Best & Worst NHL Arenas Ranked: 2024-25 Edition

There’s nothing quite like watching a live NHL game whether you’re doing a little hockey betting or not. 

A lot goes into a perfect hockey-watching experience, including location, atmosphere, attendance rates, entertainment, comfortability, and the quality of the on-ice product, among others. 

Many NHL arenas hit the mark, while others let their fan bases down. Here are the NHL arenas ranked from best to worst.

Best & Worst NHL Arenas Ranked: 2024-25 Edition

1. Vegas Golden Knights — T-Mobile Arena

If NHL odds were based on the quality of arenas, the Vegas Golden Knights would be the favourite. Smack dab in the middle of the Vegas strip, T-Mobile Arena is the third-newest building (2017-18) and offers all the trimmings, glitz, and glamour you’d expect from Sin City. 

🏰 THE FORTRESSS 🏰

We’re back where we belong! It’s cold as ice in here but we are getting things warmed up. Welcome back, @GoldenKnights! #vegasborn pic.twitter.com/1oWNGjlV4X

— T-Mobile Arena (@TMobileArena) October 10, 2024

Plus, the fans get rowdy, accentuating the enjoyment factor.

However, remember you’ll pay a pretty penny for everything, considering Las Vegas is the Mecca of online sports betting. 

2. Edmonton Oilers — Rogers Place 

Rogers Place is the fifth-newest arena in the NHL (2016-17). Its footprint is designed like an oil drop, and the sightlines are unparalleled. The designers thought of everything.

What a night! In their inaugural season at #RogersPlace, your @EdmontonOilers are heading to the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs! pic.twitter.com/aLLlBf6k3W

— Rogers Place (@RogersPlace) March 29, 2017

Edmonton is also a hockey-first city, offering raucous atmospheres (especially in the playoffs) and a knowledgeable fan base. 

3. Montreal Canadiens — Bell Centre

The Bell Centre has the highest capacity (21,105) and an excellent layout conducive to superb hockey-watching. Montreal knows how to host hockey games, so you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience. 

From European-style singing to an intimidating atmosphere, the Bell Centre represents a bucket-list arena to visit. 

4. Nashville Predators — Bridgestone Arena 

What an atmosphere. The Bridgestone Arena is perfectly situated on Broadway, across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The local area is oozing with life, seeping into the hockey game arena. 

Plus, you might catch a glimpse of Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, or both. 

Awesome new kids zone open during Preds games at Bridgestone Arena in what used to be the tennessee sports hall of fame!

It’s down the hallway past fan information/the catfish/the Pred skull fossil https://t.co/ZgqwJoJdQc

— Max Herz (@MaxHerzTalks) October 7, 2024

5. New York Rangers — Madison Square Garden 

Technically, Madison Square Garden is the oldest arena in the NHL.

However, one of the most storied and well-known venues in sports underwent a whopping $1 billion renovation, giving it a modern-day feel while staying true to its roots. 

The fans are passionate and knowledgeable, and the venue is located a few blocks from the Empire State Building in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. 

6. Chicago Blackhawks — United Center 

The United Center is tied for the sixth-oldest arena (1994-95).

Steeped with history, it was home to the dynastic Blackhawks team led by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. 

It’s pretty well-kept, considering its age. It holds 19,717 people, making it the second-largest NHL venue. 

7. Seattle Kraken — Climate Pledge Arena 

Opening after a massive redevelopment in 2021-22, Climate Pledge Arena is the first carbon-neutral venue.

It’s powered by 100% renewable energy and uses rainwater to fill the ice’s surface. The beer cups are aluminum, and a living plant wall is on the lower concourse. 

Climate Pledge Arena goes CRAZY as Jordan Eberle is announced as the @SeattleKraken captain, just the second captain in franchise history.#SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/kaTCSdvhpj

— Circling Seattle Sports (@CirclingSports) October 8, 2024

If that’s not enough, the passionate fan base accentuates the viewing experience.  

8. Detroit Red Wings — Little Caesars Arena 

Opened in 2017-18, Little Caesars Arena is a sparkling venue in midtown Detroit. It’s part of a 50-block entertainment district that helped gentrify Detroit.

The building features stunning concourses and amazing seating bowls that glow in different colours. 

The atmosphere can be a little bit quiet, and you’ll be hard-pressed these days to see an octopus thrown on the surface. 

9. Minnesota Wild — Xcel Energy Center 

Packed to the rafters, regardless of the team’s performance, the Xcel Energy Center has the best attendance rate in the NHL.

Plus, people in Minnesota know their hockey, and most who go are die-hard fans, accentuating the overall experience.  

We’ve missed this @mnwild crowd 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eFfG6tQkrA

— Xcel Energy Center (@XcelEnergyCtr) October 11, 2024

10. Pittsburgh Penguins – PPG Paints Arena

Who doesn’t want to see Sid the Kid, the aging phenom, live?

Aside from the main attraction, PPG Paints Arena is an architectural masterpiece, with glass windows adorning one side and a tree-filled plaza bolstering the aesthetics. 

The Penguins have unveil plans for $30 million of upgrades to PPG Paints Arena.

Full details and renderings: https://t.co/Pss9KrTMK4 pic.twitter.com/fzBEfGyUux

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 9, 2023

There are more than 2,000 club seats, a fine-dining restaurant, and a ton of concession vendors, many of which serve one of the best Primanti Bros. sandwiches you’ll find. 

11. Tampa Bay Lightning – Amalie Arena

Fancy a relaxing night of hockey-watching? Head to Tampa Bay to watch the Lightning play.

Amalie Arena is in the middle of downtown and filled with chill hockey fans. 

While all attendees aren’t of the die-hard variety, the stadium is always full thanks to a decade-long excellent on-ice product. 

12. Columbus Blue Jackets – Nationwide Arena

If only the hockey team was good because Nationwide Arena basically has everything else.

From an exquisite selection of craft beer to dozens of nearby eclectic restaurants, Nationwide Arena offers one of the best viewing experiences. The sightlines are almost unmatched. 

The entertainment plaza contains plenty of restaurants and bars with wide and comfortable concourses.

Oh, and the team’s practice rink is on a second sheet of ice in the same arena.

13. San Jose Sharks – SAP Center 

The SAP Center doesn’t feel like the fourth-oldest venue in the NHL.

Opening in 1993-94, it has been kept in pristine condition. It features glass pyramids, a stainless steel facade, and, you guessed it, palm trees.

Sounds idyllic, right? 

Unfortunately, the 2023-24 attendance was the second-lowest percentage in the league at about 78%. 

14. Toronto Maple Leafs – Scotiabank Arena

The Scotiabank Arena offers all the trimmings and is a staple of Canadian sports venues. It’s a bucket list experience, but many people can’t go too often because the price seems inflated on almost everything. 

Fans can turn on the team pretty quickly if things aren’t going their way. If all is well on the ice, the atmosphere can turn loud. 

The Blue & White buzz is building ahead of the first game of the season at the revamped Scotiabank Arena

More details in minutes:
Listen Live | 680 NewsRadio Toronto (https://t.co/zkCZchbWSB) https://t.co/fr99nYnYsV

— Catherine Jette (@CatherineJette) October 11, 2024

15. Los Angeles Kings – Crypto.com Arena

Watching a game at Crypto.com Arena offers a quintessential Los Angeles experience.

The building is superbly situated and offers countless food and beverage options. The Grammy Museum, a movie theatre, a bowling alley, and a nice plaza are all close by. 

That sounds like a cushy experience. Plus, the fans are mostly chill, and the stadium is usually full. 

16. Washington Capitals – Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena offers a proper east coast experience.

Grab a delicious Chick-fil-A sandwich while watching one of the countless massive flat-screen scoreboard displays. There are more craft beer choices than you’ll know what to do with, and the atmosphere is often frenzied. 

Plus, like any good building, it’s in the middle of the downtown core. 

17. New York Islanders – UBS Arena

The UBS Arena is the newest in the NHL.

It opened at the start of the 2021-22 season and offers a wonderful viewing experience. Sightlines are good wherever you are, and the lower bowl is large and relatively steep.

Happy hockey season from UBS Arena as the Islanders host the nicknameless new team from Utah. pic.twitter.com/0y98hdVMKy

— Sean MacDonald (@sportsroadtrips) October 10, 2024

The designers kept the ceiling relatively low to accentuate the atmosphere. 

18. St. Louis Blues – Enterprise Center

Tied for the sixth-oldest arena, the Enterprise Center underwent a $150-million renovation to modernize.

Blues fans care about hockey a great deal, augmenting your game-day experience.

Plus, the team still has an organist, accompanied by serenading fans. 

19. New Jersey Devils – Prudential Center

Thanks to its towering ceilings, the Prudential Center seems larger inside than it is. It’s a well-designed hockey arena that focuses on fan experience.

Food is one of the highlights, as it offers Taylor ham, disco fries, Jersey-style pizza, Italian hot dogs, and Portuguese delicacies. 

20. Dallas Stars – American Airlines Center

The American Airlines Center has padded lower-bowl seats. Sounds comfy, right?

The atmosphere can be hit or miss, but it’s definitely a hit in the playoffs, where almost everyone in the lower bowl stands throughout. 

Today, the American Airlines Center unveils a new $10 million video board. The upgrade is part of a $20 million facelift to the home of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars.

Here’s a time lapse of construction: pic.twitter.com/ogSstBUcml

— Ben Swanger (@Rbi_Ben) September 25, 2023

It also has one of the league’s best attendance rates, helped by an outstanding on-ice product. 

21. Vancouver Canucks – Rogers Arena

Rogers Arena is in downtown Vancouver. It’s wedged between intersecting roads, which feels peculiar at first sight.

However, the visual experience is good. It offers a perfect setting, with mountains and the Pacific Ocean as an awe-inspiring backdrop. 

Otherwise, it’s your run-of-the-mill arena. 

22. Colorado Avalanche – Ball Arena

Ball Arena is in a perfect location, situated centrally in the neighbourhoods of Lower Downtown, the River North Art District, and Highland.

It’s a bustling area with inviting bars and restaurants. Beer is prioritized in Colorado, and there are several craft options, including the attached Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House.

25 years of memories at Ball Arena! We've loved every moment in this vibrant city and are grateful to have the best fans! #25AtBallArena #MemoriesArePlayedHere 🏀🥍🏒🎤💙 pic.twitter.com/44lgFQg5B0

— Ball Arena (@BallArenaDenver) October 10, 2024

And if you love a good singalong, you’re in luck. Just make sure you know the words to “All the Small Things.”

23. Boston Bruins – TD Garden

TD Garden is a must-visit for any hockey fan. However, their recent renovation replaced the old seats with new stylish padded ones with high armrests, which makes things feel cramped.

Back in the home barn. 🏒@NHLBruins | #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/VBj9p9oORB

— TD Garden (@tdgarden) October 10, 2024

Regardless, the Boston Bruins are an Original Six team, so it should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Plus, the central location makes for a good time. 

24. Philadelphia Flyers – Wells Fargo Center

The Wells Fargo Center features the world’s first kinetic 4K scoreboard—pretty cool, right? It’s also home to a passionate fan base.

The location isn’t superb, as there’s not much to do before or after the game, but accessibility is good.

Plus, the club seating area underwent a $50-million renovation. 

25. Winnipeg Jets – Canada Life Centre

Watching playoff hockey in Winnipeg is awesome. Hopefully, the weather will have warmed by that point, and the whiteout offers one of the best atmospheres.

However, it has one of the lowest attendance rates during the regular season, and the concourses are too tight for comfort. 

Four years ago today, the loudest I’ve ever heard Canada Life Centre.

Hard to believe how much has changed since then for the #NHLJets. pic.twitter.com/0aKhaimnbM

— Christian Aumell (@CJOBchristian) May 1, 2022

26. Carolina Hurricanes – PNC Arena

PNC Arena is all about the food offerings. It has a Shake Shack, which offers PDQ chicken tenders, and a BBQ stand that offers scrumptious selections.

However, the location—next to Carter-Finley Stadium in West Raleigh—isn’t brilliant. 

27. Florida Panthers – Amerant Bank Arena

Like the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Amerant Bank Arena is located in the middle of nowhere, about 64 kilometres from South Beach, Miami.

Its attendance rate is high, and the on-ice product is fantastic, which improves the overall experience.

28. Anaheim Ducks – Honda Center

Located in SoCal suburbia, the Honda Center is the fourth-oldest building (1993-94). Freeways and parking lots surround it, and aside from being near Disneyland, it doesn’t offer much.

It’s clean and well-kept, but the on-ice product doesn’t help. 

29. Utah Hockey Club – Delta Center

Opening night at the Delta Center saw more than $120,000 in beer sales.

The home of the Utah Jazz is the third-oldest building (1991-92) in the NHL, and the fans deserve props for breaking the beer record sales in that arena on the first night of hockey. 

30. Calgary Flames – Scotiabank Saddledome

Oh, the Scotiabank Saddledome, known for its cool exterior design that resembles, well, a saddle.

Unfortunately, the building and amenities are archaic. If you don’t go to one of the washrooms with more than 10 stalls, you’ll miss a chunk of playing time due to the chaotic lines. That’s why you’ll see tons of people getting up during the action.

It also has one of the league’s lowest attendance rates. Surprised? I was, too. Thankfully, a new building is finally coming to Calgary. 

31. Ottawa Senators – Canadian Tire Centre

The Canadian Tire Centre is literally located in the middle of nowhere. Fans can’t stand travelling to it, and I can see why. 

That doesn’t make for an enjoyable experience, especially when the mercury drops mid-winter. Also, the attendance rate is relatively low comparatively. I wonder why?

32. Buffalo Sabres – KeyBank Center

KeyBank Center had the worst attendance rate during the 2023-24 season. I can’t overcome that little tidbit.

#Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin announced ahead of the home opener here in KeyBank Center pic.twitter.com/mQ9V4lo5f4

— Lindsey Moppert (@lindseymopptv) October 10, 2024

It’s also one of the older buildings (1996), showing its age when you enter.