I attended the 1st Ever Binghamton Devils Home Game! Here is my Review.
ARENA:
The stairs at the game in my section (Section 3 Row AA) didn’t have hand rails going from the main concourse to lower section where my seats were. It was difficult to go down the steps for myself and my guest.
The seats were comfortable however with not having cup holders was annoying. I put my drink between my legs hoping I myself wouldn’t knock it over or have little kids running up and down the row kick it like a hockey puck.
The lack of items per the concession stands were a bummer. The prices were typically fair for a sporting event.
HOCKEY GAME:
The Game Announcer was difficult to hear. He sounded muffled. I couldn’t hear who got a penalty, what the penalty was called for or who scored and got the assists. The Music / Sound System was terrible. The sound system sounded tinty is the best way to describe it. It wasn’t crisp/clear.
I am not sure if the arena sold or allowed these clapping gadgets but they allowed them in the arena, It was very annoying and made portions of the game unenjoyable from nearby fans.
The glass where we were sitting in front of had several puck marks which is usual for a hockey game but some of the puck markings were large and a distraction. Also when the home team was shooting down the opposite end of the rink it made it very challenging to see due to the reflection of the plexiglass on the sides.
The team, the mascot ‘Devil Dog’ and the Binghamton Devils staff including the Season Ticket Sales Reps were friendly. One of them even got me a poster of the teams schedule that was hanging up in the area by going out of his way to his car to get me one after the game.
The “human bowling entertainment” in between periods and the host was a good excuse to get up and roam around the concourse as it wasn’t that entertaining at all. I would suggest maybe doing multiple events throughout the game. Like Period 1 Intermission, they could do the human bowling event if that pleases an audience but then during the 2nd period intermission, I’d suggest another event like they do at NHL Games with prizes/giveaways/shooting the puck events, etc.
I plan on attending a game in the future, however I’d like my rating go from a 7/10 to a 10/10. As a New Jersey Devil fan it is quite the experience to be able to see the young rookies and semi-pro players before turning pro. Ya never know one of those players could indeed become the next Gordie Howe or Wayne Gretzky!