Spokane, WA

This weekend I experienced my first arena football game. I am not an avid fan of football, but I do enjoy watching sports live. I also decided that since my boyfriend and his son love football so much that I should learn a little bit about it. Once we decided on the day we wanted to go, I got the tickets for us to go to the Spokane Shock game. I was disappointed that I could not buy the tickets off the Shock’s website or call the arena for the single game tickets, only season tickets are available from their website or calling them directly. I ended up buying the tickets from Ticketswest who add on, in my opinion, annoying handling fees, even if you leave the tickets at willcall. Our tickets were $11 each, plus a $1.50 handling fee. Tickets can range between $7 to $53 for a single ticket game. There are also no reduced tickets prices for children, unless your child is under one, who can get in for free. For more information regarding ticket prices the Shock’s website has a complete list of prices. I took my boyfriend, his son and his son’s friend to a Saturday night game. With the tickets bought a month in advance I was surprised to find our tickets were at the tippy-top of the arena. Once we picked up a pocket schedule we found that all of the lower seating had been sold out. It made me realize that the Shock have a lot of loyal, avid fans. Although we were seated up high it did give a full, clear view of the arena and field. I was worried about being up that high with my boyfriend’s son and friend but they seemed to handle it well.

We were running late to the game so we picked up dinner at the arena, which cost about $35 for four hamburgers and fries. I picked up two beers for my boyfriend and myself, which cost $5.25 each. Although it was a little expensive all together for the meal, it was convenient to have the food at the arena. Hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, pizza, and pretzels are also available, ranging between $3 to $5 each. $3 bottles of soda and water are available as well. Cash is the only form of currency I saw being taken at the food counters, meaning no ATM cards were being accepted. There was a ATM machine located by the front doors for anyone who needed cash.

The arena was filled with many spectators wearing orange Shock tee shirts. The promotion for the night was free cheer stixs, two plastic air-filled sticks that you bang together to make noise as you cheer on the Shock. Also to the first 1000 fans who brought two gently used or new children’s books to this game received a free Shock tee shirt. Future promotions for games change and can be found on the Shock’s website, under the partner’s tab.

The game was fast paced and filled with a lot of excitement. The Shock dance team came out and entertained us with a few dances during the game. At half time a group of children preformed tae kwon doe, chopping wood in half with their fists or feet. The final part of the half time show had one child jumping over 10 of his teammates and splitting a piece of wood with his foot. It was pretty amazing to see him not only jumping over the 10 people but also chopping the wood in half. The game resumed and the Shock continued their dominance over the Boise Burn. The Shock have a 6-0 record and lead their division which was not surprising as the game continued and finished with a crushing win of 62 to 42. We had a great time at the game and the boys were very excited for the next game!

To get single game tickets to The Shock go to www.ticketswest.com or you can call for tickets at 800.325.SEAT(7328) or 509.325.7328. For season tickets or any information for the Shock you can go to www.spokaneshock.com. The Spokane Shock play in the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena located at 720 W Mallon Street. Directions to the arena from Division Street going South, turn right onto Sharp Ave, which jogs over to Boone Ave. Continue west on Boone until you see the Arena parking. Going North on Division where the street jogs over to Ruby, turn left onto Sharp Ave which will take you over to Boone Ave heading west. A $5 cash parking fee will be required to park in the arena’s lot. There is also additional parking across the street by the Season Ticket bar for $4.