Culinary Experiences in NHL Arenas
As summer rolls on, we continue our exploration into the culinary experiences offered in NHL arenas, focusing on the media meals that enhance the hockey game experience. Following the recently released schedule, I’ve begun planning my upcoming road trips for the season, which not only excites me but also makes me look forward to the various meals I’ll be trying around the league. In this installment, we’ll delve into media meals ranked from 17 to 24 across the NHL. Check out the previous ranking for the lowest-rated meals (Nos. 25–32) for further context.
Media Meals Ranked 17 to 24
Traveling often for my reporting duties, particularly with the Toronto Maple Leafs, I enjoy sampling the local cuisine in each city. Although some of the media meals I’ll discuss in this article are certainly better than others, they don’t quite reach an elite level. It’s worth noting that I plan to reassess these meals throughout the season based on my experiences.
No. 17: Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers provide a delightful dining setup for media members, featuring a specially designated table adorned with fine linens and actual utensils for front office personnel. The pricing has been a pleasant surprise, having dropped from $20 to $15, although one could argue that this decrease resulted in a more limited protein selection. Nonetheless, the meal quality remains satisfactory, highlighted by an array of salad dressings and a tempting dessert selection sourced from a local creamery in Alberta. Though I got a free pass, they also offer pizza at intermissions and a variety of snacks and beverages.
No. 18: Florida Panthers
Emerging from their recent Stanley Cup victory, the Florida Panthers don’t claim high honors in the media meal contest. Their offerings typically include one or two protein options at a price of around $13. I have a soft spot for their cherry Coke on tap, which is a rarity at many venues. While their dessert options vary, playoff season brought about a delightful Rice Krispy treat on a stick. On the upper level, you might find snacks like chicken tenders or empanadas, along with chips and some Panther-themed candied popcorn that added flair to the experience.
No. 19: Vegas Golden Knights
In Las Vegas, it’s important to note that the food vendors accept cash only, something I was reminded of when I left my wallet behind. Fortunately, the Mayor of Las Vegas, Gary Lawless, graciously flagged the staff to ensure I wouldn’t be charged for my meal. The food selection is decent, although I missed out on their colorful cauliflower dish. The highlight for many is the impressive array of sweets available upstairs and the refreshing cold brew coffee, especially appreciated during those warm Vegas evenings.
No. 20: Toronto Maple Leafs
Given my base in Toronto, I don’t often rely on media meals, but I participate when possible. During the pandemic, I enjoyed free meal vouchers offering $25 worth of credit, which was a treat to use at quality spots like Edo sushi. However, since December 2023, the media meals returned but they’ve been hit-or-miss. For $15 plus tax, the options sometimes resemble plain burgers, with somewhat better offerings sporadically available, particularly when Asian cuisine is included. Their playoff-era vouchers offered a limited selection that didn’t include the newly upgraded eateries. Many of my peers opt for complementary Pizza Pizza, which is often the easy choice.
No. 21: Calgary Flames
The Flames’ media offerings tend to stick to the basics, primarily featuring chicken thighs. As someone with expectations for Alberta’s culinary prowess, I yearned for Grade-A beef. What kept them from ranking lower is the attached cafeteria, which boasts a wide range of affordable meals that media personnel can enjoy for a good value.
No. 22: Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets deliver a pretty average meal experience overall, but they do boast an ice cream machine, a definite highlight. Interestingly, the coffee they provide, courtesy of the nearby Tim Hortons, stands out among others I’ve tried. A unique touch to their arena is Jaxon, the emotional support dog that greets attendees as they exit the elevator, providing a warm welcome.
No. 23: Washington Capitals
After a season of offering meal vouchers that gave great value, the Capitals have since reverted to standard media meals. Their typical buffet smorgasbord usually features just one main protein, with variants in dressing that might not suit everyone’s palate. On the bright side, their snack offerings have plenty of sweets, making up for the limited savory options.
No. 24: Winnipeg Jets
At $17 before taxes, the media meals offered by the Winnipeg Jets leave a lot to be desired. While the city itself offers a culinary gem of a food scene, many of my colleagues opt for neighboring food court options over the arena fare. I personally enjoyed a delicious Korean fried chicken meal next door at Saburo, which was a highlight of my visit.
(Image Credit: David Alter via TikTok)
