The 5 Most Expensive NHL Arenas of All-Time
Which NHL Arenas Were the Most Expensive to Build?
There are 32 NHL arenas in North America, including ice hockey arenas with incredible features for players and fans.
Every arena wants to improve its fan experience, with some stadiums spending hundreds of millions of dollars on modern renovations.
But which NHL arena cost the most to build?
PPG Paints Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins
When it comes to ice hockey, there is no doubt that some owners have to pull out additional stops to get fans to come to games- not because of the quality of the team, but because of where the team is located.
For example, in Pheonix, Arizona, home to the Pheonix Coyotes, outdoor ice hockey is naturally not a very popular sport because of the weather.
Many owners choose to focus on the NHL arena itself to encourage fans to come to games!
In this article, we’ll look at the cost of the most expensive NHL arenas across North America.
Our list of NHL arenas includes:
The home team
The estimated cost
Cool arena features
Future renovation plans
1. American Airlines Center
Who plays at American Airlines Center?
Dallas Stars
American Airlines Center estimated cost: $420 million
Features and future plans
American Airlines Center is used for more than just access to the Dallas Stars. It is also home to the Dallas Mavericks, and it hosts other events, such as concerts.
If you're a fan who likes to eat at a restaurant, a game at American Airlines Center is a good choice!
This arena has several restaurants right inside the terrace, including the Jack Daniels No. 7 club and also the terrace taproom, where you can get a local beer and a bratwurst.
2. Staples Center
Who plays at Staples Center?
Los Angeles Kings
Staples Center estimated cost: $375 million
Features and future plans
Staples Center, renamed Crypto.com arena last year, continues to receive investment from the owners.
On top of the $375 million that was initially invested to build it, the arena is in the process of making additional upgrades.
The home of the Los Angeles Kings and the Lakers has undergone a 20-year $700 million dollar agreement.
The expansion will include two new LED screens.
Improvements to the stadium will also include a different level for season ticket holders, and redesigning the outside part of the arena, particularly in the concession food areas.
3. Prudential Center
Who plays at Prudential Center?
New Jersey Devils
Prudential Center estimated cost: $375 million
Features and future plans
Just like Staples Center and American Airlines Center, Prudential Center has both a basketball team and a hockey team.
However, there is one slight difference. The basketball team is not an NBA team but a college basketball team in Seton Hall.
The arena is also shared with the New Jersey Devils.
Prudential Center also hosts several boxing matches throughout the course of the year.
Just like most other sports franchises, there is a luxury suite where top fans can watch the game and the arena can also be used for other events throughout the year.
4. PPG Paints Arena
Who plays at PPG Paints Arena?
Pittsburgh Penguins
PPG Paints Arena construction cost: $321 million
Features and future plans
When entering PPG Paints Arena, not only do you get to go to a hockey game, but you can also learn about players who have played in the NHL in the past.
You can also learn about some of the details of the five Stanley Cup runs that have been made and accomplished by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
If you’re a foodie and you like to eat the fanciest of foods before a game, PPG Paints Arena could be for you!
5. Centre Bell / Bell Centre
Who plays at Bell Centre?
Montreal Canadiens
Bell Centre construction cost: $270 million
Features and future plans
The most expensive NHL arena in Canada cost an estimated $270 million.
It has some unique features, inspired by other sports stadiums.
While teams with retired numbers and championships typically hang their numbers from the rafters or walls like they do in baseball, the Montreal Canadiens have opted to include a separate space to dedicate to all of the players that have dominated in NHL history.
