Why I love taking my kids to Coyote hockey games
Some people are always reluctant to try things with their kids because of the “what ifs”. What if they cry, fall, scream, hate it, want to leave? But, what if they have fun, or experience something new? I always tell parents it never hurts to try and waiting till kids are older means you miss out on so many fun opportunities.
Sporting events seems to sometimes be one of those opportunities parents might be afraid to try, and rightly so since it costs money. Well if you live near Phoenix you are in luck! The hockey games are not only kid friendly, but wallet friendly as well. Plus it's a great way to test the waters and have a positive first experience.
The Gila Arena has an amazing courtyard full of restaurants and activities.
Let's start with the location of the arena. The Gila River Arena is located in Glendale Arizona, right beside the football stadium for the Arizona Cardinals. The main box office and ticket area are surrounded by a courtyard that has many restaurants and bars. The Renaissance Hotel also backs onto the courtyard. They have a McFaddens, Fat Tuesdays, and a few other chain restaurants. What they seem to do all season (most teams only do it for playoffs) is make that area like a interactive party before every game. Cheerleaders, bounce houses, hockey, tattoos, music, video games, and contests can all be found in that area and are FREE!! Yup, free! Besides filling out a waiver for the hockey you are free to let your kids enjoy themselves and get out that energy before they have to sit for a couple hours. Plus it gets them excited for what's about to happen inside.
My son (after switching hands) enjoying some hockey.
We have found that most of the activities start about 2 to 3 hours before a hockey game, obviously weather permitting. And even away teams enjoy the area, Coyote fans are very friendly.
We decided that since we would be going to a few games this year that we would purchase the Howlers Kids Club membership. It's described on their website as:
All Coyotes fans 14 & under are invited to join Howler's Kids Club, presented by Danzeisen Dairy! With three different levels within Howler's Kids Club, there is a fit for every young Coyotes fan. There's no better way for a young Coyotes fan to experience this season than with Howler and the rest of the pack. Rookie, Captain and All-Star Members will receive the experience and benefits below once they join!
Visit their website here for more information
There are 3 membership levels.
Rookie: free
Welcome letter from Howler. Monthly email with special offers. Howler autograph card. Official membership card. Official kids club rubber wristband. “Fast pass” to kids post game slap shot.
Captain: $25
All of the above. Plus, invitation for you and a guest to attend Howlers birthday party. Invitations to quarterly exclusive kids club member events. Free upper level ticket to a Coyotes game ( game TBD). Official club drawstring bag with : pencil hockey stick, foam puck, and kids club magnet.
All- Star: $40
All of the Captain level perks plus: lanyard, Coyotes sunglasses, Kachina Magnet and more!
Some of the cheerleaders who were out in the crowd before the game.
The game we attended on President's Day was a BOGO. I bought my ticket and got one kid one free, and then paid for my other child's. So for $50 we had upper level seats behind the goal. Not too bad for an NHL game.
We had seats in section 208, where the Coyotes shot twice. Right on the aisle and only 4 rows from the top. It was easy to leave and go the bathroom or get food.
Once in the game (it was kids day since it was a 2pm game, highly recommend) there were still so many fun things for the kids. Upon walking into the arena we were each given Howler mugs, and my daughter wanted to use it right away. Nothing a little hot tap water and paper towel couldn't fix. We purchased some hot dogs and proceeded to our seats. Hockey games are loud. Kids are loud. If you have a child with sensory issues please pack headphones, it is a loud space and game. My kids love that I don't have to shush them, and frankly I like that as well. We also like that hockey has periods, and in between those periods we can walk around or watch what's going on.
It was Howlers birthday during the last game we attended, and they gave out Howler mugs.
Howlers birthday was filled with other macots during the intermissions, so there was always something to look at. They played dodgeball, took pictures and even did bowling with their bodies. My kids laughed the whole time.
We got to meet and greet with the mascots during the second intermission.
We ate tons, we peed tons, and we laughed tons. I think the Coyote games may be the most kid friendly games I have ever been to in the NHL, and I have been to alot of games.
I write this blog to encourage parents and grand parents to never be intimidated and to take kids to sporting events. I'm not suggesting you buy season tickets before going, but at least get out there and try. If your kid naps, set yourself up for success and don't go during nap time. Lol. If they go to bed early look for that day game. We find hockey games to be a fun bonding experience, especially when Daddy isn't coaching and fans aren't talking crap about your hubby. Lol. The arena atmosphere means the weather doesn't matter (not the case for baseball and most football) and kids can be loud. So go out there and enjoy some hockey with your family. Especially the Coyotes!!!
Go Totes go!!!!
