The National Hockey League (NHL) is home to some of the largest and most iconic indoor sports arenas in the world. From historic hockey venues to modern multipurpose stadiums, NHL arenas are built to accommodate tens of thousands of fans for regular-season games, playoffs, and major events.
In this guide, we’ve listed the 10 largest NHL arenas based on official hockey seating capacity. These rankings are useful for fans planning stadium visits, booking tickets, and comparing venue sizes across North America.
Capacities listed are based on official hockey seating configurations for NHL games and may vary slightly by event. Each arena listed below includes a direct link to the seating chart so you can explore layouts, best seats, and viewing sections before attending a game.
Largest NHL Arenas by Seating Capacity
| Rank | NHL Arena | Home Team | Hockey Seating Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bell Centre | Montreal Canadiens | 21105 |
| 2 | Scotiabank Arena | Toronto Maple Leafs | 19800 |
| 3 | United Center | Chicago Blackhawks | 19717 |
| 4 | Little Caesars Arena | Detroit Red Wings | 19515 |
| 5 | Wells Fargo Center | Philadelphia Flyers | 19306 |
| 6 | Amerant Bank Arena | Florida Panthers | 19250 |
| 7 | KeyBank Center | Buffalo Sabres | 19070 |
| 8 | Capital One Arena | Washington Capitals | 18573 |
| 9 | Rogers Place | Edmonton Oilers | 18500 |
| 10 | Canadian Tire Centre | Ottawa Senators | 17750 |
1. Bell Centre – Montreal Canadiens
Bell Centre is the largest NHL arena by hockey seating capacity and can accommodate more than 21,000 spectators during NHL games. It is located in Montreal, Canada, and has been the home arena of the Montreal Canadiens since its opening in 1996.
The arena is primarily used for hosting NHL home games but is also a popular venue for international sporting events, concerts, and large entertainment shows. Due to its size and layout, checking the Bell Centre seating chart with rows and seat numbers helps fans choose better viewing sections before booking tickets.
Centre ice lower bowl sections are among the most popular seating areas for NHL games at Bell Centre.
2. Scotiabank Arena – Toronto Maple Leafs
Scotiabank Arena is one of the largest NHL venues in Canada and can seat nearly 20,000 fans for hockey games. It is located in downtown Toronto and has been the home arena of the Toronto Maple Leafs since 1999. The venue is also widely used for NBA games, concerts, and major entertainment events.
For NHL games, the centre sections in the lower bowl offer the best overall view of the ice. Fans looking for premium comfort often choose club seating and hospitality sections, which provide excellent sightlines along with added amenities.
3. United Center – Chicago Blackhawks
United Center is among the largest NHL arenas in the United States and can accommodate more than 19,700 spectators during hockey games. It is located in Chicago and serves as the home arena for the Chicago Blackhawks.
👉 United Center seating chart with rows and seat numbers
The arena regularly hosts sold-out NHL games and large-scale concerts. For the best hockey experience, the centre ice lower bowl sections are highly preferred. The mid-level club seats also provide a balanced view of the rink and are popular among fans seeking comfort and good visibility.
4. Little Caesars Arena – Detroit Red Wings
Little Caesars Arena is a modern indoor stadium located in Detroit and home to the Detroit Red Wings. It can hold more than 19,500 spectators for NHL games and is one of the newest large arenas in the league.
👉 Little Caesars Arena Seating Plan
The arena features excellent sightlines across multiple levels. The lower bowl centre sections provide the clearest views of on-ice action, while the upper bowl centre seats offer a good balance between price and viewing quality.
5. Xfinity Mobile Arena – Philadelphia Flyers
Xfinity Mobile Arena is a major sports and entertainment venue in Philadelphia and the home arena of the Philadelphia Flyers. It can accommodate over 19,300 fans during NHL games and regularly hosts basketball games, concerts, and large events.
👉 Xfinity Mobile Arena Seating Layout
For hockey matches, the centre ice seating areas in the lower level are considered the best choice. Fans who want a premium experience often prefer club-level seating, which provides comfortable seating and good viewing angles.
6. Amerant Bank Arena – Florida Panthers
Amerant Bank Arena is located in Sunrise, Florida, and serves as the home venue of the Florida Panthers. It can host more than 19,000 spectators for NHL games and is one of the largest indoor arenas in the southern United States.
The lower bowl centre sections provide excellent views of the rink and are in high demand during popular matchups. Premium club seating and hospitality sections are also popular options for fans looking for upgraded amenities and comfort.
7. KeyBank Center – Buffalo Sabres
KeyBank Center is situated in Buffalo, New York, and is home to the Buffalo Sabres. The arena can seat over 19,000 fans for NHL games and also hosts concerts, lacrosse, and special events.
For the best hockey viewing experience, the centre sections on the lower level are highly recommended. Fans who prefer a quieter atmosphere with better sightlines often choose mid-level seating, which offers a clear view of the entire ice surface.
8. Capital One Arena – Washington Capitals
Capital One Arena is located in downtown Washington, D.C., and serves as the home arena of the Washington Capitals. It can accommodate more than 18,500 spectators for NHL games and is one of the busiest sports venues in the city.
👉 Capital One Arena Seating Map
The centre ice lower bowl seats provide the most balanced view of the rink. Club-level seating is also popular among fans who want comfortable seating, better food options, and premium access areas.
9. Rogers Place – Edmonton Oilers
Rogers Place is a modern NHL arena located in Edmonton and the home venue of the Edmonton Oilers. It can hold approximately 18,500 spectators for hockey games and is known for its advanced facilities and fan-friendly design.
👉 Rogers Place Seating Arrangement Chart
For NHL games, the lower bowl centre sections offer the best overall sightlines. Fans on a budget often choose upper bowl centre seats, which still provide a clear view of the ice and strong atmosphere during Oilers home games.
10. Canadian Tire Centre – Ottawa Senators
The Canadian Tire Centre is located in Ottawa and serves as the home arena of the Ottawa Senators. It can seat nearly 17,800 fans during NHL games and regularly hosts concerts and entertainment events.
👉 Canadian Tire Centre Seat Layout
The centre sections of the lower bowl are the most popular seating areas for hockey games. Premium club and hospitality seating options are also available for fans looking for enhanced comfort and exclusive services.
Choosing the right section can make a big difference. Check our detailed Best Seats for NHL Games guide to compare lower bowl, club level and upper bowl seating before booking tickets.
Largest NHL Arenas FAQ
Which NHL arena is the biggest?
Bell Centre in Montreal is the largest NHL arena based on hockey seating capacity.
Do NHL arena capacities change?
Yes. Capacities may change due to renovations, standing room sections, or seating reconfiguration.
Are these capacities for hockey games only?
Yes. Concert capacities may be higher due to floor seating layouts.
