Ask a reporter about a specific game four years ago, and he or she may or may not remember it. Ask a reporter about a signing or a statistic, and it might take a moment to recall and place it. The games, seasons and stories all sort of blur together after a while.

But ask a reporter which airport he or she hates the most? Which United Club has the best snack options? Which cities you should rent a car in and which ones you should just take an Uber? Which place in each NHL city has the best sandwich, the best hotel, the best beer prices? Instant recall.

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When you travel for a living, spending more than 120 nights on the road some years, convenience and comfort are everything.

Which brings us to The Athletic’s first NHL beat writer arena rankings. They might not be exactly the same as how fans would vote. Atmosphere counts, no doubt. The view of the ice matters, sure. And location, location, location. But every reporter who goes to every rink every year knows which rink has the most convenient press entrance, the fastest elevator, the friendliest gameday staff, the best pregame meal, the saltiest snacks, the most comfortable chairs, the most reliable WiFi.

What matters to us doesn’t matter to most, but it really matters to us.

The work situation comprised one-quarter of our poll, as our army of hockey writers rated each arena on a scale of 1-8 based on the location (hello, New York and Nashville), the quality of the facility (good work, Vegas and Detroit), the atmosphere (looking at you, Montreal and Winnipeg), and yes, its press box (forget you, Brooklyn).

Here are the results with comments from our voters. We eagerly await you all telling us to stop crying about snack selection and smelly elevators in the comments.

1. T-Mobile Arena (Vegas)

Location: 7.54

Quality of facility: 7.58

Atmosphere: 7.63

Press box: 6.67

Total score: 29.42

I’m surprised to see this at the top of the list. Look, I love Vegas as much as the next degenerate. And T-Mobile Arena’s location is tough to beat — grab a bite at Eataly at Park MGM (the old Monte Carlo), place a bet at the sportsbook conveniently located at the side exit, stroll right into the arena, then stumble back out onto the Strip for the never-ending postgame after-party. But the arena itself? I mean, it’s fine. It’s a clone of the Staples Center, which also is fine. It’s nice, it’s modern, but other than the kick-ass drum line and the gloriously cheesy pregame show, it’s a big, mostly sterile arena. The people there make it great, but the building itself doesn’t have a lot of character. Great location, great crowd, great fun. But as a building, it’s … fine. – Mark Lazerus

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“A game at T-Mobile is an entertainment experience.” – Arpon Basu

“I’ll never know, because Josh Yohe has called dibs on Vegas for life.” – Rob Rossi

“There are monitors on the concourse that not only show you a map of where the concessions are, but also how long the current wait in line is. My first time there was in March. I told someone that the NHL needs to tear the other 30 buildings down and start over with this one as the blueprint before the game had even started. OK, maybe keep the ones in Detroit and Montreal.” – Corey Masisak

“Weirdly dark and foreboding press box is a small detail. The walk in from the strip. The vibe inside and out. The ‘Game of Thrones’-like drama that unfolds on the ice before every game. A grand addition to the NHL circuit.” – Scott Burnside

2. Bell Centre (Montreal)

Location: 7.43

Quality of facility: 6.82

Atmosphere: 7.68

Press box: 6.43

Total score: 28.36

I could devote this space to just the hot dogs. Luckily, Jeremy Rutherford already did that. Coming up on 25 years, the Bell Centre has held up pretty well in all facets of this discussion, and it leads our poll in the all-important atmosphere/fan experience score. Most people are pretty satisfied from the location to the overall facility to the atmosphere to the press box. The visiting media can be stuck with poles impeding their view of the ice, but let’s be honest, no one really cares about what the visiting media thinks. This arena is first-class. – Scott Powers

“Always special to cover a game at the Bell Centre. Love the views from the press box, love the hot dogs and cookies, and love watching the Montreal hockey media all filter out in between periods to smoke cigarettes.” – Thomas Drance

“I literally can’t think of anything I don’t like about this place other than the visiting dressing room is ridiculously too small.” – Kevin Kurz

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“The beam that blocks the view of visiting media isn’t the reason I can’t see the game. I can’t see the game because I’m in the meal room eating the hot dogs.” – Jeremy Rutherford

3. Madison Square Garden (N.Y. Rangers)

Location: 7.73

Quality of facility: 6.73

Atmosphere: 6.77

Press box: 7.04

Total score: 28.27

Sitting directly atop Penn Station, the Garden is the most easily accessible rink in the league. The best pizzeria on planet Earth, Pizza Suprema, is right across the street from the southwest corner of the building. You can’t throw a soft pretzel without hitting a Marriott. The recently built sky bridge press box is one of a kind, and was justifiably voted the best in the league in this poll. I mean, if only there were a bar or a restaurant or something in this sleepy town, it’d be perfect. – Lazerus

“Best arena in the league, and although I miss the press box in the lower bowl corner where you and your laptop could get hit with a slap shot back in the day, the new press box is spectacular with great sightlines.” – Michael Russo

“It’s the only arena left where just being there feels special. It’s always a gas to see first-time players stop and check out the celebrity photos.” – Rossi

“It’s a Broadway show … but with hockey players.” – Tarik El-Bashir

4. Bell MTS Place (Winnipeg)

Location: 6.13

Quality of facility: 6.17

Atmosphere: 7.48

Press box: 6.43

Total score: 26.22

This isn’t the best arena in the league. But it’s the best place to watch a game in the league. A small, intimate venue with phenomenal sightlines and a crowd that’s as hot as the city is cold. My only quibble is a few years ago, they decided to take the press box — once a fabulous den of unhealthy salty snacks and ice cream — and turn it into some sort of health-hole. We slovenly writers are so starved for something tasty that when they bring out boring ol’ boxes of popcorn and plain M&Ms at the first intermission, the line stretches damn near around the rink. – Lazerus

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“Great fans. Amazing fans. Everything else about the Winnipeg experience is minor-league.” – Rossi

“Love this place even though I can never quite navigate the underground parts of downtown when I’m there in the winter. And yes, I have also done some wandering on the event level trying to find the Jets dressing room, which is weirdly located near a loading dock. But I digress. One of the best press box perches on the circuit. Staff is super-helpful. And does that place rock? Yes. Yes, it does. Hockey how it was supposed to be seen and heard.” – Burnside

“I’ve been much more wowed by snack options across the NHL but let’s be real. Few arenas give you better sightlines to do your job, and when the fans get going, it evokes chills something fierce.” – Murat Ates

5. PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh)

Location: 6.24

Quality of facility: 6.8

Atmosphere: 6.56

Press box: 6.32

Total score: 25.92

Soft pretzels, cheddar Goldfish and Snapple in the press box. What more do you need? Oh, right. The hockey part. That’s good, too. It’s a big, modern, imposing rink, but it’s all really well done. It doesn’t have the quirky bizarre charm of the old Mellon Arena, site of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s legendary stint in goal (RIP Iceburgh), but it’s hard to find fault with the Paint Can. – Lazerus

“In all the years I’ve been going there I have yet to try the melted cheese dip in the big saucepan. Maybe next season. Staff is always cheery. Taco night in the press room is not to be missed.” – Burnside

“Just way too big. But, they do have the most comfortable chairs of any press box in the league.” – Kurz

“It’s one of the best new buildings. There isn’t much to dislike, though the atmosphere isn’t close to Mellon Arena.” – Josh Yohe

6. Nationwide Arena (Columbus)

Location: 6.62

Quality of facility: 6.5

Atmosphere: 6.23

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Press box: 6.35

Total score: 25.69

The first time I covered a game here, they served some Tim Hortons hot dark chocolate in the press box. It was mind-blowing. It’s never been back, and I’ve been chasing the high ever since. Anyway, the cannon everyone freaks about isn’t even real (the sound comes from the scoreboard area), and once you learn the rhythms of the cannon, it’s very easy to know when to cover your ears. Everyone’s such a baby about this place. It’s a really good rink.  – Lazerus

I swear, @MarkLazerus almost ended up under the desk when the cannon sounded. #CBJ

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 4, 2014

“The cannon is my personal least favorite thing on the NHL circuit, but how the fans feel about it is what really matters.” – Max Bultman

“Great location and the whole arena area cooks. Upgrade the coffee and get rid of the cannon and you’re all set.” – Burnside

“That cannon … I once covered a 10-0 shellacking of the Canadiens there. Almost had a heart attack.” – Marc Antoine Godin

7. Rogers Place (Edmonton)

Location: 6.08

Quality of facility: 7.54

Atmosphere: 6.04

Press box: 5.63

Total score: 25.29

Rogers Place received some of the highest markets for quality of facility. It was just so well done when it was constructed nearly five years ago. For us media, the Hall of Fame room, where press conferences are held, is such a cool space with plenty of room and natural light. I’d love to be in Edmonton when it wasn’t freezing and get to walk around some more, but the arena is convenient to get to. Everything I’ve heard about the fan experience is top-notch, too. The press box isn’t beloved just because of how far it is from the ice. – Powers

“Hard to beat Rogers (Place) at the moment. Their visiting dressing room for WHL teams is better than 28 other visiting rooms around the NHL.” – Drance

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“I’ve been warmer in an open press box at Wrigley Field in April than sitting in the new press box in Edmonton. Or Calgary. Because the ice was so far away I felt like I was in Calgary.” – Rossi

“Going to Edmonton doesn’t feel like a chore anymore, especially if the rate at the adjacent JW Marriott as media-friendly. Still, I’m pretty sure the press box is technically in Yellowknife.” – Kurz

8. Capital One Arena (Washington)

Location: 6.84

Quality of facility: 5.96

Atmosphere: 6.56

Press box: 5.92

Total score: 25.28

Wait, seriously? Eighth in the league? I can only assume my colleagues voted this one so high because it’s a block away from the Irish Channel pub and there are a gazillion Marriotts in the area. Washington’s awesome. This arena is not. The press box is nothing to write home about, either. That spicy salty bar-style snack mix is overrated as hell. Also, the PA guy during a preseason game a few years back said “Jonathan Toes.” – Lazerus

“Great location. Perfect to enjoy all that D.C. has to offer. But the building isn’t aging well. At all.” – Yohe

“Most improved game night experience in the league since winning the Cup in 2018.” – El-Bashir

“Solidly in the top five of NHL experiences. I have often said that Washington fans may be among the best in the league. Rock the Red, indeed. I remember when being downtown for a Caps game was to be in a wasteland. No more. Great vibe inside and out. Press box elevator definitely among the league’s tardiest, but that’s a small thing.” – Burnside

9. Xcel Energy Center (Minnesota)

Location: 5.625

Quality of facility: 6.67

Atmosphere: 6.17

Press box: 6.29

Total score: 24.75

The instant you walk into the X, you’re smacked in the face by the overwhelming smell of cinnamon donuts, which are baked a couple hours before every game on the main concourse. If you made the Barclays Center and the Saddledome smell like donuts, they’d instantly be two of the best rinks in the league. But the X — my pick for the best in the league — has so much more. The woodlands theme works. The high school hockey jerseys ringing the open concourse are a great touch. There are terrific sightlines, and it’s a savvy and fervent fanbase. One of the better pregame meals in the league (which makes up for a meager press box snack situation). And there’s finally a Marriott in St. Paul (where was that when I was covering a playoff series there every spring?). What more do you need? The X finishes ninth in this list, but first in my heart, where it counts. – Lazerus

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“Just a wonderful place to watch a hockey game.” – Yohe

“Honestly was hoping Minneapolis/St. Paul would end up a hub city. Love the vibe, winter, fall, spring, doesn’t matter. The coffee in the press box? OK, That could be better.” – Burnside

10. Scotiabank Arena (Toronto)

Location: 7.26

Quality of facility: 6.22

Atmosphere: 5.78

Press box: 5.48

Total score: 24.74

I’ve learned to take polls about Toronto with a grain of salt. There are people who love Toronto because it’s Toronto, and there are people who hate Toronto because it’s Toronto. Scotiabank Arena is definitely one of the league’s better arenas. The location is perfect. The facility is on the higher end of the league. Still, it feels like it should be something more. Maybe it’s the atmosphere? Maybe it needs to be more unique? I can connect hockey with Toronto the way I connect basketball with New York City. Unfortunately, Scotiabank Arena isn’t Madison Square Garden. – Powers

“Great building, prime location, and the most surprisingly quiet fans in the league.” – Kurz

“The Mecca needs a true hockey arena.” – Rossi

“The only thing missing is some louder fans, really.” – James Mirtle

“I love covering games here. The building has held up nicely. It just has a certain appeal.” – Yohe

11. TD Garden (Boston)

Location: 6.79

Quality of facility: 5.46

Atmosphere: 6.46

Press box: 5.54

Total score: 24.25

I’m 40 years old, have been a traveling hockey writer for eight seasons, am only in Boston once a year (other than the 2013 Stanley Cup Final), and I believe I’ve spent roughly 17 percent of my life waiting for the elevator at TD Garden. But, hey, there’s a “Hot Nosh” kosher vending machine in the bowels of the arena for employee workers that says it’s open “24/6,” so it’s got that going for it, which is nice. – Lazerus

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“Elite level candy selection in the press box.” – Mirtle

“Not an easy place to work. But I’ve always thought it would be a treat to take in a game as a customer. Bruins fans are legit.” – Rossi

“Coldest press box in the league.” – Fluto Shinzawa

“Quietly one of my favorite spots to cover a game. Friendliest game night staff in the league. Quick walk to Neptunes for a pricey seafood lunch.” – Drance

12. American Airlines Center (Dallas)

Location: 6.04

Quality of facility: 6.29

Atmosphere: 5.29

Press box: 6.46

Total score: 24.08

There may not be a more welcoming place in the league than Dallas. Everyone is just so nice and accommodating. For the media, it just makes a huge difference. Most people raved about the press box. There are things to do in the surrounding area. From an entertainment standpoint, the Stars do a good job. The fans come out, too. The building is fine. – Powers

“Beers in the press box after the game? Yep. It’s true. That used to be the standard, now it makes Dallas unique.” – Aaron Portzline

“Diet Dr Pepper in the press box!” – Shinzawa

“You won’t find better people in the league than Stars’ personnel. A vice president once booked me a hotel room and gave me a ride after a game. I’m Facebook friends with the elevator operator and you’d think it’s Halloween year-round with the candy supply.” – Rutherford

13. Little Caesars Arena (Detroit)

Location: 5.24

Quality of facility: 7.62

Atmosphere: 4.62

Press box: 6.57

Total score: 24.05

I can’t believe this isn’t higher — which is not a thing I’ve ever said about the press box here. It’s incredibly high, but it’s fantastic. It edged out Vegas and Edmonton for the highest quality facility in our poll. The only arena in the league with press tables high enough to stand at (very spine-friendly!), LCA was modeled after the Bell Centre — it’s built straight up, not out. If the Wings ever get good again (checks lottery results, sighs heavily), this place is going to have an unbelievable atmosphere, which is where it took the biggest hit in our poll. Opening it right at the start of what looks like a very long rebuild was rather unfortunate. – Lazerus

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“The new Red Wings press box is what a press box would look like if there was a scene in a ‘Star Wars’ movie that covered an intergalactic group of sports writers. Also, I refer to the media meal, with its deep-dish pizza/chicken wings (and fingers) as the ‘7-year-old’s birthday party’ meal and genuinely look forward to it.” – Drance

“Press box feels like the coldest place on earth. Tied with the Edmonton press box.” – Lisa Dillman

“It’s hard to accurately judge the fan atmosphere now, when the team has been so bad since the arena opened, but there have been a few nights at LCA where you get a glimpse of what it will be like when the team is competitive. By that point, I think the rating has the potential to shoot up significantly because of how loud it can get and the fan passion.” – Bultman

14. Amalie Arena (Tampa Bay)

Location: 6.81

Quality of facility: 6.04

Atmosphere: 6.19

Press box: 4.89

Total score: 23.93

This is one of the most despised arenas for the media because the elevator to and from the press box can take forever, and you can often get stuck on it with garbage. It’s hard for us to overlook that, but take that away, and Amalie Arena is a pretty good place to watch hockey. There are things to do in the surrounding area, especially with the fan zone. The weather is usually great. Inside the building, the fans and the team do a good job of providing an enjoyable atmosphere. – Powers (Lazerus: I love this rink. TESLA COILS!)

“Might be the most underrated arena in the league.” – Mirtle

“Tampa (the city) might be the NHL version of utopia. But until its hockey arena gets a different elevator situation, I’ll look to avoid the trip.” – Rossi

“Vying with Boston for worst press box elevator in the NHL. If you aren’t leaving well before the end of the game, you are definitely going for a ride in the freight style elevator with lots of garbage. … Really, one of the best setups in the league vis a vis downtown environs, in-building vibe and presentation. So maybe we’re just quibbling about the garbage.” – Burnside

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15. United Center (Chicago)

Location: 4.30

Quality of facility: 5.70

Atmosphere: 7.19

Press box: 6.52

Total score: 23.71

I’m here 40-plus times a year, so it just feels like home in a lot of ways. I was curious what other people had to say about it because I’m probably too familiar with it to have a unique opinion. A lot of the writers touted the atmosphere and the free press meal. One of the gripes was the location. That is true. It can feel far away from O’Hare Airport, and it’s not as if you can walk there from downtown. The building is getting older, as it was built in 1994, but money has been put into it in recent years to upgrade the jumbotron and other parts of the building. – Powers

“The anthem at the United Center is among the coolest experiences in the NHL.” – Basu

“Not my favorite building. Too big, getting a little old. But has a good atmosphere.” – Yohe

“Like Ottawa, Chicago would benefit from an arena closer to the city center.” – Rossi

“This gets an eight because of the food in the press box.” – Sean Shapiro

16. Rogers Arena (Vancouver)

Location: 6.65

Quality of facility: 5.80

Atmosphere: 6.23

Press box: 4.54

Total score: 23.23

How can I describe the press box at Rogers Arena? Remember the kids’ book, ‘Flat Stanley?’ Well, Flat Stanley would have a hard time wedging himself into a seat in this ridiculously narrow press box. Also, the WiFi never works. Why is it that nearly every rink that’s named after a telecommunications company has lousy WiFi? Fun crowd, terrific game ops and one of the very best cities in North America more than make up for a cramped work situation, though. – Lazerus

“This is the only arena in the league where I still have Wi-Fi issues. Plus, the press box is way too cramped thanks to a renovation a few years back.” – Kurz

“WiFi spotty and (very) tight space in the press box. One feels the need to go on a diet after covering games here.” – Dillman

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“Some miles on this old barn but it’s in a great spot in one of the world’s great cities. I’ll always remember it as the place that used to be GM Place during the 2010 Olympics, and can tell you exactly where I was sitting — right next to Pierre LeBrun — when Sidney Crosby scored the golden goal. Press box is a bit tight but food is excellent and dressing rooms handy. I’ll take a trip to Vancouver anytime.” – Burnside

17. Staples Center (Los Angeles)

Location: 6.61

Quality of facility: 6.46

Atmosphere: 4.89

Press box: 5.14

Total score: 23.11

There are better arenas, but I personally love going to games at the Staples Center. Actually, let me rephrase that. I love being at the Staples Center. Getting there can be a challenge. My worst road experience ever came when I nearly hit a cop on a motorcycle on the way to a morning skate. Why are bikes allowed to drive between cars there? I also lost my wallet that day. I know some media dislike the height and the cold of the press box, but it doesn’t bother me. They have a spacious media room and getting around the building is easy enough. When the Kings are winning, the atmosphere is fun and unique. It’s Los Angeles in its own way. – Powers

“Last time I was there, they made it snow during a stoppage in play. I do not know how. It was amazing.” – El-Bashir

“Press box popcorn is tremendous.” – Shapiro

“Good news: Press box seemed to get warmer this season. Eliminating need to bring in a space heater and heavy-duty ski jacket.” – Dillman

“You feel like you are miles away from the ice in the Staples press box.” – Basu

18. Bridgestone Arena (Nashville)

Location: 7.62

Quality of facility: 5.62

Atmosphere: 7.08

Press box: 2.5

Total score: 22.81

I don’t know who decided to build an arena that spills out directly into the main drag of Broadway, but that person deserves all the smoked turkey and sweet tea at Jack’s BBQ he or she can handle. There isn’t even a press box here, just some tables bolted to the stands, which is the only reason this isn’t a top-10 building in this poll (only Madison Square Garden got a higher location score). But reporters are still well taken care of here. It’s been a literal treat watching the Predators’ media relations staff continually up its game every single year in its chase to beat out their big-brother Blackhawks in the Make Reporters Fat(ter) competition. Hell, a couple years ago, they brought an entire roasted pig, head and all, into the press snack room. And they give out whiskey and Advil to reporters during the playoffs. Five or six years ago, you got hot dogs and pizza and that’s it. You’ve come a long way, baby. – Lazerus

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“The best crowd atmosphere I’ve experienced in my two years on the beat, and being right off Broadway doesn’t hurt that one bit.” – Bultman

“They should lean into the country vibe even further. We don’t need Metallica or Pantera during stoppages of play in Nashville.” – Masisak

“Here’s why I gave Bridgestone Arena a perfect score on location: You can throw a tennis ball and it will bounce off the rink, hotel and bar.” – Rutherford

19. Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia)

Location: 4.71

Quality of facility: 5.13

Atmosphere: 6.38

Press box: 5.88

Total score: 22.08

It’s fine. There are Reese’s Pieces in the press box, which is clutch. And I once did a phone interview in the press box bathroom stall during a game because it was the only semi-quiet place I could find. So that was fun. – Lazerus

“Lauren Hart is a national treasure.” – Rossi

“One thing I love about Flyers games is how well they incorporate player performance into their game-night presentation. No game presentation staff is as on the ball in regards to storylines/streaks/player milestones as they are in Philadelphia. It’s just a little thing, but it’s a little thing I really appreciate when I watch games at various buildings around the NHL. Still need to get a picture with Gritty though.” – Drance

“Was once offered a postgame escort to my car because of a column one of my colleagues wrote that disparaged Flyers fans.” – El-Bashir

20. Pepsi Center (Colorado)

Location: 5.79

Quality of facility: 5.79

Atmosphere: 5.54

Press box: 4.32

Total score: 21.43

This is one of those arenas where it feels like the media has a much different perspective than the fans. The problem for the media is the press box is in a corner and the viewpoint is subpar. Outside of that, there’s a lot to like about the Pepsi Center. It’s a nice, short walk from downtown. The atmosphere is good. The facility is solid. I like being in Denver and I like being at the arena. I just wish the airport was a lot closer. – Powers

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“Did they pay the bill for the lights in the press box? It feels like a nightclub … without the fun.” – Dillman

“The restaurant inside the arena — the Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House — is beautiful. Haven’t tried the food, but just walking around inside it after a morning skate is an enjoyable experience.” – Masisak

“I’m giving this press box a one, mainly because they had a perfectly fine press box before they renovated and crammed us all into the top corner of the arena.” – Kurz

21. KeyBank Center (Buffalo)

Location: 5.33

Quality of facility: 5.0

Atmosphere: 5.29

Press box: 5.41

Total score: 21.04

Ah, good old Marine Midland/HSBC/First Niagara/KeyBank Center. Also known as Meh. Poor Sabres fans. One of the best and most devoted fanbases in the league has to watch its team fail year after year, and it has to do it in this dated relic. Oh, well. The new Marriotts right next door are fabulous. And when there’s a beef on weck in my belly, I don’t need much else. – Lazerus

“The atmosphere has been beaten down by years of watching a terrible product on the ice. The fact fans still show up at all leads me to give a good atmosphere grade, because it should be way worse than it is.” – Basu

“Fans (and arena) in Buffalo deserve better.” – Rossi

“Fuh-fuh freezing.” – Shinzawa

“They DESPERATELY need new, bigger TVs in the press box for replays.” – John Vogl

22. Enterprise Center (St. Louis)

Location: 5.25

Quality of facility: 4.71

Atmosphere: 5.96

Press box: 5.0

Total score: 20.92

Outside of the United Center, this is probably the arena I’ve been to the most. That used to be a real problem. Whatever it was called at the time, it was awful. But with the renovations in recent years, that’s changed somewhat. I’m still probably not excited for a St. Louis trip, especially with how dead downtown is by the hotels closest to the arena, but the improvements have definitely made Enterprise Center feel a bit newer. When you spend $150 million, you tend to improve things. – Powers

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“‘Country Roads’ should never be played anywhere outside of West Virginia.” – Rossi

“Kudos to the Blues on the press box renovation and the significant upgrade in the quality of the media meal. Would have crushed them in this rankings two years ago, but it’s come a long, long way.” – Drance

“It’s about as ordinary as grits. It’s actually not aged horribly. But it’s still old and pretty blah.” – Yohe

23. SAP Center (San Jose)

Location: 5.59

Quality of facility: 5.15

Atmosphere: 6.15

Press box: 3.52

Total score: 20.41

This is a weird rink — sort of boxy and sterile. The press box is basically some extra space in the rafters, but they always have Hershey’s Miniatures up there, so I don’t mind staring through a girder all night long. – Lazerus

“There are so many things not to like about — especially the chance of getting a concussion in the press box — but it’s still one of my four favorite places to see a game.” – Vogl

“You can’t see the ice from parts of the press box.” – Shaprio

“One day there’ll be a new arena in San Jose and I’ll opine on missing the girders that block much of the views at either end of the ice from the strange little press box jammed in just under the ceiling at the Shark Tank. Or not. Still, love the smoking, blinking shark mouth thing the players skate out of. And it’s a pleasant walk to downtown and, hey, it’s California.” – Burnside

“If you skipped your workout, the (many) stairs going up and back to the lower level make up for it.” – Shinzawa

24. PNC Arena (Carolina)

Location: 3.67

Quality of facility: 4.74

Atmosphere: 5.67

Press box: 5.41

Total score: 19.48

This is outrageous. Yes, PNC Arena is kind of in the middle of nowhere in an era where most arenas are in prime downtown locations. Yes, it can be tough to fill on a weeknight. Yes, the visitor’s dressing room is the size of the snack room in Nashville. But the arena itself is pretty great. The press box set up is terrific, with jacks at every seat to get the live play-by-play call with no internet delay. And who doesn’t love the wind tunnel where visiting coaches have to do their postgame interviews — the coldest, windiest place this side of Neptune? And pulled pork and sweet tea for every media meal? What the hell is wrong with all of you? Carolina rules. – Lazerus

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“It’s a very mediocre building. But it also is the friendliest place you’ll encounter. That counts for something.” – Yohe

“Could they move the pulled pork station to the press box?” – Shinzawa

“Definition of average.” – El-Bashir

25. Honda Center (Anaheim)

Location: 4.44

Quality of facility: 5.07

Atmosphere: 4.56

Press box: 4.85

Total score: 18.93

Honda Center is one of the arenas that’s just there for me. I’m happy to be in Anaheim. It’s easy enough to get to by car. I’m usually just coming and going from Los Angeles for a game. It was built in 1993, so it’s aging, but it also doesn’t feel extremely old. It’s not my favorite arena, but it’s not my least favorite either. – Powers

“Always amazed by how small the footprint of this building is, particularly once you get onto event level. And yet, it takes forever to get to the press box. A miracle, truly.” – Drance

“The Honda Center is just one of those buildings that gets plunked down in an open space in a community that’s not really a community and an NHL team calls it home. No shame in that. Staff is terrific. Once stood beside Cuba Gooding after Ducks’ won the 2007 Stanley Cup waiting to get into the dressing room. He still talks about it, or so I am told.” – Shinzawa

“It always feels weird with how close the bathroom door is to the food.” – Shapiro

26. Gila River Arena (Arizona)

Location: 4.30

Quality of facility: 5.70

Atmosphere: 3.04

Press box: 5.78

Total score: 18.81

If I was forced to live around any arena, it’d probably be this one. Within steps, you have everything you’d ever need. Within walking distance, I was able to purchase a new phone on my last trip there. Of course, the problem is actually getting to the arena. It’s located so inconveniently. Filling the arena is a challenge for a number of reasons, but it’s not a bad place to watch a game for those who do go. – Powers

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“Great building. Beautiful. Wonderful for media. They just need a building on the other side of town. You know, where the people live.” – Yohe

“Once you actually get there the whole vibe around Gila River is very cool with the shops and restaurants all very airy and inviting. And it’s not a bad place to watch a game. Really. Press box is spacious, which speaks to a small media community as much as the, well, space. But folks are always exceedingly friendly there (maybe because they’re so damned happy to see people show up). Great locker rooms for both home and visitors, which is saying something.” – Burnside

27. Scotiabank Saddledome (Calgary)

Location: 4.84

Quality of facility: 3.52

Atmosphere: 6.12

Press box: 3.96

Total score: 18.44

If you love terrifyingly high catwalks to a wobbly dangling basket of death hanging precariously from a ceiling that is too weak to support big sound rigs for major concerts, have I got the place for you! I hate this place. I’ve covered many, many games here, and I’ve never seen the lower third of the ice because I’m afraid to look down. Calgary is a great city, which I love. The Saddledome is hell on earth, and I hate it so very, very much. #DanglingDeathBoxOfDoom – Lazerus

“There are actual flames that emanate from jumbotron. Almost makes up for having to walk on a scary catwalk to get to the press box.” – El-Bashir

“It’s my favorite building. I take strolls on the catwalk for no reason. I’m guilty of rooting for the Flames to score, so they’ll blast some fire into the building. And I actually don’t mind using the same bathroom as the fans, so I can hear how they’re breaking down the game.” – Rutherford

“Probably the only press box where you actually fear for your life. But the view is great.” – Mirtle

“It’s old. It’s outdated. It’s falling apart. It’s awesome.” – Yohe

28. Prudential Center (New Jersey)

Location: 3.52

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Quality of facility: 5.28

Atmosphere: 6.23

Press box: 4.54

Total score: 16.2

Fun fact: This press box is the length of 437 football fields. It’s also always 80 percent empty. It’s also got a concrete floor. It’s also got really fun rolly chairs with well-greased wheels. One of these days, I’m going to make it from one end to the other on one push, and I will then retire on the spot, knowing my journalism career has peaked. – Lazerus

“It’s tough to grade the location here. It’s nice to be able to stay in NYC and take the train right to Newark Penn Station, where you can then walk to the arena. On the other hand, the arena is in Newark.” – Kurz

“Someone once backed into my parked rental car. They did not leave a note.” – El-Bashir

“Not a fan. Like watching the Devils in the ’90s, it’s impressive but obnoxiously sterile.” – Yohe

29. BB&T Center (Florida)

Location: 2.70

Quality of facility: 4.81

Atmosphere: 2.07

Press box: 5.56

Total score: 15.15

I covered my first NHL game here, back during the 2000 playoffs, as an intern at the Palm Beach Post. Twenty years later, it’s almost exactly the same, and it’s still in the absolute middle of nowhere. But you always get to drive there with the windows open, no matter what time of year it is. That’s a winner in my book. – Lazerus

“I always freeze my ass off here. People will complain about the location, but you often stay at the beach in Fort Lauderdale and the mall complex across from the arena is excellent.” – Mirtle

“I’ve been to pee-wee games with more atmosphere.” – El-Bashir

“There’s more people in the press box than the seats.” – Rutherford

30. Nassau Coliseum (N.Y. Islanders)

Location: 2.33

Quality of facility: 2.88

Atmosphere: 6.17

Press box: 3.67

Total score: 15.04

It’s a dump. But as a Long Island kid, it’s my dump, dammit. The smallest, dingiest, dankest arena in the league, with a concourse (the only concourse) that’s about as wide as the Rogers Arena press box. Remember the scene in ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ when Gene Wilder leads the families into that fun-house hallway and Mrs. Gloop hollers ‘LET ME OUT OR I’LL SCREAM!’? That’s every trip to the bathroom at Nassau Coliseum. Don’t care. Best sightlines in the league, and I’m glad I got to go there one last time last season, even if I almost froze to death seated right below the gigantic air conditioner above the ‘press box.’ The real question is, which of our writers gave it a location score higher than 2, and do they all live in Hempstead? – Lazerus

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“It’s not old, it’s got character.” – El-Bashir

“I remember my first trip to the Coliseum and asking staff where the media workroom was. No one could find it. Because there wasn’t one. Ended up working on the end of a wooden table on which was a nice box of donuts and, I think, a skate sharpening machine. Still there is something wonderfully chaotic about the old barn. But let’s be honest, can Belmont Park Arena be ready tomorrow?” – Burnside

“With the low concrete ceiling that the sound reverberates off of, if you’re a hockey fan of a certain age, a trip to Nassau is a pure, concentrated hit of hockey nostalgia that’s completely unique in the contemporary NHL.” – Drance

31. Barclays Center (N.Y. Islanders)

Location: 4.87

Quality of facility: 3.70

Atmosphere: 2.91

Press box: 1.48

Total score: 12.96

As my good friend and native New Yorker Larry Marasco jokes, ’66 percent of Barclays works for hockey every time.’ Barclays Center could have been well designed for hockey, but that boat sailed as the construction delays got longer and longer. Instead, Barclays became a cookie-cutter basketball arena and hockey was an afterthought, which is apparent to anyone who has ever been to a game there. – Powers

“It sucks in pretty much every way.” – Yohe

“The coldest press box I’ve ever encountered. It’s colder than any NHL outdoor game I’ve been to, and that includes Wings-Leafs at The Big House and Blackhawks-Penguins at Soldier Field.” – Masisak

“The Brooklyn set up was so wretched that I longed for Nassau Coliseum. Let that comment sink in.” – Rossi

32. Canadian Tire Centre (Ottawa)

Location: 1.23

Quality of facility: 4.0

Atmosphere: 3.35

Press box: 4.04

Total score: 12.62

The rink itself is fine. The location — Kanata, Canada — while delightful to say, is not fine. Ottawa’s a cool city. I hope one day to watch a hockey game there. – Lazerus

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“Just wish the arena was farther away from one of the nicest cities in the world. OK, that’s a little sarcasm there for anyone who’s made the soul-sucking trip to Kanata, which as its name suggests is not really in Ottawa. Worst arena location in the Eastern Conference and fighting with Arizona for worst location anywhere. Traffic is brutal, which means that pretty much everyone is grumpy once you get there. Dismal snack selection makes matters worse. Visitor’s dressing room is pretty cramped. Sigh. When the Sens get a proper downtown arena, this will be a proper NHL franchise.” – Burnside

“Middle. Of. Nowhere.” – El-Bashir

“Worst building in the NHL.” – Basu

(Top photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

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