That makes sense with it being the newest ice plant (a required upgrade for Mullet Arena to be used by the NHL) and the smallest amount of spectators means the ice would be less affected by the heated coming off attendees to mess with the ice.
It really should be because it shouldn't have a lot of the things that contribute to bad ice.
Humidity is one of the biggest factors in ice quality. It's much worse than heat, which is easier to control with HVAC systems. Phoenix is one of the driest cities in the world. This is also why Vegas has consistently been rated some of the best ice in the league.
Another factor is controlling the interior temperature of a building full of people. 5,000 people don't generate as much body heat as 15,000 do. This also combines with the number of events held in the building. A busier arena has more temperature fluctuations. The ice has been in Mullett for a few weeks and last night was the 5th game played in the building and the first since last Saturday.
Finally, it's a brand new building, so the ice making equipment should all be working perfectly.
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It really should be because it shouldn't have a lot of the things that contribute to bad ice.
Humidity is one of the biggest factors in ice quality. It's much worse than heat, which is easier to control with HVAC systems. Phoenix is one of the driest cities in the world. This is also why Vegas has consistently been rated some of the best ice in the league.
Another factor is controlling the interior temperature of a building full of people. 5,000 people don't generate as much body heat as 15,000 do. This also combines with the number of events held in the building. A busier arena has more temperature fluctuations. The ice has been in Mullett for a few weeks and last night was the 5th game played in the building and the first since last Saturday.
Finally, it's a brand new building, so the ice making equipment should all be working perfectly.
The other factors are valid, but the 5,000 people argument isn't. Sure, it's less people, but the building is commensurately smaller. In fact, the body density is probably higher, as the upper 5-10,000 people in large arenas occupy very cavernous space. So regulating the temperature from that should be relatively easy.
As for humidity, I know this is true, but it sure as hell hasn't helped CGY. I know this is because their ice-making equipment is garbage. But has the ice ever been rated highly at the Dome?
The other factors are valid, but the 5,000 people argument isn't. Sure, it's less people, but the building is commensurately smaller.
No. The ice surface is still 17,000 square feet, so the seating area is a smaller percentage of the building. Also, the surface-to-volume ratio of a smaller building is higher, so it radiates the surplus heat away more efficiently.
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Well I'm super grateful to have had the opportunity to take everything in at Mullett Arena last night. It was a wild experience and I can't recommend it enough for a visiting fan — nothing quite like it NA pro sports. For all its flaws, the arena had an incredible atmosphere and the student section was a party from front to back all night long.
Here's my dive into the fan experience at the Mullett opener.
I’d expect it to be pretty nice. The athletic facilities at big US colleges are ridiculously plush.
Considering this is where they used to play, anything would be a massive step up...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
As for humidity, I know this is true, but it sure as hell hasn't helped CGY. I know this is because their ice-making equipment is garbage. But has the ice ever been rated highly at the Dome?
Yes. Back in the 80s and 90s, Calgary and Edmonton were alway mentioned as having the best ice in the league.
When the NHLPA started their annual players poll in 2017-18, the Saddledome was tied with Minnesota for 4th on the poll of best ice in the league.
Out of curiosity, what other buildings (NHL, junior, AHL, etc.) have you been to? How did it compare to those? Looking at the photos, of the buildings I've been to, it most reminded me of Lethbridge.
Also, did you walk around during the intermissions? How did it handle the crowds? Long lines for the washrooms and concessions? Crowded concourse making it hard to move? Or would a person be able to get around easily, use the washroom and buy a beer and not miss puck drop?
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The building was pretty packed and you could tell the lines were a little longer than usual, but I think you could get the food and drink you needed without missing any of the game.
It reminded me a little of a greatly updated version of the Red Deer Centrium. I've been to quite a few arenas in different leagues by now — in the NHL: Calgary, Vancouver, Washington, LA, Ottawa, and maybe one or two others. A comment I heard a lot yesterday was that it felt like an NHL arena that had been condensed down to a third of its typical size. The food offerings were good, there's a full restaurant/lounge on the concourse, lots of team stores/kiosks.
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Oh yeah my son has played many a game at that rink, which really isn’t an arena at all. Just a rink with a few bleachers.
This sounds like a typical US college arena which in my experience are usually very nice. This one is just on the small side because hockey is such a niche sport at college.
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Well I'm super grateful to have had the opportunity to take everything in at Mullett Arena last night. It was a wild experience and I can't recommend it enough for a visiting fan — nothing quite like it NA pro sports. For all its flaws, the arena had an incredible atmosphere and the student section was a party from front to back all night long.
Here's my dive into the fan experience at the Mullett opener.
I’m surprised that was your first trip here. I thought you lived here at some point
Glad you had a great time! It feels right having this team in a good location. Losing with Wheeler of all people scoring the OT winner is typical coyotes luck but what can you do?
This actually looks amazing, the arena is super intimate and a great vibe. Much better than them playing to a big empty arena with empty seats. Every seat is so close to the ice. The facility is modern.
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