First positive of all positives- we left at 6:30 pm with no tickets and were in for the puck dropping. Parking was cheap and easy, we walked right in and bought tickets, and actually were able to get to the seats in under two minutes after walking in. As far as convenience, the PPL Center has it. And this wasn't some 4,000 person garbage crowd, this crowd was over 8,000.
Second positive, the seats and the price themselves. We bought section 204 seats, basically center-ice upstairs, for $21 a piece. The value, compared with going to MSG or Philly, isn't comparable. The seats were close, despite being upstairs, and we could see everything. There is no bad seat in the PPL Center to be fair, and the prices are good. No, they're not "bring your five year old who might not like it" good, but $21 for a hockey game is fine.
Third, the food selection is solid, though I chose to just go with the nachos and cheese. I'm fine with that choice, as they were a hearty snack for $4. The burgers looked like a good portion, and the other stands seemed like exactly what you expect at a hockey game. I did feel like the beer stands didn't have enough opening to see the hockey, but that's knit-picking.
Fourth, the hockey itself is solid. No, it's not the NHL. Yes, it's entertaining. The first period was like a giant fight, with a bit of hockey mixed in. The second period saw three goals, and was pretty loose. The third period was pretty solid hockey, and the overtime was very exciting. Sadly, Bridgeport won the shootout, but it's hard to complain about going to a hockey game and seeing a shootout. It's well worth the price of admission. I do wish they'd let them fight a little more though.
We got to see a good one, in that it was a game between the Flyers and Islanders' affiliates, an underrated rivalry that goes way back. The crowd was good, though maybe not as energetic as a Flyers' crowd, but that's to be expected. The arena is just amazing though. It's clean, the seating is good, and the sound system is awesome. The huge TV screen is clear too. The seats were comfortable. Everything about it was first class. Allentown is lucky to have this place, and the entertainment there will only get better.
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