Archive | Visits

They don’t make ’em like this place any more. In a sense, that is probably a good thing since Windsor Arena has narrow hallways, little parking nearby, an old-time scoreboard with no video capabilities and no seats with armrests. When you are playing in the oldest facility in the country hosting junior hockey, you are […]

Not all modern arenas are created equal. While pretty much every newer arena has suites and other premium seating, good sight lines and a signature design feature, you rarely see all the elements come together just right. But Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines is a gem that comes awfully close to a perfect fit.Year […]

Built on the site of JFK Stadium, the Wachovia Center replaced the Spectrum as home to the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, the NLL’s Philadelphia Wings, the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, and the AFL’s Philadelphia Soul. Originally known as the CoreStates Center, the naming rights were taken over in a 1997 merger by First Union Bank, and then […]

Van Andel Arena is home to the AFL’s Grand Rapids Rampage and the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 12,000 Architect: Rossetti Web Site: vanandelarena.com Phone: 616/742-6600 Anchor Tenants: Grand Rapids Rampage (AFL) / Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) Parking: Plenty of surface lot parking available. Handicap parking is available on the corner of Ottawa […]

The United Center, home to the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, is the largest arena in the United States. Construction was begun in April of 1992, with the ribbon cutting ceremony being held on August 18, 1994.Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 21,711 (basketball), 20,500 (hockey), 25,000 (general event) Architect: HOK Sport, Marmon Mok, W.E. Simpson Company […]

HOK Sport designed Toyota Center in conjunction with locally based Morris Architects. The structure features large open windows and some of the most comfortable chairs of any arena. A unique aspect of Toyota Center is the playing surface. Set nearly 32-feet below street level it is the largest lower level of any facility in the […]

Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 17,248 (basketball), 15,924 (arena football), 15,948 (hockey) Architect: Lloyd Jones Philpot Web Site: orlandocentroplex.com Phone: 407/916-2400 Anchor Tenants: Orlando Magic (NBA) / Orlando Predators (AFL) Parking: There is an array of parking lots, garages, etc. surrounding the arena. Directions: 600 W. Amelia Center, Orlando. THe arena is located in downtown Orlando […]

Target Center, home to the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) and the Minnesota Lynx (WNBA), was the first arena to ban smoking.  The building’s unique, movable floor and ceiling system is one of only two that exist in the country.  This allows the venue to quickly transform for the needs of different events.Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 18,600 […]

Staples Center opened on October 17, 1999, and since then, the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers capped-off each of their first three seasons at Staples Center by winning consecutive NBA championships. The Sparks captured back-to-back WNBA Championships in their debut seasons at Staples Center, and the Kings (NHL), Clippers (NBA) and Avengers (AFL) have all set […]

The St. Pete Times Forum is one of the most attractive in the NHL. Start off by checking out the 75-foot sculpture of three yellow lightning bolts that anchor the arena, then be prepared because this might be the first time you have ever seen palm trees in front of the facility. The glass construction […]

Cost: $250 million Capacity: 18,500 Architects: Downtown Arena Design Team (HOK, Ellerbe Becket and 360 Architecture.) Anchor Tenants: None

Reminders of the Oilers’ success in the 80s are prevalent when going to Rexall. Outside is a bronze statue of the one and only Wayne Gretzky hoisting the Stanley Cup. Still not impressed? Known today as “The House that Wayne Gretzky Built,” once you enter the arena, the rafters are covered with 22 banners, including […]