Bright Hockey Center

I’ve been to this venue twice for figure skating exhibition shows and have had no issues. The concession stands are the same as anywhere else. Overpriced and unhealthy. But let’s face it, I don’t go to sporting venues to have a great meal. As long as they provide something that is edible (read: get the pretzels) then I am good to go. Now if you want to grab a bite before the game/​show then you’ll have to trek down to Harvard Square. That would be about a 5 – 10 minute walk across the bridge or if you feel like contributing to MBTA’s revenue, there is a bus stop outside the arena. Parking is available at Gate 14 which is near the soccer field. Not as close as one would like but it’s within walking distance.
The venue is fairly small and has about 3,000 seats. No view obstructions, at least in my two experiences there. However, the cameras that they employ to record the ice shows were extremely loud and annoying especially if the skater was skating to a slow and quiet piece. Other than that, it’s not a shabby venue.

Came here for the Evening with Champions. The house wasn’t that packed so seating was more than sufficient. The arena is very rudimentary in terms of accommodations, food options inside are pretty limited to popcorn and burgers/​hot dogs so that wasn’t too appealing. The lighting in the arena is quite nice, they were able to put on some pretty nice effects throughout the show.
Parking is plentiful outside. Unfortunately because it’s near other athletic centers in Allston, it can get crowded after games and traffic can always be an issue.

old school. no frills but to walk in on a Friday night and for 20 bucks to get a seat right on the glass, that’s fine by me, the talent level in ecac isn’t exactly hockey east but if you are just a fan of hockey the place is worth a try. make a plan to eat before hand or after the concessions are lacking

Came here to watch my first hockey game. It was Harvard vs Cornell. Surprisingly, most of the fans here were from Cornell! Wth where’s the Harvard pride??? Maybe them too busy studying… Anyway, area isn’t too big which is good cause you get to watch the action up close. Hockey game was really good and intense. They also sell food inside such as popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, etc. Tickets cost me like $ 10 cause of student discount. As of parking, if you don’t got a Harvard permit you gotta park a little further and it’ll cost you $ 5.

Fun Fun Fun watching Harvard women’s hockey. Cheap seats and a lot of fun. I do not know about parking because I walked there but it was easy in and easy out.

You know that episode of «Community» where Abed flips out because he needs to entertain himself in the absence of «Cougartown» episodes? That’s how I’m feeling right now. I stopped watching baseball weeks ago and the very real prospect of not having an NBA season is leaving me rather empty and depressed. :(
So, I’m trying to get into college hockey. However, I was at the Harvard hockey rink for a figure skating show rather than for a hockey game. Don’t ask.
If I went for a hockey game, it may have been less than a clusterfuck. I don’t know. The crowds for exhibition shows are pushy. Like, mosh pit pushy… and I’m a seasoned heavy metal/​punk rock mosher… so, even I was overwhelmed. This could be because they used too much floor space to sell autographed photos of Olympic skaters and the rink was at max person capacity on top of that. Not sure. So, this could be novel to the situation.
The bathroom situation is rather dire. I know there’s not much they can do about how many bathrooms they have since the rink is old. What they CAN fix is the temperature of the water at the bathroom sinks. Should you wash your hands with warm/​hot water? Yes you should. Cold water is kinda useless and most bathroom sinks have cold water. The hockey rink’s sinks, however, has scalding-​oh-​fuck-​me-​sideways hot water. I’ve burned myself enough with kitchen and autoclave accidents, I don’t need to do it when I go to a bathroom at a figure skating show. And kids were practically crying when they washed their hands. Please find a way to turn the water down, like, 20 degrees.
Again, not sure what the hockey games are like, but the audio quality was shoddy at best. I know this is an old rink and acoustics are limited. But the audio equipment was terrible and it kept snapping and popping. The announcers finally started shouting from the rink to the crowd. (Good thing it’s a tiny rink. That wouldn’t fly at a Bruins game).
From what little I saw on display on the snack bar, they seem to be pretty good about listing allergens on their food. Pity, I really wanted popcorn. But, sadly, it had soybean oil.
Hopefully I do better when I go to BU’s hockey games.

*cheer /​/​slam /​/​clap /​/​shout /​/​SCORREEEE!*
I just attended a small hockey game last night and I have to say, well done, Hahhhhhhvahd. ‘Tis a small rink, but the limited seating means that EVERY seat has a clear view of the ice! And, this little field house is surprisingly WARM! Wear layers, drink warm bevies, but no need to worry about freezing your little nose off as a spectator. And while you’re watching, you won’t be distracted by some huge jumbotron flashing and blinking above you — small and simple scoreboard does the trick and keeps your eyes on the puck.
Small rink = small concession stand (though I have heard great things from other game-​goers about their hot cocoa). Small rink also = L.I.M.I.T.E.D parking! I had to go around the corner (and then there’s the little parking ticket machine — — - make sure you pay to park!).
Great place for a game, for sure!

Full Disclosure: I’m a rabid Boston College Hockey Fan, and old enough to have passionately loved the Old Boston Garden. That having been said, Harvard University’s Bright Hockey Center is the best place I’ve ever been to watch a hockey game.
Nothing fancy. No major technology (you won’t find yourself constantly looking at a Jumbotron instead of the game). Kind of a limited snack bar (but they make excellent hot chocolate). This is still a great hockey experience. No matter where you sit you’re right on top of the action. Clear views of the entire ice surface, passionate fans who aren’t obnoxious about it (unless you’re the other team’s goalie), and a great pep band. This is the full, old school hockey experience.
Granted, the parking isn’t great, and public transport getting there is just okay. But you’ll be surrounded by good people who love good hockey, as well as photos of Harvard Hockey teams dating back a century. The prices are comparable to other college hockey experiences in the area, but the atmosphere is worth paying extra for.