Didn't make the game Saturday due to my softball playoffs, but just some comments on the arena upgrades.
- The seats are definitely more comfortable imo. There seems to be some varying opinions on this. They are cushioned but firm, so maybe people with a really slouching posture will prefer the old seats which were very deep and rounded. I really like the new seats. I am 6' and have very long legs for my height and I don't find there's any more or less leg room than before. The cupholders are a very welcome addition. I do find there's a bit less room when letting people pass by to get to their seats where i'm at the end of an aisle.
- I like the new concession options. Donairs should have been in the building forever. Not sure if the Asian noodle place will be successful. I will probably try it but I eat a lot of different ethic cuisine, whereas most hockey fans probably don't. I think the BBQ place should do well, as well as the Halifax Links. I also like the idea of the Taste of 902 booth where you can get a more gourmet snack from a different establishment every few events. I had the beef taco from 2 Doors Down on Friday and it was pretty good.
I do not understand why they do not put a Tim Hortons in there. It would instantly be the busiest concession stand in the building. Even the other coffee place that was removed was one of the busiest.
I also do not understand why they don't mitigate the logjams of people in the concourse meshing with the concession lineups with snaking ropes for each concession stand so there is a barrier between people walking around and people standing in line. This is the cause of all of the congestion problems on the Brunswick St side of the building. Very annoying.
They should have kept Subway, added a Tim Hortons to each side as well as the new food choices and taken away one of 2 of those pizza/hot dog/fries places on each side.
- The bathrooms above section 19-20 are no different. Just a facelift. Same problems as before.
- Concession prices are pretty standard. $8.25 for a tallboy/20oz draft is pretty much the same at most sporting events now. $8-12 for food is fair with quite a few options now.
Overall, the seats and food options are welcomed, but they missed the boat on managing foot traffic, and not adding a Tim Hortons. Bathroom upgrades were only cosmetic.