Watching an NHL game live is a completely different experience compared to television. The speed of the game, the sound of the crowd, and the atmosphere inside the arena make seat selection very important. Choosing the right section can greatly improve your overall experience — whether you want close-up action, a full view of the rink, or extra comfort.
NHL arenas usually have three main seating levels: Lower Bowl, Club Level, and Upper Bowl. Each option offers a different type of experience depending on your budget and viewing preference.
Lower Bowl Seats (Closest to the Ice)
Lower bowl seating is the closest seating level to the ice surface and is considered the most premium standard seating option in most NHL arenas.
These seats allow fans to see players up close, hear the impact of body checks, and experience the intensity of the game from rink level. Lower bowl seats near center ice are especially popular because they offer a balanced view of both ends of the rink.
👉 Bell Centre seating chart with rows and seat numbers
👉 Scotiabank Arena seating chart with rows and seat numbers
However, seats very close to the glass can sometimes limit your visibility of the entire rink. While they offer exciting close-up moments, some fans prefer sitting a few rows higher to get a clearer overall view of the game flow.
Best for:
- First-time NHL visitors
- Fans who want close action
- Playoff and rivalry games
Club Level Seats (Comfort and Premium Experience)
Club seats are usually located between the lower and upper bowls and are designed for fans who want comfort along with good sightlines.
These sections often include wider seats, extra legroom, shorter concession lines, private lounges, and better food options. Club level seating provides a slightly elevated angle compared to lower bowl seats, which many fans find ideal for watching passing plays and defensive positioning.
While club seats are more expensive than upper bowl tickets, they are often cheaper than premium lower bowl center seats, making them a popular middle-ground option.
Best for:
- Fans who value comfort
- Corporate guests and families
- Long games and special events
👉 Amerant Bank Arena seating chart with rows and seat numbers
Upper Bowl Seats (Budget Friendly Option)
Upper bowl seating is the most affordable option in most NHL arenas. These seats offer a higher view of the rink and allow fans to see the full ice surface clearly.
Although they are farther from the action, center sections in the upper bowl still provide excellent overall visibility. Many regular NHL fans prefer upper bowl center seats because they offer a strong view at a lower price.
Corner and end-zone upper bowl seats may have angled views, so choosing central sections is usually the better option for first-time visitors.
👉 United Center seating chart with seat numbers and rows
Best for:
- Budget-conscious fans
- Families attending multiple games
- Fans who enjoy a full rink perspective
Center Ice vs Corner Seats
No matter which level you choose, seat position plays an important role.
Center ice seats are considered the best overall because they provide equal viewing of both offensive and defensive zones. These seats are usually the first to sell out for popular games.
Corner seats are more affordable but may offer angled views that limit visibility of plays on the far side of the rink. They are better suited for casual fans or budget buyers.
Glass Seats and Rinkside Experience
Glass seats are located directly behind the boards and offer one of the most intense viewing experiences. Fans can feel the energy of the game and witness player collisions up close.
However, these seats are not ideal for following puck movement across the entire rink. Many experienced fans prefer sitting 10–15 rows above the ice, where the angle allows for both excitement and better visibility.
Choosing the Best Seat for Your Budget
If budget is not a concern, lower bowl center sections and club seating provide the most comfortable viewing experience. If you are attending multiple games in a season, upper bowl center seats often provide the best value for money.
For playoff games and rivalry matches, investing in better seating is usually worth it because of the enhanced atmosphere and energy inside the arena.
Seating layout and viewing quality can vary slightly between NHL arenas, so checking the official seating chart before booking is recommended.
Final Tip for NHL Fans
Before booking tickets, always check the arena seating chart for your specific venue. Every NHL arena has a slightly different layout, row numbering system, and premium seating arrangement.
Taking a few minutes to review the seating map can help you avoid restricted views and choose seats that match your expectations.
Some NHL venues offer larger seating capacity and wider seating layouts. You can explore the 10 Largest NHL Arenas by Seating Capacity to compare stadium sizes and fan capacity.
Best NHL Seats FAQ
Which seats are best for first-time NHL visitors?
Lower bowl center sections offer the best combination of close action and clear rink visibility.
Are glass seats good for NHL games?
Glass seats provide exciting close-up views but may limit full rink visibility compared to seats a few rows higher.
Are upper bowl seats worth it?
Yes. Upper bowl center seats offer good visibility and are the most budget-friendly option.
Which NHL seats offer the best comfort?
Club level seating provides wider seats, better amenities, and premium viewing angles.
*This NHL seating guide was last updated for the 2026 season to reflect current arena seating layouts and fan preferences.
