On September 26, 2025, at 6:01 p.m., the puck dropped at the Union Women’s Hockey game to begin a new era of Union Hockey at M&T Bank Center. The new arena comes with new options for food and drinks, seating, transportation, and entertainment during game breaks. However, the new rink comes with notable price increases and new security features. The Concordiensis has written a guide to the new rink, including recommendations for a great game-day experience.
Tickets
Single-game adult tickets for men’s hockey games cost $20 for non-premium games and $25 for premium games (ex., the home opener, RPI games, playoffs). Tickets for women’s games cost $10 for adults. This marks approximately a $5 increase from single-game ticket prices at Messa Rink. However, these prices are the same for all seats, regardless of their location. Most of the seats are plastic, with seats near center ice having cushions; unlike Messa Rink, these are not bench seats.
Union students receive free entry to the rink with their student IDs, following the same policy as Messa Rink. Unlike Messa, there is now a dedicated student section behind the goalpost where Union shoots twice; the student section has bench seating and standing room behind the benches. Students do not need to reserve seats or tickets in advance.
Transportation
Buses will be available for students for every men’s and women’s hockey game. They will pick students up from College Park Hall and Reamer Circle, starting one hour before the game and ending 15 minutes after the game begins. Alternatively, it is possible to walk to the arena.
“The best walking path from campus to the M&T Bank Center is to take Maxon Road past the Golub Corporation Building, and cross Erie Boulevard at the crosswalk to Mohawk Harbor.” Beth Tiffany, the Senior Associate Director of Athletics, recommended in an email to students.
Additionally, the rink has significantly more parking availability than Messa Rink. Parking is available near the arena and the Mohawk Harbor eateries, as well as in the Golub Corporation Lot, which offers a shuttle service to transport fans to the rink (for men’s games only).
Concordiensis recommends arriving at the rink 45 minutes to 1 hour before the game starts to secure parking closest to the rink, as it will fill up quickly. Additionally, fans who arrive earlier will have the opportunity to watch players warm up before the game and avoid the concession stand lines. For students, we recommend taking the shuttle buses as the quickest and most convenient option.
Security
Unlike at Messa Rink, the new arena has security procedures in place. Small bags are permitted, and clear bags (no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches) are encouraged. The arena does not allow large bags, totes, or backpacks. Additionally, the arena does not permit outside food or beverages, except in cases of medical necessity. Concordiensis recommends bringing a clear bag to the arena to expedite the screening process, especially during popular games and events.
Dining Options
The new rink also has additional dining options. There are three concession stands throughout the rink, located behind sections 2, 8, and 12. They serve food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages; food prices range from $8 for a hot dog to $15 for a personal pizza. Non-alcoholic drinks range from $4 for water to $8 for a Celsius. Alcoholic beverage prices range from $9 for a Miller Lite to $12 for wine or a Fiddlehead beer.
Additionally, the rink has a bar located behind the hospitality suite and to the left of the main entrance. A similar selection of alcoholic beverages to those available at the concession stands is offered at the bar, along with other options on the bar menu. At one of the Women’s Games last weekend, there was also a Dippin’ Dots stand.
These prices are a notable increase from those at the concession stand at Messa Rink. However, Union does not control food pricing, according to Jim McLaughlin ’93, the Director of Athletics. “As I look around different arenas, the pricing is really consistent with what we see, particularly when we go to MVP for the Mayor’s Cup,” He said. “But I have to say the quality of the food has been absolutely outstanding.”
The Concordiensis recommends budgeting $20-$ 25 for food at the arena. This will cover a pizza, a beverage, and a tip for the arena workers. However, Union students cannot use money from their meal plans to cover the cost because the concession stand is not operated by Union Dining.
Entertainment
In between periods and during other breaks, fans can now enjoy entertainment from the new arena host, Billy Floyd. He is also the arena host for Adirondack Thunder and Glens Falls Dragons games. At the women’s home opening weekend, he entertained fans with contests and t-shirt tosses. Additionally, the shell game, which was played on screens in Messa Rink for years, continues to occur during the third-period break. There is also a merchandise store near the entrance to the arena.
Union hockey fans can find the season schedule and ticketing information for the men’s hockey season and the women’s hockey season on Union Athletics.
