Hi guys, I bought a ticket to the Bruins-Ducks game on 18 March and I would be very grateful, if you could help me out by answering a few questions. I live Netherlands and the last time I have been in the US was in 1994, so I am quite clueless on how things work over there. But at the same time very excited to visit California and an NHL game (first one in my life) and since I have been a Bruins fan almost all my life, it is quite a nice coincidence that they will be in town during my short stay. So my questions:
1. I bought the ticket with my gf's card, so I filled her name in the billing info, now the ticket has her name on it, but she is not coming to the game. Is it a problem, if the name on the ticket doesn't match the person holding it? (I bought it on ticketmaster via a link from nhl.com, if relevant)
They never pay attention to the name on the tickets ever. I've bought tickets from people that than transfer them to me & have never had a problem getting in. If it scans at the door, you are good.
2. I will be staying in Carlsbad and google maps say it is a 30 minutes drive to the Honda Center. Of course, I would like to drive well in advance of the game, but what is the general traffic situation on a Friday evening? Will I be safe, if I leave Carlsbad some 90 minutes before the game? Are there good public transport options?
You can take the Pacific Surfliner from Carlsbad. Looking at the train schedule on www.amtrak.com, you are pretty limited with the train times though and would have to hang out all afternoon before the game. The train station is now literally right across the street from The Ponda, but it looks like driving might be your best bet. I would give it a couple of hours from Carlsbad.
3. Watching games on TV I see many fans of opposing teams in the building at NHL games. Is it ok (safe and not rude) to wear my Bruins jersey in your building? Maybe this sounds like a silly question, but in Europe at some sport venues, fans can get pretty aggressive (verbally and sometimes physically) against fans showing up in the other team's colors (there are usually special sectors reserved for away fans to prevent this). I have a feeling you have a more civilized fandom in this sense, but I want to be sure that I don't provoke any trouble.
You shouldn't have any problems wearing opposing colors as long as you aren't too obnoxious.
Thanks very much in advance to anyone who can help me out and I wish lots of success to all of you and your team... but not tonight
Ivo