ScottM Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 Linky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimdahl Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 This is a great piece. A few select quotes from the WCHA barns: North Dakota fan Rick LaFleur admitted recently that when it comes to the intimidation factor, North Dakota's home ice is "vanilla" in comparison to the supercharged atmosphere at Badgers' games, which he described as "double chocolate mocha." At Ralph Engelstad Arena, the air is sweet with the smell of roasting Bavarian almonds. The floors are marble, chandeliers dangle from the ceilings, mirrors are framed in gold and fireworks go off whenever the Sioux score. Every seat—even in the student section—is extra wide with armrests and cushioning. (Re: Amsoil) On the walls are quotations from Duluth's two biggest local celebrities: frozen-pizza impresario Jeno Paulucci and Bob Dylan. The cavernous Mariucci Arena, built in 1993, has become the stuff of legend. It features international-sized ice and 10,000 seats that slope steeply upward for optimum views. But ever since the University's decision to ban alcohol sales in premium sections, suites have been a tough sell, says arena manager Craig Flor. Minnesota President Bob Bruininks said this fall he might start talks to get liquor back for the VIPs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackheart Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 This is a great piece. A few select quotes from the WCHA barns: I've never smelled the Bavarian almonds...must be up in the Suite level ...and don't the fireworks only go off after a home win instead of every goal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissSioux85 Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I've never smelled the Bavarian almonds...must be up in the Suite level ...and don't the fireworks only go off after a home win instead of every goal? The Bavarian almond stand is located on the main concourse. When you walk in the main entrance, take a right and I believe the stand is parked somewhere around section 115. The lady who makes the almonds normally offers a free sample. One firework goes off after every Sioux goal and multiple fireworks go off after a Sioux win. Anyway, the article was a nice read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goon Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 The Bavarian almond stand is located on the main concourse. When you walk in the main entrance, take a right and I believe the stand is parked somewhere around section 115. The lady who makes the almonds normally offers a free sample. One firework goes off after every Sioux goal and multiple fireworks go off after a Sioux win. Anyway, the article was a nice read. It's by the student entrance next to the escalator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fargosioux Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 Great article. I've been to five of those rinks, and suprisingly Mariucci isn't one of them. Still need to make that trip sometime. I was in Northeastern's rink during the famous "fog game" weekend in Boston. It feels like you're walking into a small-town gym, but it's not a bad place for hockey once you get inside. Pretty cool history. I agree about Alftond arena having the best atmosphere. Very impressed with their student section. I was there the weekend where Stafford scored on a penalty shot in OT on Friday night. Great weekend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big A HG Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I could walk into the Ralph any time of the year blindfolded, and know I was there. Bavarian Almonds aren't unique, but the smell coming from inside the building is. It's one part sweet, savory almond, and one part vintage hockey. I can't describe it any other way. Even in July it smells that way, but on gameday it's especially there. What's funny is, I just placed a large order from the Sioux shop a month or so ago, and the best part about receiving my items was taking a big whiff in the clothes (I'm weird, I know), and smelling the sweet smell of The Ralph locked inside each shirt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farce poobah Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Some interesting omissions, including Lynah (Cornell). Most of them are easy to agree with, although I would have ditched Yale for Cornell. If UNO keeps drawing 15,000 like they did for the Badger games this weekend, they will get onto people's radar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tho0505 Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 The Bavarian almond stand is located on the main concourse. When you walk in the main entrance, take a right and I believe the stand is parked somewhere around section 115. The lady who makes the almonds normally offers a free sample. One firework goes off after every Sioux goal and multiple fireworks go off after a Sioux win. Anyway, the article was a nice read. Definitely can smell the almonds when you come in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goon Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Definitely can smell the almonds when you come in. They are awesome as well as my buddy bought a bag of them last night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoggy Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 I was really hoping for the article to go into more detail on each rink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Siouxmama Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 I could walk into the Ralph any time of the year blindfolded, and know I was there. Bavarian Almonds aren't unique, but the smell coming from inside the building is. It's one part sweet, savory almond, and one part vintage hockey. I can't describe it any other way. Even in July it smells that way, but on gameday it's especially there. What's funny is, I just placed a large order from the Sioux shop a month or so ago, and the best part about receiving my items was taking a big whiff in the clothes (I'm weird, I know), and smelling the sweet smell of The Ralph locked inside each shirt. Whew! I thought I was the only one that loves the smell of the arena. Minus the smell of the almonds. I love almonds, but cant eat them because of an allergy. I just can't stand the smell of the Bavarian almond stands. I hold my breath when I walk by it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoalieMask Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Bavarian Almonds mixed wth chopped onions from the hot dog condiment row. That's the smell I get. I laughed out loud at the person who went home and took a big whiff from the gift shop bag. I know the smell....unique to this arena and this arena only. I wish the sold an Air Freshener with the smell. A little foam tree hanging from my steering wheel that smells like The Ralph. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagies Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I gotta say, while I agree the Bavarian almonds have a very attractive scent on their own, I'm not a fan of it in the REA. It's certainly unique, but frankly, it's too sweet for a hockey barn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UNDLeafsGuy Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 A late correction to the article ............... North Dakota REA the Most Intimidating. North Dakota REA the Best Crowd. worst ice .......... North Dakota REA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cratter Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 worst ice .......... North Dakota REA They replaced the cooling elements. That problem is suppose to be fixed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big A HG Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 They replaced the cooling elements. That problem is suppose to be fixed. There's still 12,000 people in a congested area surrounding the rink. It will never be perfect, but it should be better than years past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UNDLeafsGuy Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 They replaced the cooling elements. That problem is suppose to be fixed. suppose ............ is the key word. I have heard it is very slightly better but still not good and that is a shame Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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