United States Air Force...On Ice

Official Review by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

Cadet Field House, built in 1968, includes three distinct athletic facilities: an indoor track, a basketball court, and the Cadet Ice Arena where the Air Force Falcons (Men's Hockey Team) play. It is an intimate setting with only 13 rows on two sides and seating only 2,470 spectators. New for the 2011 season, is one row of luxury seats up behind each goal crease on the concourse. The Air Force Falcons are part of the Atlantic Hockey Association - an NCAA Division 1 league.

Food & Beverage    3

It was basic. Hot dog, nachos, chips, candy, pretzels, popcorn, etc. ranging from $1.50 - $4.00. Pepsi products are offered; no alcohol is served. There are a few portable concession offerings including nachos, cheeseburger/hamburger, pulled pork sandwich, sweet Italian sausage ($6 each). Other concessions are Smoothie King, The Coolest Ice Cream, Indian Summer Kettle Corn, and Sno Balls. A unique concession to this area of the country is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory which offers all kinds chocolate goodies and caramel apples.

Atmosphere    3

Staff was average. I felt neither welcomed nor unwelcomed. Word of advice: Do NOT bring a knapsack to the game. They WILL make you remove the contents, stuff it in your pockets and leave your knapsack on a table during the game hoping no-one else takes a fancy to it.

There are metal detectors you need to walk through (not quite as elaborate as in an airport, shoes did not have to come off). It's the first time I've been to a sporting event with this type of security. By the way, no-one fancied my knapsack and it was awaiting me as I exited the game.

There is a fantastic souvenir shop with all kinds of Air Force Falcons attire, souvenirs, and trinkets.On one end of the ice, there is the All-Time Team photos displayed where every Air Force Falcons Men's Hockey team from 1968 is framed and mounted. The same side of the rink hosts banners representing Atlantic Hockey Conference and NCAA visits and championships. The other side of the rink presents the All-Time Greats with photos and showcases of programs, awards, jerseys, pucks, etc. of the heroes in Air Force Hockey history.Seating is mostly wooden benches with backs for general admission and regular seats for reserved ticket areas.

Neighborhood    3

Though it is not in a downtown area with plenty of pubs and restaurants, the arena is in an Air Force Academy environment. There is lots and lots of military representation, memorabilia, and presence. It is in the Rocky Mountains and there's nothing quite as spectacular as gawking at those mountains for some moments during a visit to the area. Do take a visit to the Air Force Chapel. It houses three distinct worship areas under a single roof and has been named a U.S. National Historic Landmark. It has received many architectural prizes since its construction in 1962.There are two local drinking/eating establishments (not walking distance but within 5 miles) that I would recommend: A Second Cup and the Colorado Mountain Brewery. Both are a worthy of a pre and post game visit.

Fans    3

The arena was about 75% full. The fans were respectful of each other. I did not witness one person getting out of their seat nor returning to their seat while play was in action. At the end of each period, the event center played the Air Force song and the entire fan base stood up and clapped. As far as cheering during the game, the fans were mellow. They applauded at the appropriate times but there was not a whole lot of enthusiasm. And, quite a few of them left the game early.

Access    2

It turned out, the day I attended the AFA Falcons Hockey game was also the same day the Air Force Falcons football team was playing the Army Black Knights. I got caught in the middle of the football game traffic. Recommendation: If attending an AF Falcons hockey game, check first to see if a football game is going on the same day and plan accordingly.I would imagine it would be a breeze if there was not a football game but that is not what I experienced for this game in November, 2011. There is no charge for parking at Cadet Field House and there is plenty of available spaces. Lots of good folks with neon batons directing traffic to and from the parking area.There is only one women's restroom containing 4 stalls with only 3 working. �

Return on Investment    5

It was only $9 for a ticket and parking was free. I got to see an excellently played ice hockey game and the hat pin at the souvenir shop was only $4. And the home team won. It's well worth the money.

Extras    4

I got to Cadet Field House around 3 pm. It was open to the public and I was allowed to walk around the entire rink pre-game taking photos, reading and learning about the history of the team. The announcer was fantastic and I could actually hear the name, number, time of goal and/or penalty and it was repeated. I was able to keep score very well because of the announcer.It was comfortably warm. Because it is such a small venue, seats were very close to the action and one was right on top of the play.