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| - We went to the Ricoh yesterday for a Marlies game (vs. the Erie Monsters) with some tickets Heather got comp'd due to work. Factoring in the "free" thing, I'd go four stars... but let's be objective a bit and forget that we didn't have to pay our way.
As a sports venue, Ricoh is very good -- not really a bad seat in the house, and I'm honestly left wondering why anyone would pay the extra dollars to be rink-side when the better view is a little higher up.
As an "other" venue, however, I have my doubts. As many have observed the sound quality isn't up to snuff. The hockey announcer was clear enough, but other announcements and in-game fluff was fuzzy and, at times, difficult to make out. I can't imagine watching a favourite band at the Ricoh if the sound quality is going to be worse than my own system at home!
Otherwise, it's well laid out, spacious, with comfortable seating and a good gradient so as to prevent obstructing views.
Food options are limited, with the ubiquitous pizza pizza and stadium hotdogs, cotton candy, etc. Smoke's Poutinerie operated a little kiosk, though, which was a nice touch, and their prices weren't grossly inflated ($7 for a basic poutine, $8 or $9 for pulled pork, bacon, or both). I had a big, gnarly gelatinous blob of "gravy" mixed in with mine, though, which was kinda gross. The $9 Steamwhistle beer made me forget about it long enough to enjoy the rest. $9 for a beer? Ah well... it's a hockey game, I guess.
All-in-all, a fun experience. Not one I'd necessarily pay for (I'm neither a Marlies nor a Leafs fan -- go Habs!) but I'm glad we got to go and I'm grateful for the generous complimentary tickets.
Marlies won 5-3 for what it's worth. Arena was about half full, and I am pretty sure they piped in crowd cheering at times, but whatever -- we had a good time!
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