by Daryn Skjefte | Feb 24, 2017 | Daryn Skjefte, Hockey, NCAA Hockey. My personal recommendations for pre-game food would be Brick & Barley bar and restaurant, JL Beers, and Rhombus Guys Brewing Company. Earned the Bar Explorer (Level 24) badge!

The arena seats 11,364, and there are not many nights where that number is not met or even exceeded. People who are madly in love can learn all about weddings at the Alerus Center Sunday afternoon. Earned the I Believe in IPA! While there is close parking offered, there is a lot of street parking available and busses that bring fans from restaurants and bars from all over Grand Forks. Getting in and out of the parking lots can be a little time consuming, but no worse than a normal athletic event. North Dakota Hockey Hall of Fame. The outside of the building is lit up with Home of North Dakota Hockey, the schools past logo, and loud music. The streets are busy and full of traffic, every single restaurant is packed, and the excitement buzz can be felt all around town. The Ralph, as it is referred to by locals, has a capacity of 11,643 and has sold out games throughout each season. Cheerful persons of the week: Todd Feland and Robyn Bancroft. From there, you can see the open suite level, the Sioux Fan Shop, and the large amount of fans pouring into the venue. Fireworks erupt above the goal and Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis is blasted. Some other fun fan favorites include the kids fun area that has an inflatable structure, coloring, and photo ops; a live band; craft beer and specialty liquor stands; the Sioux Fan Shop; custom jerseys; and the two different full service club lounges that are open to the public. Game Action at Englestad Arena. Shift work increases your risk of health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease. "The Drowsy Chaperone" is playing at the Fire Hall Theatre.

It will feature UND Professor Gordon Iseminger discussing North Dakota's Corn Husking Contests back around 1940. The arena is truly the best in college hockey for a number of reasons. There is a faithful following of the taco in a bag that makes a meal for many. Tickets for adults can run anywhere from $40-$100, but do not waiver depending on the game. Fans keep on eating between the first and second periods. Introductions at The Ralph. While The Ralph does not have the best location in the history of hockey arenas, it is situated right off of the University of North Dakota campus. Photo by Daryl Skjefte, Stadium Journey. In his 18 seasons of managing food, Robinson has found that the fans eat more heartily before the game starts. So do the floats, sundaes and shakes at the Dippin Dots stand.

Also new are bacon cheesy fries with Monterey Jack cheese and chopped onion. The floors throughout the building are constructed of granite and enriched with the beloved past mascot, the Fighting Sioux. Earned the Heavy Weight (Level 19) badge! This is a unique option that gives fans the chance to get out and explore the town before the games, without having to worry about driving and parking. Earned the Local Beer is Better (SeptemberDecember 2021) badge! You can find a foot long corn dog, a Red Pepper grinder or a walleye sandwich before the hockey game starts tonight at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. Earned the Cheers to Independent U.S. The offerings are as diverse as the 11,500 hockey fans expected at each game. Matt O. is drinking a Collaboration Lager by Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company at ralph Engelstad Arena Snack Bar, Jason C. is drinking a Cherry Sour by Revelation Ale Works at ralph Engelstad Arena Snack Bar, Jason C. is drinking a Blackberry Guava Smoothie Sour by Revelation Ale Works at ralph Engelstad Arena Snack Bar, Leslie is drinking a Bully Brew by Half Brothers Brewing Company at ralph Engelstad Arena Snack Bar, josh m. is drinking an Iconic Blonde by Rhombus Guys Brewing Company at ralph Engelstad Arena Snack Bar, Eric L. is drinking a Project PAM by Founders Brewing Co. at ralph Engelstad Arena Snack Bar, Eric L. is drinking a Twenty Five (Imperial Vanilla Porter Aged In Rum Barrels) by Breckenridge Brewery at ralph Engelstad Arena Snack Bar. The University of North Dakota hockey fans are a whole different level. Shift work health risks may linger after workers return to regular schedules, Five questions as the Twins approach the second half, Central Minnesota man dies after being run over by baler, Missouri man dies in central Minnesota rollover, Red Lake Nation announces unofficial results of runoff election, Charges filed against Fargo driver accused of injuring motorcyclist, shooting at trooper. Music gets the crowd going before they even enter the building. The lobby itself is draped in history, tradition, and excitement. People travel from near and far just to take a look inside the beautiful arena. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office inside The Ralph, by phone, or online. And the Grand Forks County Historical Society opens its winter series of delightful lectures at 2.p.m. All of the concourses are wide and open with large windows, offering plenty of room for all of the fans. Earned the Cheers to Independent U.S. Photo by Waleed Minhas, Stadium Journey. There are three different entrances that fans can enter in through, so that no one has to spend too much time out in the cold. The weekend at hand has plenty of fresh, white snow for those who love snowmobiles, sleds and skiing. School's out Monday on Martin Luther King Day. Once you are inside the arena, the concourses are large and easy to pass through. As if that was not enough, there are 48 full luxury suites, two mini suites, and two enormous club rooms featuring the longest freestanding bars in the state of North Dakota. The extreme attention to detail completes the feel of the arena; making each and every guest feel thrilled before the excitement of the game even begins. (Level 25) badge! There will not be much time for napping on Sunday afternoon. Then they slow down. The 400,000 square foot facility is absolutely stunning, and continues to wow hockey fans year after year. The concourses offer a lot of history and past successes. Following their most recent season in which the University of North Dakota brought home the NCAA title, The Ralph feels more excitement and adrenaline than ever. The Ralph Engelstad Arena is unlike anything else in college hockey. The environment and excitement makes you feel like you are at a professional hockey game. The sheer compassion and bond that these fans share is unlike anything I have witnessed. While the fans play an important role throughout the entire experience, they truly show their best when the home team scores. Photo by Daryn Skjefte, Stadium Journey. While the arena carries all of the usual staples, there are also a few different items that are not offered at other arenas. In between periods, there are interactive on ice fan games, youth hockey matches, and on-ice laser shows. The Ralph is just over a mile off of I-29, with four big parking lots and street parking. Postgame Handshakes at The Ralph. Driving in Grand Forks, ND does not usually entail traffic. Photo by Waleed Minhas, Stadium Journey. Located just over a mile off of interstate I-29, the arena location makes itself clear with the line of traffic. Jerry Robinson, who is in charge of concessions, says fans are loving a new hot dog filled with cream cheese and grape jelly for $6.50. Children can take in the free movie at the Grand Forks Public Library. The amount of cohesive cheers/songs that almost every fan takes part in is simply incomparable.

The word passionate does not do the fans justice. http://www.gfparks.org/japanesegardens.htm, http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/north-dakota/hilton-garden-inn-grand-forks-und-GFKGHGI/index.html, http://www.laquintagrandforks.com/?cid=local_6612, North Dakota Fighting Hawks mens hockey website, Alerus Center-North Dakota Fighting Hawks football. While the close to campus location is convenient for students, faculty, and staff, it can make for a challenge for other spectators. The extreme detail that goes into each and every aspect is vibrant and outstanding.

While it is clear that tickets for games at The Ralph do run a little high, you do truly get what you pay for. And the ice rink in Town Square downtown awaits skaters. Craft Breweries (Level 35) badge! Craft Breweries (Level 34) badge! They start hitting up the food concessions on the main floor long before the game begins. Even though there is not any food or hotel options directly next to The Ralph, the city of Grand Forks offers plenty of eatery/hotel options all within a four mile radius of the arena. Beer and wine sales continue throughout the evening. Twenty Five (Imperial Vanilla Porter Aged In Rum Barrels). Other vendors include Subway, TCBY, Tim Hortons, and Little Caesars. Even if hockey isnt something the entire family enjoys, the games are a great form of entertainment that has a very high return on investment. Download this free ebook with tips to grow your business including a craft beer pricing guide. Photo by Waleed Minhas, Stadium Journey. The arena carries Pepsi products and guests can pick between bottled soda ($4.00) and fountain ($3.00). Fighting Sioux Logo at The Ralph. The time is at hand for drilling holes in the ice and luring fish. Sunday afternoon.

Choices are endless at concession stands and specialty carts located on the main floor and at upper bowl stands. Join Untappd For Business to verify your venue and get more app visibility, in-depth menu information, and more. All entry gates provide great access to seating, food, etc. but the absolute best gate to enter is the main door. The majority of fan frequented restaurants and bars do offer shuttles to and from the game. Englestad Arena Concourse. There is truly something for everyone at this incredible arena. Get the details including what you can do to help reduce those risks in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion" with Viv Williams. A new study shows that even when you return to a regular schedule, elevated health risks may continue. The parking lots that surround the building all offer $10 parking, which is pretty standard for college hockey games.

The Ralph offers a large variety of food items including your standard hot dog ($4.50), popcorn ($4.00), and soft pretzel ($4.00), all the way up to philly cheese steak sandwiches ($7.50). That is, unless its a Friday or Saturday night during hockey season. Earned the Sky's the Limit (Level 10) badge! Each and every individual seat is constructed of leather and cherry wood. One thing for sure: UND hockey fans eat a lot. The Ralph is not within walking distance of any restaurants, bars, or hotels. There's a North Country Fiddle and Community Dance tonight at the Eagles Club in East Grand Forks. Beer and wine is available to the general public, and there is a bar and lounge on the second level, where some fans prefer to watch the games. Ralph Englestad Arena Exterior. There are four different bathrooms on both of the main and upper level, so guests rarely have to endure lines. Ranging in past players jerseys, Olympic team memorabilia, NCAA championship trophies, and much, much more. While the student section is filled for each and every home game, its the vast amount of other seats that are filled that simply takes your breath away. Photo by Waleed Minhas, Stadium Journey. The entire north end of town becomes a hub of excitement. The Ralph Engelstad Arena was built in 2001, and opened its doors for the 2001-2002 season. Photo by Waleed Minhas, Stadium Journey. Red Pepper, a Grand Forks classic, has multiple stands spread throughout the concourse. The popular Mexican restaurant gives guests the opportunity to truly experience the Grand Forks culture. The excitement can quite literally be felt from a mile away, and regardless of the turn-out of the game, you will have a good time. All fans are up on their feet, dancing and cheering with one another. This should definitely be a spot to see on everyones bucket list.