Ok - I'm glad I asked then. I knew the women's rink was small, but I hadn't really considered that they would sell out. I thought capacity was about 1,000, with average attendance around 600? Especially with the back to back games, I would have otherwise planned to get to the rink pretty close to puck drop. It sounds like if you aren't there at least an hour early, there's a good chance of not getting in?
You're right about the average numbers. But as HockeyBuckeye correctly points out, a Minnesota game will draw additional fans. And this is a #1 vs. #2 match-up.
But there are some factors that cut the other way. The head-to-head conflicts with Men's Hockey will cost the Women's Game some fans. On Saturday, the partial conflict with the OSU/Penn State Football Telecast will cause some fans to arrive late to the Ice Rink. As opposed to showing up at 2:00, in the middle of the Football Game. Note that last Saturday against UMD, the hockey crowd noticeably improved once the FB game vs. Iowa was a done deal. The start times are the same next weekend.
Since our crowd is 100% Walk-Up, none of us are in a position to make guarantees. But speaking only for myself, I would be shocked if you got to the Ice Rink 40 minutes early, in time for warm-ups, but were turned away at the door. Even for Minnesota.
Finally, if you're choosy about your seat location, then of course earlier is better. Remember that the Ice Rink is Festival Seating. (General Admission) Hoping for Center Ice? Then by all means come an hour plus before face-off. But if you're less choosy, then coming for warm-ups should be fine.
EDIT: I now hear that the Department of Athletics is preparing for an overflow crowd. So follow HockeyBuckeye's advice, as opposed to the thoughts I posted above. See Post #141.
Where would you recommend parking if you were going to both games? With the Mens game at 5, I guess I should be able to get back to the Womens rink before 8 but that would be cutting it a little close. I suppose I could drive between them too, but that seems kind of silly if they are only a couple blocks apart.
I do just what HockeyBuckeye does when attending at both buildings. Key variable? Parking is FREE and easy at both locations. So why wouldn't you use both lots?
Well, there is at least one good reason. You might enjoy the walk over the fairly new, somewhat picturesque bridge over the Olentangy River. And as per HockeyBuckeye, the distance really isn't that far. Maybe Mariucci to Dinkytown? You're just crossing over a small river instead of set of train tracks.
For me, Plan B would be to park at the Schott prior to the Women's Game, then walk a round trip to the Ice Rink. Two Reasons. First, if there's any traffic back-up before either game, you'll be walking instead of waiting in a line of cars. Then, after the 2nd game is over, you'll be happy to have your car right there at the Schott. (Technically Baseball Stadium Parking)
