. It’s a must-see.
- The United Center. The Windy City of Chicago has a proud tradition and the Blackhawks have been one of the league’s best teams over the past 10 years, but what everyone who visits Chicago talks about is the National Anthem. Come early and enjoy a pregame celebration like no other. Not to mention ChiTown being the perfect city to visit during the holiday season per one of our previous posts (here).
- T-Mobile Arena. Hockey in Vegas? You bet. The life around the arena speaks for itself and inside the Golden Knights have turned in very unexpected results. Hockey puts a whole new spin on dinner and a show, Vegas style, and while what happens in Vegas stays there, the memories will last forever.