The Bell Centre: Best Rink in the NHL
The Bell Centre, the iconic home of the Montreal Canadiens, has been recognized as the best rink in the NHL according to a recent poll conducted by The Athletic. This ranking was determined through the feedback of fans and journalists who evaluated each of the league’s 32 arenas across various criteria, including location, amenities, atmosphere, and cost. Thousands participated in the survey, with a noteworthy 30% being season ticket holders who offer in-depth insights based on their frequent visits.
Top Ranked Venues
In addition to the Bell Centre securing the top spot, the survey revealed that other highly regarded venues include:
- T-Mobile Arena for the Vegas Golden Knights
- Benchmark International Arena for the Tampa Bay Lightning
- Bridgestone Arena housing the Nashville Predators
- Little Caesars Arena of the Detroit Red Wings
Least Favorable Rankings
Conversely, the least favorable rankings went to:
- Scotiabank Arena of the Toronto Maple Leafs
- Rogers Arena of the Vancouver Canucks
- Crypto.com Arena for the Los Angeles Kings
- KeyBank Center hosting the Buffalo Sabres
- Canadian Tire Centre of the Ottawa Senators, which landed a disappointing last place
Bell Centre Ratings
The Bell Centre excelled particularly in its location, boasting an impressive score of 9.6 out of 10, and achieved an even higher atmosphere rating of 9.8. While its amenities ranked as the sixth highest at 8.7, the affordability factor lagged behind significantly, receiving a score of just 5.0. The overall ratings reflect not only the opinions of fans, who gave it an impressive 8.7, but also a remarkable 9.9 from beat writers, resulting in a strong overall score of 9.0.
Fan Experience
Fans praise the rink’s location, which is conveniently situated between two metro stations and surrounded by ample parking, albeit at a premium rate. The vibrant atmosphere, particularly magnified when sitting in the press gallery above the ice, enhances the overall experience. The excitement of the crowd, such as when a wave circulates through the stands, adds to what many characterize as an unforgettable sports environment.
Amenities at the Bell Centre cover the entire spectator experience, from comfortable seating and unobstructed views to a state-of-the-art Jumbotron showing all the action. While there are few complaints about visibility, the Renaissance Suite’s obstructed view remains a minor exception, as attendees there often seek a more luxurious experience rather than just watching the game.
Cost Considerations
Nevertheless, the high costs associated with attending games—including parking fees, food prices, and increasingly steep ticket costs—are noted drawbacks. With the quality of play on the ice improving, expectations suggest that ticket prices will continue to rise in the future. Despite these expenses, many fans agree that the experience remains worthwhile, particularly for those cheering on the Canadiens.
Conclusion
For local fans or visitors alike, attending a game at the Bell Centre is recommended as a must-do and a bucket-list experience that promises a memorable evening, especially if the home team emerges victorious.
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