The End of the Beginning

Preseason Hockey is over and done with after the Kings played their final game today. It was against the Ducks again, though this one was in Anaheim at the Honda Center. I was fortunate enough to be able to go and help out in the radio booth as well as see another new sporting venue. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised how nice the arena was.



The actual seating bowl is very intimate and not one seat was too far away from the ice. There are three levels of seats: The main level (lower level), club level (middle level) and upper level. There were also two different sets of suites, with one of the rings at the back of the main level and the other at the back of the club level. The scoreboard is pretty big and has all the important info. There are two LED ribbon boards circling the whole arena at the top and bottom of the main level, and an HD board at the top of each end of the arena. Overall, it was just what you'd want.




The concourses were the most surprising. They all had very nice tiled floor and were extremely clean. There were also windows at different points that offered nice views of Anaheim and the surrounding area. While the food choices were not as varied as say Angel Stadium or Staples Center, they had a bunch of good selections. Overall, it was a just a very nice arena.



As for the game, the Kings lost 5-4, but it was an exciting game to watch. Each team was basically trading off goals and making it difficult for the goalies. I wish these two teams played each other more early in the season.

I put a picture of my plate at dinner tonight, which was glorious (the food was better than it looks in the picture). Eating in the press room at a game is without a doubt one of the best parts of being a media member. Here's the menu from tonight's pregame meal:

Salad w/ Blue Cheese Dressing
Soup (didn't try it but it was pork something)
BBQ Pork Chops
Blackened Chicken
Baked Potato Bar
Macaroni and Cheese
Corn on the Cob
Brownie Dessert (they also had Churros, Pretzels, and Popcorn in the Press Box)


The Kings' first regular season game is on Saturday, October 3rd against the Coyotes. I've never been to a season opener before, so I'm really excited for all the festivities that will go along with it. Until then, enjoy reading!