So this is a bit delayed, but here is my story of my adventures to Raleigh, North Carolina.
10:00 AM - Purchased my ticket online for the game at the RBC Center. Good thing it wasn't a 'Limited View' seat. I was confused why there would be limited view seats in a new arena. I'll explain later...
3:00 PM - Finally hit the road and left DC a bit later than I wanted to, traffic was terrible until I reached Richmond.
5:45 PM - Stopped at the NC/Virgina border for a stretch and a bathroom break.
6:30 PM - Very close to Raleigh, wondering if I would make the game on time.
6:58 PM - Still idling in my car, waiting to get into the Stadium parking lot. The 'Canes utilize the same lots for parking as the NC State Wolfpack as their football stadium is right next to the RBC Center. Don't think I'll make the opening faceoff.
7:19 PM - Finally parked the car, threw on my Ovechkin road jersey and my red Capitals hat, making my way to the RBC Center.
7:22 PM - Entered the stadium, WTF? A freakin' TSA security checkpoint? Seriously, they had metal detectors, wands, dishes to put the contents of your pockets into. It was ridiculous... I have never seen that kind of thing for a sporting event... I'm glad the Verizon Center doesn't have this. It was rather annoying as it delayed me further from seeing the Caps 1st period action.
Venue Score:VC 1, RBC 0.
7:29 PM - I was thirsty, so I grabbed a beer at the concession stands. They are $0.50 more expensive in NC compared to the ones in the Verizon Center in DC.
Venue Score: VC 2, RBC 0
7:34 PM - Finally made it to my seat. Upon entering some fans grumbled "You got balls buddy", "Get the F*#@ out of here", "Ovechkin sucks!". There was roughly 5 minutes of 1st period play remaining. I had made it, but missed most all the action.
7:45 PM - Spied the crowd for Caps jerseys, I could count them on 1 hand...This isn't good, I'm in extreme hostile territory. Filling seats with your own fans...
Venue Score:VC 2, RBC 1
I had a chance to take in the landscape and layout of the RBC Center. The seats in both the lower & Upper bowls have higher rises than the VC center. This is both good and bad at the same time. It gives you a good perspective/view of the game, but you'll get a nose bleed fast climbing the stairs. Also, the upper seats aren't built to hang over the lower bowl and it feels like you are further away from the action than at the VC.
Venue Score:VC 3, RBC 1
Now, back to the limited view seats, I was looking around the ceiling and i noticed a lot of white painted iron that supports the roof. It hung quite low and as I looked across the arena, I couldn't see the fans on the other side. So I would guess if you get the higher rows in the upper bowl, you would have some perspective issues.
Venue Score:VC 4, RBC 1
I began to look for the stats to see how many shots on goal we had and what the other scores were in the league, none of these informational boards were available anywhere in the arena. The main scoreboard in the center had some small video screens, while 10 years ago they were the latest and greatest things, they aren't so great anymore. Maybe we are spoiled in DC with the new HD monitors. While these items are not mandatory, they make the experience a lot better.
Venue Score: VC 5, RBC 1
Also, during the intermission, I noticed that the Hurricanes had some very attractive ladies dubbed 'The Storm Squad' who would help pump up the crowd and also help with the fan promotions, launching of t-shirts into the crowd, and assisting the Hurricanes mascot 'Stormy' the ice hog. Yes that's correct, an Ice Hog... Back to the Storm Squad, while they weren't quite cheerleaders, this is about the closest thing you'll get to some in the NHL. Capitals, take notice... we need a crew of these beauties parading around the Verizon Center. Maybe they could be called the 'Capital Paiges'? LOL...bad joke... *cough*. Hurricanes get the point in this department.
Venue Score: VC 5, RBC 2
Back to the Ice Hog... enough said... Slapshot wins this hands down.
Venue Score: VC 6, RBC 2
I needed to stretch and use the facilities in the concourse. I was impressed with the space that was available and how well lit it was. It felt open and relaxing, where in the Verizon Center it seems dark and drab. I think RBC gets the point here.
Venue Score: VC 6, RBC 3.
The fans. Well it was a sold out game and no joke. Nearly all the fans in the building, I would say a solid 60%, were wearing a Hurricane jersey. I was very impressed about the fan support. For those who make the argument that people in NC don't know or care about NHL hockey, they obviously have not been to a game there lately.
I sat next to a couple who were celebrating 10 years of marriage, so again congrats to them, and they were extremely pleasant to talk with. Most all the fans were well mannered and were impressed that a fan drove all the way from DC to Raleigh for the game. There were a few bad apples, which I will address later. But overall, the fans were a lot more tolerable and pleasant than say Flyers, Pens, and Rangers fans that pass through the turn styles in DC. RBC fans + 1.
Venue Score: VC 6, RBC 4.
2nd period - Goals! I stood up and cheered as loud as I could when Semin & Ovechkin lit the lamp. Each time I did so, popcorn, peanuts, empty water bottles, empty soda bottles, and more "Ovechkin you suck" came flying at me. Most all of it missed me and hit all the other fans around me. Now, I'm not sure, but I've never personally witnessed our fans throwing crap at other fans, I'm not saying it doesn't happen because I'm sure it does. I wasn't very pleased about it, but there's not much you can do about that. Goal Review, Hurricanes -1 point.
Venue Score: VC 6, RBC 3.
Ok, time to fast forward... since I missed the 1st period, I was treated to an OT session and a shoot out.
Shoot Out - Everyone in the building was on their feet cheering. Huet, stop. Ward, stop.Huet, stop. Ward, stop. Huet, stop. Kozlov, goal. It was so exciting to see the Caps get a win on the road. It definitely made the trip complete walking out of the building with 2pts. The Caps bench emptied and everyone swarmed Kozlov to congratulate him on the huge goal. It was truly amazing to see in person. Sure it was nice to see Ovechkin break the Capitals single season goal record, but it was way better to see the Caps walk out of there with a win.
(AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)Venue Score: VC 7, RBC 3.
10:45 PM - On the road again finally starting my trek back to DC.
2:51 AM - Arrived back home, I was exhausted. I hit the pillow hard... too bad I had to get up in 5hrs :/
Overall, it was a great experience. I would love to do another road trip there next year and maybe spend some time tailgating a bit more. Who knows... maybe there will be a playoff game down there this year :P
Final Score for facilities, events, fan amenities, friendliness, and game day experiences:
Verizon Center 7, RBC Center 3.
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