In August 2023, hockey fan Mike Florentine read about a Stars gameday experience at American Airlines Center and said “I simply need to attend a game this season.” In April 2024, he got his chance to experience one.
For the 25-year-old, the AAC was his 17th NHL arena he’s attended an NHL game at. Long story short, Florentine said it’s one of the top five arenas he’s watched an NHL game at.
Florentine got to witness Dallas Stars history as he was part of Wednesday night’s sold out crowd as the Stars defeated the Oilers 5-0 and earned a new franchise record eighth consecutive win. In the win, Wyatt Johnston made Dallas Stars history:
Prior to Wednesday, Florentine had visited Dallas, Texas, three other times and would stop in front of the AAC to get a picture of the arena. After being in front of the AAC, Florentine was impressed immediately with the inside and the surroundings of the AAC.
(Photo credit: Mike Florentine)
“I was very impressed with the convenience of everything,” Florentine said. “Everything was easily walkable and accessible. Everyone was friendly.”
The AAC first opened in 2001. This past Summer, the AAC went under a $20 million upgrade highlighted by a brand new $10 million video board. Other upgrades were new seats, roof, enhanced sound, exterior marquee display and adding in two other video boards.
“[The AAC] doesn’t look like it’s 23 years old,” Florentine said.
Of all the gameday traditions to a Stars game at the AAC, Florentine’s favorite was Pantera’s “Puck Off” goal song.
Florentine has attended games where fans might have can be loud and rude to visiting team’s fans. For Stars fans, that wasn’t the case for Florentine.
“It’s not loud and obnoxious,” Florentine said.
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