10 Tips for Your First Game at Agganis Arena
10 Tips for Your First Game at Agganis Arena
Everything you need to know for the best game day experience
Men’s hockey season is here, and the Terrier team is ready to take the ice. There are great theme nights and promotions this season, and to reward our most loyal student supporters, Agganis Arena is launching a new student jersey promotion. In recognition of a combined 16 Hockey East tournament titles between the men’s and women’s programs, students must attend any combination of 16 ticketed men’s or women’s home hockey games to receive their free jersey.
Before you go, here are 10 things you should do on game days at Agganis Arena.
1. Get there early
Try to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before face-off. Being early lets you avoid the long lines of fans streaming in close to the start of the game, and you’ll have plenty of time to tour the arena, get some food, and grab a good spot in the student section. Sit back and relax as the BU Band fills the arena with popular songs before the teams hit the ice.
2. Go rink-side during warm-ups
It’s always fun to go down to the first row during warm-ups and watch the players practice from right next to the ice. You get to see the athletes up close, check out their pregame routines, and if you’re bold, you can feel like a goalie by standing at the glass behind the net while the players fire off shots. Who knows, maybe you’ll even recognize someone on the team who’s from your class.
3. Be in your seat 10 minutes before the game
As the scoreboard’s pregame clock winds down, be sure you’re in your seat so you don’t miss the pregame festivities. With the BU Pep Band, the video team, and the national anthem singers, Agganis Arena has one of the best pregame presentations anywhere. You’ll want to be there to experience the excitement when the Terriers take the ice.
4. Be a part of the “Dog Pound”
If you’re a current BU student, you have to experience BU’s student section—the Dog Pound. The most popular spot is section 118, where the super fans stand against the glass and the Pep Band fills the upper rows. You can choose to be anywhere in between, and no matter where you are, you’ll be sure to have a good time with the best fans in Terrier Nation.
Psst…be sure to follow the BU Dog Pound on Twitter and Instagram too.
5. Learn the cheers
We’ll help get you started. The other team’s goalie is always referred to as “sieve,” so you’ll be hearing that a lot. And yes, the student section will be chanting “BC sucks” even if Boston College isn’t that night’s opponent. It’s just part of the rivalry. The other 90 percent of the Dog Pound’s repertoire is generally improvised, so follow the veterans and you’ll fit right in.
6. Explore the arena
A self-guided tour is the best way to learn about BU Hockey and Agganis Arena. Walk around the main concourse and check out the exhibits on the walls, with plaques for BU Hockey Hall of Famers, jerseys of former Terriers who play in the NHL, and so much more. It doesn’t take long to complete a loop around the concourse, so take your time and snap some pictures as you go.
7. Try the arena food
Whether you’re looking for a meal or a snack, there are plenty of food options all around Agganis Arena. A favorite is the buffalo chicken, but you can’t go wrong with any of the selections around the concourse. The concession stands even have special deals for BU students, including a variety of menu items that cost students just $3.
8. Keep an eye out for Sasquatch…HE’S REAL!
He’s the man, the myth…and the BU legend. If the team needs some energy in the third period you’re going to want to keep an eye out for a visit from Sasquatch. Sasquatch is a well-known BU alumnus who is, well…quite hairy. Still not understanding? That’s okay—you’ll see for yourself soon enough.
9. Celebrate with the Pep Band after BU wins
If the Terriers win, stick around immediately after the game for one of the best traditions in college hockey. The band plays “Hey Baby” while the student section dances and sings along with the song. It may sound silly, but it’s been a staple of BU Hockey for decades. And when hundreds of students and fans do it together, it’s a pretty special way to celebrate a victory.
10. After the game, go to El Jefe’s Taqueria or Raising Cane’s
This season, if BU scores…you win! El Jefe’s Taqueria is treating fans to a free taco if the Terriers score during a home game. Only those who attend the game will be eligible to enjoy this prize, so be sure to pick up your ticket each week. Plus, the Raising Cane’s Challenge is returning for BOGO deals! If the Terriers accomplish the evening’s challenge (whether it’s a freshman scoring or our goalie making 40+ saves, etc.), fans win a buy-one-get-one box combo.
The BU men’s hockey team plays its first home game at Agganis Arena on Saturday, October 4, at 7 pm, against Long Island University. Students with a Sports Pass get in for free, so log in and claim your ticket. If you need help accessing your pass, visit Agganis Arena’s Sports Pass Guide.