As a sports venue -- this IS the place! You can sit any where in the stadium and not feel distant from the events happening on the ice (ie scores, fights, etc).
My boyfriend and I were fortunate to receive free tickets for the Marlies game (but we have also paid to see them too) and we had such a wonderful time! We managed to score the last tickets and were in the standing area. Standing area-- what? No, there were seats there which were conveniently located by the food/alcohol kiosks!
I do agree that the food selection is mediocre but I do not expect to come to Ricoh for something exciting to eat. It is relatively pricey and most kiosks accept cash only.
There is something about the atmosphere and the unity of hockey fans (Go Marlies!) that you really have to be a bunch of sour grapes to not enjoy yourself!