What to Wear to an Ice Hockey Game (Complete Guide)

You’ve been wanting to attend an ice hockey game for a while now and you’re looking for the perfect outfit. You don’t want to look like a total rookie, but you also don’t want to be too overdressed or underdressed. We have all the information about what to wear at an ice hockey game so that you can get ready before heading out on your big day!

What should you wear to a Hockey Game?

Wear comfortable clothing that will keep you warm. It can be cold at an ice hockey game, so it’s important to dress in layers. You’ll want a shirt, a sweater, and a coat on top. If you’re wearing pants, make sure they’re comfortable and not too tight. If you’re going to be cheering for your team, you’ll also want to wear something in the team’s colors. This could be a hat, a scarf, or even just a t-shirt. You don’t have to go all out and dress head-to-toe in the team’s colors, but it’s always fun to show your support!

The temperature ranges between 50F (10C) and 60F (15C) in professional hockey rinks, depending on the time of year and weather conditions. NHL arenas have a heating and cooling system to keep the ice at the correct temperature. So, it is typically not cold in an arena unless it’s wintertime.

If you are going to an outside event, make sure to bring a blanket to keep you warm especially if its winter. The seats at an outdoor rink are usually much colder than the seats at an indoor rink and the cold air can be uncomfortable if you’re not prepared.

Read on if you want to know what you should wear to an ice hockey game and some tips from a frequent rink goer and an aficionado of the sport (yours truly). Plus, a bonus tip at the end!

What to Wear: Men’s Hockey Attire

Hockey players wear equipment that helps them play their best game. For the fans, it’s more about dressing for comfort and showing your support than anything else. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with jeans or khakis with a comfortable shirt.

If you’re going to an indoor hockey rink, dress accordingly so that you stay warm and comfortable. Wear a coat with layers underneath, jeans or khakis that aren’t too tight, and warm socks to keep your feet cozy.

A hat is always a great way of showing support for the home team! You can wear just about anything else you want on top as long as it’s not offensive. A t-shirt in the colors of the home team is also a popular option among hockey fans because they’re fun ways to show off your love for sports while staying stylish at the same time!

What to Wear: Women’s Hockey Attire

Some people like getting dressed up when going out to an ice hockey game but this isn’t really necessary unless you plan on attending an outdoor event during playoff season (in which case it’s a good idea to bring some sort of blanket or seat cushion just in case you get cold).

If you’re going to an outdoor game, it’s important that your clothing is comfortable and easy to move around in. Jeans work well because they’re not too restricting on the body but don’t wear anything too tight! Even though jeans can be bulky sometimes, most women find them more comfortable than skinnier pants like leggings.

The same rules apply for layers as far as what kind of shirt you should wear underneath your coat/jacket. You’ll never want to go out without wearing something with long sleeves under your winter gear so make sure whatever top layer you choose has sleeves if necessary. If it’s a little chilly outside, you can also wear a sweater over your shirt to stay warm!

It’s important that whatever top layer you choose has sleeves. If it’s a little chilly outside, you can also wear a sweater over your shirt to stay warm! During the playoffs and playoff games in particular, wearing face paint is extremely popular among women attending an ice hockey game. You don’t have to do this but it really adds something fun and unique to any outfit! Just like men’s clothes for sports events, make sure what you’re wearing isn’t offensive or inappropriate before heading out. Hockey fans tend not to be overly dressed up unless they plan on going somewhere nice after their event so save those fancy dresses and high heels for another time!

Hockey Attire: Face Paint

When attending a hockey game, it’s not uncommon to see people wearing their team’s colors proudly. Some fans like to take it a step further by painting their faces in the team’s colors as well!

There are no real rules when it comes to face paint for hockey games, so feel free to be as creative as you want! Simply ensure that whatever you pick isn’t offensive or indecent. Painting your face in the team’s colors is a fantastic approach to show your enthusiasm for the house squad and can be really enjoyable if done correctly!

Most people who paint their faces at hockey games usually go with either one color or a simple design. If you’re not sure how to paint your face, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help guide you through the process.

If you’re not a fan of face paint, that’s completely fine! There are still plenty of ways to show off your fandom without getting too into it. Some people just like wearing anything that has the team colors, logo, or name on it so they can cheer loudly whenever their teams score a point.

athletes in red and white ice hockey jersey

What should you avoid wearing?

Avoid wearing anything too flashy or distracting. You don’t want to be the person who is standing out because you’re dressed too differently from everyone else. Make sure to leave any gaudy jewelry or accessories at home. You should also avoid wearing anything that will draw negative attention, such as a shirt with offensive words on it.

Refrain from wearing anything too short or tight, especially if you’re attending an outdoor game. It can get cold outside and you don’t want to be the person that is shivering in the stands because your dress keeps riding up. You should also avoid wearing anything too heavy or cumbersome. It’s hard to cheer for your team when you’re carrying a big bag with you.

Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to walk a bit in order to get from your car or the train station to the rink, so choose comfortable shoes. You don’t want sore feet before you even arrive at your destination!

Etiquette at a Hockey Game

The rules of basic manners aren’t always observed at hockey games. However, there are still things that you should do (and not do) in order to act appropriately and to avoid spoiling the viewing experience of other fans.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider when attending a hockey game:

DO: Sit down during play

One of the most important rules to remember is that you should always stay seated whenever there is play happening on the ice. Standing up and blocking other people’s views can really ruin the experience for other fans, so just wait until a stoppage in play before getting up.

DON’T: Talk on your phone or be too noisy

Another thing to avoid when attending an ice hockey game is being too noisy! This means not talking on your phone loudly, screaming at the players, or making any loud noises that will disturb others around you. If you need to take a call, try doing it outside or in a more discreet area where it won’t bother those sitting near you.

DO: Cheer for your team

Of course, one of the best things about attending a hockey game is being able to cheer on your favorite team! Show your support by wearing their colors, painting your face, and making some noise. Let’s go (team name)!!

DON’T: Use offensive language or gestures

It goes without saying that you should avoid using any offensive language or gestures while at a hockey game. This includes swearing, making derogatory comments, and anything else that could be considered rude. Remember that there are children present, so act like an adult!

DO:  Buy food and beverage on concessions located inside the arena

The best way to get food or other refreshments at an ice hockey game is by buying them from one of the many concessions located inside the arena.

DON’T: Bring in any outside food or beverage

One thing that you definitely should not do when watching a game in an arena is bring in any outside food or beverage. This includes bringing in a cooler, packing a lunch, or buying drinks from the grocery store beforehand. Not only will you be denied entry if trying to bring anything in, but it’s also not the best way to show respect for the people who are trying to make a living by selling their products at the game.

Bonus tip: Where’s the best place to sit for a hockey game?

The ideal position to get classic views that many of us are used to from TV broadcasts is at the top of the lower level around the center rink. You’ll also have good sightlines of both goals and the benches, which is where you’ll see the best game activity.

If you after the most exciting and unique experience, then take the glass seats. This comes with premium amenities and a chance to be close enough to the players and a ton of fun. This is the most expensive seat, but for a good reason.

A personal favorite is the premium club seating, which offers a great bird’s eye view and overall, an intimate experience without having to sacrifice the atmosphere.

Overall, closer seats are not always the best since there will be minor viewing obstructions versus the upper tiers seats with are more distant but offer a clear view of the entire ice.

Final words

We hope you found this article helpful in making your decision on what to wear for an ice hockey game. The most important thing is that you are comfortable and have fun! Remember, hockey games are meant to be a place for you to relax and enjoy yourself, so go in with no expectations or preconceived notions about how it should be. Let the game come to you and just have a great time!

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