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Review by John McCurdy, Stadium Journey Correspondent
When they blew up the old Omni Coliseum in 1997, my young self (just awakened to the beauty of basketball and having attended my first few pro games at this place) was obligatorily sad to see it go. The interim years before we got our new digs, when our NBA affiliate was housed between the Georgia Dome and Alexander Memorial Coliseum, were painful as a team that was actually playing on the pro level (not a given in our town), but did not have facilities to match.
If only the Atlanta community had known what was to come in 1999: An 18,000-plus-capacity palace for both basketball and hockey. But more on the latter sport in another review; this is all about Philips Arena as the Highlight Factory, home of the Atlanta Hawks.
FANFARE Score: 25
Food & Beverage: 4
Healthy options you won’t find, but there’s certainly no shortage of appetizing ones. Sure, on the upper concourse you can find all the regulars like pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs and peanuts, but Hawk Walk is where it’s at. The burger-and-fry combo of course bucks into the double-digit price range, but it darn near tastes that good.
Other options along this stretch, described as an “indoor street,” include the Moe’s-style burrito, pizza, barbecue and a decent variety of other grilled sandwiches. Nothing’s below $8, but you didn’t come to the game expecting to save money, now did you?
The club level’s got even more options, including a tiny outlet of the Atlanta Fish Market, but those less-snobbish need not feel as though they’re left out. You can always hit up the Headlines Grill, basically a full-service restaurant, if you want to be treated like royalty…and miss part of the game.
Beer is obtained for a similar price as the food (domestics starting at $8.25), but the size is decent and a bump up to import only costs a dollar more. Please do not go for a cocktail at $9.50, though.
Atmosphere: 4
Ask about the atmosphere of a Hawks game four years ago and the response would have been a sarcastic laugh, but now we’ve got it going on. An important step away from the cartoony ‘90s branding has been taken, and the city has embraced their squad being portrayed as a modern and urban but classy bunch.
The “Highlight Factory” idea is carried over in every bit of marketing you see, and the graphics and pregame presentation fit in well for the ATL. The drumline is only a little dopey, but the spotlights and pyrotechnics of player intros are actually right-on for this on-the-come-up bunch.
This isn’t that overblown theater lighting they’ve got out in L.A., but there is a sense of drama to the way the court looks from the stands. It helps that Josh “J-Smooove” Smith lays down a dramatic dunk and/or block here and there.
Neighborhood: 4
The CNN Center is literally attached to Philips; as in, one of three entrances to the Arena is actually directly from the food court. Which is perfect for people who like to save a buck or two and want to have a lot of brand-name fast-food options rather than get stuff inside. Here you can grab Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Arby’s…the works.
Then, actually still in the same complex (though no longer available in contiguous indoor walking space, requiring a 15-second trip outside) is McCormick & Schmick’s. Sure, it’s a chain, but the variety is pretty impressive, and the quality is kept high from the lower end fish-and-chips to the tuna steaks and crab/lobster options. Expect to pay around $20 for your entrée, obviously depending on what you order, and then some more for a bottle off the extensive wine list.
There’s also a Ruth’s Chris within a block-and-a-half if you prefer the turf side of things. Yes, another chain, but being so close to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia World Congress Center and the Embassy Suites ought to create at least a quasi-unique experience. Get some high-quality beef and a red to match, just don’t blame me when your pocketbook weeps.
Fans: 4
Just like “Atmosphere,” this is a category that has undergone massive improvement in the past few years. I tell you, I was the loneliest man in the state as a die-hard in 2005; all it took was some young, exciting guys and a few wins under our belt, though.
Suddenly, the Hawks are the en vogue team around here. The Braves will always have a following, people will be rabid about the Falcons when they’re good, and there are some hockey nuts even this far South, but ask a person between the ages of 16 and 35 who the “cool” club is and where a hot date’s at and the answer will likely have to do with the roundball team.
Maybe it’s just our modicum of recent success, but people seem to know the team, too. Smith being a native son is a big boost, but knowledge of guys beyond big-namers Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby is common and fairly deep. You might even find someone with an opinion on what we need to add to the roster to take the next step!
You will notice a distinctly younger crowd here, as I alluded to previously. Not sure if it’s the roster, the presentation or just the sport itself that’s attracting the teens and young professionals, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Access: 3
This is downtown Atlanta, which was meant to be traversed not by car but by…
OK, getting from place to place was clearly not a consideration when this city was mapped out.
I-20 and 75/85 meet not five blocks away, which could be a good or a bad thing, depending on whether you’re coming in or leaving. Coming south, I’d get on/off at Spring St. or maybe Piedmont Ave. and find either a surface lot along Marietta St. or pay for a CNN or Centennial deck. The price isn’t going to be great, but remember what I said before in the Food & Bev section?
On the east-west approach, you can get off at, you guessed it, Spring, or hook it around and actually get on 75/85 to get to MLK Jr. Dr. Along this route you’re sure to find plenty of surface lots, but if you skip them you’ll still get dumped out next to the decks.
Or bypass all that garbage by riding MARTA. You know, they say it’s “smarta.”
Inside, infrastructure takes a drastic turn for the better. It should be pretty clear from your ticket if you’re heading up or staying on the first level, and there are bathrooms not 30 steps apart most of the way around.
Return on Investment: 4
I’m not that old, but I’m old enough to remember when tickets to a pro game weren’t this much. I guess I need to consider the times, though.
It’s just unfortunate that at Philips, the price point you’d want to get a decent lower-level ticket for ($50-65) actually nets you something worse than the upper sections: under an overhang that narrows your view of the court beyond the normal TV screen.
I’d say the best angle is to either go cheap up high and fudge it by moving around or just go ahead and lay down $90-plus for serious seats. The middle-of-the-road options simply are not worth it.
You can get some really good views once you break triple digits; in my mind, it’s not a bad plan at all to go ahead and fork that over and go cheap in every other regard (eat fast food beforehand in the CNN Center and ride MARTA).
Etc.: 2
One point here goes to the façade out front. Yep, it says “ATLANTA.” Eat it, everybody else.
The other is for Harry the Hawk, our faithful mascot. No, he is not as well-known as that goofy gorilla out in Phoenix (just how is he a “Sun”?) or the now-extinct sasquatch from Seattle (totally not a “Sonic”), but he should be. The way the lower part of his beak just dangles, wobbles and wags willy-nilly as he performs his antics; the constantly furrowed brow that gives him a completely inappropriate sense of intensity; and his incredible stanky leg are truly one-of-a-kind.
     
Review by Joe Camp, Stadium Journey Correspondent
US Airways Center (formerly America West Arena in the Charles Barkley days) in Downtown Phoenix opened in 1992. It also serves as the home for the WNBA franchise Phoenix Mercury (league champs in ’07 and ’09) and a host of other minor league soccer, hockey and football teams.
The Suns have represented Phoenix since 1968, and no other team existed there before the late 80s when the football Cardinals moved there in 1988. The Cardinals play in Suburban Glendale in a stadium complex adjacent to the arena for the Phoenix Coyotes who arrived in 1996 via the Winnipeg Jets. Also arriving in the 90s were the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998. Their home, Chase Field, is also downtown and only a block east of the US Airways Center.
So while an inception of 1968 doesn’t ring with historical significance it does give them historical priority locally. Be very clear, this is a Suns town. The Suns have consistently had good, competitive teams. They’ve made the conference finals multiple times in every decade they’ve been around and twice lost in six games in the NBA Finals – the first was the “Sunderella” team of 1975-76 that eventually lost to the Celtics and the Barkley-lead team that were beaten by the Bulls in 1993. As any Cubs or Vikings fan will tell you, losing only makes the heart grow fonder. Phoenix is definitely fond of its Suns.
FANFARE Score: 28
Food & Beverage: 5
In addition to the standard stadium fare, there are many edible alternatives available to the more sophisticated palate. Steak sandwiches, Chinese fare, boutique popcorn joints and smoothie shops are all supplementary options. They even had a Cold Stone Creamery that was reasonably priced (although your options are limited and pre-made – a bit of a bummer for a Cold Stone professional like myself).
Most appealing to me was their beverage options. Again, they offered the standard domestics, but there were multiple import options, margarita stands, several vendors offering mixed drinks, and even a Jagermeister stand. Bottoms up!
Beers and some of the food options were a bit overpriced, but I’ve never seen the diversity of options that they had available at US Airways. I came away impressed.
Atmosphere: 4
US Airways is a surprisingly small arena. There are only two seating decks and mid-level boxes are limited. This means that there is no such thing as a bad seat. We were 3 rows from the top in the second deck and I thought our view of the court was fine.
One thing I couldn’t help but notice was the corporate logos and marketing that completely covered the walls of the walkways. Also conspicuous was a belt of cheesy advertising that encircled the inner arena. There wasn’t a scrap of uncovered wallspace to be found. To be honest, though, other than the cheesy local ads in the inner area, the more professional, well though-out advertising/marketing around the walkways made it a richer experience. Given the exposed concrete alternative I’ll take the logos.
Also worth mentioning is the 2nd level kids area they have called “Gorilla Green House.” I’m not sure if there is an entry fee, but I’m 32 and I would have paid $10 to climb through the jungle gym and go down the zip line. I didn’t, but I wanted to, and more importantly, if you have kids they will want to. And deservedly so. Its looks like a lot of fun.
Neighborhood: 5
US Airways is located on the southern end of the downtown area of Phoenix. I like this type of arrangement as it offers relativity close proximity to downtown entertainment options, but is manageable when it comes to logistics such as parking. Also worth mentioning is a light rail stop that drops you off directly in front of the arena.
We began our Stadium Journey at Majerle’s – a nice bar and grill option with an upscale exterior and a classy, but comfortable interior. Named after, and presumably affiliated with, the sweet-shooting Dan Majerle, the décor is your typical sports bar, with lots of memorabilia from Majerle’s playing days. A highlight for me was the lifesize picture of Thunder Dan launching another arching 3-ball while sporting the short shorts and Hi-top Nike Air Force STS’s – for my money the best-looking basketball shoe of all time. Drinks were good, reasonably priced, and the servers were above average. Bonus points for multiple TVs in the mens restroom. I need a live sports feed while I pee.
Sticking with the Players: Past and Present theme, we then moved on to Stoudemire’s, which is across the street from US Airways and part of a food court/shopping center. It looked very upscale from the exterior and that carried through inside, although it was more of a nightclub than a sports bar. We were there 2hrs+ before the game and the place was empty, but it’s reasonable to think that this place could be the place to go postgame. This being the day after the NBA trading deadline and Amare Stoudemire being the subject of many trade rumors, I asked about job security. Our bartender shared that Amare only licensed his name to the place and that the owners had been in the process of exiting from that relationship since the beginning of the season. Apparently the city is ready to say goodbye to their once beloved STAT.
Last but certainly not least, we ventured to the south side of the stadium to Alice Cooper’s Cooperstown bar and grill. I’m pretty sure this is now my favorite bar on the planet. In addition to being huge, with outside seating and a stage area, this is a first-rate sports bar with lots of big screen TVs and a great menu of cleverly titled bar food (ie WMDs: Wings of Mass Destruction, Bruce Lee’s Chopped Chicken Salad). It also celebrates the musical magic of Mr. Cooper and his era – all the employees sported Alice’s trademark eye make-up and at one point I abandoned taking obsequious notes to simply jot down the playlist – Ratt’s Way Cool Jr., Metallica’s One, and Van Halen’s Jump all helped me enjoy what was the best margarita I can remember. Two of them actually. The “Home Run” Wing & Rib combo was solid as well.
Fans: 4
The arena was 2/3 full at tip-off and nearly full midway through the first quarter. As I mentioned, the majority of the fans were proudly sporting their Suns’ orange, and seemed to follow the course of the game fairly well. I definitely got the impression that the people in attendance were “real” Suns fans. This is another way of saying that the crowd didn’t feel “corporate” at all.
Access: 4
Bathrooms at the arena were everywhere and I never had to wait. The downtown location provided plenty of parking and easy access to restaurants and bars. The city uses a grid system so getting back to the major roads was a breeze. Only knock here is that parking in garages was fairly expensive (I paid $12) and the lot parking nearby was not user-friendly and a bit sketchy at that. After once paying $3 to park at a Pacers game, I can’t give it a 5, but it was really easy to get around.
Return on Investment: 3
I really liked the stadium and the neighborhood. With the tickets, parking and food at the game all on the expensive side, though, I think this is about right. Plus the particular game I went to (vs. Atlanta Hawks) was a sloppy game that wasn’t really good even though it was close.
Etc: 3
Minimal stupid time-out activities and very little noise pumped in – both a huge plus in my book. I like sports. I don’t like fat guys dancing and I don’t like 8 yr old girls missing 14 consecutive layups. I liked that they let me just enjoy the game. +1
Did I mention how awesome Alice Cooperstown was? +1
I have a soft spot for teams with a history of tragic losses. The Suns certainly fit the bill. I can’t get the image out of my head of Steve Nash’s nose exploding in 2007 and keeping him from getting back into a game they very much could have won. I’ve seen that 1976 triple OT game 5 on ESPN classic and watching Paul Westphal throw himself all over the court was something to behold. And then there’s Chuck, finally with a team built around him, losing to Jordan and his 41ppg in the 1993 finals. To still fill the place with orange night-in and night-out nets them another bonus point. +1
Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder
If you attend an Orlando Magic game at Amway Arena, you can expect the unexpected. I don’t know about you, but when I think of Orlando, I think of Disney World. As I extrapolate from there, I imagine a family-friendly environment, and a tame crowd filled with retirees and tourists.
It turns out that I was wrong about a lot of presumptions about the experience of attending a Magic game. Walking away, I realized that it is a fun place to see a game, but there are some important tips that you need to know.
FANFARE Score: 24
Food & Beverage: 4
Who knew that Orlando would offer up such an ethnic food variety at a basketball game? I was delighted to find a jerk stand outside section 107 which offered, among other things, either chicken or beef patty (make sure you ask for some extra jerk sauce) for only $3. I could have stayed there all day.
There was also a wide variety of Latin food, a chicken Caesar salad stand that looked fresh, as well as all the usual favorite sausages, popcorn, and nachos. Beer was predictably priced, but there were plenty of mixed drinks to be had as well. A bottle of Budweiser will run you $6 up in the stands. I wish that soda was served in a souvenir cup, but overall, the food and beverage selection was very good.
Atmosphere: 4
It’s an important disclaimer that I attended when the Cavs were in town, so the atmosphere I experienced may not completely resemble the typical experience. That being said, the arena was absolutely electric throughout the game, from player introduction all the way to the finish.
Some venues are loud, exciting, and create goose bumps for spectators. Amway Arena just seems loud. Specifically I mean that to be a criticism of their sound system, which produces a muddled blast of chaotic energy. The unfortunate part is that it distracts from the brilliantly rowdy fans. I hope that the Magic either pare back their infused sounds, or do an overhaul of the sound system in the arena.
Neighborhood: 4
About a mile away from Amway Arena is a great little section of downtown Orlando, filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs. I recommend parking your car in this area and getting a bite to eat at either Urban Flats or Hamburger Mary’s.
Urban Flats offers up flat breads with an assortment of toppings (essentially good pizza), and other delectable treats. Hamburger Mary’s has some of the best gourmet burgers around, and they brew their own beer to boot. Between these two establishments you can find several other establishments ranging from bar to fine dining.
If you’re just looking for a drink near the arena then Hoops Bar may be the spot for you. It’ not a place that I plan to return to, but if you need to grab a beer, I suppose it will do. The place stinks of fermented meat, and while there were brave people eating there, I chose to abstain. A large beer in a plastic cup will run you $3.25.
Fans: 4
A definite high point of the visit to Amway Arena had to be the fans. Partially this was due to my low expectations, but once I moved past my incoming bias, I had to recognize that this group loved their team, and were also very knowledgeable. I found fans recognizing critical fouls before the scoreboard told them to care.
Access: 2
This was a major negative in the Amway Arena experience. There is only one shared concourse between the lower and upper levels, which creates an incredibly congested situation. This is especially true if you dare to use the restroom or grab a snack at halftime. With only four bathrooms, located in the corners of the concourse, there are incredibly long lines to get in and out of the bathrooms.
Do yourself a favor and leave early before halftime to go use the restroom, or wait until halftime is over.
Parking is reasonable, with prices ranging from $5-8 within blocks of the arena. I think it’s worth parking downtown (at $9), and enjoying the walk back downtown as others struggle through the post-game traffic.
Return on Investment: 4
With some great deals on food and parking, and a fairly priced ticket, there’s a lot to like about the experience at Amway Arena. I would be interested to go back and see if the same energy I experienced is pervasive during a game against a lower level team.
Etc: 3
Special point for the overwhelming number of fans who turned out in Superman shirts after the small battle between Dwight Howard and Shaq over who should cal themselves Superman. An additional point goes out to the Central Florida sports Hall of Fame, although it was fairly underwhelming.
Final Thoughts:
Amway Arena was a pleasant surprise. I liked downtown Orlando more than I thought, but most of all, I was impressed with the level of excitement from the fans. As the only professional option in town, the fans get behind this team, and seem to appreciate the amount of success that the team has seen in its short time in the league.
Review by Michael Pinto, Stadium Journey Correspondent
FANFARE Score: 29
Food & Beverage: 5
American Airlines Arena features 14 general concessions and 28 portable carts. There is no shortage of variety either. The concessions feature all the arena classics, but it’s the portable carts that offer an exceptionally wide variety. There’s stir fry, Latin and Mexican, sandwiches, arepas, tacos, kebabs, sushi, cinnamon buns, frozen lemonade, and fresh baked cookies among others. The concession prices are standard, but the specialty items are a bit costly- $12-15 a plate. Overall, food pricing is average if you are looking /for something simple, but are high if you’re looking for something more.
For beverages, the arena offers domestic beers on draft and in bottle as well as a decent selection of imported beers like Heineken, Presidente, and Dos Equis available only in bottle. For spirits, Grey Goose and Bacardi bars and carts located throughout the arena offer a full bar, but prices are a bit high; any spirit will cost at least $10.
Atmosphere: 4
The atmosphere is electric in the arena and there is a definite local Miami flair. The stadium features a marching band, dancers, mascots, and a variety of performers. There is no shortage of entertainment, and downtime is stacked with performances and shows to keep you interested whenever the action stops.
Neighborhood: 5
The arena is located adjacent to Bayside Marketplace, which features several bars, restaurants, and shops. Other than that, there are many, many more bars and restaurants within a short drive. There is easy access to highways and no shortage of entertainment available in the neighborhood.
Restaurants and bars in the area:
Los Ranchos – 401 Biscayne Blvd, Bayside Marketplace, Miami, Florida 33132 (0.15 miles from American Airlines Arena)
Located in the Bayside Marketplace just a short walk from the stadium, Los Ranchos is a well known Nicaraguan steakhouse that specializes in marinated and grilled steaks, chickens, and seafood. The restaurant features a broad menu, with several salads and starters to choose from as well as over 15 different entrees. There is daily live entertainment and a view of the South Florida intercostals. Los Ranchos features a full bar with a good selection of domestic and imported beers, as well as specialty drinks with a Latin influence. The prices overall are moderate, but specialty drinks are a bit costly- $10-15. The experience is truly South American and the food is authentic and exceptionally flavorful.
Delight Caribbean – 236 NE 1st Ave, Miami, Florida, 33132 (0.33 miles from American Airlines Arena)
Located within walking distance of the arena is one of Miami’s finest Caribbean restaurants. The establishment features authentic food at a reasonable price. Portions are enormous, most big enough to share. On the menu you will find oxtail, cow foot, curry goat, as well as more traditional dishes like jerk chicken or jerk pork. There are lots of seafood items to choose from as well and several salads for those looking for something lighter. Delight Caribbean has homemade island juices available as well as a decent selection of domestic and imported beers. Red Stripe is the fan favorite at this establishment, running just $4 during lunch specials. The service is friendly and informative and will leave you with the feeling you’ve actually gone to the Caribbean for a meal.
Fans: 3
The fans are generally courteous and respectful but do not necessarily add to one’s enjoyment of the experience. Usually the stadium is not at maximum capacity, but when it gets packed for a big game there are few places more exciting to watch a game. That isn’t the average experience though.
Access: 4
Stadium parking is limited, but there are many parking lots around the stadium to park for $10-20. Restrooms in the stadium are found on all levels and are effectively spaced and easily accessible.
Return on Investment: 4
Admission and in-stadium costs are a little high, but the overall experience is well worth the price.
Etc: 4
Bonus points for the variety of food and the great area restaurants. There aren’t many locations better than the American Airlines Arena; that’ll earn a bonus point. The most important bonus point is Dwyane Wade. The show he puts on is well worth the price of admission.
Review by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Correspondent
The Izod Center has its days numbered as the last remaining professional tenant will be leaving at the end of this year. The New Jersey Nets, who have played the last 28 years in the Meadowlands, are making a pit stop in Newark to the Prudential Center before permanently moving to Brooklyn. The building never has had a special place in fan’s hearts and it likely will not be missed too much when the arena says goodbye.
The Izod Center simply serves the purpose of hosting a basketball game. There is no stand-out feature in the building, no great atmosphere and no historical significance, though it has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament basketball games. The Nets have had some success here as the NBA Finals twice came to the Meadowlands in the early part of the 2000s. Since then, New Jersey has become one of the worst NBA teams of all time making an already dull atmosphere at the Izod Center even poorer.
FANFARE Score: 16
Food & Beverage: 3
What you would expect from attending a professional sporting event is here food-wise, but that is about it. There are your typical food items like hot dogs, hamburgers and popcorn, while some of the other additional items include Italian sausage, Mrs. Fields Cookies and Carvel Ice Cream.
Nothing out of the ordinary as the only unique food I saw was variations on hot dogs, like the “Belly Buster” which was loaded with Ketchup, Chili, Onions, Peppers and Home Fries. The usual beer offerings (Budweiser, Coors, Miller) are available at the Izod Center. A few concession stands had Rolling Rocks and LandSharks, along with Micholeb’s ShockTop Belgian White. As expected due to the close proximity to New York City, prices ran high with all bottled beers costing $8. A regular cheeseburger was $6, while just a soft pretzel will run you $4.25.
Atmosphere: 2
The atmosphere in terms of numbers is pretty bad. Izod looked a little more than a half-full during a Friday night game and attendance is at the bottom of the league. Entire sections in the second deck were empty and you can pretty much pick your seat across the upper-level (however, be aware that there is no chance of getting into the lower-level seats with some stern ushers watching over things).
There seems to be little interest in the team and even when the team was good, sell-outs were rare. The building looks conducive to hold in noise with a low roof and there were some periods during the game when the fans did make it relatively loud.
Neighborhood: 1
Izod Center is located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex, which is a massive facility in East Rutherford, NJ. It is famously known for being in a swampy area and this is true. There is no neighborhood within a couple miles as you are surrounded by parking lot. A few hotels have been built within the complex and construction still continues (after many years) on the Xanadu Project which is to be a huge retail and entertainment facility.
Fans: 3
There is not much Nets apparel in the stands and the crowd has a family atmosphere to it (not a bad thing), with most of the fan-noise generated by kids. However, the majority of the fans were watching and paying attention to the game as they never got too distracted or involved in their own conversations. In fact, the crowd was ready to go nuts when the Nets just missed a three that would have tied the game during the third quarter. What pushed the ranking to a three was when some of the fans gave a standing O as New Jersey trimmed a 20 point lead to five. It was impressive to see some passion, when these fans have been watching a 5-50 team all year and will soon be losing them as they move across the river.
Access: 3
Getting into the Meadowlands is actually straightforward with drivers entering either from Route 3 or the Garden State Parkway. The traffic is a different story as it sometimes can be a nightmare. For the Nets game, there were no traffic problems. Getting to the actual arena parking involves navigating a maze of roads. It may be a bit confusing if you researched directions prior to arriving, as you are led to different roads and sections to get you to the parking lots. Thankfully, everything is well signed and directed. Bathrooms were not plentiful, but there was no problem with lines.
Return on Investment: 2
Prices were not unusually high with respect to the league and area; however there is not much return on investment here as you can probably find a much better NBA experience elsewhere. Parking runs you $12, though ticket prices are as low as $10. The cheapest lower deck seats are $60.
Etc.: 2
The Izod Center gets a point for the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame which is located when you first enter the building near the box office. It is a nice feature with information on each member, but they needlessly block off the area so you can’t get close enough to read the plaques. The other point comes from the “Nets Sensational Seniors”, a dance team of 60+ year olds. They are hard-workers and were surprisingly very entertaining to all in attendance.
Review by Casey Womack, Stadium Journey Correspondent
The Ford Center in Oklahoma City opened its doors on June 8th, 2002. Behind Hurricane Katrina, the beautiful $89 million facility is the second main reason why it is the home to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Ford Center has built new renovations during most off seasons and is growing just as fast as the city.
FANFARE SCORE: 26
Food & Beverage: 3
It’s your typical concession food mostly with typical big league prices. However, apart from half time, the lines are relatively short at about every stop. There are six restaurant styled concessions scattered around the Ford Center that have professional chefs making all the food, which is unique.
Beer is basically within hands reach wherever you go, which may or may not be a good thing. Plus, it’s relatively cheap. I believe it was only three dollars for a long-neck, which is great if you know how expensive beverages can get at professional sporting events. Plus, there are three sit down restaurants that serve amazing food. However, make sure you bring some extra cash to make sure you can afford the exotic offerings.
Atmosphere: 4
The Ford Center gets loud early and gets loud often. It is built in a great way to bring noise with seats going more up than out which keeps the noise in even more. The selection of music in the arena is amazing. The thing I like the most is the fact that the Ford Center does not play out any sound effect. Everything is clever and pretty cool. The fact the Thunder is relatively new obviously helps brings in the fans and the Ford Center sells out often. If you plan to attend a big game, you are in for a treat.
Neighborhood: 4
The Ford Center sits right in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. Countless things are under renovation surrounding the arena to make it very inviting. The great thing about downtown is that everything is within a reasonable walking distance. On top of that, the restaurants are great. If you plan on going out to eat before the game and want to be on a budget, you might want to check out The Spaghetti Warehouse (101 East Sheridan). It is a very nice restaurant that has quick seating and very affordable Italian food.
There’s quite a few cheap restaurants that are quick in-and-outs if you’re in hurry like Subway, Earl’s BBQ, McDonalds, and many others scattered around the Ford Center.
However, if you want a cool experience and have some cash, go check out Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse (#7 Mickey Mantle Drive) about 45 minutes after the game. It offers the best steaks and burgers in the state. A number of the Thunder players, coaches, and national media go eat there after every home game. It’s the place where a lot of the printed interviews are done between the players and national journalists from ESPN, NBA Network, etc. Besides the star appearances, the food is delicious and not too expensive.
Fans: 5
The fans are the main reason for the solid reputation the Ford Center has built in the NBA community. The arena consistently sells out. Even against the weaker teams, a strong showing always happens. Everyone for the most part shows great respect and cheers for the Thunder in the right way.
I’m not going to say 100 percent of the fans show respect because there are always those small group of people who have too much to drink and get out of hand. However, I’ve witnessed countless conflicts of Thunder fans completely letting the drunks have it when they have taken something too far. So you should feel comfortable here.
Access: 3
This is probably one of the weaker parts of downtown Oklahoma City. There is actually quite a bit of parking downtown. However, if the game is on a weekend, you will have a tough time finding a spot and might have to resort to paying 10 bucks for the nearby parking garage. The reason for this is the same huge parking lot is used for the local theatre and all other activities downtown.
As for the Ford Center, entry is a breeze. There are entry gates all around the Ford Center and it never takes longer than 5 minutes to get in. There are bathrooms absolutely everywhere so you should never have to wait in line for a stall to open up.
Return on Investment: 4
Overall, the Ford Center during any event is well worth going. However, the arena during a Thunder game is a unique experience. The fans are extremely grateful for the team and it shows by the crowd participation. Plus, I really would recommend going to Mickey Mantles after the game to check out the players and media.
The entire trip as a whole is truly memorable and you’ll want to go back if you’re a sports fan, guaranteed.
Etc: 3
- Rumble the Bison is the best mascot in the league, hands down. He alone will get you pumped up.
- The respect the Oklahoma City fans show towards the opposing fans is awesome. They will make you feel as comfortable as ever.
- The scoreboard has to be in the upper tier of the league. It’s brand new and has received amazing reviews since it’s been revealed.
 Photo Attributed to TFC forever Review by Rich Kurtzman, Stadium Journey Correspondent
As the Pepsi Center eclipses its first decade of use in 2010, the arena remains state-of-the-art both inside and out. Located in the heart of Denver, Pepsi is definitely the center of attention on many Colorado nights—and the stunning multi-use arena is befitting the beautiful capital of the Centennial State. It is home of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, the NLL’s Colorado Mammoth, and it regularly hosts the world’s biggest musical performers when they come to town.
The Pepsi Center catches the fan and any architecture lover’s eye right away. It combines soft curves and an overall elliptical shape, contrasting them with sharp triangle-like protrusions that are made up of hundreds of windows—creating awesome glass facades, giving everyone a “wow” sensation when it is admired from close or afar.
The many doors at the main entrance of the Pepsi Center and the plentiful number of ushers eager to help in any way possible makes going into the building a breeze. After entering, the “Altitude Authentics” team store invites visitors and is seemingly always packed. Fans can find all the latest gear for both the Nuggets and Avalanche and the store offers all the hats, jerseys and other memorabilia that can’t be found anywhere else.
As you travel up the great escalators in the huge entrance of the Pepsi Center, you notice a massive and visually interesting hanging statue, half made up of hockey players, half basketballers.
Once on the first, second or third level, food and drink stands and bathrooms are abundant while their lines are usually nonexistent. When it comes to watching a game, there’s literally not a bad seat in the house as the Pepsi Center is a marvelous place to catch a competitive contest.
FANFARE Score: 29
Food and Beverage: 4
At first glance, it seems as though the Pepsi Center’s food and beverage is run of the mill, but there is more to discover depending on what floor the fan is on.
Hamburgers, hotdogs, french fries and popcorn can be found on both the first and third floors mixed intermittently with Old Chicago pizza stands. But what separates the Pepsi from others is the out of the ordinary food choices as well. Carved sandwiches of roasted meats, fajitas, buffalo burgers and Dippin’ Dots ice cream stands dot the arena as well and entice the fan’s appetite for great food.
Domestic beers can be found at any place food is sold, and the soft drink of choice is of course Pepsi. Also, Jack Daniels mixed drink stands are on every level and their bartenders make a variety of potent potables if beer is not your taste.
But where the food and drink get interesting are at the Pepsi Center’s in-house bar (Blue Sky Grill) and restaurant (The Ridgeline). Both of these special destinations are located within the club level although The Ridgeline can be accessed by any fan within five minutes left in the game. The Ridgeline offers a full and unique menu with a long wine list as well. Plus, The Ridgeline has many micro-brew options for the more picky beer drinker and it features its own patio in case a fan needs to step outside for some fresh air. Blue Sky Grill is a full-service bar and restaurant that focuses on Western cuisine, including buffalo tenderloin, buffalo ribeye and ribs.
Atmosphere: 4
Pepsi Center’s atmosphere is always fun and designed with the fan in mind first.
The great atrium entryway includes around 10 large television screens that show other games, pregame coverage or live coverage of the night’s game for the late arrivals.
Once in your seat, fans are in for an entertaining evening.
There are no bad seats in the Pepsi Center, believe me, I’ve sat almost everywhere. Even from the top row, players are easy to make out and there are no obstructed views. Of course, suite section comes with the amenities of food and drink from a private box, and sitting in the lower level puts the observer in the action—whether it’s the giants of the hardwood or the monsters on the ice.
Also, there is a Nuggets’ dance team that dances during timeouts, and a cheer-leading squad to catch the observer’s eye. “Super mascot” Rocky is the best in the NBA and if he makes his trademark backwards over the head shot from half court, the crowd will go crazy.
Neighborhood: 5
Pepsi is in a prime location, just minutes from downtown Denver. The Arena is located adjacent of Six Flags: Elich Gardens, making a full day of fun at both places a feasible option.
But the best part is that Pepsi Center is in LODO (Lower Downtown), the happening place to be in Denver. LODO is home to dozens of bars, clubs and robust restaurants and it’s all within 10 minutes walking distance from the arena.
Brooklyn’s is an upscale feeling sports bar with good, if not great food. The restaurant’s front door is literally within 100 feet of Pepsi and it makes for a great place to pre or postgame party. They boast 10 HD plasma TVs, which make watching the game there almost as fun as in Pepsi, plus 15 beers on tap and 15 on bottle. Burgers run under $10, can be buffalo, chicken, beef or veggie, and they are delicious.
Braun’s Bar & Grill is located next door to Brooklyn’s, making it convenient to eat or drink there before a game. But while Brooklyn’s menu is more sports bar oriented, Braun’s is elaborate and classier. Their restaurant offers a variety of salads and sandwiches as well as pastas and steaks. The chicken Portobello ravioli is a dinner special, as is the crab and shrimp boil that sounds exquisite.
Suite 200 is the newest club, and officially the hottest night spot in Denver now (the Nuggets Kenyon Martin, Clippers’ Marcus Camby both have had birthday parties there). Club Bash is also a wild club scene and The Church offers techno music.
For a more quaint time, there are a seemingly endless number of smaller bars and “dive bars” in LODO to accommodate anyone’s taste.
Fans: 4
Nuggets fans are a bit different, in the fact that Denver didn’t make the playoffs from 1994-2003 and many became disenfranchised with professional basketball. But, with the drafting of Carmelo Anthony in 2003, the Nuggets made a dramatic turnaround and the fans have come back.
While many are newer to basketball, the arena can remain quiet for much of games but the Nuggets are still exceptional when playing in the mile high city.
Access: 4
Bathrooms are bountiful in the Pepsi Center and waiting in line is nonexistent compared to any other sports venue in Colorado.
 Photo Attributed to KM Newnhan Also, the Pepsi Center parking lot is large, although entering and exiting can be a taste of patience and the cost is $20. But, there is plenty of parking downtown and walking a few blocks can cut that cost in half easily. If parking downtown doesn’t work, Denver’s lightrail trains take around 30 minutes from anywhere in the city and cost only a few dollars for a round trip.
Return on Investment: 4
A night out to the Pepsi Center offers a good time and solid return on the dollar.
The cheapest seats to a Nuggets game are a mere $10, two drinks and food will run around $20 and splitting parking with a friend will cut that cost to around $5 if you’re willing to walk a little.
Extra Points: 4
The Pepsi Center has already seen one championship, with the Avalanche’s second Stanley Cup win in 2001. Although the building is a decade old, it remains one of the cleanest and still has a modern feel. Plus, the arena is absolutely amazing architecturally and its location is second to none.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the Pepsi Center itself, holding games for not only the Nuggets, but the Colorado Avalanche, Crush, Mammoth lacrosse, concerts, and other events, is state-of-the art through-and-through.
The Pepsi Center should be regarded as one of the best in all sports, for its many great aspects.
Rich Kurtzman is the Denver Nuggets Featured Columnist from Bleacherreport.com. He also writes about the Colorado State Rams for Examiner.com.
 Tipoff at the Bradley Center Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder
Amazingly, The Bradley Center is the fourth oldest arena in the NBA. Opened in 1988, it has the feel of an outdated venue, while still providing excellent sightlines from anywhere in the building. With $23M in renovations expected in the years to come hopefully they’ll be able to give the Bradley Center some much needed attention, especially in the seating areas. For now, fans will find somewhat cramped seats, but an affordable opportunity to see some NBA action.
FANFARE Score: 25
Food & Beverage: 3
You would expect to find sausages and brats in Milwaukee, and you would be right. I decided to venture off the expected path, and try some BBQ. In many ways it’s a great way to know where you are. In this case it may have been a mistake. The pulled pork sandwich tasted like it was bathed in a traditional Chinese sweet and sour sauce- not good at all.
 Pulled Pork at the BC Beer prices were reasonable, and Miller products could be found in abundance as well as offerings from Leinenkugel, a large Wisconsin based brewer. One of my greatest pet peeves is the lack of offering of a souvenir cup for your soda- always an affordable way to find a memento.
Atmosphere: 3
I love the enormity of the retired number banners and the 1971 Championship banner that hang from the ceiling of the Bradley Center. When you imagine Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson suited up for the same squad, you wish that you had been a Bucks fan in the early 70’s. For this generation X’er, the only other names that I recognized were Sidney Moncrief, and Bob Lanier, although I frankly didn’t realize he had an impact on the Bucks organization before the trip.
At tip off, music was played well into the first possession which I thought was overly distracting, but ceased and seemed tame for the remainder of the game. The Bucks mascot, Bango was truly hard core, especially when he served as a deterrent for a contest between two fans dressed in sumo gear, tackling each as they tried to make baskets the way Bruce Lee would have done it if he were an NFL linebacker.
The game I witnessed against the Timberwolves was a blowout so it was hard to get the full effect of how noisy the arena could get, but for the most part the decibel level was fairly tame.
Neighborhood: 4
The Bradley Center is situated in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, with plenty of interesting bars and restaurants within easy walking distance. A walk along the river or down Old World Third Street would be great places to start. Also, if it isn’t too cold, spend some time meandering along the Wisconsin Sports Walk of Fame. With 114 members including Hank Aaron, Oscar Robertson, Vince Lombardi, and Al McGuire among others, it’s a great way to spend some time without spending any money.
We began with a stop at Water Street Brewery where they have several homemade brews on tap. The appetizers were average and the service was very friendly with plenty of tv’s to stay up on the sports action. Try the “Brew Ton” (think won tons filled with nacho toppings).
 Brew Tons Our second stop claimed to have the best brats in Milwaukee, The Milwaukee Brat House. How that was determined is dubious as they were unspectacular, other than being served on a pretzel roll. They had a good beer list with 12 beers on tap, and 20 more in the bottle, and had a cozy feel. Being just over a block away from the Bradley Center makes them a good option for pre or post game hang time.
 Beers at the Milwaukee Brat House Finally we tried the Red Accordian, a new bar still trying to find their identity. The best description I can give is that they are a slightly upscale sports bar and gastro-pub with somewhat goofy sports quotes as the only noticeable wall décor. They are certainly trying, but perhaps they are trying too hard. They do have an impressive beer list and a menu that is trying to be avant-garde, but they need to focus a bit more on their true identity.
Fans: 4
There is one particularly impressive band of fans in the upper section across from the Bucks bench that deserves a special mention. Adorned with flags from seemingly every country of the world, and a loud horn, they stood for the entirety of the game cheering fervently for their Bucks, and veraciously against the visiting T-Wolves. I specially loved their rendition of the J. Geils Band, ‘Love Stinks’ whenever Kevin Love went to the free throw line.
 Rowdy Fans at the Bradley Center The woman next to me pointed out two Wisconsin elected officials, Bucks Owner and Senator Herb Kohl, and another person, and seemed shocked that I didn’t know who they were. I told her it was ok, when I went to political games, I could always recognize the basketball players in the crowd. Apparently, these would be the local celebrities.
Access: 5
Parking was an absolute breeze, with a covered lot a block away that cost $10. It took a little while to get back on the freeway after the game, but certainly nothing unreasonable for a post game exit. Bathrooms were never crowded, even at halftime.
Return on Investment: 3
This was the toughest area to rate. On the one hand, food was priced effectively and parking is an absolute bargain. Tickets prices are also very reasonable starting at $9.
On the other hand my two major complaints are that the food really wasn’t all that good, and the seats are incredibly cramped even in the better sections of the arena. We sat in about the 15th row, right at center court- absolutely unbelievable seats. I’m taller than most fans (6’3”) and had my legs pressed against the seat in front of me the entire game. What’s more, I really don’t understand stadium seating without cup holders. It affects the fans ability to clap and cheer, and is a nuisance (as well as a deterrent to buying additional beverages).
Etc: 3
Extra points for the unbelievable fan section I mentioned earlier, the Wisconsin Sports Walk of Fame, and the opportunity to sit below the banners of Abdul-Jabbar and the Big O.
Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder
Opening in 1994, the United Center was fortunate to be born into the midst of the Bulls dynasty, and the return of Michael Jordan to the NBA. Two of the three NBA championships won since the United Center opened, were clinched on the home floor (1996 vs. Seattle, and 1997 vs. Utah). For such a young venue, it has seen its share of history.
FANFARE Score: 25
Food & Beverage: 4
There is a great variety of food available at a Bulls game and most of it is great until you remove your wallet to pay for your sustenance. The most expensive item tops out at $13.50 for a brisket sandwich, and while delicious, it’s a tough price to swallow. Other big ticket items include the Madhouse Dog for $10.50 and the Madhouse Burger for $.9.75.
Beers can be found for $7 for typical domestics like Budweiser, and premium beers go for $8. I went with Goose Island to keep it local. Coca-cola products are available, but unfortunately can’t be found in souvenir cups.
Atmosphere: 4
The pre-game festivities are as well done as anywhere you’ll find in the NBA. At times you’ll think you are still there to see a championship caliber team (at least until the ball tips). In the pre-game video tribute, the crowd still cheers for the brief segment featuring Michael Jordan. But when the lights dim and the Alan Parsons Project song “Sirius,” goes off, then you know you’re at a Bulls game.
I also want to give special mention to John Vincent for his great rendition of the National Anthem on my visit. I have seen/heard both terrible, and great versions, and this was right up there as one of the best. I understand he is a fairly regular performer at Ditka’s on 100 E Chestnut. I think I’ll be going there soon just to check this guy out.
Neighborhood: 3
In an area that is not known for being particularly interesting, or even completely safe, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found for entertainment options near the United Center. The key is to keep to the east side of the United Center, and bring a pair of shoes you don’t mind walking in.
About ¾ of a mile from the UC, I stopped in to the West End Bar at 1326 W Madison. This slightly upscale, west loop bar features 12 beers on tap, and 30 more by the bottle. I was intrigued to try one of their “signature rolls” (either the reuben or buffalo, wrapped in a won ton wrapper). Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the bartenders attention fast enough, and after 20 minutes I decided to take my business elsewhere. Seemed like a decent place, with plenty of screens to watch sports, but I can’t recommend it as a stop due to the poor service.
 The Palace Just up the street at 1408 W Madison is the Palace Grill, a greasy spoon joint that’s been around since 1938. This is a great place to start your night, if you don’t mind the walk. For one, you can park on the street for free (make sure you check signs). Second they serve breakfast all day, and they were voted as having the best breakfast in the city by the Chicago Sun-Times in 2008. I went for a Palace Deluxe Burger, a half-pound beauty served on a French roll. You can skip the fries which are sub-par, but make sure you get some homemade pickle.
If you’re up really, really late, well they open at 5am. I also had to laugh at their “Sorry, we’re open” sign. Also, I was told that they cook 35 pounds of bacon a day. That fact alone would have been enough to draw my business.
My final stop before the game was at the original Billy Goat Tavern. Established in 1934, the tavern became famous because of its owner’s curse on the Cubs after denying entry to his goat, Murphy, during the 1945 World Series. It gained more fame as being the setting for a Saturday Night Live skit (Cheezborger, cheezborger, cheezborger) in 1978. I found the “cheezborgers” to be decent, not spectacular, but worth the price at this historic establishment.
 The Billy Goat Tavern Fans: 3
I found the Bulls fans to be predictable and about as average as fans can be. They turned out in decent numbers, but if they weren’t prompted by the scoreboard, I’m not sure that half the fans would ever know when to cheer.
I also need to put part of the blame on the people running the United Center. For a facility built in the mid-90’s not to have cup holders is inexcusable. Plus, it’s a lot harder to applaud with a beer in your hand.
Access: 4
Bathrooms are clean and plentiful. There is also plenty of parking, ranging from free to $25 depending on how much you’re willing to walk. Basically, every block closer costs you $5, until you get to a place with free street parking about ½ mile away. Go east on Madison until you find s pot on the street and park for free.
Return on Investment: 4
It’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to return on investment. Ticket prices start for as little as $10, which is certainly affordable enough for a family to attend. Lower level seats will cost you over the $100 mark per seat. Food is costly, so I would recommend eating beforehand, but its tastier than most stadium fare. Beer is not out of the ordinary for stadium prices. Parking is reasonable, and can be free if you’re willing to walk a bit. I found prices in the gift shop to be fairly affordable, purchasing a toddler sized t-shirt for my son for $14. Overall, a well-educated consumer can make this experience worth the price.
Extra Points: 3
One bonus point for the must-see statue of Michael Jordan, perhaps the best team sport athlete of all-time. There were plenty of fans lined up for pictures before the game, it’s located on the east side of the United Center.
Another extra point for getting to spend time in the House that Jordan built, and to sit under all six World Championship banners of the Bulls (not to mention the two of the Blackhawks).
Finally, an extra point for the variety of entertainment that was available for free to fans. During my visit there were cartoonists available to draw renditions of children and adults. There were also several bands staked out throughout the concourses, adding an extra rhythm to your walk around the arena.
Final Thoughts:
My trip to the United Center for a Bulls game was filled with surprises. On the positive side, I found some interesting places for pre-game activities, free parking within walking distance, and some free activities for fans inside the United Center. I also really enjoyed the entertainment from the National Anthem to the LuvaBulls to the classic player introductions.
On the negative side, I thought the food inside the United Center was too pricey, cup holders are needed, and fan involvement was less than exciting. Those criticisms aside, this is still a worthwhile experience for NBA fans, and even the casual sports fan.
Review by Aaron Novinger, Stadium Journey Correspondent
The AT&T Center’s slogan, “something for everyone”, rings true in many regards. Opened in 2002, it is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a variety of seating options to meet your needs, as well as an eclectic selection of concession stands that offer local San Antonio themed restaurants. The four-sided LED scoreboard above center court dazzles you with its replays and 10-pixel graphics. Team banners and retired jerseys drape the rafters briefing you on the history of the San Antonio Spurs.
FANFARE SCORE: 31.5
Food & Beverage: 5
If San Antonio is known for one thing, it is food. The AT&T Center represents that with a local variety that covers everything from Texas barbecue to burgers and tacos. Some of the local restaurants featured include: Bexar County Barbecue, Whataburger, Taco Cabana, and River City Grille. Having such variety impressed me, as I found myself sharing a sampling of each with friends—a little bean burrito, a little cheeseburger and fries, and I even ate my fair share of standard concession stand nachos. And yes, the Center does also offer the regular concession menus.
Pricing for the concession menu items was rather standard to all arena prices, and I hardly noticed any bump in the restaurant prices.
Also, I heard that the San Antonio Express-News has a newspaper-themed bar on the 100-level, but I did not get to see that. I did venture down the Terrace Suite hall and found the Terrace Suite Restaurant, which features a full buffet and bar. Numerous flat screen TVs hang throughout, so there is no chance of missing any NBA action. Just past the buffet is an exit to an outside patio where you can look down upon a giant flat screen to the left, and to the right, a live band stages its game-long gig.
Atmosphere: 5
Aside from the competitive game, the AT&T Center is simply made for fun. The acoustics maintain the high level of energy from the fans and the high-tech PA system. The 360-degree LED banner adds a lively brilliance to the arena, as does the custom scoreboard.
Sitting in a Terrace Suite combined the feel of a living room with the arena. In the suites, couches and ottomans face a plasma TV that features the game. You can choose your camera angle by changing the channel. The employees are friendly and quite helpful in stocking your refrigerator with sodas, bottled waters, local beers or the ol’ standby Coronas and Coors Lights. Ushers can be found easily and the overall cleanliness of the arena is held to a high standard.
Just past the “living room” area, you can sit and eat at the bar and watch the action on the court, or you can take a seat in the plush, leather section that extends in front of the suite. There are three rows of seats surrounded by very clear glass panes.
 Living the good life- a suite at AT&T Center If you have a large group of friends to split the cost, a suite is well worth the price. Surveying the other 18,500 seats in the arena, there does not seem to be a bad view; and, they all look to have nice leg room.
Neighborhood: 3
Because of its location on the east side of the city, The AT&T Center almost has an isolated feel to it. That area is not as developed as the downtown area of the Alamodome; so if you are looking to grab a bit of Texas history while visiting, you may want to stay at a hotel downtown. There, you can stroll the famous Riverwalk or visit the Alamo grounds.
If you are looking for a nice steak, try the downtown version of the Salt Grass Steak House located at 502 Riverwalk. Want some cheesy nachos or extra cheesy cheeseburger? I recommend Chris Madrid’s located at 1900 Blanco Road.
Fans: 5
Spurs fans are both passionate and quite knowledgeable of the team. At the game I attended, the Spurs were blowing out the opposition until a late surge. The silver and black crowd seemed to help rally the team to a victory and the staff did an excellent job in pumping up the fans and entertaining at the half. Everybody seemed to be enjoying the game and the overall atmosphere.
Access: 4.5
Parking is well-organized with more than 7,000 spaces and the lot has two gates (an east and west) from which to enter. General prices range from $8-15.
Inside the arena, the three-level facility is quite accessible—complete with stairs, escalators, and elevators. Restrooms are plentiful and easy to find. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and will assist you with any questions you may have.
Return on Investment: 5
Spurs tickets can be found for reasonable prices through a variety of ticket sellers. Being my first time at the AT&T Center, I was amazed at how beautiful the facility is from both the outside and the inside. With 60 suites and more than 18,000 seats to choose from, along with the wide variety of concessions and restaurants, there certainly is “something for everybody”.
 Game action at AT&T Center Etc.: 4
I love my food and beverage, so bonus points are awarded for offering barbecue, burger, concession, TexMex, and buffet options. Helpful and readily available staff is always a plus—the hospitality we received during our first visit to the Center was classy and welcoming. It was a chilly night, so bonus points go out to the arena for having a live band outside. And, the lively atmosphere along with the state-of-the-art technology would keep any sports fan entertained and involved in the event.
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