Hockey is enjoying immense popularity right now, with NHL attendance bouncing back in a big way post-pandemic. The league drew over 22 million fans last season, proving its reputation as one of the most watched sports in the world.
With so much interest, NHL tickets remain a hot commodity, especially for marquee matchups and events. Prices can vary widely though, from as low as $20 to well over $500 per seat depending on the arena.
Some venues have cultivated an ultra-premium aura, attracting well-heeled crowds who expect first-class amenities and service. These luxurious arenas spare no expense to provide a five-star spectator experience.
Below we survey the top NHL facilities in this regard – the biggest, glitziest and most expensive places to take in a game during the 2024-24 season:
High-End Highlights
● NHL attendance increased nearly 8% for 2021-22 from pre-pandemic levels
● 32 total teams currently; 7 franchises are based in Canada
● Chicago Blackhawks have the largest fanbase (2.7 million strong)
● The most expensive NHL arena cost over $420 million to construct
● Top-tier tickets at certain rinks now exceed $700
● Naming rights for one facility sold for a record $700 million
● The NHL's most iconic building hosts over 200 events yearly
1. American Airlines Center – Dallas Stars
Location: Dallas, TX \ Tickets: $21-$489 \ Notable Events: 2007 NHL All-Star Game, 2008 NHL Playoffs, 2011 NBA Finals
The lavish home of the Dallas Stars has hosted many major sports and entertainment attractions since opening in 2001. With a $420 million price tag, American Airlines Center was the most expensive arena ever built at the time.
Significant upgrades coming for 2024 will further elevate the spectator experience. All 19,000+ seats will be replaced and upgraded, while a cutting-edge 360-degree video board and roof improvements are also slated.
2. Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles Kings
Location: Los Angeles, CA\ Tickets: $15-$738\ Notable Events: 2004 & 2022 NBA All-Star Games, 2024 NHL All-Star Game
Formerly known as the Staples Center, this facility recently scored a history-making naming rights deal with cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com worth $700 million over 20 years.
Beyond its record-setting business deals, the Arena offers luxurious amenities for LA Kings fans. Over 1,900中心lub seats provide top-notch views of the ice, along with extra legroom and expanded food and drink options exclusive to Center Club ticket holders.
3. Prudential Center – New Jersey Devils
Location: Newark, NJ \ Tickets: $24-$665 \ Notable Events: NCAA Tournament Games, MTV Video Music Awards
Home to "The Rock" and the NHL's Devils, Prudential Center brings Manhattan-level entertainment across the river to New Jersey. The $385 million facility has consistently ranked among the top arenas worldwide thanks to stunning architecture and technological capacities.
One major attraction is the Grammy Museum, an interactive music exhibit space. Concert-goers also flock here to see top artists on tour, with stars like Lady Gaga and The Rolling Stones gracing the stage in recent years.
4. PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh Penguins
Location: Pittsburgh, PA\ Tickets: $28-$423 \ Notable Events: 2013 NHL Draft, 2017 Stanley Cup Finals
Fresh off hosting the 2024 NHL All-Star festivities, PPG Paints Arena provides a supreme game-going experience in Pittsburgh. Home to the hugely popular Penguins, the building features extra-wide seats and additional legroom to amplify comfort.
The main scoreboard impresses as well – its 50×33 foot size allows for enhanced stats like players' ice times, skating speeds, and shot velocities to be displayed. No wonder Pens fans have helped sell 760+ consecutive regular season and playoff contests.
5. Centre Bell – Montreal Canadiens
Location: Montreal, QC \ Tickets: $60-$300 \ Notable Events: 2009 NHL All-Star Game, 2022 Stanley Cup Finals, 2024 NHL Draft
As home to the NHL's most decorated franchise (24 championships!), Montreal's Centre Bell carries tremendous hockey history. Since opening in 1996, the building has hosted an NHL record 3,500+ straight games with raucous, sold out crowds.
With concerts and combat sports also held here, Centre Bell needs to stay versatile. Recent upgrades have enhanced accessibility and given more fans opportunities to attend Canadiens games and events through the years.
By the Numbers: NHL Arena Construction
While magnificent on game nights, these buildings require massive investments to erect in the first place. Some eye-popping stats surrounding top hockey venue construction costs:
● $700+ million – Estimated cost of UBS Arena (New York Islanders), opened in 2021
● $600 million – Approximate budget for Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle Kraken), debuted in 2022
● $430 million – Total construction value of American Airlines Center, highest ever at opening in 2001
● $380 million – Final bill for Prudential Center's completion in 2007
Now let's survey additional premier NHL buildings across the hockey landscape. All these facilities drive major economic impacts while allowing fans to enjoy hockey in style:
6. Scotiabank Arena – Toronto Maple Leafs
| Construction Time | 1 million man-hours | | —————– |:——————:|
Taking over two years to finish working around the clock, Scotiabank Arena (originally called Air Canada Centre) represents a crown jewel venue for the NHL's most profitable club, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With concerts and family events also held here, the building contains top-class hospitality zones including signature clubs bearing the Maple Leafs and Raptors (NBA) brands. Suite holders gain access to exclusive catering and culinary offerings for ultimate sports entertainment.
7. Madison Square Garden – New York Rangers
Nickname: "The World's Most Famous Arena" \ Notable Firsts: Ali vs Frazier "Fight of the Century" (1971), First Arena with Wifi Internet (1999)
As a multi-purpose facility that hosts circuses, concerts and more alongside Rangers hockey, MSG justifiably carries its lofty nickname. The current Garden opened in 1968 but has existed in some form since 1879, hosting hundreds of iconic cultural events.
From athletes to musicians and beyond, performers cite MSG as the pinnacle. Ranger fans agree, as the team has sold out every game since 2005 amid $1 billion worth of arena upgrades in recent decades.
8. Rogers Arena – Vancouver Canucks
Scoreboard Size: 28 x 49.5 feet, largest in the NHL \ Opening Act: Bryan Adams (1995)
As the NHL's most westerly arena, Rogers Arena has established itself as Western Canada's premier indoor venue over 25+ years of operation. Signature amenities include extra wide concourses, a cutting-edge video board, and a unique glass facade offering picturesque views.
Rogers also serves as a popular filming location for movies and TV beyond sporting events. Canucks fans can enjoy a game one night, then return the next to see a major rock act or comedy show thanks to a steady calendar of top-tier bookings.
9. United Center – Chicago Blackhawks
Records: Largest NBA arena, 2nd largest NHL arena \ Events Hosted: 200+, total attendance over 40 million
In one of America's biggest and most passionate hockey cities, the United Center offers the ultimate game night experience. As home to icons like Michael Jordan and Patrick Kane, the building celebrates Chicago sports history through and through.
The recent addition of the latest LED technology and scoreboards builds on prior renovations totaling over $150 million. With a metropolitan area population over 10 million, events at the United Center will continue drawing huge crowds for decades to come.
10. Canada Life Centre – Winnipeg Jets
Construction Timeline: Under 1 year from groundbreaking to opening
Notable Events: Canadian version of "The Amazing Race"
Though on the smaller side with just over 15,000 seats, Canada Life Centre (originally called Bell MTS Place) carries significance as the long-awaited permanent home for NHL hockey's return to Winnipeg in 2011.
True North Sports transformed the building from an AHL arena into a fully modernized, NHL-ready facility in a remarkable span of under 12 months. Hockey-obsessed fans have filled the venue to watch their beloved Jets ever since.
By the Numbers: Total NHL Arenas
● 32 – Current number of NHL franchises
● 26 – NHL arenas located in the United States
● 7 – Number of NHL arenas in Canada
● $5.5 billion – Total value of naming rights among all NHL arenas
● 28 – Number of LEED Certified NHL venues, recognized for green building
Beyond Winnipeg, we finish our tour by highlighting two more venues that have cemented their prominence hosting NHL action:
11. Capital One Arena – Washington Capitals
Concerts Hosted: Over 500, with performances by The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin
Notable Annual Events: Harlem Globetrotters, Washington International Horse Show
After a 1970s-era heyday hosting pivotal music acts, the arena struggled with dated infrastructure in subsequent decades. However, major renovations flipped the script, allowing "The Phone Booth" to regain status as a world-class facility.
Caps fans have benefitted hugely. They now cheer on Ovechkin and company with completely modernized seating, concessions and amenities comparable to any newer NHL venue.
12. TD Garden – Boston Bruins
Team Titles: 17 won by Celtics franchise
By the Numbers: Over 55 million guests served since 1995 opening
Constructed specifically to attract pro sports tenants after the old Boston Garden closed in 1995, TD Garden has more than delivered. Beyond the Bruins and Celtics calling the venue home, TD Garden has hosted hockey histories like the 2010 NHL Winter Classic.
The building boasts unique view lounges and ultra-premium clubs fitting of a traditional hockey hotbed like Boston. Combined with an endless parade of big name concerts and shows, TD Garden doesn't take nights off.
Those represent the cream of the crop in extravagant NHL buildings across the United States and Canada. It takes world-class arenas to house world-class hockey – these facilities allow the sport to thrive through unparalleled fan experiences.
While the on-ice action comes first, the comforts and amenities inside modern "mega-arenas" now play a huge role driving ticket demand and pricing. Top-tier seats at certain NHL venues now run upwards of $700 or more thanks to lavish renovations and what these buildings offer spectators.
From members-only clubs to five-star dining selections and everything between, fans pay for premium experiences and extra comforts that amplify the excitement of seeing NHL superstars like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby up close.
If money is no object, snagging seats inside sleek facilities like UBS Arena or Crypto.com Arena lets you soak in hockey games from unbelievably plush confines. But atmosphere and character still rule all – just ask the rabid crowds at historic buildings like Montreal's Bell Centre.
Wherever you end up catching the action, enjoy it! The NHL offers hockey at its highest level inside many architecturally stunning and fan-friendly arenas.
