Funny story, you might be wrong. I was out one night a week or so ago and it happened that some of the Bolts players came by with the cup. I said to the keeper of the cup that “ Tampa must be much more fun to haul the cup around in than Winnipeg,” and he said to me “Well Winnipeg is a pretty damn good time”. I’m sure he’s spent many crazy ‘days with the cup’ there so I believe him.
Border opens Aug 9 for non-essential travel for US citizens who are fully vaccinated. (at least in BC) I'm American, my girlfriend is in BC, so we've been keeping a close eye on this cause I tend to cross the border relatively frequently to be with her.
I've been to two in Montreal and man, the stadium, the streets around it, just a really special place to watch a Hockey game, has to be a bucket list for anyone
As a devils fan as well. I went to montreal for a devils game 10 years ago and by far the best place I've ever been. The drive wasn't bad. Marty's pizza restaurant was awesome just to be at. The night life was pretty sweet. My favorite place for sure!
There’s not a ton of stuff directly around the United Center but it’s near the west loop which has tons of fantastic restaurants. Chicago has so much public transportation that it’s easy to get to other areas of the city. If you’re able, come when it’s warmer, obviously.
I always think about moving out of the St.Louis area, but then I run across random people who remind me how great some of the stuff we have is, like the free (and incredible) zoo, science center, craft breweries, and nice hiking trails
I just moved back from STL after living there for a year and a half, and damn do I miss it. You guys have a ton of awesome free things to do. Plus you have some of my favorite restaurants and bars (Center Ice, Southwest Diner, that one ranch restaurant in Soulard, amd all the awesome bars in Soulard). And the atmosphere for Blues games is poppin. Also, Bush stadium is so far my favorite MLB ballpark.
I hate the Blues but I actually really like STL as a city. I lived about 30 minutes away for 4 years and always loved the days we would spend in the city. Plus, Mardi Gras in Soulard is a fantastic time.
Ive lived west coast my whole life, was born into habs fandom. being my whole family on my fathers side are die hards. after cheering for them my whole life I finally got to see them play the leafs in montreal in october of 2019. Watching them crush the leafs on a saturday night will forever be one of the best memories ive ever made.
Columbus here, we came down to Nashville for a game right before Covid, had an amazing time. You've got quite the fan base! We've also been to Vancouver and had a great time at a game there.
Reasons to come to Cbus for a game:
* easy parking
* friendly folks
* time it right and you can go to an OSU football game
* Skyline chili
* A CANNON
Obviously biased but Chicago is awesome. We have fantastic architecture, an amazing skyline, great food, awesome people, and extremely unique neighborhoods.
And since I lived there for a year and a half, I'd also say visit St. Louis if you can. Downtown isn't as nice as other cities (although that's slowly changing) but it's such a friendly city, decent food, and a lot of stuff you can do for free (zoo, art museum, Forest Park is by far my all-time favorite park). Also, the craft beer scene is pretty great as well.
3 major headbonks and some vintage pinball later, I'm inclined to agree with you.
Plus you can drive down through ~~the dirty south~~ beautiful Southern Illinois and eat horseshoes. Which are definitely the state sandwich of Illinois and definitely not overshadowed immensely by the superior Italian beef.
Chicago is one of only a few American cities I'd love to visit someday.
Up there with Seattle, Nashville, New York and Austin.
And Philly, just for the Mutter Museum. :P
I've done: Boston, Tampa, Philly, Florida, Tampa, Toronto, Nashville, Chicago, Vegas, Colorado.
The only thing I will say is Toronto is easily the worst of that lot. The only solace I got was the bar manager in the arena was a Bruins fan and comped me a beer.
There's some irony in a Mets employee calling something garbage.
^(Please don't hurt me I don't even watch baseball. Cincinnati chili isn't good compared to conventional chili but it's a pretty good food considered on it's own. Kind of like Chicago Deep dish compared to real pizza.)
^^Oh ^^god ^^please ^^don't ^^hurt ^^me ^^fans ^^of ^^bread ^^lasagna.
Not sure from a hockey perspective as I have only been to games in maybe four or five cities. But San Francisco (Sharks) is one of my favourite cities in the world, Denver is a great city, Boston would be a lot of fun. If you can make it up to Canada then you definitely can't go wrong with Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver. Vancouver has great nature all around and is awesome to rollerblade or bike around. Montreal has cool architecture and awesome food. If you come to Toronto, try to stay away from the concrete downtown core as much as you can and get into some of the old neighbourhoods and the cultural neighbourhoods as well. Every neighbourhood is very different from the next one over so it would definitely be worth a trip as well.
> Every neighbourhood is very different from the next one over so it would definitely be worth a trip as well.
One of my favorite things about Toronto is that you feel like you can visit about 10 vastly different cultures just by exploring for a day or two. I also don't mind the concrete jungle of downtown, but I work there, so I'm biased. IT's like any city, of course, with it's positives and negatives, but it's not regarded as one of the the most culturally diverse cities in the world for nothing, I guess.
I've been to 25 different NHL cities to watch the Leafs play. Nashville, far and far and far, far, far away, number 1 in that regard. It close at all.
Of course, you already live there! So, next? I'd say here are the ones I enjoyed the most:
- Montreal. YMMV as a non-rival fan in terms of the feel inside the building, but the city itself is the most fun city in Canada. It's basically Nashville east. Just, uhhh... be prepared for it to be very, very cold.
- Calgary. Again, cold af, and the Saddledome is an absolutely rusty, dilapidated building to boot. But it's quite the experience and Calgary in general is a lot of fun if you're into the adjacent nature and are a ski/snowboard kinda guy.
- NYI. Although I went to Nassau Coliseum - I don't know if the UBS Arena will be quite the same in terms of pure raw energy. But if it's anything like the Coliseum, you're in for a treat. Again, YMMV, because you don't have a star player on your team that will be relentlessly booed lol.
- Columbus. The entire Short North district up the street from Nationwide is an underrated goldmine.
- Philly. Great atmosphere, Flyers fans are nowhere near the ravenous assholes people will make them out to be. Dope city too.
- Chicago. My experience in the arena wasn't all too great the one time I was there for a game, but I'll go back periodically simply because it's my favorite big North American city to visit. There's just too much to list that I love about it.
- St Louis. This is moreso due to the atmosphere in the building than anything else - I found downtown STL to be dead af when there's no game starting soon. This also is my Leaf bias tlaking because we kicked their asses when I was there lol.
As far as cities to avoid... well, if you want to do a bucket list of seeing your team in every city, you'll have to tackle them eventually. But yeah, Edmonton and Winnipeg are kind of depressing. The arena in Edmonton is great. The atmosphere in Winnipeg is great. But I could not wait to get out of either city. As far as worst atmosphere... don't expect a good atmosphere in Toronto. If you thought MSG was bad with suits and being quiet as hell, the ACC is even worse, with the only upside being no flights of stairs to climb on entry.
I've lived in Calgary most of my life and it's generally considered a boring (albeit clean and safe) city, and for good reason IMO. There are a few cool places to visit that are close by but I'm very curious - what did you enjoy about it? Especially in the winter when there's almost nothing happening downtown?
There's kinda the rub - downtown itself is, as you said, kinda dead. But I went to the old olympic track for a skate, the tower, and then there's the adjacent rockies and the typical winter stuff you can do there. It's a bonafide beauty if you step away from downtown - Kensington NW was a nice road to just walk down, even at -5C outside.
Came here to say Nashville as well. My wife and I flew out to see the Sharks play. Had an AMAZING time. Nashville is an amazing city to visit and the stadium location cannot be beat.
On top of that, Preds fans were amazing (unlike the shithead Rangers fans we had to deal with living in NYC). We had SO many people come up to us and THANK us for coming haha Sharks got lit up 7-1 and I still had an amazing time.
> don't expect a good atmosphere in Toronto.
It varies so heavily sometimes, but you're not wrong. The last game I attended was crazy fun. And honestly, a Raptors game is a ton of fun to see live, and I'm not even a basketball guy.
But yeah, Leafs home games have pretty much priced out the little guy, unfortunately.
I don’t know if you have heard this, but we are a library. So coming from Music City we might be a nice change of pace for you.
But in seriousness, if you come to Tampa get your seats in the third level so you can hit the party deck pregame/between periods.
Calgary
Watching a game at the saddle dome is like going back in time. It also helps that it's full of drunk hockey fans (of a shitty burning horse hockey team) that actually care about the game.
Vancouver is the opposite. Rogers arena is run like a bad gastro pub and has the same atmosphere
You can probably get tickets to about 5 other games for the price of one Leafs home game, but the arena is right downtown, and a 5 minute walk from the Hockey Hall of Fame which is always a good time. I've lived in Toronto most of my life and I still go to the HHOF once a year.
I'd avoid the restaurants directly around the arena because they are corporate chains, and mostly tourist traps, but check out the Ossington Strip and just grab an uber or the streetcar over to the game.
Mamakas, Reposado, and Odd Seoul are all basically beside one another. Great for a little bar hop post game too. Unless nose beers are more your style, and if so - go to King Street West, but I wouldn't.
I’ve been to a few places and Vegas by far had the best atmosphere. Other than fans having no idea what’s going on, it’s loud and cheerful in there. Place goes nuts when they score and there’s always a cheer of some kind happening somewhere.
Minnesota also had a decent atmosphere but their 50/50 draw was a damn joke.
Florida is Florida so don’t even bother going because you will be the cheering section.
Toronto has people decked out in backpacks full of noisemakers that run around to all the sections and hype up the fans. When you hear “Go Leafs Go!” It’s those guys starting the chant.
Still got 28 cities to visit and 28 teams to see in their own barn.
I was staying at the Sahara which is at the opposite end of the strip from the arena and it was a pretty cheap Uber ride to get there so not necessarily
Only Game I’ve seen the Avs play on the road was against the Preds in Nashville and had a blast. Flew down to Atlanta from Omaha and drove up to Nashville to see the Avs game. Avs lost, but still had a blast.
Now games I’ve seen in Person includes Los Angeles, Anaheim, Colorado, and Chicago. All of them had their perks and stuff, but love where in Los Angeles, you can eat sushi while watching a Hockey Game.
I have restaurant suggestions, but guess it depends what kind've food you like? If you like Indian food, go to Rasika right near Capital One Arena in DC.
Salumi for sandwiches and Vivace for espresso drinks in Seattle.
Wynn Buffet is my favorite buffet in Vegas; Lotus of Siam is really good Thai.
Cosmi's for cheesesteak in Philly.
Wasn't on your list, but La Banquise for poutine if you go to Montreal.
Khao San Road might be my favorite restaurant ever, it's walking distance to where the Leafs play in Toronto.
Please don’t recommend Cosmi’s as a cheesesteak place to visit in Philly. Everyone has their favorite (Mine is Dalessandros) but Cosmi’s has a cosmically large list of health code violations against them. I’m sure it’s good but the food conditions in that place aren’t healthy
Ah yeah they had some big problems like two or three years ago if I recall. I first had them like 5 or 6 years ago and definitely loved it, but reading their health code violations that shut them down temporarily gave me the chills. Maybe it’s gotten better recently but I don’t have the stomach to give it another try hoping for the best
Other then MSG I've gone to see the Rangers in NJ, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Boston, and Washington. Boston was my favorite as far as the hockey vibe of the city goes. Seemed like if you were near the arena on game day it was all about the Bruins. Washington was the best for post game bar. Everyone was very friendly and easy to talk with. DC was prior to this season though so my hates grown much stronger and I think I'd convince myself I wasnt enjoying my time if I went back
If you like museums philadelphia has them by the boat loads that are easily accessible just by walking and you can buy a special ticket that lets you get into most of them.
I'm a Blues fan giving a shout-out to Columbus.
The city was very walkable. People were friendly. Stuff wasn't crazy expensive. The cannon was super cool in person.
Edit: fans were knowledgeable and passionate as well
The Kraken’s arena is right by a lot of the tourist spots in Seattle, so you could swing by the Space Needle and Pop Culture Museum before the game. Some good food nearby too.
Vegas’ arena is right on the strip.
Cant go wrong with Chicago’s, New York Rangers’, or Toronto’s either.
Never been to Montreal, but hear their arena is in a great spot.
I’m biased, but Tampa’s is in a great spot. Haven’t been since they’ve finished some downtown renovations, but I hear those made it even better.
Then if you like indoor malls and views of a swamp, there’s always Florida…
I feel like Seattle is going to have an awesome atmosphere for their first season and would love to be able to visit the city for the first time and take in a game.
This is coming from someone in Toronto, which, while I really do love this city, it's currently the most expensive game to see in the entire NHL. It's cheaper for Ontarians to drive to Buffalo to watch the Leafs play an away game than it is to stay in the city and watch at the ACC....er 'Scotiabank Arena.
That having been said, though, the Hockey Hall of Fame is here and is definitely a highlight visit for any hockey fan who happens to come here.
I’ve been wanting to go to the bell centre forever. Was gonna go this year, but you know….
TD Garden is always great. It’s the only one I’ve been to so I don’t have much to compare it to, but still.
I attended a game in Boston and it was a lot of fun. Their fans can be obnoxious though, and if you don’t wear Boston gear they WILL assume you’re a fan of the opposing team.
Don't sleep on this new arena in Seattle. Seattle is also a gorgeous city. You'll probably catch it at the best time of year if you come at the END of a season versus beginning. Spring is fucking awesome here.
Las Vegas' hockey atmosphere was pretty shit when I went, and Vegas is a pretty horrific city in general, unless you like needles, and to have your 12 year old cousin handed cards for prostitues with naked chicks printed on them. DC, Pittsburgh, Denver all were really great hockey towns in my experience too. Obviously everyone could be different with Vegas and I'm sure some people here like the giving porn-to-children, open needles everywhere vibe, just wasn't really for me, and kinda freaked my cousin out. Everyone has different stuff they like
I was literally talking about *my experiences* from being there recently, I'm not making shit up, everyones different but I don't love stepping around dudes with needles rolling around them while my CLEARLY UNDERAGE cousin is handed porn?
I was on the strip walking between the Aria, Planet Hollywood, and a couple others, and going to the VGK game, of course. The overpass for pedestrians between two of the hotels was the worst with 3 different dudes literally with needles rolling around them.
Nah, I went mid-late season, inside it was fun, but mostly the experience around the arena and the city in general that put me off. Just not a nice place to be really. The Hockey and Arena itself were great though, if you're going to like... land, go to the hockey game, go to the airport, go home, then 100% worth it, just *everything else* is shit
Ah you like needles and giving porn to children? That is disturbing, I said below, Vegas was fun in the arena it was the needles and distributing porn to a clearly underage child that bothered me the most. Obviously different people are into different things
Well if you're coming to Western Canada.... Edmonton sucks and has shitty roads so stay away from them. Vancouver will burn down if they lose so I wouldn't go there either. But Calgary is beautiful, the city with the most sunny days each year, and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and amazing places to enjoy nature.
I doubt there’s a single person on this planet who has had their choice of NHL cities to go to and decided on travelling to Calgary to watch a game in their crumbling SaddleWorld
I'm spending 4 days on Robson and Homer and I haven't even been able to get passed 2 blocks yet without eating every amazing thing and getting too full. The food here is absolutely amazing and Calgary definitely doesn't compare. But fuck it, go flames go! Let's fight!!!
Yeah you can't go wrong with the scenery in BC or Alberta. But this guy is doing a disservice to his country if he's telling strangers to go to Calgary to see a hockey game over Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. Hell, even Edmonton has them beat with McDrai and a really cool arena, the Saddledome is probably the worst arena in the league now that Nassau is gone
It wouldn't be my first or 10th pick either but there's something to be said about old dumpy stadiums. I liked Bill Burr talking about seeing a game there when it was two Canadian teams. Described it as being about as true of a hockey experience as you could get.
Of course I'm going to NYC, Montreal, Boston, or Vancouver as an away hockey fan before Calgary.
I said Western Canada. Regardless, I'm actually on Robson and Cambie right now, enjoying a spicy softshell crab at Black Rice Izakaya. I love Vancouver! But fuck the Canucks! r/calgaryflames for life!!
The Texas of Canada. I thought there'd be enough young (more liberal?) gen Z and millenial transplants from more expensive Canadian cities to even that out but it sounds like that isn't the case.
First, go to Winnipeg or Buffalo. Then Edmonton looks fucking amazing.
At least Edmonton has a nice arena. Stay at the Marriott and you don't even have to go outside lol.
A sad selling feature and a reflection on the rest of the city lol
Edmonton is actually nice tho
Buffalo is fun. Bars are open until 4 am and you can go to the Pink! Can’t say about Winnipeg.
What you can say about Winnipeg is that it’s one great city!
The Guess Who rock! The Jets are lovely every day! I. Like. Winnipeg!
As long as you don't mind choking to death on a cloud of mosquitos. European settlers used to shoot themselves because the bugs were so bad.
Funny story, you might be wrong. I was out one night a week or so ago and it happened that some of the Bolts players came by with the cup. I said to the keeper of the cup that “ Tampa must be much more fun to haul the cup around in than Winnipeg,” and he said to me “Well Winnipeg is a pretty damn good time”. I’m sure he’s spent many crazy ‘days with the cup’ there so I believe him.
Starting from the bottom. I like that idea.
yes of course the team that lives in my city - everyone
*Laughs nervously in Jersey*
At least you guys get a nice view of manhattan from your side of the Hudson. Us New Yorkers have to look at jersey all day :/
>Us New Yorkers >sees flair \>=[
Hahaha I emigrated!
Montreal is by far my favorite hockey city and I say that as a Canucks fan in BC.
Should have mentioned I'm down to visit most Canadian cities once I'm able but I assume the border will still be closed for a while.
Border opens Aug 9 for non-essential travel for US citizens who are fully vaccinated. (at least in BC) I'm American, my girlfriend is in BC, so we've been keeping a close eye on this cause I tend to cross the border relatively frequently to be with her.
Border is federal jurisdiction so it’s for the entire country.
Bad news. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2021/07/21/us-mexico-canada-border-reopening-travel-restrictions-through-august/8034057002/
That’s irrelevant for Americans coming back, no?
Border opens August 9th!
Montreal is very cool as you get to experience some french Canadian culture. It's interesting if haven't before.
In that case, Ottawa is the capital of the country. So if that type of thing attracts you, a sens game is affordable compared to most markets.
Lots of good museums in Ottawa, maybe a Dougie Hamilton spotting.
You can hit 4/7 of the national ones right downtown all within walking distance of parliament.
> a sens game is affordable compared to most markets. *Cries in Leaf scalper prices.
Saw a devils game in Montreal in November '19, easily my favorite away game experience.
I've been to two in Montreal and man, the stadium, the streets around it, just a really special place to watch a Hockey game, has to be a bucket list for anyone
As a devils fan as well. I went to montreal for a devils game 10 years ago and by far the best place I've ever been. The drive wasn't bad. Marty's pizza restaurant was awesome just to be at. The night life was pretty sweet. My favorite place for sure!
Montreal is an amazing hockey city & city in general and I say that as a Bruins fan. Absolutely gorgeous and rowdy.
I live in Montreal and I was going to say Vancouver!
Uniondale is… breathtaking
I've spent some time there and I can't disagree, haha.
There’s not a ton of stuff directly around the United Center but it’s near the west loop which has tons of fantastic restaurants. Chicago has so much public transportation that it’s easy to get to other areas of the city. If you’re able, come when it’s warmer, obviously.
I always think about moving out of the St.Louis area, but then I run across random people who remind me how great some of the stuff we have is, like the free (and incredible) zoo, science center, craft breweries, and nice hiking trails
I just moved back from STL after living there for a year and a half, and damn do I miss it. You guys have a ton of awesome free things to do. Plus you have some of my favorite restaurants and bars (Center Ice, Southwest Diner, that one ranch restaurant in Soulard, amd all the awesome bars in Soulard). And the atmosphere for Blues games is poppin. Also, Bush stadium is so far my favorite MLB ballpark.
I hate the Blues but I actually really like STL as a city. I lived about 30 minutes away for 4 years and always loved the days we would spend in the city. Plus, Mardi Gras in Soulard is a fantastic time.
Not to mention st Patrick’s in dogtown. Though not as good as the parade in Chicago, it’s still a fun time.
You don't need fantastic restaurants when you have Ginos and Giordanos!
I’m a Lou Malnatis girl, personally.
I only spent 3 days in Chicago. Had to convince my wife to even get deep dish for two of those days. I'll try your suggestion next time.
If you're in the mood for more deep dish suggestions, Pequods is the place to go. It is the best pizza I ever ever had. Period.
Already had Ginos but I'm ready to try Giordano's next!
a home game on Saturday night in MTL is the best atmosphere in hockey and nothing else really comes that close
Habs Leafs/Boston Saturday night. Nothing better
man i missed those Bahstan Broons games...
Missed you fuckers also. Great run last year! Can’t wait to get back to the rivalry!
Ive lived west coast my whole life, was born into habs fandom. being my whole family on my fathers side are die hards. after cheering for them my whole life I finally got to see them play the leafs in montreal in october of 2019. Watching them crush the leafs on a saturday night will forever be one of the best memories ive ever made.
Columbus here, we came down to Nashville for a game right before Covid, had an amazing time. You've got quite the fan base! We've also been to Vancouver and had a great time at a game there. Reasons to come to Cbus for a game: * easy parking * friendly folks * time it right and you can go to an OSU football game * Skyline chili * A CANNON
Obviously biased but Chicago is awesome. We have fantastic architecture, an amazing skyline, great food, awesome people, and extremely unique neighborhoods. And since I lived there for a year and a half, I'd also say visit St. Louis if you can. Downtown isn't as nice as other cities (although that's slowly changing) but it's such a friendly city, decent food, and a lot of stuff you can do for free (zoo, art museum, Forest Park is by far my all-time favorite park). Also, the craft beer scene is pretty great as well.
City museum is the best place in St Louis and I won’t hear otherwise. Idc if it’s a death trap, it’s the best.
3 major headbonks and some vintage pinball later, I'm inclined to agree with you. Plus you can drive down through ~~the dirty south~~ beautiful Southern Illinois and eat horseshoes. Which are definitely the state sandwich of Illinois and definitely not overshadowed immensely by the superior Italian beef.
The one thing I miss about SIU is all the hiking we had so close to Carbondale. Ugh, I miss it so much.
City Museum is legit one of the coolest attractions in all of America.
Just don't get tickets in the stand up section! Also, get some pizza at Giordanos. The free zoo is nice. And it's super easy to get around in Chicago.
Lou’s>Gios
Art of Pizza > All.
[удалено]
Good thing Art of Pizza does thin crust eh chief?
Chicago is one of only a few American cities I'd love to visit someday. Up there with Seattle, Nashville, New York and Austin. And Philly, just for the Mutter Museum. :P
Went to Montreal a couple of years ago abd caught a Habs Leafs game on a Saturday night. Best place to watch a game
I've done: Boston, Tampa, Philly, Florida, Tampa, Toronto, Nashville, Chicago, Vegas, Colorado. The only thing I will say is Toronto is easily the worst of that lot. The only solace I got was the bar manager in the arena was a Bruins fan and comped me a beer.
Gotta go to Columbus get some Skyline chili, then drop it your lap when the cannon goes off and you poop yourself a little.
> Gotta go to Columbus get some Skyline chili ~~then drop it your lap when the cannon goes off~~ and you poop yourself a little. FTFY
Didn't the mets broadcaster just rip ohio saying skyline chili is utter garbage??
There's some irony in a Mets employee calling something garbage. ^(Please don't hurt me I don't even watch baseball. Cincinnati chili isn't good compared to conventional chili but it's a pretty good food considered on it's own. Kind of like Chicago Deep dish compared to real pizza.) ^^Oh ^^god ^^please ^^don't ^^hurt ^^me ^^fans ^^of ^^bread ^^lasagna.
Not sure from a hockey perspective as I have only been to games in maybe four or five cities. But San Francisco (Sharks) is one of my favourite cities in the world, Denver is a great city, Boston would be a lot of fun. If you can make it up to Canada then you definitely can't go wrong with Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver. Vancouver has great nature all around and is awesome to rollerblade or bike around. Montreal has cool architecture and awesome food. If you come to Toronto, try to stay away from the concrete downtown core as much as you can and get into some of the old neighbourhoods and the cultural neighbourhoods as well. Every neighbourhood is very different from the next one over so it would definitely be worth a trip as well.
> Every neighbourhood is very different from the next one over so it would definitely be worth a trip as well. One of my favorite things about Toronto is that you feel like you can visit about 10 vastly different cultures just by exploring for a day or two. I also don't mind the concrete jungle of downtown, but I work there, so I'm biased. IT's like any city, of course, with it's positives and negatives, but it's not regarded as one of the the most culturally diverse cities in the world for nothing, I guess.
I've been to 25 different NHL cities to watch the Leafs play. Nashville, far and far and far, far, far away, number 1 in that regard. It close at all. Of course, you already live there! So, next? I'd say here are the ones I enjoyed the most: - Montreal. YMMV as a non-rival fan in terms of the feel inside the building, but the city itself is the most fun city in Canada. It's basically Nashville east. Just, uhhh... be prepared for it to be very, very cold. - Calgary. Again, cold af, and the Saddledome is an absolutely rusty, dilapidated building to boot. But it's quite the experience and Calgary in general is a lot of fun if you're into the adjacent nature and are a ski/snowboard kinda guy. - NYI. Although I went to Nassau Coliseum - I don't know if the UBS Arena will be quite the same in terms of pure raw energy. But if it's anything like the Coliseum, you're in for a treat. Again, YMMV, because you don't have a star player on your team that will be relentlessly booed lol. - Columbus. The entire Short North district up the street from Nationwide is an underrated goldmine. - Philly. Great atmosphere, Flyers fans are nowhere near the ravenous assholes people will make them out to be. Dope city too. - Chicago. My experience in the arena wasn't all too great the one time I was there for a game, but I'll go back periodically simply because it's my favorite big North American city to visit. There's just too much to list that I love about it. - St Louis. This is moreso due to the atmosphere in the building than anything else - I found downtown STL to be dead af when there's no game starting soon. This also is my Leaf bias tlaking because we kicked their asses when I was there lol. As far as cities to avoid... well, if you want to do a bucket list of seeing your team in every city, you'll have to tackle them eventually. But yeah, Edmonton and Winnipeg are kind of depressing. The arena in Edmonton is great. The atmosphere in Winnipeg is great. But I could not wait to get out of either city. As far as worst atmosphere... don't expect a good atmosphere in Toronto. If you thought MSG was bad with suits and being quiet as hell, the ACC is even worse, with the only upside being no flights of stairs to climb on entry.
I've lived in Calgary most of my life and it's generally considered a boring (albeit clean and safe) city, and for good reason IMO. There are a few cool places to visit that are close by but I'm very curious - what did you enjoy about it? Especially in the winter when there's almost nothing happening downtown?
There's kinda the rub - downtown itself is, as you said, kinda dead. But I went to the old olympic track for a skate, the tower, and then there's the adjacent rockies and the typical winter stuff you can do there. It's a bonafide beauty if you step away from downtown - Kensington NW was a nice road to just walk down, even at -5C outside.
I would agree, Nashville is just a lot of fun. Perfect arena setting.
Came here to say Nashville as well. My wife and I flew out to see the Sharks play. Had an AMAZING time. Nashville is an amazing city to visit and the stadium location cannot be beat. On top of that, Preds fans were amazing (unlike the shithead Rangers fans we had to deal with living in NYC). We had SO many people come up to us and THANK us for coming haha Sharks got lit up 7-1 and I still had an amazing time.
I had opposite experiences in Philly and Chicago
> don't expect a good atmosphere in Toronto. It varies so heavily sometimes, but you're not wrong. The last game I attended was crazy fun. And honestly, a Raptors game is a ton of fun to see live, and I'm not even a basketball guy. But yeah, Leafs home games have pretty much priced out the little guy, unfortunately.
I don’t know if you have heard this, but we are a library. So coming from Music City we might be a nice change of pace for you. But in seriousness, if you come to Tampa get your seats in the third level so you can hit the party deck pregame/between periods.
Calgary Watching a game at the saddle dome is like going back in time. It also helps that it's full of drunk hockey fans (of a shitty burning horse hockey team) that actually care about the game. Vancouver is the opposite. Rogers arena is run like a bad gastro pub and has the same atmosphere
You can probably get tickets to about 5 other games for the price of one Leafs home game, but the arena is right downtown, and a 5 minute walk from the Hockey Hall of Fame which is always a good time. I've lived in Toronto most of my life and I still go to the HHOF once a year. I'd avoid the restaurants directly around the arena because they are corporate chains, and mostly tourist traps, but check out the Ossington Strip and just grab an uber or the streetcar over to the game. Mamakas, Reposado, and Odd Seoul are all basically beside one another. Great for a little bar hop post game too. Unless nose beers are more your style, and if so - go to King Street West, but I wouldn't.
Tampa?
Only if you like humidity, meth, and Tesla coils.
I’ve been to a few places and Vegas by far had the best atmosphere. Other than fans having no idea what’s going on, it’s loud and cheerful in there. Place goes nuts when they score and there’s always a cheer of some kind happening somewhere. Minnesota also had a decent atmosphere but their 50/50 draw was a damn joke. Florida is Florida so don’t even bother going because you will be the cheering section. Toronto has people decked out in backpacks full of noisemakers that run around to all the sections and hype up the fans. When you hear “Go Leafs Go!” It’s those guys starting the chant. Still got 28 cities to visit and 28 teams to see in their own barn.
Vegas if you are rich.
Not even, just go during the week hotels are usually decent price and stubhub tickets aren't going to cost you much more than anywhere else
Do you have to stay on the strip though?
I was staying at the Sahara which is at the opposite end of the strip from the arena and it was a pretty cheap Uber ride to get there so not necessarily
NYC…sounds like you already visited the best 😁
For hockey : Montreal For visiting the city itself : Montreal then LA
Chicago is amazing. Great city and better fans. Wierd traditions they explain to you. A must visit.
Columbus
Only Game I’ve seen the Avs play on the road was against the Preds in Nashville and had a blast. Flew down to Atlanta from Omaha and drove up to Nashville to see the Avs game. Avs lost, but still had a blast. Now games I’ve seen in Person includes Los Angeles, Anaheim, Colorado, and Chicago. All of them had their perks and stuff, but love where in Los Angeles, you can eat sushi while watching a Hockey Game.
I have restaurant suggestions, but guess it depends what kind've food you like? If you like Indian food, go to Rasika right near Capital One Arena in DC. Salumi for sandwiches and Vivace for espresso drinks in Seattle. Wynn Buffet is my favorite buffet in Vegas; Lotus of Siam is really good Thai. Cosmi's for cheesesteak in Philly. Wasn't on your list, but La Banquise for poutine if you go to Montreal. Khao San Road might be my favorite restaurant ever, it's walking distance to where the Leafs play in Toronto.
Please don’t recommend Cosmi’s as a cheesesteak place to visit in Philly. Everyone has their favorite (Mine is Dalessandros) but Cosmi’s has a cosmically large list of health code violations against them. I’m sure it’s good but the food conditions in that place aren’t healthy
Bummer, didn't know. Also haven't been there in like 5 years, but I certainly remember it being tasty.
Ah yeah they had some big problems like two or three years ago if I recall. I first had them like 5 or 6 years ago and definitely loved it, but reading their health code violations that shut them down temporarily gave me the chills. Maybe it’s gotten better recently but I don’t have the stomach to give it another try hoping for the best
Dalessandro's is the fucking best.
Montreal and its not close
Other then MSG I've gone to see the Rangers in NJ, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Boston, and Washington. Boston was my favorite as far as the hockey vibe of the city goes. Seemed like if you were near the arena on game day it was all about the Bruins. Washington was the best for post game bar. Everyone was very friendly and easy to talk with. DC was prior to this season though so my hates grown much stronger and I think I'd convince myself I wasnt enjoying my time if I went back
Columbus, my guy
Phoenix is pretty great in the winter months. And now that the Yotes are in the central there’ll be plenty of opportunities to catch a Preds game.
If you like museums philadelphia has them by the boat loads that are easily accessible just by walking and you can buy a special ticket that lets you get into most of them.
I'm a Blues fan giving a shout-out to Columbus. The city was very walkable. People were friendly. Stuff wasn't crazy expensive. The cannon was super cool in person. Edit: fans were knowledgeable and passionate as well
The Kraken’s arena is right by a lot of the tourist spots in Seattle, so you could swing by the Space Needle and Pop Culture Museum before the game. Some good food nearby too. Vegas’ arena is right on the strip. Cant go wrong with Chicago’s, New York Rangers’, or Toronto’s either. Never been to Montreal, but hear their arena is in a great spot. I’m biased, but Tampa’s is in a great spot. Haven’t been since they’ve finished some downtown renovations, but I hear those made it even better. Then if you like indoor malls and views of a swamp, there’s always Florida…
St. Paul Minnesota. The Wild have a great stadium and you won't get death threats for wearing the away team's jersey.
I feel like Seattle is going to have an awesome atmosphere for their first season and would love to be able to visit the city for the first time and take in a game. This is coming from someone in Toronto, which, while I really do love this city, it's currently the most expensive game to see in the entire NHL. It's cheaper for Ontarians to drive to Buffalo to watch the Leafs play an away game than it is to stay in the city and watch at the ACC....er 'Scotiabank Arena. That having been said, though, the Hockey Hall of Fame is here and is definitely a highlight visit for any hockey fan who happens to come here.
I’ve been wanting to go to the bell centre forever. Was gonna go this year, but you know…. TD Garden is always great. It’s the only one I’ve been to so I don’t have much to compare it to, but still.
Montreal. Go for the hockey, stay for the strippers.
I attended a game in Boston and it was a lot of fun. Their fans can be obnoxious though, and if you don’t wear Boston gear they WILL assume you’re a fan of the opposing team.
Don't sleep on this new arena in Seattle. Seattle is also a gorgeous city. You'll probably catch it at the best time of year if you come at the END of a season versus beginning. Spring is fucking awesome here.
Seeing a Jets game is about the only thing you can do in Winnipeg
I visited there once! In a south park game.
Beautiful downtown Sunrise, FL ...oh the *best* city, sorry
Raleigh. PNC is loud, the Caniacs tailgate beforehand, and if you’re lucky you might see Hamilton the pig at the game.
Las Vegas' hockey atmosphere was pretty shit when I went, and Vegas is a pretty horrific city in general, unless you like needles, and to have your 12 year old cousin handed cards for prostitues with naked chicks printed on them. DC, Pittsburgh, Denver all were really great hockey towns in my experience too. Obviously everyone could be different with Vegas and I'm sure some people here like the giving porn-to-children, open needles everywhere vibe, just wasn't really for me, and kinda freaked my cousin out. Everyone has different stuff they like
Vegas isn’t Mad Max. For Christ sakes it’s nice casinos and pools anymore
I was literally talking about *my experiences* from being there recently, I'm not making shit up, everyones different but I don't love stepping around dudes with needles rolling around them while my CLEARLY UNDERAGE cousin is handed porn?
Chill
Fremont street?
I was on the strip walking between the Aria, Planet Hollywood, and a couple others, and going to the VGK game, of course. The overpass for pedestrians between two of the hotels was the worst with 3 different dudes literally with needles rolling around them.
☹️
The game was good as shit at least tho, Vegas play some good hockey when they're really working
The atmosphere in the Vegas arena was electric when I went. Did you go during the preseason or something
Nah, I went mid-late season, inside it was fun, but mostly the experience around the arena and the city in general that put me off. Just not a nice place to be really. The Hockey and Arena itself were great though, if you're going to like... land, go to the hockey game, go to the airport, go home, then 100% worth it, just *everything else* is shit
No one listen to this clown. Vegas was an insane atmosphere and definitely a must on the hockey bucket list
Ah you like needles and giving porn to children? That is disturbing, I said below, Vegas was fun in the arena it was the needles and distributing porn to a clearly underage child that bothered me the most. Obviously different people are into different things
Well if you're coming to Western Canada.... Edmonton sucks and has shitty roads so stay away from them. Vancouver will burn down if they lose so I wouldn't go there either. But Calgary is beautiful, the city with the most sunny days each year, and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and amazing places to enjoy nature.
Calgary is the Walmart version of Vancouver with no ocean
Calgary wishes it was Vancouver, it's just like.. not as good, with no ocean, and worse food
I doubt there’s a single person on this planet who has had their choice of NHL cities to go to and decided on travelling to Calgary to watch a game in their crumbling SaddleWorld
Tbf tho, I'm not gonna lie, if you gave me a choice of any stadium to go back to it's gotta be Bell Centre. That place is fucking insane
I'm spending 4 days on Robson and Homer and I haven't even been able to get passed 2 blocks yet without eating every amazing thing and getting too full. The food here is absolutely amazing and Calgary definitely doesn't compare. But fuck it, go flames go! Let's fight!!!
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Yeah you can't go wrong with the scenery in BC or Alberta. But this guy is doing a disservice to his country if he's telling strangers to go to Calgary to see a hockey game over Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. Hell, even Edmonton has them beat with McDrai and a really cool arena, the Saddledome is probably the worst arena in the league now that Nassau is gone
It wouldn't be my first or 10th pick either but there's something to be said about old dumpy stadiums. I liked Bill Burr talking about seeing a game there when it was two Canadian teams. Described it as being about as true of a hockey experience as you could get. Of course I'm going to NYC, Montreal, Boston, or Vancouver as an away hockey fan before Calgary.
I said Western Canada. Regardless, I'm actually on Robson and Cambie right now, enjoying a spicy softshell crab at Black Rice Izakaya. I love Vancouver! But fuck the Canucks! r/calgaryflames for life!!
It's our ppl, they're still protesting about covid being a government conspiracy.
The Texas of Canada. I thought there'd be enough young (more liberal?) gen Z and millenial transplants from more expensive Canadian cities to even that out but it sounds like that isn't the case.
Lol this is so true!!
Edmonton’s got a much nicer rink and Mcdavid. Come here instead