Honda Center Sports Fan Tips

Honda Center is a venue in or near Los Angeles that is most often used for Hockey

Best bars after the game at Honda Center?

It's located just a half a mile away from the venue, and it's called Calivino Wine Pub. They have the games on, it's a cool vibe in terms of ambiance, and the menu options are so tantalizing, especially if you burned some calories at the game rooting your team on!

Getting to Honda Center?

It's advisable to take the easy route to the venue via Amtrak/Metrolink. Detailed and easy instructions here: http://ducks.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=57338 If you choose to drive, it's very accessible from the I-5 and 57 freeways, so no worries! The key to remember is: getting there is not the problem, but if you've been rooting your team on and celebrating, you may wish to let someone else do the driving for the trip home!

Dealing with scalpers at Honda Center?

Sure, they are everywhere, particularly outside of popular bars that fans frequent near the venue. It seems like a pretty organized production they have going, honestly. It's best to plan ahead and go through the box office, because games do sell out. But in short response, yes, there are scalpers, and they are not hard to find...

Best pre-game bar at Honda Center?

JT Schmid's is the bomb! It's across the street from the venue, it's usually packed before game time (it's near Angel Stadium of Anaheim, too, so there may be some fan cross-filtering going on!), and the cobb salad is absolutely to die for! The beer flights come highly recommended, as they are tasty as well as economically priced!

Safety at Honda Center?

The local police department have a presence. They assist with parking after the game and help keep the drama to a minimum. The sheriff's office is also nearby (they even provide parking alternatives for the venue). Some people are annoyed because you will go through a security check or two as you make your way into the building and to your seat, but on the plus side, it's easy to rest assured you'll have an incident free and safe experience at the Honda Center!

Best and worst seats at Honda Center?

First of all, whether you have "good” or "cheap” seats, all the seats seem a bit tiny, so be prepared to be cozy with your neighbor. The aisles are narrow, too. It's got to be due to the intimate nature of the venue, because all the seats seem to afford a pretty good view of the action.

What to expect from the Honda Center crowd?

Hockey games are the craziest. It's like the noise from the thunderous crowd can lift the roof! The Ducks are the best because they do so many things to keep the crowd enthusiastic! Even though the fans get loud, there's still a shared cordial atmosphere between the opposing team fans.

Artifacts to look for at Honda Center?

The Honda Center is brand spanking new. Many refer to it by its former name, The Pond. Sorry to say there is no actual aquatic water pond on the premises, but the entire stadium can be considered an artifact, as it's such an electric, exciting atmosphere in a very fun neighborhood/part of town.

Things to check out around Honda Center?

Stadium Promenade is so fun! It's less than a mile from the venue, and there's a plethora of dining options to get your appetite up before you go root on your team! If you're super early, you can check out a flick to beat the heat, as there's Century Stadium 25 with many 3D movie options to keep your visual sensibility on high! It's only a 12 minute walk to get there for the average pedestrian, so save yourself the trouble of having to park twice.

Parking at Honda Center?

It's fairly organized in terms of the whole production of getting in and out. Make sure you bring cash if you're parking at the venue. There are also several lots a little further from the venue, certainly within walking distance, and considerably cheaper than the ballpark $20 you'll spend to park at Honda, but be prepared for a pleasant stroll through the streets of Orange County, because they are a few blocks away (nothing outrageous).

Best food at Honda Center?

It really depends upon who you ask. Some find it diverse and full of options, others who travel from out of town find the food options underwhelming. Not sure what they were expecting, but overall the grub selections at Honda Center are off the chain according to this frequent attendee!

Traffic around Honda Center?

There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it: Honda Center is in a very lively, popular part of town. People equate traffic. This is nothing new. The area along Katella, the main drag, will be active so plan accordingly and keep cool. Sometimes it's faster to park near the 57 freeway and enjoy a pleasant stroll (translation: sometimes, yes, from a certain distance, it can be faster to just park and walk!).

Stores to hit up at Honda Center?

The Anaheim Ducks Team Store is requisite for any self respecting hockey fan! By far, the coolest aspect of the store is the ability to obtain a customized Ducks jersey. I've had several made for myself as well as gift items. The Playoffs are a great time to hit up the store, because you'll find lots of Stanley Cup related merchandise!

Best giveaways at Honda Center?

Honda Center has the best giveaway nights. Come get your free t-shirt! Fan Appreciation Night is also the absolute best! So much fun. Here's a link to the calendar for the Ducks promotional nights; don't miss out on the freebies and the fun! http://ducks.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=92197

Best insider tip for Honda Center?

Cash only for parking at the venue! Cannot emphasize this enough! Cash. Only! You will be thoroughly irritated if you have to leave the venue to find an ATM in order to come back again. Please don't. You can thank me later with one of the well priced beers at the venue. $16 bucks for Ducks parking at the venue.