10 tips for your first match at Agganis Arena | Hey BU Blog

Hockey season is just days away and the team is ready to hit the ice! There are great theme nights and promotions this season, including students who attend eight UB Men’s Hockey home games at the Agganis Arena will receive an official replica team jersey FREE. Before you go, here are 10 things to do on match days at the Agganis Arena.

1. Arrive early

Try to arrive 30-45 minutes before the puck drop. Being early will allow you to avoid the long queues of fans that flock towards the start of the game, and you will have plenty of time to visit the arena, eat and get a good seat in the student section. Sit back and relax as the BU Band fills the arena with popular songs before the teams take to the ice.

2. Go to the edge of the rink during warm-ups

It’s always fun to come down to the front row during warm-ups and watch the players practice right off the ice. You can see the athletes up close, check out their pre-game routines, and if you’re daring you can feel like a goalie by standing in front of the glass behind the net as the players shoot. Who knows, maybe you’ll even recognize someone from your class on the team.

3. Be in your seat 10 minutes before the game

As the scoreboard’s pre-game clock ticks down, make sure you’re in your seat so you don’t miss out on the pre-game festivities. With the BU Pep Band, video team and national anthem singers, the Agganis Arena offers one of the best pre-game presentations in the world. You’ll want to be there to experience the excitement when the Terriers take to the ice.

4. Be part of “The Dog Pound”

If you are currently a student at BU, you must experience the student section of BU, the Dog Pound. The most popular spot is section 118, where the super fans hang out against the glass and the Pep Band takes up the upper rows. You can choose to be anywhere in between, and no matter where you are, you’ll be sure to have a great time with the best Terrier Nation fans.

Psst… Be sure to follow the BU Dog Pound on Twitter and Instagram too.

5. Learn cheers

We’ll help you get started. The other team’s goalie is always referred to as the “sifter”, so you’ll hear it often. And yes, the student section will chant “BC sucks” even if Boston College is not the opponent that night. It’s just part of the rivalry. The other 90% of Dog Pound’s repertoire is usually improvised, so follow the veterans and you’ll fit right in.

6. Explore the arena

A self-guided tour is the best way to learn more about BU Hockey and the Agganis Arena. Stroll through the main lobby and check out the exhibits on the walls, with plaques for members of the BU Hockey Hall of Fame, jerseys of former Terriers who play in the NHL, and more. It doesn’t take long to loop around the lobby, so take your time and snap photos as you go.

7. Try Arena Food

Whether you are looking for a meal or a snack, there are plenty of dining options all around the Agganis Arena. My favorite is the Buffalo Chicken, but you can’t go wrong with any of the selections in the lobby. Concession stands even have special offers for BU students, including a variety of menu items that cost students just $2.

8. Keep an eye out for Sasquatch… IT’S TRUE!

He is the man, the myth… and the legend of BU. If the team needs some energy in the third period, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a visit from Sasquatch. Sasquatch is a well-known alumnus of BU who is well… quite hairy. Still don’t understand? That’s okay…you’ll see for yourself soon enough.

9. Celebrate with the Pep Band after BU win

If the Terriers win, stick around immediately after the game for one of college hockey’s best traditions. The band plays “Hey Baby” while the student section dances and sings along to the song. It may sound silly, but it’s been a staple of BU Hockey for decades. And when hundreds of students and fans do it together, it’s a pretty special way to celebrate a win.

10. After the game, go to the Taqueria of El Jefe

This season, if BU scores… you win! El Jefe’s Taqueria is giving fans a FREE taco if the Terriers score in a home game. Only those who attend the game will be able to take advantage of this prize, so be sure to pick up your ticket each week!

The UB men’s hockey team plays its first home game at Agganis Arena on Saturday, October 1 at 7 p.m. against Bentley University. Students get in free with a Sports Pass, so log on and claim your ticket. If you need help accessing your pass, check out the Agganis Arena sports pass guide.