TD Garden - Boston Bruins
- Paul Baker
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
TD Garden 100 Legends Way Boston, MA 02114
Year Opened: 1995
Capacity: 17,850
The Gahden
Going to a game in an Original Six city is a sacred pilgrimage for hockey fans, and the buildings these teams once called home were true shrines of the game. While the Boston Garden, Montreal Forum, Olympia, Joe Louis Arena, Maple Leafs Garden and Chicago Stadium have faded into history, Original Six teams continue to hold a special place in NHL lore.
The Boston Bruins are the third-oldest team in the NHL and were the first team based in the United States to join the league. 60 individuals associated with the team have been enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Bruins have won six Stanley Cups in their history, most recently in 2011.
The TD Garden is only the third venue that the Bruins have called home in over a century of competition, after the Boston Arena (now called Matthews Arena) and the Boston Garden. Built just nine inches from its predecessor, it is named for its sponsor, TD Bank. In addition to serving as home to the Bruins and the NBA’s Boston Celtics, the Garden annually serves as host to the Beanpot Tournament and Hockey East Tournament.
Food & Beverage 4
The concession experience at TD Garden has never been at the forefront of the Bruins game day routine. Over the years, the concessions have improved here in both variety and quality. But be warned that concession prices here are among the highest in the NHL.
Stands at the TD Garden are organized by their menus, so hungry fans may have to do some searching to find what they want. Vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free items are available throughout TD Garden. Some of the most popular items are the oversized pizza slices from Sal’s Pizza. For some of the more unique items on the menu, head to the Test Kitchen on Level 4. A more in-depth description of the menu, including a map of all concessions, can be found here. Coca-Cola products are featured at TD Garden.
Fans looking for an adult beverage will have no problem finding what they want at TD Garden. Brews from local favorites Sam Adams and Harpoon Brewery are featured among the national brands. For a great selection of local brews, head to the Sam Adams Brewzone on Level 4 or the Craft Beer Garden on Level 7.
Atmosphere 5
There just seems to be something special about seeing a game in the home of one of the Original Six teams. The Boston area features some of the most rabid fans in the league, and when the black and gold get on a roll, this is one of the loudest venues in the entire National Hockey League.
An evening at a Bruins game will feel very familiar to veteran NHL travelers, as the staff here in Boston doesn’t really break any new ground in terms of gameday presentation. But what they do, they do well. The giant “Hub Vision” video board is the centerpiece of the game day experience, and its high-resolution screen is used consistently with graphics, fan cams, replays, and games during play stoppages. The PA announcer and in-game emcee do a great job keeping things moving and energy up. The Bruins anthem singer, Todd Angily, has picked up the baton from the legendary Rene Rancourt and has become a Boston legend in his own right. There’s no downtime here at the Garden. The Bruins make nice use of AI-generated bear graphics to pump up the crowd throughout the game.
There’s not a lot of spare room in this tiny arena, and recent renovations have added some much-needed space to the place. Concourses were widened, and restrooms have been added. New social areas, such as the Rafters Club on Level 9 and the Back Row Bar at the top of the Balcony seating area, have become favorite spots to mingle with fans and grab a drink while watching the game.
Neighborhood 5
The TD Garden is located adjacent to Boston’s historic North End, the city’s version of “Little Italy.” While visiting, hockey fans flock to Bruin legend Ray Bourque’s restaurant, Tresca. Be sure to grab a couple of cannoli from Mike’s Pastry while here, or head to Regina’s Pizzeria, one of the top places to get a slice of pizza in the country. Many visiting fans enjoy walking down Hanover Street, taking in the sights and smells.
While many legendary restaurants around TD Garden have closed their doors in recent years, there are still plenty of dining and lodging options just steps from the venue. The Harp, Hurricane’s at the Garden, and of course, Halftime King of Pizza are just a few of the many options from which to choose. Fans looking for convenient lodging will find a Courtyard by Marriott, citizenM Downtown, and Onyx Boston all in the immediate vicinity.
Walk a few blocks further south, and you will arrive at Faneuil Hall, a collection of restaurants, shops, and clubs that is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Be sure to check out the Union Oyster House, Boston’s oldest restaurant and home of the city’s best clam chowder. Statues of Celtics legends Red Auerbach and Bill Russell and be found here among all the historic sites.
Fans looking to explore Boston’s rich history can follow the Freedom Trail, which passes a few blocks from the Garden. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long brick-lined route that connects several of Boston’s most significant historic sites. This walking tour winds throughout the city and is one of the best ways to explore Boston.
Fans 5
There is an adage in American hockey circles that the most knowledgeable, passionate fans in the United States live in the three “M’s” (Massachusetts, Minnesota,, and Michigan). Greater Boston is one of the most hockey-crazed areas you will find anywhere, with a dedicated fan base that can rival anything found in Canada. Even though the Bruins are going through a rebuilding period, you can expect the Garden to be packed and loud on game night.
The Garden becomes a sea of black and gold for every Bruins home game. Even the most casual Bruins’ fan seems to be louder than your typical fan. The Garden is filled with noise, particularly when the Bruins get on a roll. It provides the team with a significant home-ice advantage and makes the Garden an intimidating arena for visitors. Visiting fans and families can still feel comfortable visiting Boston, though.
Access 3
Boston can be a difficult city to drive in, especially for a visitor who doesn’t know their way around. The best way to get to TD Garden is to take public transportation, known in Boston as the “T.” The arena is located directly on top of the North Station MBTA commuter rail station, bringing in fans from all parts of suburban Boston. For fans taking the subway, both the green and orange lines stop at North Station, right across the street from TD Garden. The $2.40 one-way fare makes the “T” Stadium Journey’s recommendation for avoiding the hassle of driving.
Although there are many options for parking in the area around the Garden it can be quite expensive to park here. The 5-level garage located directly underneath the Garden charges $65 for event parking. Several surface lots and garages in the immediate area charge $30-$50 on game night. Despite the Garden’s downtown location, there is little on-street parking around.
Over the years, the TD Garden has undergone a great deal of renovation designed to improve flow into and around the venue, as well as the creation of several new social gathering areas throughout the Garden. Some of these areas, such as the Rafters on Level 9, are among the most coveted tickets in the building.
All tickets for Boston Bruins games are now electronic. The arena’s bag policy prohibits all bags larger than 6” x 4” x 1.5”. The facility is cash-free and provides cash-to-card options for those without plastic. Complete details can be found here.
Return on Investment 2
Going to a game at TD Garden is one of the most expensive in the National Hockey League. Even though the Bruins are going through a rebuilding period, tickets continue to be in high demand. So far this season, the least expensive tickets continue to be priced far north of $100 on the secondary market.
Adding to the high cost of attending a Bruins game is the cost of parking, which starts at $30 and has above-average concession prices. For example, purchasing a slice of pizza and a large soda will cost you close to twenty-five dollars.
Stadium Journey’s recommendation for significantly cutting the cost of attending a Bruins game: take the T and eat at one of the fine restaurants nearby before or after the game.
Extras 5
Statues – A statue commemorating what is perhaps hockey’s most iconic photograph, Bobby Orr’s 1970 Stanley Cup-winning goal, stands at the entrance to TD Garden. The team also commissioned a giant roaring bear statue for their 100th season, which stands in a small park adjacent to the arena. Statues of Celtics legends Red Auerbach and Bill Russell are nearby in Faneuil Hall and City Hall Plaza, respectively.
Banners – Banners honoring the Bruins Stanley Cup championships and other achievements hang from the Garden’s rafters. Twelve Bruins have had their numbers retired, with Zdeno Chara’s number 33 to join them in January. Also, there are banners commemorating the Beanpot Tournament and the Hockey East Tournament, both held here annually. Plus, there are also all those Celtics championship banners hanging around.
Museums – Perhaps the greatest hidden sports gem in Boston is the Sports Museum. Located on levels 5 and 6 of the Garden, The Sports Museum features items celebrating the city of Boston’s long and storied sports history. Heritage Hall was opened to celebrate the Bruins’ 100th anniversary, honoring the team’s history with memorabilia, technology, and interactive activities.
History – As you may expect from one of the NHL’s Original Six teams, many sporting events of great importance have occurred here. Oversized murals depict iconic moments in the arena’s history on both concourses.
Final Thoughts
TD Garden is never mentioned among the elite venues of the National Hockey League. But a visit to Boston has to be considered on any hockey fan’s short list. The fans, the neighborhood, and the Garden will not disappoint any Stadium Journeyer.
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