What are the top 5 NHL Arenas?
I’ve seen games in 10 of the current NHL arenas (all 6 Canadian rinks, plus Tampa, Boston, Detroit and Buffalo). I will say that Montreal was hands down the best. Capacity is that much higher there, and the fans are extremely passionate (really nothing at all compares). Detroit was during the finals, so it’s tough to make a fair comparison vs. the regular season but it was a great time. Boston (Gardens) has some solid fans, and Calgary (Sattledome) is great especially come playoff time. I don’t think I’m entirely qualified to give an answer, and I’m going to restrict it to active arenas only, but I’ll give it my best shot. Based on reputation and what I’ve read, plus my experience, I’m going with: 1. Bell Centre 2. Sattledome 3. Madison Square Gardens 4. Xcel Center 5. United Center (but only as of this year) Honorable Mentions to Boston Gardens (love the fans, didn’t love the arena itself), Nationwide (maybe a little expansionism bias here on my part keeping them out of top 5, I’ve he
