Son's First NHL Game

[sfpipes]

Hey folks,

Just looking to get some insight here. I am a former Calgarian, living in enemy territory in Spruce Grove. Luckily, I put in my work and my son is an avid Flames fan with a healthy dislike of the Oilers.

My son's 10th birthday is on November 3rd and as luck would have it, Flames are playing the Oilers that day. I have secured us tickets in the press level. Front row of the upper portion. So, I think the sight lines are still alright. He does have some height issues, which he comes by naturally from me. lol.

I'm just hoping to get some advice on how I can make the game even more memorable for him. Like a jumbotron shout out and any other perks the Flames may give to a birthday boy at his first game. I haven't been to a game in years and just want to hit all the markers. I've emailed customer service, but if anyone has any other insight or contacts, I'd sure appreciate it.

Thanks everyone.

[UnitedFlames]

Get there early (about 45 mins. before the game) for the warmup. He can go right down to the glass and watch/yell/scream/cry. Have a great time!

[bc-chris]

would he want to ride on the zamboni during the intermission??


maybe do an early dinner before the game? let your son pick where you eat! (assuming a restaurant would be less than eating a bunch at the dome)

[Southside]

Call the Flames office you can for sure have his birthday included in the intermission birthday and special occassion announcements.

[indes]

Disregard

[getbak]

Originally Posted by indes

To get to the tunnels at Rogers you need club access FYI. You can go down early to watch the warmups but to get some fist bumps you'll need that. I'm not sure if you can add club access to tickets or not.

I believe the game in question is in Calgary.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Harvey could come by, or is 10 "too cool" for Harvey?

[Locke]

Pocket. Dawgs.

End of conversation.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Also: An "E=NG" sign.

[LowellK21]

As someone mentioned, get their 45-60 minutes early - happy hour prices for food and drinks and less people on the concourse. Gives you time to check out everything on the concourse before it's really busy, check out the Flames store, etc.

Then before warm up, head to sections 101-106 and take him down to the glass to watch warm up up close. There's always empty seats in those sections to sit in and watch as well.

And they used to have an option on the website to request/pay for intermission "shout outs", but I don't see it on the site anymore. When customer service gets back to you maybe inquire with them on that. Maybe they're not doing them anymore.

Other than that, take lots of pictures, drink all the pop and eat all the popcorn and snacks, don't be afraid to cheer and get loud with him, and just enjoy the game and experience with your son! Have fun!

[EVERLAST]

Have him take a sign . It's my first game and 10th Birthday. He'll have a grand ol time.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

As someone who keeps checking prices for flights to take his 7 year old to his first NHL/Flames game, I'm watching this thread with great interest.

It's going to happen someone over the next 2-3 seasons. He NEEDS to experience the Saddledome.

[butterfly]

Originally Posted by Maritime Q-Scout

As someone who keeps checking prices for flights to take his 7 year old to his first NHL/Flames game, I'm watching this thread with great interest.

It's going to happen someone over the next 2-3 seasons. He NEEDS to experience the Saddledome.

I remember last year the schedule didn't work for you. This year there are two Saturday home games in October. Any luck?

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by UnitedFlames

Get there early (about 45 mins. before the game) for the warmup. He can go right down to the glass and watch/yell/scream/cry. Have a great time!

Yeah this is a must for the kids. Going down to the glass for warmup where they can see the players and wave, catch pucks is a blast and as others have mentioned, you can take advantage of happy hour prices.

I honestly wouldn't go to too much more trouble than that and maybe splurging on a treat. Kids are easy to please and they'll be blown away by the experience for the first time anway.

[butterfly]

Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus

Yeah this is a must for the kids. Going down to the glass for warmup where they can see the players and wave, catch pucks is a blast and as others have mentioned, you can take advantage of happy hour prices.

I honestly wouldn't go to too much more trouble than that and maybe splurging on a treat. Kids are easy to please and they'll be blown away by the experience for the first time anway.

Agreed. I remember my first game, I was 12 or 13 before I finally got to go. Flames won 6-2 in Vancouver and my dad had to settle me down for cheering too much. Hah.

It is surreal when you see it with your own eyes the first time after being used to the TV experience.

[Southside]

Originally Posted by Maritime Q-Scout

As someone who keeps checking prices for flights to take his 7 year old to his first NHL/Flames game, I'm watching this thread with great interest.

It's going to happen someone over the next 2-3 seasons. He NEEDS to experience the Saddledome.

Lots of early starts at home this season. So, if you can't physically come out at least you should have a few opportunities to watch the home gameday presentation on TV with him and get him ready.

[billybob123]

Get a cheap poster board at Dollarama and have your son make a poster for his favourite player. Draw his jersey or something unique - the player will probably notice it during warmup and may toss him a puck.

[Jeho3000]

Once a year I bring my son up and after the game we will wait at the gate of the players parking lot! There is usually a small crowd there and the players will pull up, sign autos, and take pictures..

Great way to make some memories!

[getbak]

Originally Posted by billybob123

Get a cheap poster board at Dollarama and have your son make a poster for his favourite player. Draw his jersey or something unique - the player will probably notice it during warmup and may toss him a puck.

"Thanks Lomberg for beating the Oilers!"

[Locke]

Originally Posted by getbak

"Thanks Lomberg for beating the Oilers!"

Thank you Tigers!

You cut it close...but thank you Tigers.