One of my family’s favorite activities is going to a South Carolina Stingrays hockey game. It is an absolute blast for both the kids and parents. But when should you attend? And what should you bring? Let me fill you in on what makes this a fun day for our family.
Planning a Visit to the South Carolina Stingrays
When to Attend
We typically opt for family days, which feature earlier start times and extra activities just for kids, like shooting pucks on the ice during breaks!
We always purchase tickets in advance, making entry easier and allowing us to choose aisle seats for quick access to restrooms and concession stands. Be sure to arrive before the game starts! My kids love singing the National Anthem and watching the players skate out and get introduced with all of the fun lights.
What to Bring
When getting ready for a South Carolina Stingrays game, there are a few things you should be sure to pack.
- Don’t forget to bring along a warm sweater or jacket. The first time we went, it was a billion degrees outside and we didn’t think about the arena being so cold inside. (Amateur move, given this is an ICE hockey game.)
- Headphones can be a lifesaver to muffle the noise during intense game moments. We always bring them for our kids.
- Diaper bags and clear bags are allowed. We always bring a few kid-friendly activities, like coloring books, to keep our kids engaged if they need a break from the action.
Note: Leave the stroller behind. This is a great time to bust out the baby carrier!
What to Eat
Games are held at The North Charleston Coliseum, which has plenty of food choices. We typically grab a bite to take back to our seats toward the beginning of every period. This allows us to skip waiting in lines and eating tends to keep our kids extra entertained. There are hot dogs, pretzels with cheese, pizza, hamburgers, ice cream, etc.
Meet Cool Ray
One of the highlights of attending a Stingrays hockey game is meeting their mascot, Cool Ray (and leaving with a stuffy souvenir if you ask our little girl!). Cool Ray is a super cute stingray dressed in team colors, who entertains everyone with his goofy antics and silly dances throughout the game. Whether high-fiving the kids or getting the adults up and dancing, Cool Ray definitely brings the fun to the game. Kids particularly love looking for him (and themselves) on the Jumbotron. Be sure to track him down for a photo before you leave!
Hello! What do you think the minimum age is to take a child?
My 3 month old went last winter! All of my kids had headphones. 🙂