I’ll be in Raleigh in November and want to sit as close as possible to the ice.

I’m currently thinking about sitting behind the penalty box (second row seats).

Does anybody have recommendations for best places to sit as close to front row as possible?

I can attend the Friday game vs Vancouver 11/14 or the Saturday game against EDM on 11/15.

Also, is there a better place to buy tickets where I can bang on the glass? Never been to a hockey game before.

25 comments
  1. I recognize that this may be a hot take but if you’re trying to sit along the sides like that, I’d sit higher up. Corners/ends are probably better if you want to be close to the ice.

    I went to 2 preseason games and was sitting pretty close to the penalty box, maybe 3rd and 5th row. Sure, it’s fun to be that close to the action, but honestly that only applies when play is happening on the side you’re sitting on. About 25% of the ice was distorted from where we were sitting and I had to look up at the scoreboard more frequently than I would’ve liked. I usually sit in nosebleeds (I’m cheap lol) and much prefer to sit in the corner because I feel like I can see more of the game that way. I’d recommend either sitting in the middle or higher up along the sides or going to the corners/ends if you want to be super close!

  2. As others have said if you’ve never been to a game before sitting a few rows up is actually a way better experience than being right on the glass. You can see a lot more clearly

  3. Personally, I wouldn’t really want to be in the first ~10 rows in general. You can only see what’s directly in front of you and have a terrible view for half the game. Directly behind the penalty/scorers boxes or benches can be fun if you like watching what’s going on, but can also be distracting if you want to watch the game.

    For what you’re looking for, I think the seats in 117 will be a better experience than behind the boxes. If you’re willing to go a little higher, the ones a bit up in 119 are great.

  4. We’ve always enjoyed 102 and 121. About 6-10 rows up on the aisle is my preference. You’ll also have access to a much less busy bathroom and concessions.

  5. Go as low as you can in section 120, Canes shoot on that side twice. Row 1 and 2 will be pricey, that’s legends club access seating(free premium food and free drinks).

    *My best friend will be coming from out of town for both the Friday/Sat games. I’ll be in 118 at the glass, we will be fucked up and possibly obnoxious AF so if that energy isn’t your cup of tea go 120 😂🤣

    I personally don’t like to be right behind the penalty box or right behind the teams. Someone is always standing in your line of sight, they have a job to do but it’s annoying when you can’t see a big play/hit/etc

  6. I’m also coming for the first time this year and have been trying to figure out where to sit – if anyone has suggestions, I’m all ears. I’ve seen them in UBS/MSG on account of where I live, but am excited to experience my first game in Raleigh. I have no problem strutting around NYC in my Canes gear

  7. The ones closest to the ice are closest to the ice.

    I’ll reiterate what others have said, closer gives a unique view but if you want to watch the *game* you are better off a bit further back.

  8. I’m from Canada and A HUGE CANIAC! I’ve been to Lenovo 5 times now. Best seats IMO are between the blue lines, rows 15-20. I usually buy my tickets off of stubhub 1hr before game time. Because I’m cheap and this will help you get the best price without getting scammed on craigslist. Park somewhere around Wade park Ave and walk to Lenovo. Don’t forget to take a photo in the tunnel 😎 Oh and a photo coming uphill with Lenovo in the background through the trees. 👍🏼
    Simple advice for a great time!

  9. I have sat on the glass at several different areas. There is always a view limitation, the glass distorts the view when trying to look at one side or the other. I prefer to sit about halfway up the lower section to get the best view.

  10. My personal favorite view is behind the goalie on either end. You can sit lower level and not have a distorted view

  11. I’ve been to thousands of game across multiple arenas and have sat anywhere from ice level to the nosebleeds and my answer is always the same – get above the glass unless you are in the middle of the ice ends.

    If I want to watch the sweat, blood, and tears on the players, that’s what my tv is for, lol. I’d rather be high enough to keep an eye on the entire game.

  12. i sat behind the penalty box once and i will say, having 2-3 layers of glass to look through is rather annoying. it’s still sick and was an amazing experience, but if i chose now i’d rather sit a little higher

  13. My favorite seat for viewing the whole ice is middle side line last row in the first level

  14. I like sitting in sections 103,104,105 or 118,119,120 the in the higher rows XX, seats on an end.

    You can get to the bathroom, bar quickly and have the best view of the ice.

  15. Our absolute favorites (we have sat all over)…above the tunnel they come out. We can see with no one in front of us. My son got a stick…so probably helped. 

    We have sat super close and cannot see the action close to the boards so we end up watching the screen.

  16. If you’re gonna sit glass, do it in the corners. The glass distortions are nasty on the sides, and behind the bench you’ll be staring at coaches’ backs the whole time.

    110, 113, 125 and 128 will be the cleanest views.

  17. I have sat in all 4 corners, higher up on the sides, and i have also sat right by the penalty box. I can tell you the view is better on the corners. That close to the ice by the box means you block your view to one side or the other. I was looking at the jumbotron more than the ice when they played on one end. Ive seen others say higher up on the sides is best and i agree. I was 3/4 on the way up in section 102 for a home playoff game in the ECF this year and it was a lot better view wise than when i sat in the second row directly next to the penalty box.

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