What an absolutely phenomenal experience!! Brought two of my favorite people to see the Greensboro…read moreGargoyles for the first time, and man, we were blown away! Seriously, what a freaking awesome experience from start to finish!
First off, the Greensboro Coliseum is beautiful! Clean, comfortable, exceptionally well maintained, and everything feels first class and SAFE. I've been to NHL games, and honestly, this has all the best parts of that experience without the overwhelming crowds and chaos. Great seats, awesome atmosphere, and genuinely friendly staff who are helpful without constantly trying to sell you something. Loved every bit of it!
And the FAN EXPERIENCE? They absolutely nailed it! The entertainment between periods keeps everyone engaged, and you can tell they've put real thought into making the entire event fun, not just the hockey. This was our first game, but I honestly think I'd be having just as much fun at my 30th. That's impressive!
We hit the team pro shop for some souvenirs, and holy crap, whoever handles the Gargoyles branding deserves a raise! The jerseys are incredible. Skulls, mummy hands, flower print and just cool color schemes (these are ref. specialty jerseys mostly but the standard designs are awesome as well, also everybody seemed to have one on-the fans are incredible) and all kinds of badass designs that fully embrace the Gargoyles theme. Somebody got seriously creative, and it shows!
I also talked with Mason, one of their season ticket ambassadors. Think about that. FIRST visit, and I'm already discussing season tickets! They've got some awesome benefits and events for season ticket holders, and Mason was fantastic. That alone should tell you how impressed I am.
Now, my ONE complaint...
WHERE THE HELL ARE THE (SUGAR FREE preferably) ENERGY DRINKS?!
Celsius, sugar free Red Bull, SOMETHING!?! I checked multiple concession stands and the main bar. Nothing! The bartender even mentioned people ask for them every game. Come on, guys! With an atmosphere this energetic, some of us need a little fuel to keep up! Easy fix, and literally my only complaint.
But here's what really made the night. My two buddies, both in their early 20s and not exactly easy to impress, were sitting there saying, "This is freaking cool!" and "This is freaking fire!"
Man, THAT says it all. When you get that kind of genuine excitement out of those two, you're doing something right!
Great hockey, great people, fantastic staff, and an experience that genuinely exceeded every expectation. We're already planning to come back, and I'm seriously considering season tickets after ONE visit.
Greensboro, NC - you've got something special here. Outstanding freaking job to everyone involved!
We're sold! This is the wagon we're jumping on! GOOOOO GARGOYLES!!