Julia Frank

Imagine sitting at the top of the arena at a hockey game. But not just any type of hockey, a New Year’s Eve game with the Avalanche. The most exciting one of the year in my opinion. You can see the entire rink; all the players zipping back and forth trying to net a goal and hoping for a win. And while that’s one of the reasons I was there, another exciting aspect was yet to come. 

I first discovered the New year’s game on the final day of 2023. This just happened to be one of the Avalanche games my dad and I were able to go to during break. It gave us something exciting to engage in that night. But not only was I excited about the game, I was also waiting in anticipation for the special show after: fireworks. The thing that made these fireworks stand out from the rest was they were being set off indoors, in the arena, after the game. Now this was something I had never heard of or seen before, but man was it cool. 

After the game, they clear the ice and give a warning for those who may not want to be there for the display. This allows time for people to clear out, get re-settled, or grab a little snack. It takes the fireworks team about fifteen minutes to situate all the launching pads. They strategically place them in different spots on the ice and ensure that everything is operating correctly. The lights dim and the jumbotron slowly starts to rise to the top of the rafters. 

One thing to note is that I like to sit in 300 level seats so I can see the entire rink. When the fireworks start to go off, I can feel the heat and it warms my cheeks. I can’t imagine what the 100 level fans are feeling. This specific fireworks display showcases all the usual fireworks you see, but on a smaller scale. Exploding embers make the ice shimmer as they are set off. After the five minute show, everyone makes their exit. 

I attended the New Year’s game again a month ago. Not only was it just as exciting, I got to share that with my best friend who came to visit me. I knew I wanted to go on New Year’s again because of the lasting impression it gave me the previous year. Since this only happens once a year, it draws people in and keeps them engaged after the game as well.