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Best Venues

P

PrepHockeyGuy

Registered User
As someone who relocated to the south a few years back and discovered the world of club hockey (NC State) I have been completely impressed with the atmosphere at games. Many of which are much better than DIII games and maybe even better than a few DI venues. I have also been impressed with the level of hockey from some of the better programs. So I would love to see the club thread going a bit more. So first topic, what are some of the best venues in club hockey? Kentucky and their midnight games, NC State and UNC at PNC arena which draws around 6k...throw some out there and here what is great about the venue!
 
Re: Best Venues

LaHaye Ice Rink @ Liberty U.
Rust Ice Arena @ U of Delaware

Both are on campus and are D1 ready.
(Hint, Hint)
 
Re: Best Venues

Atmosphere in Delaware was just okay when we played there but...THEY MIGHT HAVE THE BEST RADIO GUY IN HOCKEY! He sings the national anthem as well. He is just flat good!

joecct said:
LaHaye Ice Rink @ Liberty U.
Rust Ice Arena @ U of Delaware

Both are on campus and are D1 ready.
(Hint, Hint)
Click to expand...
 
Re: Best Venues

I think RPI Houston Field house (ACHA D2) is about the best total place to play in the northeast. Awesome ice, same RPItv coverage as the NCAA D1 games, pep band for some, replays on hi-res jumbo scoreboard, and some pretty good college hockey
 
Re: Best Venues

As far as venues and overall game experience, Liberty is top notch. That arena usually has 2,000-3,000 fans (with suites) and the broadcast/production is very professional.
Other ACHA venues- Ohio and Illinois have their on campus rinks, history and strong following.

Just about all ACHA D1 stream games live, so you can get a feel for teams, atmosphere and venues across the country. Some of even have good broadcasters and a solid production (HD, multiple camera angles, replays, in-game interviews). On the east coast, Stony Brook and William Patterson come to mind.

In addition to the venue chatter, it's interesting to see the relationships building between ACHA club teams and NHL teams across the country.
For example:
1. UNLV playing home games at City National Arena (Vegas Golden Knights).
2. USC and UCLA playing games at Staples Center (LA Kings).
3. Colorado & Colorado St playing games at Pepsi Center (Colorado Avalanche)
 
Re: Best Venues

H138 said:
I think RPI Houston Field house (ACHA D2) is about the best total place to play in the northeast. Awesome ice, same RPItv coverage as the NCAA D1 games, pep band for some, replays on hi-res jumbo scoreboard, and some pretty good college hockey
Click to expand...

I grew up in the Hudson Valley, so Houston Field House is pretty much a great venue for any hockey ever! Cool story about the player who started the ACHA program, Jeremy Coupal. He worked his was up to the varsity back up and is now a coach for the Oilers!
 
Re: Best Venues

batmanACHA said:
As far as venues and overall game experience, Liberty is top notch. That arena usually has 2,000-3,000 fans (with suites) and the broadcast/production is very professional.
Other ACHA venues- Ohio and Illinois have their on campus rinks, history and strong following.

Just about all ACHA D1 stream games live, so you can get a feel for teams, atmosphere and venues across the country. Some of even have good broadcasters and a solid production (HD, multiple camera angles, replays, in-game interviews). On the east coast, Stony Brook and William Patterson come to mind.

In addition to the venue chatter, it's interesting to see the relationships building between ACHA club teams and NHL teams across the country.
For example:
1. UNLV playing home games at City National Arena (Vegas Golden Knights).
2. USC and UCLA playing games at Staples Center (LA Kings).
3. Colorado & Colorado St playing games at Pepsi Center (Colorado Avalanche)
Click to expand...

As at transplant to Club Hockey country, you are spot on with the NHL Partnerships. I think in non-traditional hockey areas, the NHL team see it as a way to grow their game. NC State and the Hurricanes have a good partnership, with State playing four games at PNC arena this year. The Caps have been big supporters the ACCHL and have had Georgetown and George Washington play.
 
Re: Best Venues

Went to a game at Ohio University against the University of Illinois a couple years ago and it was one of the best atmospheres I've seen in college hockey period. Standing room only with a vocal student section.
 
Re: Best Venues

Although they are still building up a competitive club program, UNLV is trending up with a good home atmosphere. Add them to the growing list of ACHA programs putting the pieces in place and pushing for NCAA D1 status.
 
Buckeye22 said:
Went to a game at Ohio University against the University of Illinois a couple years ago and it was one of the best atmospheres I've seen in college hockey period. Standing room only with a vocal student section.
Click to expand...
I've seen this rink and I don't think I agree
 
Re: Best Venues

Just over 1900 a game for NC State. There is a caveat with two home game vs. UNC at PNC arena that average north of 4k that boast the average and one that got almost 6k. It does not count UNC's home game at PNC, which would raise the average close to 2k would be close to 90 percent State fans.
 
Re: Best Venues

WorkerBee said:
I've seen this rink and I don't think I agree
Click to expand...

Not sure what you mean by don't agree. It's what I saw. Granted, I was there on sibs weekend, so maybe it was just that there were extra people on campus. I'm sure every game isn't totally packed. That said, I don't think it was a one off either. They definitely get good crowds from time to time. See this video: Ohio Bobcats Hockey Promo.
 
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Re: Best Venues

batmanACHA said:
Although they are still building up a competitive club program, UNLV is trending up with a good home atmosphere. Add them to the growing list of ACHA programs putting the pieces in place and pushing for NCAA D1 status.
Click to expand...
Standing room only every game. They charged 50 dollars for reserved seats last year.
 
Re: Best Venues

Looks like another solid crowd at PNC Arena for NC State and UNC game on Monday, November 25. Couple thousand in attendance on a Monday night is a great draw at any college level. I watched on the stream and it certainly sounded like the crowd was lively throughout. Good for those teams and for hockey in the region!
 
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