My family loves attending games, but professional sports are expensive. The lines are long, everything’s overpriced, and the crowds are intensely loud. But we found a cool alternative to still watch live sports and not go broke in the process. We go to Portland Winterhawks hockey games with friends and have a blast. I’ve attended several games throughout the years, mostly with family and friends who have kids ages 7 to 17 — and everyone leaves a converted hockey fan.
The Portland Winterhawks play in the Western Hockey League, which is part of the Canadian Hockey League. Their home base is the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where they’ve been playing since 1976. The Winterhawks play multiple home games during the fall/winter season, primarily on weekends — there are also some weeknight games — September through March.
The venue has all the sports standards you love: Cheering fans, stadium food, and even the occasional fight — but it’s like someone turned down the intensity to a far more enjoyable level. Chiller crowds, easier parking; everything is more affordable and family friendly.
That atmosphere is something my husband, son and I appreciate and probably why we keep going back. (For baseball fans, the scene is like that of Portland Pickles games, versus the chaos of Thorns or Blazers games.) And it’s a more intimate venue, so we can sit close to the action. My son’s favorite spot for us to cheer on the team is right near the goal. We get to be at near-ground level while watching the puck bounce off the protective plexiglass barriers. On a good night, you’ll get to see goal after goal.
While the hottest (coolest?) action happens on the ice, there’s other things to do, like photo opps and family-friendly engagement opportunities, plus a fan merchandise store as well. For littles, there’s lots of room to walk and after attending for multiple years, we still love the fan-centered Kid’s Zone.
Games are officially 60 minutes broken into 20-minute quarters, but expect to attend for 2 ½ to 3 hours. Time goes by fast because of how interactive the experience is. Unlike some of the more complex soccer chants, the Winterhawks play AC/DC’s TNT and fans simply shout “fight, fight, fight” whenever they score a goal — especially if the Winterhawks are winning. My kid loves to shout out loud with easy-to-remember cues and not be afraid to stomp and pound on the bleachers. Pro tip: While it’s not freezing, lots of ice is involved. Sweatshirts or long sleeves are encouraged. We always wear our Winterhawks branded scarves to the games.
A highlight of the Winterhawks is their super-fun theme nights. Past events have included: Hawks Fight Cancer night for cancer research, Les Schwab Teddy Bear Toss, New Year’s Eve midnight balloon drop and Mascot Night. These fun specials are the secret to adding something extra to your Winterhawks experience. Fans have reported free food tastings, the occasional $3 hot dog and free trading cards.
Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum is cash free, but has “reverse” ATMs onsite for those who need a card. Water fountains are also available. The food prices were affordable enough to fill up my friend’s teenage son without breaking her budget, and I was able to buy my kiddo the cotton candy he desperately wanted, despite knowing he wouldn’t like it. (He now firmly believes cotton candy is a decoration, and we got popcorn later.) Additional food options include the traditional stadium favorites: like hot dogs, sodas, and alcoholic beverages for the adults. You can expect prices to range above retail, but likely less than you’d pay at a concert, movie theater or larger sporting venue. Pro Tip: The venue offers a full range of ADA accommodations, including for those with sensory needs. Call ahead or check with the venue customer service in advance for specifics.
If this all sounds like your family’s idea of a fun night out, practice your chant of “fight, fight fight” and get your tickets.