Image used with permission of the Boston Pride
By Abbi Holt
The PHF just announced that the playoffs will be divided between Toronto and Boston. The Boston games will be at the Bentley Arena in Waltham. The arena is the home of Bentley University’s NCAA Division I Hockey team and the only LEEDS platinum certified Hockey arena in the country. It was completed in 2018 and seats 2117 as compared to the 700 of the Pride’s home, Warrior Ice Arena, which has started consistently selling out. Here is a seating chart to help you decide where to watch the game.
If you plan to come by car, the film crew that scouted the arena recommend using the address 500 Beaver Rd. Updated info!: (from the Pride Official Account)
If you are coming from a distance and need to stay over, there are ample hotels in the area though be careful not to be confused by Boston’s other colleges that start with a B or other suburbs that start with a W of which there are a plethora. No one wants you to get lost in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland, Walpole or Wakefield (not an exhaustive list).
The arena is somewhat accessible to public transit by bus on the weekdays with several caveats. From Bentely’s Student Services: “Unfortunately, the play-off games are occurring during our Spring Break period, and the shuttles do not run during break. For the Thursday game, the MBTA’s Bus 554 runs from Newton Corner, but the last bus leaving the Bentley campus area is at 7:30pm so may not be helpful. I think the best bet for those without cars is likely to be Uber or Lyft.” The 554 does not run on weekends. We always recommend the MBTA’s trip planner on how to best use the MBTA.
The arena is also a less than 10 mile bike ride from downtown Boston and not far off the beautiful Charles River Bikeway and it’s Watertown extensions. Bikes, including e-bikes, are rentable from Urban Adventours. As with any good college campus, Bentley has a fine selection of bike racks, though I would be just as likely to lock to the nearest pole. Remember to never lock near a wheelchair access ramp or parking spot and look for any signage prohibiting bicycle locking. Feel free to DM us on twitter if you want help planning a biking route, though we definitely recognize this is not an option for all.
The arena is wheelchair accessible and the seating chart shows wheelchair seating options. Accessible parking seems quite limited on the map for people visiting the Arena, but if you find it, handicap placards can park free of charge. The campus services folks were responsive on emails if you have more questions on this topic.
The Bentley Arena does not allow outside food and beverages or bags over 12” x 12” x 6”. Here is the full page of the arena’s policies.
The Bentley Arena website does not say a lot about food offered on site except “Grab-n-go food options are available, including allergy-friendly and vegetarian options. There is a cash bar with beer and wine for fans 21+ with valid ID. The bar is cash only.”
We were not able to confirm more about their food offerings yet but a 2021 review on Stadium Journey by Paul Baker said “There is a small concession stand at the east end of the arena. The menu isn’t the most extensive you’ll come across, but the staff at Bentley Arena have all the bases covered with the menu.
Pepsi products are featured at Bentley Arena. Hot chocolate is a popular choice in the cold winter months. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a selection of beers and wines sold in “The Cube,” the arena’s VIP club. Cloud Candy IPA, brewed at local favorite Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company, highlights the offerings.”
Fans looking for a bite to eat can choose between hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, chicken tenders, and pizza slices. Nachos are served with cheese and chili if desired, and those looking for a healthier alternative will find a garden and chicken Caesar salads available. Snacks sold at the stand include pretzels, popcorn, and cheesesteak egg rolls. Fruit cups are sold for those looking for something a bit healthier.”
Waltham is one of the more diverse suburbs which makes for some interesting food options. Below is the local restaurant skuttlebutt from a Spanish teacher colleague who lives near the area:
Pickle Diner “sooooooo good for big honkin Sunday pancake and egg situations…Creative menu choices beyond just the classics but not pompous either.”
Solea for tapas: “decent Spain-iterranean (see what i did there?)”
Amuleto for excellent Mexican
Tempo for fancier American
SCHEDULE
“The 2023 Isobel Cup Playoffs will feature the league’s top four teams at the conclusion of the record 84-game regular season schedule. Semifinals will be played in a pair of best-of-three series hosted by the Boston Pride at The Bentley Arena at Bentley University and the Toronto Six at Mattamy Athletic Centre March 16-20. The two semifinal winners will play for the prestigious Isobel Cup in a single-game championship final on Sunday, March 26, at a neutral site location to be announced.”
Thursday, March 16 at 7:00 PM ET
The Bentley Arena
ESPN+ / TSN+
Saturday, March 18 at 6:00 PM ET
Semifinal Game 2 – Boston Pride vs TBD
The Bentley Arena
ESPN+ / TSN+
Sunday, March 19 at 6:00 PM ET
Semifinal Game 3 (if necessary) – Boston Pride vs TBD
The Bentley Arena
ESPN+ / TSN+
Sunday, March 26
Championship Final (location TBA)
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale at each team’s ticketing page. See here for the Pride’s tickets. The price will be $25 each for adults and $10 for minors. For group rates see the league website below.
For more information, including late updates, group rates, and the history of the cup, go to the leagues PHF playoff page.
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