Advice for First Visit to GF/UND Game

[kfah1]

I hope I could get some advice from all of the seasoned Sioux fans out there regarding some questions I have.

Looks like my wife and kids want to send me to Grand Forks for my birthday so I can see a Fighting Sioux game (either because I always talk about wanting to go or they want to get rid of me for the weekend).

I'm looking to get out to the February 26th Wisco game so with some questions...

Is Ticketmaster the only way to get available seats at this point? Section 302 Upper Level seems to be the available area through them. Any possiblity for any better seating? I only need one seat. Regardless, I figure I'm going to have to act fast to get a seat.

I'm flying in from Michigan, so what is the best hotel option (closet to UND, airport shuttle)? Depending on lodging, then what would be the best way to get back and forth to the Ralph? (I wasn't planning on renting a vehicle at this point).

I know I've seen posts on this before, but if possible, what's the best place for some beers before/after the game?

Also, what recommendations would any one have for a first timer to accomplish while out for a game?

Thanks for time and any advice you can throw my way! I'm really looking forward to this visit.

[redwing77]

I hope I could get some advice from all of the seasoned Sioux fans out there  regarding some questions I have.

Looks like my wife and kids want to send me to Grand Forks for my birthday so I can see a Fighting Sioux game (either because I always talk about wanting to go or they want to get rid of me for the weekend).

I'm looking to get out to the February 26th Wisco game so with some questions...

Is Ticketmaster the only way to get available seats at this point?  Section 302 Upper Level seems to be the available area through them.  Any possiblity for any better seating?  I only need one seat.  Regardless, I figure I'm going to have to act fast to get a seat.

I'm flying in from Michigan, so what is the best hotel option (closet to UND, airport shuttle)?  Depending on lodging, then what would be the best way to get back and forth to the Ralph?  (I wasn't planning on renting a vehicle at this point).

I know I've seen posts on this before, but if possible, what's the best place for some beers before/after the game?

Also, what recommendations would any one have for a first timer to accomplish while out for a game?

Thanks for time and any advice you can throw my way!  I'm really looking forward to this visit.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think, if you want tickets ahead of time, ticketmaster is the way to go.; I think the tickets at the box office even print in ticketmaster livery so to speak.

As far as lodging is concerned, there really aren't all that many hotels that are truly out of the way of the Ralph. This is Grand Forks we're talking about. Not Detroit. There is the Holiday Inn (not the Express) and the Hilton Garden Inn which are adjacent to UND's campus. I don't think the Westward Ho's Best Western is around any longer so I think those two and a Select Inn are the closest to the Ralph. I wouldn't recommend the Select Inn.

As to getting to and from the arena, I am not sure about going to the arena, but several local bars have shuttles to and from the game and the Ralph has a program with the local cab service but only for after the games.

Others can help with the food stuff. Red Pepper is supposed to be good.

[sprig]

Check out the ticket exchange. Wisco series tickets tend to be hard to come by but you may find lower bowl available there.

Leftover student tickets (upper bowl) go on sale at 10 AM on Thursday the week of the series. Wouldn't expect there to be many available for Wisco.

Without a car, you may be best off staying at one of the motels on the east side of I-29, not too far from the REA. The Super 8 is just a short walk to Dagwoods, one of the popular watering holes that has a shuttle to and from the game. They generally run just one bus, first come/first served so check with Dagwoods for when they run it.

Try a Red Pepper grinder, although you'll have to call for delivery without a car. It's nowhere near the REA or the motels. Whitey's in East Grand is also a popular spot, but you'll need a ride to get there.

[NorthDakotaHockey]

I'd watch that Ralph Ticket Exchange earnestly. Even post your plea there.

As for things to do, I think that The Ralph offers arena tours on Fridays at 3 pm. If you are here in time for that, I think that it is something that you might enjoy, although I have not yet been on it myself.

As for experiences, heck, get to the game early. Watch the teams warm up. Sit in the seats down at ice level and take in the atmosphere. Every good hockey fan is always in their seats by the time that the puck drops, unforeseen circumstances excepted. Besides, both levels of the Ralph, and the adjacent olympic rink, are ringed with great photos of Sioux Hockey History. Take the time to take them in. Bring some extra ching to buy Sioux merchandise for the family in the Ralph Scalp Shop.

East Grand Forks has Cabella's, a cool destination point if you are a sportsman.

Don't know much about the night life there anymore, other than that you can always get a good drink and a sound meal at either Whitey's in EGF or the Bronze Boot in GF. The recommendation on the Red Pecker is a sound one. I think that they stopped running hookers out of the upstairs apartments there 30+ years ago though.

Have fun. We'll all keep you in mind here for tickets should any become available. If you are coming alone, maybe some solid fan has an extra and will make you a guest?

[bigmrg74]

Just remember, as one Michigander to another, the bars will close early.

[Sioux_Hab-it]

If you like Walleye, the Blue Moose is another good choice right near Cabellas.