r/CharlotteCheckers • u/iraolla • Oct 22 '24
First time to a hockey game
Hey Guys, i'm a brazillian going for the first time to a hockey game, anything special i should know about?
12
u/your_boy_cb Oct 22 '24
Despite what the signage around the arena will tell you, there are bathrooms downstairs too. You don’t need to wait in those long lines during breaks if you know where to go.
9
u/HoneycombBig Oct 22 '24
You’re in for a treat my friend. Hockey is the best live sport.
In addition to what the other poster said, be prepared to be loud. It is, in essence, a bit of a rowdy time.
I will also say do not be intimidated by some of the “ritual” for goals, chants, crowd participation. You’ll catch on to all of it fast.
Most of all, let loose and have fun!
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u/SgtLoyd Oct 22 '24
Bring a blanket if you get cold easily and try not to walk in the seating area if the puck is moving (In Play)
3
u/atoastedcucumber Oct 22 '24
Hockey shares similarities to soccer, but its much faster. Since there is more speed involved you may have a hard time tracking the puck; you should try and watch how players are setting up and creating opportunities instead of just focusing on the puck. Look at where the play is developing, maybe there is a player open and looking for a pass, maybe a player is exiting the penalty box and looking for a stretch pass down the ice. Basically, try to see where these opportunities are for shots on goal and look ahead, where the puck might be next.
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u/iraolla Oct 22 '24
i'm ready to don't see the puck at least 25% of the time lol looking forward to it, thanks for the tips!
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u/BudWeiserIII Oct 22 '24
Bring a cowbell, get and stay loud, have a couple beers, and if we ever get a penalty or scored on it was the ref’s (zebras) fault
2
u/severelycadet Oct 23 '24
Hell yea, you're in for a great time!
Some etiquette tips for ya: Don't walk around while the puck is in play! If you need to get a snack or use the restroom, wait for a stoppage!
If you can, stay till the final buzzer! Show support for the team, even if they're getting blown out!
Only wear merch of the teams playing! It matters less in the AHL but it is a general hockey etiquette. I've got some Checkers gear ordered but for the last year I've gone to games with an old Checkers hat and a Canes Svechnikov sweater. Nobody's gonna stop you or look at you weird if you don't follow this rule. Hell, I saw someone wearing a Calgary Flames sweater when I went to the home opener last weekend.
The two most common chants are pretty simple. For powerplays, the PA will say "Your Checkers are on the PowerBall..." the crowd will yell "Powerplay!". For goals, its a pretty simple He shoots! He Scores! For the anthem, yell Red during the Rockets red glare.
Show up early! Warmups start thirty minutes to puck drop, and the intro is pretty cool!
Stay alert, especially if you're close to the ice! Pucks and sticks can and most likely will fly into the crowd at somepoint!
You're gonna have a great time! If you've got any questions about how the game works, just ask!
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u/iraolla Oct 23 '24
Sound good mate, i'll make sure to get myself some merch before the game starts! Planning on getting by 6PM as soon as i leave the office and get some warmup beers!
Is it usually fine to uber to there? just so i can have more beers.
Will probably need to hear the chants a few times before getting the right time, but as soon as i do, count me in to make some noise!
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u/severelycadet Oct 24 '24
Yea, Uber should be fine! I don't know how close they can get to the doors, I've never used a ride share to go to a game. There's also a bus stop on the corner of Monroe Road and Chipley Avenue, that'll put you just down the street, about an 8 minute walk away from the stadium.
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u/bubs613 Oct 24 '24
More people in this city need to know how effing awesome hockey is, and relatively affordable.
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u/[deleted] Oct 22 '24
Bring a cowbell to make noise, wear a sweater, take a hat to throw on the ice if one of the Checkers scores a hat trick, and when you hear the crowd yell the other goalies name you yell YOU SUCK as loud as you can.
P.S you most likely won't get the hat back so I say buy a checkers hat in the arena or take one that you don't mind losing.