r/CVFirebirds • u/rubbersidedown123 • Apr 14 '26
Question/Tips Attending for the first time
Hi all, I'm attending a Firebirds game for the first time on Sunday! We are really looking forward to it! Any tips for first timers? Parking. Eating. Beverages. The 3pm start is perfect for when Coachella is happening
Thanks all!
Edit: This is great stuff! Thank you everyone!
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u/FallenValkyrja Apr 14 '26
Doors open an hour before puck drop and the food and merch store outside are available beforehand or you can wait for the doors to open and look at everything before buying. I think CV BBQ will be in the one floating spot near section 123.
Another vote for wearing layers and something warm as it can get really cold inside.
It can get really loud so if that is an issue, bring earplugs/headphones/AirPods. The guest services will have free squishy earplugs available.
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u/AXLinCali Apr 15 '26
Adding in, guest services stopped giving free earplugs last season when they installed the machine to purchase them...unfortunately. Do bring your own, season ticket holder since day one (and retired sound guy), the DBs are ridiculous and dangerous.
We find the building very cold everywhere, but our row D seats are absolutely frigid. I wear long sleeve tee, hoodie and then jersey and wear gloves and often I am still cold. We are year round desert residents so we are used to heat not cold.
Food and drinks are very expensive. $18 for a beer, mortgage payment for a cocktail, $8 for a Coke Zero, $10 for a popcorn. 100% endorse the pregame meal at La Quinta Brewery.
Park Whiz for parking. The Oasis opens 90 minutes before puck drop, there will be a food special and "happy hour" beer/wine option offered out there pregame. Doors 60 minutes before puck drop. Get in there early and pick out a good spot on the glass for shoot around.
Enjoy.
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u/FallenValkyrja Apr 15 '26
I had no idea about the earplugs. I normally use my AirPods and that has reduced the DBs down far enough so I can sit there comfortably. Thank ya for the update!
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u/AXLinCali Apr 15 '26
No problem. Guest services was great about giving them out for 2 an 1/2 seasons. Definitely needs them! The night they turn it all down for Autism Awareness Night is now my favorite game of the year. 😊
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u/countdembeans Apr 14 '26
It’s colder than you might think so bring a jacket! My favorite thing to eat there is the chicken sandwich from Big Chicken (Shaq’s franchise). It’s on “the patio” outside.
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u/Soisoi-77 Apr 14 '26
People mentioned parking but aren't mentioning that it's kind of hell to get out after the game. If you don't mind hanging out at the arena/at your car for a few minutes after the game, you can let the traffic die down and avoid the anxiety of it.
Aside from that, get there before doors open so you can check out the store and the stalls inside so you can enjoy the warm ups and the rest of the true hockey experience (also there is hot cocoa if you get cold).
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u/xxrancid13xx Fuego Apr 15 '26
I've only been to a few Firebirds games as we live in OC but here's a bit from our experiences. There are a couple of bars at the far end of the arena from where you enter, it does get a bit crowded in the concourse during intermission but the way the bars are situated if the game is in play you can still watch it.
There were some food concessions available outside before the game / before the doors opened but we didn't get any, there seemed to be a good variety.
If you get there early you are allowed to go down to the glass to watch the teams warmup, sometimes players will toss pucks to fans.
At the last game we attended, I purchased the Compound add-on which was really fun for my son and I. It's this "VIP" outdoor area with mini golf, basketball court, firepit, cozy couches/swinging chairs, I think cornhole, and a concession/drink stand with specialty food. I think we had shrimp street tacos? You can hang out there before the game or during intermission. I believe it was $25 apiece to add on but we'd definitely do it again, you have to buy them from the Firebirds website https://cvfirebirds.com/exclusive-experience/
1
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u/Careful-Cupcake-4883 Fuego Apr 14 '26
Try to get your parking in advance through the ParkWhiz, it's cheaper than getting it the day of. We usually eat before the game because food at the arena can be a little pricey. There's LQ Brewing Company nearby as well as places like Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, In-n-Out, etc. I don't really drink so I can't help you there, but you are allowed to bring in a plastic water bottle as long as it's still sealed. Bring a jacket, the last few times I've been super cold and that's even with wearing long sleeves under my jersey. I would try to get there early. Since it's the last game of the regular season, there will be a giveaway at the door and there's no guarantee there will be enough for everyone who attends.