For the Metro Division Travel Guide series, I gathered input from fellow FanSided staff writers and fans who have frequented the featured arena. We will take a look at each member of the Metropolitan Division and cover three basic areas: why you should make the trip, the best food and drink options before and after the game, and the best (and affordable) seating options in the arena. With all divisional play now occurring within the Eastern Time Zone, travel has never been easier for Blue Jackets fans!
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Szagola-USA TODAY Sports
The Flyers have called Broad Street home since joining the NHL as an expansion franchise in 1967. They played their games at the famous Spectrum until 1996, when they moved into what is now called the Wells Fargo Center. The arena makes up part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles) and Citizens Bank Park (Phillies). Philadelphia has always embraced hockey and the Flyers set the current attendance record for an indoor hockey game in 2010 at 20,327.
Distance From Nationwide Arena:
Courtesy of Google Maps
When the Blue Jackets Will Be There:
Thursday, Dec 19, 2013: 7PM
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014: 7PM
(Source: bluejackets.nhl.com )
Why It is Worth the Trip:
"Philly is a great sports city. You have the Wells Fargo Center, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park all on the same street and the fans are just about as passionate as they come. It really doesn’t get much better than having the most popular sports in practically the same location."
Best Pre/Post Game Hangout:
"For eating, the obvious answer is any of the famous cheese steak places in the city. There is Tony Lukes, Geno’s and Pat’s relatively close to the arena. For drinking there is Chickies and Petes right outside the stadium, which are common hangouts before and after the games."
Where you should sit:
"Just like any hockey arena, the WFC offers plenty of great locations around the ice. I personally prefer to be up higher to see more of the ice. The seats are cheaper and if you’re a die hard hockey fan you can see the play develop at a greater pace from a birds’ eye view."
-Wes Herrmann
Besides hockey, Philadelphia is a great city to visit. There are several historical sites that are worth adding to the agenda, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The hockey side of things has a lot to offer as well, as the Flyers have a great history and will be a big rival for the Blue Jackets in the Metropolitan Division. Jackets fans making the trip should also pay close attention to the goalies to see if former CBJ goalie Steve Mason is in the net, as Bobrovsky vs Mason has the potential to be the big story line from this match up. Besides the history of the Flyers and the potential rivalry with the CBJ, Philadelphia fans are regarded as some of the toughest in sports. The are passionate and vocal, but that always makes for a fun and interesting experience at a hockey game.
Previous Posts In This Series: Carolina Hurricanes – New Jersey Devils – New York Islanders – New York Rangers