New York Rangers Vancouver reviews
Ranger game was great, but Times Union Center NOT!
The hockey game between the Rangers and Devils at the Times-Union Center was entertaining, even though it was the first pre-season game for the teams.
However, tickets were over-priced. These teams are both very popular in the Albany, NY area, but the arena was far from sold out. Both of these teams deserve a packed house and would have had one with propoer pricing. In fact, I have attended several minor league games over the years at this arena that were sold out (15,000), but an NHL only gets 9,500 fans? Ticket pricing was obviously miscalculated. When you don't price appropriately, then you lose out not only on attendance, but on parking and concession sales too and the feeling in the crowd that they are at an event! Proper pricing also pulls in casual fans, who will support future games. Excessive pricing only brings dedicated fans and doesn't contribute to the growth of the sport and future revenue.
The Times Union Center was also GROSSLY understaffed in the food and beverage stands. Lines were unacceptably long. I have NEVER at any arena for any game ever experienced such delays. When one person has to both serve and run the cash register, you have a problem. Also, NO one was walking the aisles serving beer/beverages or food. This is also standard operating procedure in any quality venue. I missed half a period of the game trying to get something to eat.
My opinions are shared by everyone I spoke with who attended the game.