NHL arenas are more than just places where hockey games are played—they are the heart of the fan experience, showcasing the passion and energy of the sport. These venues hold deep cultural significance for both locals and visitors, often becoming iconic landmarks in their cities. From the roar of the crowd to the electric atmosphere of a game-winning goal, NHL arenas offer an unmatched excitement that keeps fans coming back for more.
For tourists, these arenas are destinations in their own right. Many feature state-of-the-art facilities, interactive exhibits, and even tours that let visitors explore the history of the sport and the teams that call these arenas home. Whether it’s the grandeur of Madison Square Garden in New York or the modern architecture of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, each arena tells its own unique story.
Moreover, they host more than just hockey games. Concerts, shows, and other major events bring in crowds from around the world, giving fans from all walks of life the opportunity to experience a piece of the local culture. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or a casual visitor, NHL arenas are an unforgettable part of the travel experience, filled with excitement, history, and energy. Which ones are the most impressive and why? Check the Rezztek® ranking of the 10 best arenas in the NHL below.
Madison Square Garden (source: Stadium Journey)
10. PPG Paints Arena
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Home Team: Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
- Opened: August 18, 2010
- Construction Cost: $321 million
- Capacity: 18,187 for hockey
PPG Paints Arena is a premier multi-purpose venue in Pittsburgh. It hosts NHL, major concerts and events and is home to the iconic "Consol Energy Center" name, continuing the legacy of the original Mellon Arena. The arena is owned by the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County and operated by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
PPG Paints Arena (source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
9. Little Caesars Arena
- Location: Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Home Teams: Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Opened: September 5, 2017
- Construction Cost: $862.9 million
- Capacity: 19,515 for hockey, 20,491 for basketball
Little Caesars Arena is a premier multi-purpose venue in Detroit, known for its electric atmosphere during Red Wings and Pistons games. It also hosts major concerts and events and is home to the iconic "The District Detroit" development. The arena is owned by the Ilitch family and operated by Olympia Entertainment.
Little Caesars Arena (source: Barton Malow)
8. Excel Energy Center
- Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
- Home Team: Minnesota Wild (NHL)
- Opened: September 29, 2000
- Construction Cost: $130 million
- Capacity: 18,064 for hockey, 20,000 for concerts
The Excel Energy Center is a top-tier venue in Saint Paul, renowned for its passionate crowd during Minnesota Wild games. It is also a prime location for concerts, family shows, and major events. The arena is celebrated for its sleek design and modern amenities, offering fans an unforgettable experience. It is owned by the City of Saint Paul and operated by the Minnesota Sports & Entertainment group.
Xcel Energy Center (source: Xcel Energy Center)
7. Scotiabank Arena (Air Canada Centre)
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Home Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA)
- Opened: February 19, 1999
- Construction Cost: C$265 million
- Capacity: 18,800 for hockey, 19,800 for basketball
Scotiabank Arena is a premier multi-purpose venue in Toronto, known especially for its impressive atmosphere during Maple Leafs in the NHL. It also hosts major concerts and events and is home to the iconic "Air Canada Centre" name, continuing the legacy of the original Maple Leaf Gardens. The arena is owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and operated by the same entity.
Scotiabank Arena (source: Scotiabank Arena)
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6. Crypto.com Arena
- Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Home Teams: Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
- Opened: October 17, 1999
- Construction Cost: $375 million
- Capacity: 19,076 for basketball, 18,230 for hockey
Crypto.com Arena is a premier multi-purpose venue in Los Angeles hosting Lakers, Kings, and Sparks games. It also hosts major concerts and events and is home to the iconic "Staples Center" name, continuing the legacy of the original Staples Center. The arena is owned by AEG and operated by AEG Facilities.
Crypto.com Arena (source: Hoodline)
5. United Center
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Home Teams: Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Opened: August 18, 1994
- Construction Cost: $175 million
- Capacity: 19,717 for basketball, 17,500 for hockey
United Center is a premier multi-purpose venue in Chicago, known for home games of the Bulls in the NBA and the Blackhawks in the NHL. It is also called "Madhouse on Madison". The arena is owned by the United Center Joint Venture, a partnership between the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls.
United Center (source: Chicago Sun-Times)
4. TD Garden
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Home Teams: Boston Celtics (NBA), Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Opened: September 30, 1995
- Construction Cost: $160 million
- Capacity: 17,850 for hockey, 19,156 for basketball
Notable Features: TD Garden is a premier multi-purpose venue in Boston hosting Celtics and Bruins games. This arena continuing the legacy of the original Boston Garden. The arena is owned by Delaware North, whose CEO, Jeremy Jacobs, also owns the Bruins.
TD Garden (source: The Boston Globe)
3. Bell Centre
- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Home Team: Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
- Opened: March 16, 1996
- Construction Cost: C$270 million
- Capacity: 21,105 for hockey, 22,114 for basketball
Bell Centre is the largest indoor arena in Canada and the second-largest hockey arena in the world. It has hosted numerous major concerts and events and is renowned for its passionate fan base. The arena is owned by the Molson family via the team's ownership group, Groupe CH, and managed by Groupe CH subsidiary Evenko.
Bell Centre (source: Hotel Le Cantlie Suites)
2. T-Mobile Arena
- Location: Paradise, Nevada, United States
- Home Team: Vegas Golden Knights (NHL)
- Opened: April 6, 2016
- Construction Cost: $375 million
- Capacity: 17,500 for hockey
T-Mobile Arena is a premier multi-purpose venue located on the Las Vegas Strip. It serves as the home arena for the Vegas Golden Knights and hosts a variety of events, including concerts, boxing matches, and mixed martial arts bouts. The arena is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG).
T-Mobile Arena (source: The New York Times)
1. Madison Square Garden
- Location: New York City, New York, United States
- Home Teams: New York Knicks (NBA), New York Rangers (NHL)
- Opened: February 11, 1968
- Construction Cost: $123 million
- Capacity: 19,812 for basketball, 18,006 for hockey
Madison Square Garden, often referred to as "The Garden," is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Midtown Manhattan. It is renowned for hosting a wide range of events, including sports games, concerts, and entertainment shows. The arena is situated above Pennsylvania Station and is owned by Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
Madison Square Garden (source: Scoopon)
Calgary's New Arena Plans
The Calgary Flames have unveiled plans for a new event center, Scotia Place, set to open in the fall of 2027. This 18,400-seat arena will replace the iconic Saddledome, which has been the team's home since 1983. The project, estimated at $926 million, aims to revitalize Calgary's downtown area by integrating the arena with a broader entertainment district.
Flames coach Ryan Huska believes the new facility will enhance the team's ability to attract top talent, providing state-of-the-art amenities for players and fans alike. The National Hockey League (NHL) features arenas that stand out for their age, size, and cost, each contributing uniquely to the league's rich history and fan experience.
Flames' Arena Plans (source: NHL.com)
Arizona Coyotes' Arena Challenges
The Arizona Coyotes have faced significant challenges regarding their home arena. After their lease at Gila River Arena in Glendale ended following the 2021-22 season, the team temporarily relocated to Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat venue at Arizona State University in Tempe. This arrangement was intended as a short-term solution, but the Coyotes have been actively seeking a permanent home.
In May 2023, voters in Tempe rejected a proposal for a new arena and entertainment district, prompting the team to explore alternative locations. The Coyotes have expressed interest in developing a privately funded sports arena and entertainment district in Phoenix, aiming to create a new epicenter for Valley lifestyle and entertainment.
However, this proposal has faced opposition from local officials, including Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega, who criticized the project as unfeasible and unwelcome. The NHL is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of a stable and permanent home for the Coyotes to ensure the team's future in Arizona.
Coyotes' Arena Plans (source: Arena Digest)
Oldest Arena: Madison Square Garden
Opened in 1968, Madison Square Garden in New York City is the oldest active arena in the NHL. Home to the New York Rangers, it has hosted countless memorable moments in hockey history. The arena's iconic status and central location in Manhattan make it a premier venue for sports and entertainment.
Newest Arena: UBS Arena
The newest addition to the NHL is UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Opened in 2021, it serves as the home for the New York Islanders. This state-of-the-art facility offers modern amenities and a fan-centric design, enhancing the game-day experience.
UBS Arena (source: Populous)
Largest Arena by Capacity: Bell Centre
The Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, boasts the largest seating capacity in the NHL, accommodating 21,105 spectators for hockey games. Home to the Montreal Canadiens, it is renowned for its passionate fan base and vibrant atmosphere.
Most Expensive Arena: Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden also holds the distinction of being the most expensive NHL arena, with a construction cost of $123 million in 1968. Adjusted for inflation, this investment underscores the arena's significance and enduring legacy in the sports world.
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