Hockey, Hockey, Hockey: Top 5 Things to do at a UND Hockey Game

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s getting colder which may cause some winter blues, but there’s one thing that makes it all better: HOCKEY! Here in Grand Forks, we know hockey, we love hockey, and we breathe hockey. When you bundle up and head into the Ralph Engelstad Arena to watch the face-off on the ice, make sure you don’t miss the chance to indulge in the other activities offered throughout the arena. Here, there are many activities to get you out of your seat and into the game day experience.

The one thing you must do when the countdown to the game begins is get some food. Whether you’re noshing on the staple cheese curds, Little Caesars, or a taco in a bag, the Ralph serves more than enough food for all. A wide variety of fast food and drink vendors line the upper and lower bowls, just waiting to get you ready for the game. For those 21+, fine alcohol can be purchased with cash and a neon wristband compliments of the Ralph referees found in the halls. A fan-favorite food of mine are the loaded fries, which you can find at the Slapshot Grill.

In between periods, instead of sitting in your chair for the next puck drop, take a walk around the Ralph to meet new people and see some cool things. People actively line up around The Ralph looking for friends and family to meet up with. Some gather by the televisions to take in the football game, and some head for the beer line and talk hockey with a stranger. Also, along the walls, you can see memorabilia and the hockey history of the Red River area.

The student section makes or breaks the game. At any home game, students’ voices spur the energy on and off the ice. Take in traditional songs the “Beer Song,” or ritual chants like yelling “You Sit” when a player on the opposite team sits in the penalty box. The student section leads the whole arena in the loud and proud wave and cheer for our team. If you ever sit next to hardcore hockey fans, you can pick up a couple of chants and songs to carry out at the game. Make sure you also say hi to usher Pam, the most loved usher in the student section. (We love you, Pam!)

When walking the halls between plays, make sure to stop by the stage during intermission to take in some live music. People dance, watch, and listen to artists and entertainers while waiting for the next puck drop. The Pride of the North Pep Band also performs in the halls before the final period. They march the arena and play our UND pride song to get everyone ready for the final play of the night.

The Ralph is also home to the Sioux Shop. The perfect place to get all your UND gear. They have many pieces of merchandise to choose from, such as jerseys, t-shirts, can koozies, sweatshirts, flags, and more! The shop is usually busy, so get in a little early to avoid the many eager shoppers that rush to the store.

I hope this list gets you off the quad and into an adventure. If all else fails, go for a walk. Walk around downtown or walk around Target and try not to buy anything, whatever works for you. I know it can be scary to leave campus, but it can also be relieving to get away from the stress of college. UND neighbors one of the coolest cities, and it’s even cooler to explore it!