Well, if you like hockey (and even if you don't) attending a Russian hockey game is a REAL event!
We were invited as guests tonight to see the Ufa team, the Salavat Yalaev which are 3 time Russian Hockey champions. What an experience, as they were awesome on the ice tonight! They played the Tractors a rival team from Bashkortostan, that came in second to Ufa for the last national championship. Quite different from American hockey...they were all about the skill on the ice and not the brawn. NO throwing of elbows, NO cross-checks, just aggressive, forceful, and skillful skating.
The arena, built 5 years ago via International standards was the cleanest sports facility I have ever visited. They had policemen & dogs outside screening for alcohol, a huge paddy-wagon parked out front (probably for intimidation...which I figure works), and a metal detector/wand as you enter. All food (and they had plenty!) was offered at tables all around the arena prior to and during the game. No alcohol is served. No food or drink is served inside the arena. Therefore, it's all about the hockey once inside. They had cheerleaders, a fabulous sound system, 30 videos, fan clubs, bands, etc. The best part was once the game was over and when the teams line up to shake hands...the Ufa bear mascots joined the team for the congratulatory handshake...so sweet :)
The crowd was the most respectful of any that I have ever experienced at a professional sport. It was almost as if we we had attended an opera or play. Almost 8,000 fans were there tonight and we departed the arena in less than 5 minutes!
Ufa won 3-1.
We were invited as guests tonight to see the Ufa team, the Salavat Yalaev which are 3 time Russian Hockey champions. What an experience, as they were awesome on the ice tonight! They played the Tractors a rival team from Bashkortostan, that came in second to Ufa for the last national championship. Quite different from American hockey...they were all about the skill on the ice and not the brawn. NO throwing of elbows, NO cross-checks, just aggressive, forceful, and skillful skating.
The arena, built 5 years ago via International standards was the cleanest sports facility I have ever visited. They had policemen & dogs outside screening for alcohol, a huge paddy-wagon parked out front (probably for intimidation...which I figure works), and a metal detector/wand as you enter. All food (and they had plenty!) was offered at tables all around the arena prior to and during the game. No alcohol is served. No food or drink is served inside the arena. Therefore, it's all about the hockey once inside. They had cheerleaders, a fabulous sound system, 30 videos, fan clubs, bands, etc. The best part was once the game was over and when the teams line up to shake hands...the Ufa bear mascots joined the team for the congratulatory handshake...so sweet :)
The crowd was the most respectful of any that I have ever experienced at a professional sport. It was almost as if we we had attended an opera or play. Almost 8,000 fans were there tonight and we departed the arena in less than 5 minutes!
Ufa won 3-1.
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