A recent study evaluated 32 NHL arenas based on affordability and fan experience. Surprisingly, Scotiabank Arena, home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, scored poorly, with a value score of just 4 out of 100, making it the second worst for value despite renovations costing $350 million. On average, a family spends $759.42 for a game night there. In contrast, the Florida Panthers’ Amerant Bank Arena ranked highest, with a perfect value score of 100 and a cost of $372.89. Other top arenas included KeyBank Center in Buffalo and Nationwide Arena in Columbus, providing better cost-to-experience ratios for fans.
The cost of attending hockey games is becoming a key consideration for fans, even those with a strong loyalty to their teams. A recent study evaluated 32 NHL arenas to determine which venues offer the best value for hockey enthusiasts enjoying a night at the rink. Surprisingly, some high-profile teams in both the Eastern and Western conferences ranked poorly, including Scotiabank Arena.
We’ve previously noted that Scotiabank Arena is undergoing a significant $350 million renovation project, giving visitors an opportunity to experience a refreshed 100-level concourse, updated concession stands, a remodelled Molson Brewhouse, and a new premium social area. However, even these enhancements did not elevate its standing among NHL venues.
Researchers assessed the average expenditure of families on game nights and compared it to fan ratings based on criteria such as atmosphere, accessibility, and food and beverage options. Each stadium was rated on a scale from 1 to 100, with higher scores reflecting better value for the game night experience.
Despite the Toronto Maple Leafs’ impressive $3.8 billion valuation—the highest in the league—Scotiabank Arena was deemed the second worst in terms of value for money. The arena received a fanfare score of 4.14 and a value score of just 4 out of 100, making the cost of $759.42 for an average family of four seem unworthy.
Scotiabank Arena ranked just below T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which received a fanfare score of 3.86 and an overall value score of only 1 out of 100, despite one of the priciest game night costs at $742.54.
“It’s interesting to see that some of the league’s most popular and successful teams score so poorly in terms of value for money at their home venues,” said Marie Toland, Senior Editor at Slotozilla. “Conversely, some of the smaller franchises manage to deliver an exceptional experience for families looking for budget-friendly entertainment or newcomers to hockey.”
On the other hand, hockey fans can find great value at the Amerant Bank Arena, home to the Florida Panthers, which offers the best game night experience for the money spent. With a fanfare score of 4 and a perfect value score of 100, it’s a worthwhile trip for Miami hockey fans at just $372.89 for a family of four.
Secondly, the KeyBank Center located in downtown Buffalo provides excellent value. With a fanfare score of 3.86 and a value score of 97, fans of the Buffalo Sabres can enjoy a game night for only $380.56 per family.
Ranking third in the Slotozilla report is Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus, featuring a unique 1857 replica Napoleon cannon and an interactive Fan Zone. Despite holding one of the lowest franchise values at $765 million, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ arena boasts a fanfare score of 4 and an overall value score of 94.
This summer, Scotiabank Arena will unveil a renovated Molson Brewhouse on the south 100 level concourse, complete with historic postal building windows and improved LED lighting, along with enhancements to the open-concept broadcast studio at Gate 6.
For more information on the renovations, you can read here.