I'm traveling 2500 miles to see my 1st NHL game. Advice needed.

[Coach]

Fair enough. I figured most places DT would be $200/night or more.

[Royle9]

Let me see if I can snag a pair of lower bowl corporate tickets, worth a shot.
Will let you know ASAP but pickings are slim against CDN teams.

[palmettophoto]

Regarding the Hurricanes, Raleigh is 4 hours away and I want to get the "real" hockey experience. I can't imagine a better scenario than a matchup between two Canadian rivals. I want to see the equivalent of a Alabama vs LSU college football environment. Watching a Hurricanes game would be like seeing a football game at Washington State. There is no comparison.

[Locke]

When you get to the 'Dome and you see a Beer guy you STEER CLEAR!

What you want is a beer from the tap. Those are the good ones. With...special ingredients.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by palmettophoto

Regarding the Hurricanes, Raleigh is 4 hours away and I want to get the "real" hockey experience. I can't imagine a better scenario than a matchup between two Canadian rivals. I want to see the equivalent of a Alabama vs LSU college football environment. Watching a Hurricanes game would be like seeing a football game at Washington State. There is no comparison.

I feel somewhat sorry for you. I haven't been to a game like Alabama/LSU, but I would imagine its a madhouse! I just really hope you're not disappointed.

[OldDutch]

I would say game 6 last year was pretty close to a college football game. Being at the dome I have never felt that much energy, even more than 2004 game 6 WCF. The Miller chants were deafening.

That said the final game of the regular season this year will probably be no where near as close, but for a tourist it should be fun.

I second the motion to stay downtown-ish. Motel Village while cheap is more of a cheap traveler on business area. I would just do Hotel Arts and walk, after the game you can hit up some areas on 17th for a bite or drink. Motel Village is a dead zone.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by palmettophoto

Regarding the Hurricanes, Raleigh is 4 hours away and I want to get the "real" hockey experience. I can't imagine a better scenario than a matchup between two Canadian rivals. I want to see the equivalent of a Alabama vs LSU college football environment. Watching a Hurricanes game would be like seeing a football game at Washington State. There is no comparison.

I wonder though for the experience that upper bowl seats wouldn't be better then, if that is what you are going for. The lower bowl is pretty mellow, but great if you really want to watch the game.

If you really want to know why everybody hates Canucks fans, I would recommend the press level.