I don’t even like either the Kings or Ducks. Both of them are the rivals. But as a hockey fan, attending the Stadium Series game at Dodger Stadium was a must for me. I’ve always wanted to go to the Winter Classic games but since those games are never on the West Coast, this is the best option for me. It was actually a great cool night and the entire atmosphere was very unique.

I had arrived at around 5PM, a good 90 minutes before the ceremonies would begin. I got there early knowing that getting into the stadium closer to the start of the game would suck. When arrived there, I saw that there was a fan fest area in one of the parking lots. It didn’t look interesting, so I just went inside.

What was really unique about this stadium was the set up of the field for the game. They had a volleyball court, a stage for KISS and a mini rollerblade rink for kids. Those were all occupied before the game and during the intermissions.

The stadium was packed and the lines just to the team store was long and frustrating. I didn’t even buy food just because I didn’t want to deal with it. I just grabbed a program and a puck to commemorate this event. What really stood out to me was that the fans at the game were kind of a mix and match. More Kings fans than Ducks fans, but it wasn’t by that much. I saw people wearing jerseys of other NHL teams like the Penguins, Capitals and Sharks. I even saw people wearing their Dodgers gear for some reason.

This game embodied everything about the Los Angeles fanbase I despised. There were people that clearly didn’t know what hockey was but was just there to be seen. Someone tried to start the wave. They even had beach balls. This was not the right crowd for this hockey game.

However, the festivities and introduction to the entire event was great.

KISS started the evening out with two great songs, including the above. Following that, we got a great introduction by Vin Scully and Bob Miller introduced us to Dodger Stadium and the event. It was great to see those two together. Then the real excitement began as the players made their way to the rink.

Following the puck drop and National Anthem from Jordin Sparks, it was time to play. The two quick scores by the Ducks got the crowd quiet for the most part. The Ducks fans were loud the rest of the night and the Kings were just pathetic. The crowd wasn’t really into it and it was evident because they either didn’t know hockey or they were trailing.

It’s hard to get excited in a loud place for a game that is played in a small area. But the seats were great and it was amazing to see how the puck moved well considering the game was played in California.

KISS performed in the first intermission and Five Minutes to Freedom did the second intermission. During Five’s set, they did a video montage of both the team’s greatest moments. It was nice.

But overall, it was a cool event to go to and it was something I’ll remember. It’s too bad the crowd wasn’t more into it. I wonder what would happen if it was held in the Bay for Sharks fans.

Anyway, it was worth it and I hope the Sharks host one. I think one’s enough.