COPPS COLISEUM --- HAMILTON, ONTARIO USRT VISIT -- February, 2000
Built in the mid 80s, Hamitonians were hoping to lure an NHL team to their city with
this arena, but in this day and age, Copps falls way short of fitting the bill. Nice
downtown location, adjacent to their convention center and performing arts center. But
inside is a narrow single concourse to service both upper and lower decks, multi
colored seats done in hideous mixed colors in the seating bowl. Some cool pics and
memorabilia on the concourse walls.
Built in the mid 80s, Hamitonians were hoping to lure an NHL team to their city with
this arena, but in this day and age, Copps falls way short of fitting the bill. Nice
downtown location, adjacent to their convention center and performing arts center. But
inside is a narrow single concourse to service both upper and lower decks, multi
colored seats done in hideous mixed colors in the seating bowl. Some cool pics and
memorabilia on the concourse walls.
CINCINNATI GARDENS --- CINCINNATI, OHIO USRT VISIT -- April, 2003
What is the coolest thing about Cincinnati Gardens? Opened in 1949, the building is a
complete replica of Toronto's famed Maple Leaf Gardens, complete with its maze of
concourses, musty old fixtures, squared off seating bowl and gondola press box. The
bowl was renovated in recent seasons, and seats are colored team purple and teal. In
one end zone concourse is a great Gardens museum, heralding great sports and
entertainment moments which happened here. This includes a large section devoted
to the Sabres' old affiliate, the Cincinnati Swords, who won the Calder Cup in '73,
Cincinnati's last professional hockey championship.
What is the coolest thing about Cincinnati Gardens? Opened in 1949, the building is a
complete replica of Toronto's famed Maple Leaf Gardens, complete with its maze of
concourses, musty old fixtures, squared off seating bowl and gondola press box. The
bowl was renovated in recent seasons, and seats are colored team purple and teal. In
one end zone concourse is a great Gardens museum, heralding great sports and
entertainment moments which happened here. This includes a large section devoted
to the Sabres' old affiliate, the Cincinnati Swords, who won the Calder Cup in '73,
Cincinnati's last professional hockey championship.
BLUE CROSS ARENA --- ROCHESTER, NEW YORK USRT VISIT -- March, 1999
This is one of the venerable old franchises of the AHL, and the old "War Memorial",
which opened in the mid 50s has been the home of the Amerks ever since. The arena
was given a huge three phase facelift from '96-'98, and the result is a stunning glass
atrium entrance lobby, glass and brick exterior facades, new seating, suites, video
scoreboard and stat boards, and food courts. While sparkling and new in most places,
the worn old infrastructure shows up in other parts of the building. Superb downtown
location and very passionate and knowledgeable hockey fans.
This is one of the venerable old franchises of the AHL, and the old "War Memorial",
which opened in the mid 50s has been the home of the Amerks ever since. The arena
was given a huge three phase facelift from '96-'98, and the result is a stunning glass
atrium entrance lobby, glass and brick exterior facades, new seating, suites, video
scoreboard and stat boards, and food courts. While sparkling and new in most places,
the worn old infrastructure shows up in other parts of the building. Superb downtown
location and very passionate and knowledgeable hockey fans.
VAN ANDEL ARENA --- GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN USRT VISIT -- October, 2004
The crown jewel of a sparkling and vibrant downtown "Heartside District", the 12,000
seat Van Andel Arena opened in 1996, and houses not only the AHL Griffins, but also
the Grand Rapids Rampage of Arena Football. Lots of restaurants, clubs and hotels
within easy walking distance. Tree lined cobblestone streets surround the venue, and
a warmly lit glass facade lobby serves as the main entrance. The seating bowl itself is
a bit dark and austere, best place to watch the games is from the "Griffs Nests", two
party decks with table side seating and a great view of the action.
The crown jewel of a sparkling and vibrant downtown "Heartside District", the 12,000
seat Van Andel Arena opened in 1996, and houses not only the AHL Griffins, but also
the Grand Rapids Rampage of Arena Football. Lots of restaurants, clubs and hotels
within easy walking distance. Tree lined cobblestone streets surround the venue, and
a warmly lit glass facade lobby serves as the main entrance. The seating bowl itself is
a bit dark and austere, best place to watch the games is from the "Griffs Nests", two
party decks with table side seating and a great view of the action.
RICOH COLISEUM --- TORONTO, ONTARIO USRT VISIT -- February, 2004
Make one thing clear - Toronto is not a hockey town, it is a LEAFS town. The old AHL
Roadrunners learned that the hard way when $40MM was committed to gut and
renovate the old Coliseum on the CNE grounds, and the only sellouts they could
muster here was when the Leafs AHL farm team came to town. The Roadrunners have
vacated, and the building now houses the Leafs' farm team, the Toronto Marlies. The
venue? Stately and classic exterior with original facade and towers kept intact. Interior
concourses and seating bowl are bright, but bland and soulless.
Make one thing clear - Toronto is not a hockey town, it is a LEAFS town. The old AHL
Roadrunners learned that the hard way when $40MM was committed to gut and
renovate the old Coliseum on the CNE grounds, and the only sellouts they could
muster here was when the Leafs AHL farm team came to town. The Roadrunners have
vacated, and the building now houses the Leafs' farm team, the Toronto Marlies. The
venue? Stately and classic exterior with original facade and towers kept intact. Interior
concourses and seating bowl are bright, but bland and soulless.
BROOME COUNTY ARENA --- BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK USRT VISIT -- January, 2004
This arena is by far the smallest venue in the AHL, with seating for just over 5000, so
chances are that on most, nights, the building will be full to the rafters and making
plenty of noise to boot. Located in downtown Binghamton, the building is definitely old
school, with old fashioned dot matrix scoreboard, single concourse, spartan press
area. The Baby Sens have only been in town for a few seasons, but hockey has been
played here for decades, the old AHL Rangers and UHL BC Icemen still well
remembered around these parts.
This arena is by far the smallest venue in the AHL, with seating for just over 5000, so
chances are that on most, nights, the building will be full to the rafters and making
plenty of noise to boot. Located in downtown Binghamton, the building is definitely old
school, with old fashioned dot matrix scoreboard, single concourse, spartan press
area. The Baby Sens have only been in town for a few seasons, but hockey has been
played here for decades, the old AHL Rangers and UHL BC Icemen still well
remembered around these parts.
MTS CENTRE --- WINNIPEG, MANITOBA USRT VISIT -- January, 2005
With a great location in the midst of bustling downtown Winnipeg, big league design
and amenities, state of the art scoreboard and LED ribbon boards, and capacity of over
15,000 seats, Winnipeg has made a dramatic statement that they belong in the ranks
of major sports cities. Great food selection in the building, and restaurants for casual
diners and premium seat holders are right in the arena. Plenty more dining choices
within walking distance, but bundle up, because it is c-c-c-cold here in wintertime!
With a great location in the midst of bustling downtown Winnipeg, big league design
and amenities, state of the art scoreboard and LED ribbon boards, and capacity of over
15,000 seats, Winnipeg has made a dramatic statement that they belong in the ranks
of major sports cities. Great food selection in the building, and restaurants for casual
diners and premium seat holders are right in the arena. Plenty more dining choices
within walking distance, but bundle up, because it is c-c-c-cold here in wintertime!
VERIZON WIRELESS ARENA --- MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
USRT VISIT -- February, 2005
Distinct and dramatic architecture is the hallmark of this arena, with its gently sloped
saddle shaped roof and glass facade main entry. The seating bowl here is two levels,
tan colored seats and bright and sparkling tiled concourses. Since opening this new
venue in 2001, Manchester fans have really taken to the AHL, leading the league in
attendance in 2004 and 2005. Nice downtown location with major hotels and wide
choice of restaurants within easy walking distance. Manchester's new AA baseball
park is also now open, along the river about 1/2 mile away from the arena.
USRT VISIT -- February, 2005
Distinct and dramatic architecture is the hallmark of this arena, with its gently sloped
saddle shaped roof and glass facade main entry. The seating bowl here is two levels,
tan colored seats and bright and sparkling tiled concourses. Since opening this new
venue in 2001, Manchester fans have really taken to the AHL, leading the league in
attendance in 2004 and 2005. Nice downtown location with major hotels and wide
choice of restaurants within easy walking distance. Manchester's new AA baseball
park is also now open, along the river about 1/2 mile away from the arena.
DUNKIN' DONUTS CENTER --- PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
USRT VISIT -- February, 2005
Don't let the snazzy corporate name fool you... this is a basic 60s style arena, with
simple 4 sided dot matrix scoreboard, bright but musty concourses, basic one level
seating bowl and few premium amenities. Central downtown location, adjacent to a
massive and impressive convention center/hotel complex and walking distance to
Providence Place shopping mall, and also great selection of eateries and pubs
closeby. Signature food item in the building? What else but the Dunkin' Donuts and
their coffee products!
USRT VISIT -- February, 2005
Don't let the snazzy corporate name fool you... this is a basic 60s style arena, with
simple 4 sided dot matrix scoreboard, bright but musty concourses, basic one level
seating bowl and few premium amenities. Central downtown location, adjacent to a
massive and impressive convention center/hotel complex and walking distance to
Providence Place shopping mall, and also great selection of eateries and pubs
closeby. Signature food item in the building? What else but the Dunkin' Donuts and
their coffee products!
CUMBERLAND COUNTY CIVIC CENTER --- PORTLAND, MAINE
USRT VISIT -- February, 2005
A 6700 seat arena in the middle of downtown Portland, the building is old, and that
motif fits in well with this city's older building stock and cobblestone streets. The only
distinctive thing about the arena's seating bowl are four glass fascias, one in each
corner, where you can actually look outside right from the seats. Basic concessions,
basic electronics, creaky old concourses, spartan player facilities - yes, they were
talking about building a new arena about five blocks down the road, but the naysayers
and obstructionists came out of the woodwork. Looks now that a new arena isn't
gonna happen anytime soon.
USRT VISIT -- February, 2005
A 6700 seat arena in the middle of downtown Portland, the building is old, and that
motif fits in well with this city's older building stock and cobblestone streets. The only
distinctive thing about the arena's seating bowl are four glass fascias, one in each
corner, where you can actually look outside right from the seats. Basic concessions,
basic electronics, creaky old concourses, spartan player facilities - yes, they were
talking about building a new arena about five blocks down the road, but the naysayers
and obstructionists came out of the woodwork. Looks now that a new arena isn't
gonna happen anytime soon.
XL CENTER --- HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
USRT VISIT -- February, 2005
The old NHL Hartford Whalers used to play here. Their banners are still proudly
displayed in the rafters, but the Whalers’ signature anthem, “Brass Bonanza” is
nowhere to be heard. This arena has all the feel and electricity of a big league venue,
with over 16,000 seats, two decks and skyboxes high up near the roof. The Wolf Pack
share the arena with the University of Connecticut Huskies, one of the country's
premiere mens and womens basketball programs. The Civic Center used to be
anchored to a shopping mall, but has since been demolished, replaced by an exciting
office and retail complex, and a 34 story apartment tower, all connected to the arena.
Great location, in the middle of a bustling and vibrant city center.
USRT VISIT -- February, 2005
The old NHL Hartford Whalers used to play here. Their banners are still proudly
displayed in the rafters, but the Whalers’ signature anthem, “Brass Bonanza” is
nowhere to be heard. This arena has all the feel and electricity of a big league venue,
with over 16,000 seats, two decks and skyboxes high up near the roof. The Wolf Pack
share the arena with the University of Connecticut Huskies, one of the country's
premiere mens and womens basketball programs. The Civic Center used to be
anchored to a shopping mall, but has since been demolished, replaced by an exciting
office and retail complex, and a 34 story apartment tower, all connected to the arena.
Great location, in the middle of a bustling and vibrant city center.
TSONGAS ARENA --- LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS
USRT VISIT: February, 2005
Here you have a newer hockey arena that is a perfect size for an AHL team. One main
entrance lobby all made of glass and two staircases take you up to a single concourse
which overlooks the seating bowl and playing surface, giving you a great view
throughout the arena. Very colorful seating bowl, with chairs colored green and blue,
and wine red support beams in the ceiling make for a nice color combination. Lowell is
your typical upscale bedroom community outside of Boston, and the arena is named
after the late Paul Tsongas, much beloved former U.S. Senator, whose mural hangs
proudly in the lobby.
USRT VISIT: February, 2005
Here you have a newer hockey arena that is a perfect size for an AHL team. One main
entrance lobby all made of glass and two staircases take you up to a single concourse
which overlooks the seating bowl and playing surface, giving you a great view
throughout the arena. Very colorful seating bowl, with chairs colored green and blue,
and wine red support beams in the ceiling make for a nice color combination. Lowell is
your typical upscale bedroom community outside of Boston, and the arena is named
after the late Paul Tsongas, much beloved former U.S. Senator, whose mural hangs
proudly in the lobby.
SPRINGFIELD CIVIC CENTER --- SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
USRT VISIT: February, 2005
The stately Springfield Civic Center, home to one of the AHL’s oldest franchises,
underwent a massive transformation to make it one of the league’s premier venues.
New seats, revamp and expansion of all the concourses, a $2MM+ new modern
scoreboard and video board, new restaurants and food courts are just some of the
current happenings. The new Mass Mutual Center, a new convention center is open
right next door and is interconnected with the arena. Downtown location with ample
parking nearby and good choice of eateries and pubs within easy walking distance.
USRT VISIT: February, 2005
The stately Springfield Civic Center, home to one of the AHL’s oldest franchises,
underwent a massive transformation to make it one of the league’s premier venues.
New seats, revamp and expansion of all the concourses, a $2MM+ new modern
scoreboard and video board, new restaurants and food courts are just some of the
current happenings. The new Mass Mutual Center, a new convention center is open
right next door and is interconnected with the arena. Downtown location with ample
parking nearby and good choice of eateries and pubs within easy walking distance.
ONCENTER --- SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
USRT VISIT: April, 2005
Musty, old, creaky… only way to describe the Oncenter, which is short for “Onondaga
County War Memorial Center.” And plaques, exhibits and displays commemorating
the men and women of the military are everywhere, and we mean EVERYWHERE. The
seating bowl is built in a horseshoe style configuration with a theatre style stage in one
end zone, a high barrel shaped roof and just one modern touch – a four sided video
scoreboard. Two claims to fame for this venue – the Syracuse Nationals won the 1955
NBA championship here, and… some scenes from the famed movie “Slapshot” were
filmed on this ice.
USRT VISIT: April, 2005
Musty, old, creaky… only way to describe the Oncenter, which is short for “Onondaga
County War Memorial Center.” And plaques, exhibits and displays commemorating
the men and women of the military are everywhere, and we mean EVERYWHERE. The
seating bowl is built in a horseshoe style configuration with a theatre style stage in one
end zone, a high barrel shaped roof and just one modern touch – a four sided video
scoreboard. Two claims to fame for this venue – the Syracuse Nationals won the 1955
NBA championship here, and… some scenes from the famed movie “Slapshot” were
filmed on this ice.
TIMES UNION CENTER --- ALBANY, NEW YORK USRT VISIT: April, 2005
Located on downtown’s Pearl Street, The Times Union Center anchors a bustling and
hopping bar and party district, almost like a happenin’ college town atmosphere. Very
much the look and feel of a major venue, the main entrance sports a colorful
indoor/outdoor entry pavilion, complete with escalators, bridges and balconies
overlooking a “town square” type configuration. Two decks of seating, video
scoreboard, a ring of suites at the top of the lower bowl, and a private club going in at
one end zone. Just blocks away is the State Capital and Empire State Plaza, Nelson
Rockefeller’s legacy of excess to the New York taxpayer.
Located on downtown’s Pearl Street, The Times Union Center anchors a bustling and
hopping bar and party district, almost like a happenin’ college town atmosphere. Very
much the look and feel of a major venue, the main entrance sports a colorful
indoor/outdoor entry pavilion, complete with escalators, bridges and balconies
overlooking a “town square” type configuration. Two decks of seating, video
scoreboard, a ring of suites at the top of the lower bowl, and a private club going in at
one end zone. Just blocks away is the State Capital and Empire State Plaza, Nelson
Rockefeller’s legacy of excess to the New York taxpayer.
CIVIC AUDITORIUM --- OMAHA, NEBRASKA USRT VISIT: October, 2005
Drive into downtown Omaha, and the first thing in the skyline that hits you is the
gleaming and futuristic looking Qwest Arena. No, that's not where the Ak-Sar-Ben
Knights play... you will find them down a few blocks at the old Civic Auditorium, which is
much more of a funky hockey barn. Refurbished with a bright seating bowl, two
concourses, your basic four sided dot matrix scoreboard. This city has a long and deep
hockey tradition, but with UNO college hockey and a junior team also playing in this
region, the Ak-Sar-Ben Knights are trying to get their footing and their own fan base.
Drive into downtown Omaha, and the first thing in the skyline that hits you is the
gleaming and futuristic looking Qwest Arena. No, that's not where the Ak-Sar-Ben
Knights play... you will find them down a few blocks at the old Civic Auditorium, which is
much more of a funky hockey barn. Refurbished with a bright seating bowl, two
concourses, your basic four sided dot matrix scoreboard. This city has a long and deep
hockey tradition, but with UNO college hockey and a junior team also playing in this
region, the Ak-Sar-Ben Knights are trying to get their footing and their own fan base.
CARVER ARENA --- PEORIA, ILLINOIS USRT VISIT: October, 2005
Tucked into the downtown streets of a clean and gleaming Peoria skyline, Carver
Arena has had its share of great sports moments, whether it be the Rivermen' past
affilliations with the old IHL and more recently the ECHL, or Bradley University's storied
basketball moments as a partcipant in the Missouri Valley Conference. The seating
bowl is festooned with championship banners and retired numbers, and the single
concourse is replete with great Peoria sports memorabilia. Even with a small crowd,
the fans here rock the place, happy to be in the AHL.
Tucked into the downtown streets of a clean and gleaming Peoria skyline, Carver
Arena has had its share of great sports moments, whether it be the Rivermen' past
affilliations with the old IHL and more recently the ECHL, or Bradley University's storied
basketball moments as a partcipant in the Missouri Valley Conference. The seating
bowl is festooned with championship banners and retired numbers, and the single
concourse is replete with great Peoria sports memorabilia. Even with a small crowd,
the fans here rock the place, happy to be in the AHL.
WACHOVIA SPECTRUM --- PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA USRT VISIT: March, 2006
This AHL venue was once the home of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers, and now serves
as the centerpiece venue of Philadelphia's Sports Complex, where all of the city's
major sports teams are housed. The uppermost seats and balconies have been
curtained off, but you can still feel the ghosts of the Broad Street Bullies and the
crooning of Kate Smith's "God Bless America" here in this arena which houses the
Flyers' top farm team. Otherwise your basic single concourse 60's venue with little
public spaces to roam and basic dot matrix scoreboard.
This AHL venue was once the home of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers, and now serves
as the centerpiece venue of Philadelphia's Sports Complex, where all of the city's
major sports teams are housed. The uppermost seats and balconies have been
curtained off, but you can still feel the ghosts of the Broad Street Bullies and the
crooning of Kate Smith's "God Bless America" here in this arena which houses the
Flyers' top farm team. Otherwise your basic single concourse 60's venue with little
public spaces to roam and basic dot matrix scoreboard.
GIANT CENTER --- HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA USRT VISIT: March, 2006
The Hershey Bears are the AHL's oldest team and most storied, and for an entire
generation played at the Hersheypark Arena. The building still stands, and if you walk
into it you will feel like you've stepped into a time warp, with its very steep seating pitch
and old time hand operated scoreboards on each end zone wall. But today the team
plays at the sparkling Giant Center, a perfect sized minor league arena with all the
modern amenities, a sparkling seating bowl and historical touches everywhere. And
the venue is adjacent to the famed Hershey''s Chocolate World and theme park.
The Hershey Bears are the AHL's oldest team and most storied, and for an entire
generation played at the Hersheypark Arena. The building still stands, and if you walk
into it you will feel like you've stepped into a time warp, with its very steep seating pitch
and old time hand operated scoreboards on each end zone wall. But today the team
plays at the sparkling Giant Center, a perfect sized minor league arena with all the
modern amenities, a sparkling seating bowl and historical touches everywhere. And
the venue is adjacent to the famed Hershey''s Chocolate World and theme park.
WACHOVIA ARENA AT CASEY PLAZA --- WILKES BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA
USRT VISIT: February, 2008
On the south side from downtown Wilkes Barre and adjacent to I-81, Wachovia Arena
at Casey Plaza is located next to a huge shopping mall and even more plazas and
retail outlets and chain restaurants surround the place. Opened in 1999 when the AHL
came to town, the arena concourses look a bit worn and dated and the 8000 seat has
too much concrete and not enough color. But local fans here really pack the place, and
are very passionate about their team. One of the most electric atmospheres in the AHL.
USRT VISIT: February, 2008
On the south side from downtown Wilkes Barre and adjacent to I-81, Wachovia Arena
at Casey Plaza is located next to a huge shopping mall and even more plazas and
retail outlets and chain restaurants surround the place. Opened in 1999 when the AHL
came to town, the arena concourses look a bit worn and dated and the 8000 seat has
too much concrete and not enough color. But local fans here really pack the place, and
are very passionate about their team. One of the most electric atmospheres in the AHL.
TOYOTA CENTER --- HOUSTON, TEXAS USRT VISIT: April, 2004
(Houston Rockets - NBA)
(Houston Rockets - NBA)
BRADLEY CENTER --- MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN USRT VISIT: February, 2001
(Milwaukee Bucks - NBA)
(Milwaukee Bucks - NBA)
 |  |  |  |  |  |
American Hockey League
COPPS
COLISEUM
Hamilton
Bulldogs
CINCINNATI
GARDENS
Cincinnati
Mighty Ducks
(team suspended
operations after
2004-2005 season)
BLUE CROSS
ARENA
Rochester
Americans
VAN ANDEL
ARENA
Grand Rapids
Griffins
RICOH
COLISEUM
Toronto
Marlies
BROOME
COUNTY
ARENA
Binghamton
Senators
MTS
CENTRE
Manitoba
Moose
VERIZON
WIRELESS
ARENA
Manchester
Monarchs
DUNKIN'
DONUTS
CENTER
Providence
Bruins
CUMBERLAND
COUNTY
CIVIC CENTER
Portland
Pirates
X L
CENTER
Hartford
Wolfpack
TSONGAS
ARENA
Lowell
Devils
SPRINGFIELD
CIVIC
CENTER
Springfield
Falcons
ONCENTER
Syracuse
Crunch
TIMES UNION
CENTER
Albany
River Rats
CIVIC
AUDITORIUM
Omaha
Ak-Sar-Ben
Knights
(Team relocated
after the 2006-2007
season)
CARVER
ARENA
Peoria
Rivermen
GIANT
CENTER
Hershey
Bears
WACHOVIA
SPECTRUM
Philadelphia
Phantoms
DCU CENTER
Worcester
Sharks
WACHOVIA
ARENA AT
CASEY PLAZA
Wilkes Barre/
Scranton
Penguins
ARENA AT
HARBOR YARD
Bridgeport
Sound Tigers
NORFOLK
SCOPE
Norfolk
Admirals
AHL VENUES
in the four
major sports:
QUICKEN
LOANS ARENA
Lake Erie
Monsters
BRADLEY
CENTER
Milwaukee
Admirals
AT&T CENTER
San Antonio
Rampage
TOYOTA
CENTER
Houston Aeros
USRT "TO DO" LIST:
CHICAGO WOLVES
ALLSTATE ARENA
IOWA STARS
WELLS FARGO
ARENA
QUAD CITY FLAMES
I WIRELESS CENTER
ROCKFORD ICEHOGS
METROCENTRE
COLISEUM
Hamilton
Bulldogs
CINCINNATI
GARDENS
Cincinnati
Mighty Ducks
(team suspended
operations after
2004-2005 season)
BLUE CROSS
ARENA
Rochester
Americans
VAN ANDEL
ARENA
Grand Rapids
Griffins
RICOH
COLISEUM
Toronto
Marlies
BROOME
COUNTY
ARENA
Binghamton
Senators
MTS
CENTRE
Manitoba
Moose
VERIZON
WIRELESS
ARENA
Manchester
Monarchs
DUNKIN'
DONUTS
CENTER
Providence
Bruins
CUMBERLAND
COUNTY
CIVIC CENTER
Portland
Pirates
X L
CENTER
Hartford
Wolfpack
TSONGAS
ARENA
Lowell
Devils
SPRINGFIELD
CIVIC
CENTER
Springfield
Falcons
ONCENTER
Syracuse
Crunch
TIMES UNION
CENTER
Albany
River Rats
CIVIC
AUDITORIUM
Omaha
Ak-Sar-Ben
Knights
(Team relocated
after the 2006-2007
season)
CARVER
ARENA
Peoria
Rivermen
GIANT
CENTER
Hershey
Bears
WACHOVIA
SPECTRUM
Philadelphia
Phantoms
DCU CENTER
Worcester
Sharks
WACHOVIA
ARENA AT
CASEY PLAZA
Wilkes Barre/
Scranton
Penguins
ARENA AT
HARBOR YARD
Bridgeport
Sound Tigers
NORFOLK
SCOPE
Norfolk
Admirals
AHL VENUES
in the four
major sports:
QUICKEN
LOANS ARENA
Lake Erie
Monsters
BRADLEY
CENTER
Milwaukee
Admirals
AT&T CENTER
San Antonio
Rampage
TOYOTA
CENTER
Houston Aeros
USRT "TO DO" LIST:
CHICAGO WOLVES
ALLSTATE ARENA
IOWA STARS
WELLS FARGO
ARENA
QUAD CITY FLAMES
I WIRELESS CENTER
ROCKFORD ICEHOGS
METROCENTRE
ARENA AT HARBOR YARD - BRIDGEPORT CONNECTICUT
USRT VISIT: February, 2008
Harbor Yard is actually a two venue complex - the arena and a 5300 minor league
ballpark right next door sporting a nice view of - the harbor of course. The arena
opened in 2002 and houses the AHL Tigers as well as home for Fairfield University.
Nice carpeted concourses with cozy seating and dining areas, a pub style restaurant in
one corner above the seating bowl, and rail seating in one end zone are nice features
of the place. Scoreboard here doesn't hang above the center, but can be found
stretching high above the sidelines. Team has very poor fan support.
USRT VISIT: February, 2008
Harbor Yard is actually a two venue complex - the arena and a 5300 minor league
ballpark right next door sporting a nice view of - the harbor of course. The arena
opened in 2002 and houses the AHL Tigers as well as home for Fairfield University.
Nice carpeted concourses with cozy seating and dining areas, a pub style restaurant in
one corner above the seating bowl, and rail seating in one end zone are nice features
of the place. Scoreboard here doesn't hang above the center, but can be found
stretching high above the sidelines. Team has very poor fan support.
DCU CENTER --- WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS USRT VISIT: February, 2007
This arena opened in 1982, and is attached to a gleaming newer convention center
right next door, and sits amidst a clean and bustling downtown core with hotels, offices
and retail all within easy walking distance. The building itself is a single concourse
design with access to upper and lower seating decks. The seating bowl has the
uppermost reaches of the building cordoned off with curtains, and snazzy new
scoreboard and ribbon board give the venue a fresh look.
This arena opened in 1982, and is attached to a gleaming newer convention center
right next door, and sits amidst a clean and bustling downtown core with hotels, offices
and retail all within easy walking distance. The building itself is a single concourse
design with access to upper and lower seating decks. The seating bowl has the
uppermost reaches of the building cordoned off with curtains, and snazzy new
scoreboard and ribbon board give the venue a fresh look.
QUICKEN LOANS ARENA --- CLEVELAND, OHIO USRT VISIT: April, 1999
(Cleveland Cavaliers - NBA)
(Cleveland Cavaliers - NBA)
NORFOLK SCOPE - NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
USRT VISIT: March, 2008
A 70s era venue located right on the periphery of downtown and close to hotels,
shopping and area attractions, the arena itself is set in the middle of a cold, uninviting
and spartan pedestrian plaza. Right next door is a symphony concert hall as well as an
exhibition hall, all connected via a massive underground parking garage. Single
concourse and seating for about 9000 fans for hockey. Yes this was once the home of
the ABA Virginia Squires!
USRT VISIT: March, 2008
A 70s era venue located right on the periphery of downtown and close to hotels,
shopping and area attractions, the arena itself is set in the middle of a cold, uninviting
and spartan pedestrian plaza. Right next door is a symphony concert hall as well as an
exhibition hall, all connected via a massive underground parking garage. Single
concourse and seating for about 9000 fans for hockey. Yes this was once the home of
the ABA Virginia Squires!
