February 7, 2025
Hobey Baker Rink (Capacity: 2,054)
Princeton, NJ
Princeton Tigers vs Clarkson Golden Knights
Final Score: 1 – 4
Historic Princeton University, founded in 1746, is located in the borough of Princeton, NJ and after attending several sporting events at the school, this was my first time seeing hockey. This small, upscale community in Central Jersey is a wonderful place to live and visit as the residential area gives way to a great central road (Nassau Street) with mostly local businesses. On the other side of Nassau is the University, which takes up about half the town. Princeton gives off an aura of prestige and many great minds have studied at the school that has produced over 30 Nobel Prize winners. While many other sports have seen plenty of achievements at Princeton, hockey really isn’t one of them. Up to last season, their all-time winning percentage stood at just .422 and the Tigers have had only one winning season out of the last 12. They did produce one of greatest hockey players of his era, Hobey Baker, whom the rink is built in honor of after he tragically passed away overseas. It’s the second oldest in Division I, having opened in 1923 and while the structure itself is quite unique, it is a very uncomfortable place to watch a hockey game.
Prestige Ranking: 2 out of 5
Location
Nassau Street is within a long walking distance to the arena and the college town’s main road is worth exploring. Local shops and a ton of great trendy eateries line the street, especially in the Palmer Square section. After spending time in town, you can walk through campus, which features many beautiful, gothic-style buildings, some of which date back to the 1800s. The oldest building, Nassau Hall, was completed in 1756. Aside from the Art Museum, there’s not much to do, but again the walk in itself is quite enjoyable.
Location Ranking: 7.5 out of 10
Accessibility / Parking
Getting to Princeton can take awhile as it is not near any major highways, though nearby Route 1 acts like one. The area is often congested and I don’t think there’s a time that I’ve driven to Princeton and there has not been daytime or evening slowdowns. Hobey Baker Rink is towards the southern part of campus and navigating the roads to get there can be a little bit of a maze. The most direct route is via Alexander Street. Thankfully, the Theater Drive Garage is right next to the arena. The garage features tight spaces, but wide lanes and the exodus was quick. There is mass transit to Princeton as NJ Transit trains on the Northeast Corridor line make a stop about four miles south of town. From there, a local shuttle train (known as the Dinky) brings commuters on campus.
Accessibility / Parking Ranking: 6.5 out of 8
Exterior
Seeing this all stone structure is stunning as the architecture is quite rare for a hockey rink. The building is on the small side and it features a triangular, notably sloped roof. The stonework again is quite a sight to behold as varying types / colors make up the walls. Another interesting feature is the sides, where a glass extension contains the concourse and this really looks like a greenhouse from the outside. Venture to the back of the rink for a look at some original doors that give castle vibes.
Exterior Ranking: 9 out of 10
Concourse
Those small side additions underneath the glass are just walkways and it’s not like a greenhouse because it is mighty chilly on a normal winter’s night. The only purpose of these are to get to your seats as the north end is the lone spot for a “concourse”. It is horrifically cramped in this area as you’ll find the concession stand and bathroom, plus it is also where people seem to congregate. That bathroom is very small, so long lines also lead to jamming the area.
Concourse Ranking: 0.5 out of 5
Food
The small amount of food offerings are transported since there is no nearby kitchen, so expect your food to be sitting in a warmer if you grab something to eat. It is a basic list of offerings and the Burgers / Chicken Sandwiches / Hot Dogs are all bland.
Food Ranking: 1.5 out of 8
Interior
Hobey Baker Rink may have the impressive architecture, but overall it is a terribly uncomfortable place to watch a game. First off, the confines are so small that it means it is freezing. Like I need my hat and jacket kinda cold. Most of the seating only consists of 5-6 rows around rink. They go from glass to back wall and that means you can’t really see that well at the other end of the rink. Several opt to stand in the back. Seats themselves are cold bleachers, but the orange color is a nice touch and molded backs aren’t bad either. Row spacing is tight. It’s crazy that it’s so small in here, the press row is on an elevated walkway above the end of the rink. At the other end is an interesting feature and a good one if you want a better perspective as there is a raised and very steep upper deck. The stone walls and arcing wooden roof keep the historic vibe going inside.
Interior Ranking: 4.5 out of 14
Scoreboard
The scoreboard above center ice is pretty basic as it contains the bare necessities for a hockey game. It has a decent look with a black base and the arena name at the top. No video meant a few times I pulled up the ESPN+ feed on my phone to get a closer look during an Official Review.
Scoreboard Ranking: 2 out of 4
Displays
Princeton honors its hockey past well and it starts with the namesake on the rink. Hobey Baker is one of the most recognizable names in the sport because of the year-end trophy. That is in a display case here, along with other great mementos and information on this standout that was lost way too soon. In an opposite corner is a touching tribute to another great player who tragically passed away young. Princeton’s Patty Kazmaier was top notch in the sport and as a person and she is honored here too. Down the halls of the rink, you’ll find other various plaques, pictures and trophy cases. The rafters also have traditional banners as well.
Displays Ranking: 4 out of 6
Cost
Parking was free and my visit featured $15 tickets. Concession prices were reasonable with a Hot Dog at $4.50 and a Cheeseburger for $8.25.
Cost Ranking: 7.5 out of 8
Fan Support
I was told via email to “come early, big crowds expected”. If this is a big crowd, then yikes. The place was maybe half full and given that it questionably has a capacity of 2,000, that means there was less than 1,000 on hand. Plenty of open spaces even though there weren’t many tickets to buy. In the upper deck end, that was a quarter full. Whenever there is a large crowd, it’s likely due to fans from the other team (like Cornell, or even here when 20% of the group was Clarkson fans). Princeton is in the middle of the pack for ECAC Attendance rankings.
Fan Support Ranking: 3 out of 8
Atmosphere
It would have been much quieter if it wasn’t for the Clarkson fans. Princeton’s group did not do much on the cheering side and it started during pre-game introductions as there was barely an acknowledgement for their players. Goals got a clap and close shots drew a muted “Ohhh” and that was about it. It probably would’ve gotten more lively late in the game, but this Friday Night conference affair should’ve been better than it was.
Atmosphere Ranking: 4.5 out of 14
Other Stuff
Thanks to the Clarkson band who brought some entertainment to the game! They were great and played some good tunes. I was looking forward to intermission or a Knights goal to hear them play. Princeton didn’t have a band. I also was really surprised to see how many fans showed up for Clarkson. That’s a long trip or they have a surprising amount of alumni in NJ.
Game
Princeton struck first as they scored just 2:16 into the game on a wraparound attempt. That would really be the only positive on the night as Clarkson thoroughly outplayed the home side. They took the lead late in the 2nd period thanks to a Talon Sigurdson goal. It was smooth sailing as the Golden Knights won 4-1 and outshot the Tigers 32-20. The game was rather dull until David Ma of Princeton had a dirty cross-check late in the game worthy of a Game Misconduct.
Stadium and Arena Visits 
