How to Pick the Best Seat at a Hockey Game: A Section-by-Section Guide

Walking into a hockey arena for the first time can be overwhelming. Thousands of seats, dozens of sections, and price points that range from a casual evening out to a minor investment. After attending over 200 games across Canadian arenas, our team has sat in virtually every type of seat. Here's what we've learned.

Glass Seats (Rows 1–5, Lower Bowl)

These are the seats right against the boards. You'll feel the vibrations when players check each other into the glass, and you'll hear the skates carving ice. At Scotiabank Arena, sections 113–120 on the home bench side put you closest to the Leafs.

Pros: Immersive experience, great for photos, you might make it on TV.

Cons: You lose the overhead perspective. It's hard to follow plays developing in the neutral zone. The glass also fogs up and gets scratched, occasionally blocking your view.

Lower Bowl Centre Ice (Sections 107–114)

This is considered the premium viewing area. You're close enough to see facial expressions but high enough to follow the flow of play. Rows 10–15 in these sections are often called the "sweet spot."

At Rogers Place in Edmonton, the equivalent sections are 113–118. In Montreal's Bell Centre, aim for sections 101–114 on the Reds level.

Pros: Best overall view of the game. You can see both nets, follow line changes, and appreciate the speed of the game.

Cons: These are typically the most expensive seats in the building.

Lower Bowl Corners & Ends

Corner sections give you an angled view that's actually better than you'd think. You're close to one net, which is perfect for watching offensive zone plays, power plays, and shootouts.

Pros: More affordable than centre ice, great for watching the goalie. You see shots and saves from a dramatic angle.

Cons: You'll crane your neck when play is at the far end.

Pro tip for corners

In most Canadian arenas, the home team attacks the end closest to their bench in the 1st and 3rd periods. Sitting near that end means you see two-thirds of the offensive action up close.

Club Level / Loge Seats

These are the sections between the lower and upper bowls. At Scotiabank Arena, they're called the "Platinum" and "Hot Stove Club" sections. They come with wider seats, in-seat service, and access to lounges.

Pros: Elevated sightlines, premium amenities, less crowded concourses.

Cons: You're further from the ice. The atmosphere can feel muted compared to the rowdier upper bowl.

Upper Bowl (300-Level)

Don't dismiss the upper bowl. Some of the best hockey fans in the building sit up here. The energy is real, the beer is the same, and the view is surprisingly good — especially in sections directly at centre ice.

At Scotiabank Arena, sections 318–320 offer a centre-ice view from the upper bowl. At Bell Centre, the "Whites" (300-level) sections 301–310 are popular with locals who come for the atmosphere.

Pros: Most affordable, great bird's-eye view, energetic crowd.

Cons: Players look smaller. If you're in the last few rows, the overhang of the press box can cut off the jumbotron.

Our Overall Recommendation

For a first-time hockey game, we recommend lower bowl, rows 10–18, between the blue lines. You'll see the full ice surface, feel the speed, and hear the sounds. If budget is a concern, upper bowl, first 5 rows, centre ice is the best value in any Canadian arena.

Every seat in a hockey arena has its charm. The glass seats are thrilling. The nosebleeds are where lifelong fans sit. The important thing is being there.