Not to get too picky, but I believe that game was actually on February 15th, 1998. At least that's what I have written down on my tape of the game That game is the single best time I've ever had at a sporting event. I was sitting on the glass in the student section to the right of the box (even have a few pictures that were taken from the other side of the arena, possibly by PCM?). I have never been anywhere as loud as it was when Jason Blake scored the goal to tie it up.
As far as new arena vs old, I don't think the new arena will ever be able to match the crazy intensity of the old arena. No more standing, subdued swearing, lower % of students, and the division of the student sections have eliminated that possibility. However, I was there for the playoff series vs DU last year, and it was proven that the New Ralph can be loud and fun. Good times either way.