Ice Hockey Arenas In The NHL: All You Need to Know
Ice Hockey arenas (also called ice hockey stadiums or NHL arenas) are a specific type of construction modified and built specifically for holding ice hockey games and tournaments.
The National Hockey League has many ice hockey arenas around the world where the sport is played. Currently, 32 ice hockey arenas in the world are employed by the NHL as venues for matches, and most of them are distributed around the USA and Canada where the game is mostly played.
The oldest of ice hockey arenas in the NHL is the Climate Pledge Arena which was opened in 1962. It has a seating capacity of 17,151 and is located in the north of Seattle Washington, the United State. Since 1962, other arenas have been added to the list of sports and entertainment complexes used by the NHL.
All 32 Current ICE Hockey Arenas in The NHL
As of 2023, the National Hockey League has 32 arenas where it holds its tournament. In this section, we will be taking a look at the arenas, their location, the sitting capacity and when they were opened.
The arenas will are arranged based on the seating capacity, starting from the largest to the smallest arena capacity.
1. Bell Center
First, on the list, we have The Bell Center. The Bell Center (also called Centre Bell) is a renowned sports and entertainment amphitheatre located in Montreal, Quebec Canada. The stadium is home to the NHL’s Canadian team known as the Montreal Canadiens, who have won Stanley Cup 24 times since 1915. Besides being a multipurpose complex, Bell Center is the NHL arena with the largest seating capacity because of its maximum capacity of 21,302 ice hockey spectators.
The amphitheatre was opened in 1996 and hosted the finals of the World Cup for Hockey that same year. In addition, it is also a monumental place for the Montreal Canadiens with statues of its renowned players serving as historic monoliths.
Summary of the Bell Center Arena:
- Home to Montreal Canadiens
- 21,302 Seating Capacity
- Opened in 1996
2. Scotiabank Arena
The Scotiabank arena is a multipurpose arena owned by the Marple Leaf Gardens LTD. It was remodelled and transformed into a sports and multipurpose arena on February 1st, 1999. It is located in the South Core district of Downtown Toronto, Canada.
The auditorium, which is a 665,000-square-foot sports and entertainment complex, has a maximum seating capacity of 19,800 and 18,800 during an ice hockey tournament. It is home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey team which has won a total of 13 Stanley cups since 1967. The Scotiabank arena takes the title of the second NHL arena with the largest seating capacity.
Summary of the Scotiabank Arena:
- Home to Toronto Maple Leafs
- 19,800 Seating Capacity
- Opened in 1999
3. United Center
The third arena on this list is the United Center, located on the Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois, United State. The stadium was opened on August 18, 1994, and was named after its sponsor, United Airlines. Although the arena is the largest in the United States covering 960,000 square feet, it does not have the largest seating capacity.
The maximum seating accommodation of the United Center is 23,500, however, for hockey games, it has a maximum accommodation of 19,717 spectators. United Center also has its NHL home team, which is the Chicago Blackhawks. The Chicago Blackhawks have recorded a collection of 6 Stanley Cup titles in their accolades.
Summary of the United Center:
- Home to Chicago Blackhawks
- 19,717 Seating Capacity
- Opened in 1994
4. Little Caesar Arena
The Little Caesar Arena is located in Midtown Detroit, United States. The arena, which inhabits a stunning 650,000 square feet of landmass, was inaugurated on September 5, 2017, to replace the Joe Louis Arena.
Besides, the Little Caesar Arena is among the most recent sporting arenas utilized by the NHL for ice hockey competitions. Moreover, it has a max seating capacity of 22,000 seats, however, this becomes 19,515 seats during ice hockey games.
Likewise, the ice hockey home team of Little Caesar Arena are the Detroit Red Wings.
Summary of the Little Caesar Arena:
- Home to Detroit Red Wings
- 19,515 Seating Capacity
- Opened in 2017
5. Wells Fargo Center
The Well Fargo Center is another sporting centre located in Philadelphia which was built on the site of the former John Kennedy Stadium. Similarly, it was initially called Spectrum II as it was to replace the original Spectrum arena.
Furthermore, the renovation of the Wells Fargo Center was finalized on August 13, 1996, and it has hosted numerous NHL ice hockey tournaments. The NHL arena is also used by the National Basketball Association and for other entertainment purposes. Moreover, the coliseum has a max capacity of 21,000 seats, but this number reduces during hockey games to 19,500 seats.
Summary of the Wells Fargo Center:
- Home to Philadelphia Flyers
- 19,500 Seating Capacity
- Opened in 1996
6. Scotiabank Saddledome
Scotiabank Saddledome is a famous indoor arena located in Calgary Alberta, Canada. The arena was launched on the 15th of October, 1983, but it was later renovated in 1994.
The sports centre in Stampede Park is owned by the City of Calgary and it has a landmass of 474,000 square feet. Home to the NHL’s Calgary Flames, the arena was once closed down due to the flood that affected Stampede Park in 2013.
Scotiabank Saddledown, also known as Olympic Saddledome and Canadian Airline Saddledome (before it sold its naming right), has a seating capacity of 19,289 seats.
Summary of Scotiabank Saddledome:
- Opened in 1983
- Home to Calgary Flames
- Seating capacity of 19,289
7. FLA Live Arena
Another arena used by the NHL is the FLA Live Arena located at Sawgrass Mill in Sunrise, Florida. Formerly called the National Car Rental Center and BB&T Center, it was opened on the 3rd of October, 1998.
Covering a massive landmass of 872,000 square feet and a seating accommodation of 19,250 seats during hockey games, it is the home of the Florida Panthers. Before getting the FLA Live Arena as their base, the Florida Panthers NHL team originally used the Miami Arena, however, it got demolished and they became the Home team of the FLA Arena.
Summary of FLA Live Arena:
- Home to the Floride Panthers
- Seating Capacity of 19,250
- Opened In 1998
8. AMALIE Arena
Located in Tampa Florida, Amalie Arena was originally called Ice Palace before the naming rights were transferred to the St. Petersburg Times. During this period, the name was changed to St. Pete Times Forum and later to Tampa Bay Time.
Finally, Amalie oil company bought the naming rights and renamed the multipurpose amphitheatre to Amalie Arena. The amphitheatre is home to the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning who have won 3 Stanley titles.
It has a full capacity of 21,500 seats, however, this decreases to 19,092 during ice hockey competitions.
Summary of Amalie Arena:
- Home to Tampa Bay Lightnings
- Seating capacity of 19,092
- Opened in 1996
9. KeyBank Center
KeyBank Center is another NHL arena and home to the Buffalo Sabres ice hockey team. The 700,000 square feet arena is the largest indoor arena in Western New York and has a seating total of 19,070.
The KeyBank Center was inaugurated on September 21, 1996, to replace the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. The arena had its naming right transferred about 3 times and has been called HSBC Arena and First Niagara Center.
Summary of the Keybank Center:
- Occupies 700,000 Square feet
- Home to Buffalo Sabres
- Seating Capacity of 19,070
10. Roger Arena
Roger Arena is located at 800 Griffiths Way in the Downtown area of Vancouver, British Columbia Canada. The arena was opened on September 21, 1995, although it was built to replace the Pacific Coliseum.
The arena with a land coverage of 475,000 square feet, has a seating span of 18,910 during ice hockey contests. The NHL’s home team at Roger Arena are the Vancouver Canucks.
Summary of Rogers Arena:
- Opened in 1995
- Home to Vancouver Canucks
- Seating capacity of 18,910
11. PNC Arena
The Carolina Hurricanes are the home ice hockey team of the PNC Arena. Formerly the arena was opened on the 29th of October, 1999. Previously called Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Center, the PNC area is located in Raleigh, North Carolina and it has a seating capacity of 18,680 during ice hockey games.
Summary of the PNC Arena:
- Home to Carolina Hurricanes
- 18,680 Seating Capacity
- Opened in 1999
12. Canadian Tire Center
The Canadian Tire Center is another Canadian arena located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was opened on January 16, 1996, and was originally named Palladium.
The 650,000 square feet arena is the primary home of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators. Likewise, it can contain 18,652 hockey spectators during a hockey game.
Summary of Canadian Tire Center:
- Opened in 1996
- Home to Ottawa Senators
- Seating capacity of 18,652
13. Capital One Arena
Capital One Arena is located in the Penn Quarter neighbourhood in Washington DC. The arena with a seating capacity of 18,573 is owned by Monument Sport and Entertainment.
The area was opened on December 2, 1997, and serves as the home base for the Washington Capital Ice Hockey team.
Summary of Capital One Arena:
- Opened in 1997
- Home to Washington Capitals
- Seating capacity of 18,573
14. American Airlines Center
The American Airlines Center is located in Victory Park Neighborhood, Dallas TX. It was opened on July 17, 2001, and serves as the home of the National Hockey League team, the Dallas Stars. Built on 840,000 square feet, the arena has a capacity of 18,532 seats for ice hockey matches.
Summary of American Airlines Center:
- Home to Dallas Stars
- Opened in 2001
- Seating capacity of 18,532
15. Rogers Place
Rogers Place is a 1,110,900 square feet arena located in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. The massive arena was opened on September 8, 2016, as a replacement for the Northland Coliseum.
The ice hockey home team of Rogers Place are the Edmonton Oilers who have won the Stanley cup title five times. The arena has a capacity of 18,500 seats when it is used for ice hockey games.
Summary of Rogers Place:
- Opened in 2016
- Home to Edmonton Oilers
- Seating capacity of 18,500
16. Nationwide Arena
Nationwide Arena is located at West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus Ohio USA. It was opened on September 9 2000, and it serves as the home for the Columbus Blue Jackets ice hockey team.
The indoor multipurpose arena has a seating capacity of 18,500 during ice hockey matches.
Summary of Nationwide Arena:
- Home to Columbus Blue Jackets
- Opened in 2000
- Seating Capacity of 18,500
17. PPG Paints Arena
The PPG Paints Arena is among the most recent multipurpose arena in use by the NHL. The arena in Pittsburgh, had its unveiling on August 18, 2010, during the opening of the 2010-2011 NHL season.
It has a seating capacity of 18,387 and occupies 720,000 square feet. Moreover, it is home to the Pittsburgh Penguins ice hockey team and had the award of “Best NHL Arena” by the Sports Business Journal.
Summary of PPG Paint Arena:
- Opened in 2010
- Home to Pittsburgh Penguins
- Seating capacity of 18,387
18. Crypto.com Arena
Crypto.com Arena was formerly known as Staples Center until the naming right was changed in December 2021. The arena is in Downtown Los Angeles and had its opening on October 17, 1999.
The multipurpose arena is home to the Los Angeles Kings ice hockey team and it has a seating capacity of 18,230 for NHL games. The owners of Crypto.com are Arturo L.A. Arena Company and Anschutz Entertainment Group.
Summary of Crypto.com Arena:
- Opened in 1999
- Home to Los Angeles Kings
- Seating capacity 18,230
19. Enterprise Center
The Enterprise Center is located in Downtown St Louis, Missouri, United States. It was opened on October 8, 1994, and is the home base of the St Louis Blues.
Enterprise Arena has gone by several names such as Kiel Center, Savvis Center and Scottrade Center. It has a seating capacity of 18,096 during ice hockey matches.
Summary of Enterprise Center:
- Opened in 1994
- Home to St Louis Blues
- Seating capacity 18,096
20. Madison Square Gardens
Madison Square Garden (also called The Garden or MSG) is one of the world’s most famous arenas. The current location of the multipurpose arena was opened on February 11, 1968.
Since it opened it has undergone two renovations. The Garden occupies 820,000 square feet of land and is the second oldest arena of the NHL. It is located in midtown Manhattan, New York City and has a seating capacity of 18,006 for hockey games.
Madison Square Gardens’ ice hockey home team is the New York Rangers.
Summary of Madison Square Gardens:
- Opened in 1968
- Seating capacity of 18,006
- Home to New York Rangers
21. XCEL Energy Center
XCEL Energy Center, also called X, is a multipurpose indoor arena covering 650,000 square feet. It is located in Saint Paul Minnesota, United States and is owned by the City of Saint Paul.
The ice hockey stadium houses its home ice hockey team, the Minnesota Wild and has a seating capacity of 17,954 during hockey games. It was opened on the 29th of September, 2000.
Summary of Xcel Energy Center:
- Opened in the year 2000
- Seating capacity of 17,954
- Home to the Minnesota Wild
22. TD Garden
TD Gardens is a multipurpose arena located in Boston Massachusetts and was also named after the sponsors, TD Bank. The arena has been formerly called Fleet Center, and TD Bank North Garden among others.
It has a seating capacity of 17,850 during ice hockey matches. TD Center was opened on September 30, 1995, and is the home of the NHL’s Boston Bruins.
Summary of TD Garden:
- Home to Boston Bruins
- Opened in 1995
- Seating capacity of 17,850
23. Ball Arena
Previously known as Pepsi Center till 2020, the Ball Center is an indoor multi-purpose stadium located on Speer Boulevard, Denver Colorado. It was opened on October 1, 1999, and it houses the Colorado Avalanche ice hockey team.
Also, it has a seating capacity of 17,809 spectators during hockey games.
Summary of the Pepsi Center:
- Home to Colorado Avalanche
- 17,809 Seating Capacity
- Opened in 1999
24. SAP Center
SAP Center is located on West Santa Clara Street, San Jose, California. It is nicknamed “The Shark Tank” after its NHL team, San Jose Sharks.
The 450,000 square feet arena was opened on the 7th of September, 1993 with a seating capacity of 17,562 during hockey games. Previously, it was known as The Saint Jose Arena and HP pavilion.
Summary of SAP Center:
- Opened in 1993
- Home to San Jose Sharks
- Seating capacity of 17,562
25. T-Mobile Arena
T-Mobile Arena is located at South Las Vegas Boulevard, Nevada. It was opened on the 6th of April 2016 and stands as the home of the Las Vegas Knights ice hockey team.
In addition, it covers 16 acres of land and offers a seating capacity of 17,500 for ice hockey.
Summary of the T-Mobile Arena:
- Home to Las Vegas Golden Knights
- 17,500 Seating Capacity
- Opened in 2016
26. UBS Arena
The UBS Arena is an indoor arena located at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The arena which cost about $1 billion in construction was opened on November 20, 2021.
UBS Arena has a seating accommodation of 17,255 seats for ice hockey and stands as the home base of the New York Islanders.
Summary of UBS Arena:
- Opened in 2021
- Home to New York Islanders
- Seating capacity of 17,255
27. Honda Center
Honda Center is an indoor arena located in Anaheim California. The arena was previously known as Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim before it transferred the naming rights.
Honda Center is home to the Anaheim Ducks ice hockey team. It rests on 650,000 square feet of land and has a capacity of 17,174 seats during hockey games.
Summary of Honda Center:
- Opened in 1993
- Home to Anaheim Ducks
- Seating capacity of 17,174
28. Bridgestone Arena
Bridgestone Arena is located in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee, United States. It was originally known as Nashville Arena until 1999 when it was changed to Gaylord Entertainment Center.
Covering 750,000 square feet, Bridgestone Arena stands as the home of the Nashville Predators (its ice hockey team). It was opened on December 18, 1996, and has a capacity of 17,159 seats during hockey tournaments.
Summary of Bridgestone Arena
- Opened in 1996
- Home to Nashville Predators
- Seating capacity of 17,159
29. Climate Pledge Arena
Climate Pledge Arena is located in Downtown Seattle, Washington United States. It is a 74-acre arena and home to the Seattle Kraken ice hockey team.
It stands as the oldest NHL arena as it was opened on April 21, 1962, and has a seating capacity of 17,151 during hockey tournaments.
Summary of Climate Pledge Arena:
- Opened in 1962
- Oldest NHL arena
- Home to Seattle Kraken
30. Desert Desmond Arena
Desert Desmond Arena, previously known as Gila River Arena is a sports and entertainment complex located in Glendale, Arizona.
Opened on December 23, 2006, Desert Desmond Arena was the former home of the Arizona Coyotes. Also, it has a max capacity of 19,000 seats but, during ice hockey tournaments its capacity decreases to 17,125 seats.
Summary of Desert Desmond Arena:
- Opened in 2006
- Seating capacity of 17,125
- Home to Arizona Coyotes
31. Prudential Arena
Prudential Arena is located in the Center Business District of Newark, New Jersey. Opened on October 25, 2007, it has a seating capacity of 16,514 (for ice hockey games).
The home ice hockey team of Prudential Arena are the New Jersey Devils.
Summary of Prudential Arena:
- Opened in 2007
- Home to New Jersey Devils
- Seating capacity of 16,514
32. Canada Life Center
The Canada Life Center is located at 300 Portage Avenue, Downtown Winnipeg Manitoba. Opened on November 16, 2004, it has a capacity of 15,321 seats during ice hockey contests. Canada Life Center also houses its National Hockey League home team, the Winnipeg Jets.
Summary of Canada Life Center:
- Opened in 2004
- Home to the Winnipeg Jets
- Seating capacity of 15,321
Table Showing All 32 Ice hockey Arenas in the nhl
| NHL Arenas | Location | Home Team | Year Opened | Seating Capacity |
| Canada Life Center | Winnipeg Manitoba | Winnipeg Jets | 2004 | 15,321 |
| Prudential Center | New Jersey | New Jersey Devils | 2007 | 16,514 |
| Madison Square Gardens | Manhattan, New York | New York Rangers | 1968 | 18,006 |
| UBS Arena | Elmont, New York | New York Islanders | 2021 | 17,255 |
| Honda Center | Anaheim California | Anaheim Ducks | 1993 | 17,174 |
| American Airlines Center | Dallas Texas | Dallas Stars | 2001 | 18,532 |
| Bridgestone Arena | Nashville Tennessee | Nashville Predators | 1999 | 17,159 |
| T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas Nevada | Las Vegas Knights | 2016 | 17,500 |
| SAP Center | San Jose California | San Jose Sharks | 1993 | 17,562 |
| Desert Desmond Arena | Glendale Arizona | Arizona Coyotes | 2006 | 17,125 |
| Climate Pledge Arena | Seattle Washington | Seattle Kraken | 1962 | 17,151 |
| Bell Center | Montreal, Quebec | Montreal Canadiens | 1996 | 21,302 |
| Enterprise Center | Missouri United States | St Louis Blue | 1994 | 18,096 |
| XCEL Energy Center | Minnesota United States | Minnesota Wild | 2000 | 17,954 |
| Ball Arena | Denver Colorado | Colorado Avalanche | 1999 | 17,809 |
| TD Gardens | Boston Massachusetts | Boston Bruins | 1995 | 17,850 |
| Amalie Arena | Tampa Florida | Tampa Bay Lightning | 1996 | 21,500 |
| Scotiabank Saddledone | Calgary Alberta Canada | Calgary Flames | 1983 | 19,289 |
| Scotiabank Arena | Toronto Canada | Toronto Maple Leaf | 1999 | 19,800 |
| FLA Live Arena | Florida | Florida Panthers | 1998 | 19,250 |
| Wells Fargo Center | Philadelphia | Philadelphia Flyers | 1996 | 19,500 |
| Little Caesars Arena | Detroit, US | Detroit Red Wings | 2017 | 19,515 |
| United Center | Chicago, Illinois | Chicago Blackhawks | 1994 | 19,717 |
| PNC Arena | Raleigh, North Carolina | Carolina Hurricanes | 1999 | 18,680 |
| KeyBank Center | New York | Buffalo Sabres | 1996 | 19,070 |
| Roger Arena | British Columbia Canada | Vancouver Canucks | 1995 | 18,910 |
| Rogers Place | Edmonton, Alberta Canada | Edmonton Oilers | 2016 | 18,500 |
| Canadian Tire Center | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | Ottawa Senators | 1996 | 18,650 |
| PPG Paint Arena | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh Penguins | 2010 | 18,387 |
| Crypto.com Arena | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Kings | 1999 | 18,230 |
| Nationwide Arena | Columbus Ohio USA | Columbus Blue Jackets | 2000 | 18,500 |
| Capital One Arena | Washington DC | Washington Capital | 1997 | 18,573 |
6 Facts About NHL Ice Hockey Arenas
- There are 32 Ice Hockey Arenas in use by the National Hockey League.
- NHL arenas are mainly distributed between Canada and the United States.
- The most expensive ice hockey arena to build is UBS Arena which cost about $1 billion in construction.
- The oldest NHL arena is the Climate Pledge Arena. It was built on April 21, 1962.
- The most recent NHL Arena is the UBS arena and its unveiling was on November 20, 2021.
- Bell Center holds the record for NHL arena with the largest seating capacity (it has a seating accommodation of 21,302 seats).
Conclusion
All the arenas in use by the NHL for playing professional ice hockey tournaments are mostly indoor complexes that have more than one purpose. Some of the arenas can sometimes be a basketball pitch or concert stage.
If you are into gaining knowledge on some interesting facts about Ice Hockey, read this article on how Hat tricks became a thing in Ice Hockey.
