First visit

[UK1]

Hi,

I live in the UK and I'm visiting the US for the first time at Christmas, being a big Hockey fan I'm hoping to attend the game on the 31st December.

So I need a few pointers if possible.....

Firstly what's the best way to go about getting tickets?

of course anything else you think would be handy to know would be appreciated too but I'm sure I'll have more questions.

 

[UK1]

A bit of extra info which might give you a better idea.

A hockey game over here essentially consists of turning up 5 minutes before Face-off along with 1500 other fans finding any seat you fancy and watching the game, I assume the experience is very different but having only seen games no TV I don't really know.

 

[njdevil26]

Well the regular way to get tickets is from ticketmaster.com. The best secondary markets are www.stubhub.com and www.ticketsnow.com.

You should find some reasonable tickets on the secondary market definitely saving you money from the face value on ticketmaster.

If you want, let us know where you are staying. There are various ways to get to downtown Newark. Definitely show up early because right next to the arena there's three bars where you can get some decent food and beer that's much cheaper than in the arena.

 

[UK1]

Thanks for this, I looked on ticketmaster but they seemed pretty steep, I'll check out the other sites later but its not like I'll be making the trip again any time soon.

I'm staying in New York but planning to make the day based around the Hockey (the Mrs doesn't know yet!) so will aim to Travel as early as possible.

 

[njdevil26]

Well the game is New Year's Eve and starts at 1pm. You won't have time to do much that morning... Make sure you check out the NHL store in New York City. To get to the arena from the city is easy... Depending on where you are staying... there's a PATH station at 33rd St, 14th St, 9th St, Christopher St, and World Trade Center and you just take that to Newark and walk two blocks towards the arena.

The Devils also play the Hawks on Friday Jan 3rd which will be a good game as well.

 

[UK1]

I saw it was a 1pm game, probable be an early start if I want to fit it all in but its probable a once in a lifetime thing so its gotta be done.

Didn't realise there was an NHL store in NY so definitely have to check that one out, its a bit of a past minute trip so I haven't planned anything yet!

Thanks for the travel tip too massive help, I'd heard it was fairly straight forward but to be honest didn't know where to start.

All going well on the 31st hopefully I can do the 3rd too.

 

[UK1]

Sorry one more question if anyone can help.

Where's the best place to sit? budget allowing.

Or is there anywhere NOT to sit?

 

[Devils Trap]

I love to sit in the Mezzanine(sp?) sections

Its the 100s . I normally sit pretty centered , and its a great view.

 

[DEVILS130]

Sorry one more question if anyone can help.

Where's the best place to sit? budget allowing.

Or is there anywhere NOT to sit?

I think the most underrated place to sit is lower level in the corner. You get a nice perspective of the ice, especially if you're higher up in the section. Tickets are usually cheaper for those seats too. I got tickets on stubhub to the Nov. 27th game for $45 each.

I have sat in most parts of the arena now and really the only location I didn't like was directly behind either bench. Yea it's cool to see the players up close, but it kinda wears off when you can't actually see the game with everyone walking back and forth. Plus you end up overpaying for them.

 

[Devils Dominion]

I think the most underrated place to sit is lower level in the corner. You get a nice perspective of the ice, especially if you're higher up in the section. Tickets are usually cheaper for those seats too. I got tickets on stubhub to the Nov. 27th game for $45 each.

I have sat in most parts of the arena now and really the only location I didn't like was directly behind either bench. Yea it's cool to see the players up close, but it kinda wears off when you can't actually see the game with everyone walking back and forth. Plus you end up overpaying for them.

Upper rows of a section like 12 are good in the lower level.

Center ice upper level has great view and economical pricing.

 

[Mory Schneideur*]

I would go to the game and then try to head over to the city for Times Square. If you could buy a NYE package at a club nearby you will have a blast as usually you can get food and drinks included for around $150 per person. Joonbug.com has good NYE deals.

 

[Devils Dominion]

Arrive early and have beers at the pubs on Edison Place with lots of other fans.

 

[BenedictGomez]

Where's the best place to sit? budget allowing.

Center ice lower bowl, followed by center ice mezz, followed by center ice Upper level.

I would go to the game and then try to head over to the city for Times Square.

This is about the last thing I would do.

He wont even be able to get back into the city until about 5pm, and by that time it will be an absolute zoo. Maybe do a 5 minute pass-by and check out the ball from afar, but that's it.

Also, if you're staying in lower Manhattan, Battery Park, or FIDI, take the PATH to the game, if you're staying midtown or UWS, or UES, take NJTRANSIT to the game.