The IIHF World Junior Championship, commonly known as the World Juniors, is one of the most anticipated events on the hockey calendar every year. This year, the World Juniors are being co-hosted by Halifax and Moncton, marking the first time the tournament will be held in Atlantic Canada.
Halifax is sure to be buzzing with excitement as fans from across Canada and around the world descend on the city to take in the games. With thousands of fans expected to attend, many will be wondering about the best places to watch the World Juniors in Halifax.
The tournament runs from December 26, 2022 to January 5, 2023. Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre will host a total of 13 games during the World Juniors, including several Team Canada games in the preliminary round. The championship game will also be played in Halifax on January 5th.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different venues and options for catching the action in Halifax during the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Watching at Scotiabank Centre
The top option for taking in World Juniors games in Halifax is to get tickets to watch live at Scotiabank Centre. As the host arena, Scotiabank Centre will be the site of all preliminary round and medal round games held in Halifax.
With over 10,000 seats, Scotiabank Centre will be packed with enthusiastic fans cheering on their countries. Purchasing tickets directly through the official IIHF website or Ticket Atlantic is the best way to secure seats for World Juniors games in Halifax.
Tickets are available for individual games, but most fans opt for full tournament ticket packs to attend multiple games. Packages are available for as few as 4 games or up to the full tournament. Mini packs with tickets to 2 games are also available.
While the most in-demand games like Canada’s matchups tend to sell out quickly, single game tickets can still be purchased for most other round robin games. Prices vary depending on seat location, with lower bowl seats ranging from $66-$171 and upper bowl seats from $15-$52 per game.
Beyond the great live game action, attending the World Juniors in person allows you to really soak up the atmosphere and energy in the arena. It’s an electric environment with thousands of passionate hockey fans all rooting on their country.
Key Info for Attending Games at Scotiabank Centre:
- Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination required for entry
- Bags larger than 6” x 12” x 6” not permitted
- Gates open 1 hour before game time
- No re-entry permitted
- Valid photo ID may be required
While the most thrilling way to experience the World Juniors, tickets can sell out quickly and be expensive. For fans looking for cheaper options, there are alternatives for catching the action around town.
Watching at World Juniors Fan Experience
The World Juniors Fan Experience is a free festival for hockey fans set up at Halifax Convention Centre throughout the tournament. This is the official World Juniors fan zone organized by Hockey Canada.
The space will feature live entertainment, Hockey Canada exhibits, sponsor activations, food and drinks, and a live broadcast of all games. The broadcast will show games on a huge screen with full sound, creating an exciting atmosphere for fans.
While not the same as watching live, the World Juniors Fan Experience offers a lively environment to watch games. Fans can gather with fellow supporters, cheer on goals, participate in fun activities, and soak up the hockey spirit.
And best of all – admission is completely free! Just show up and enjoy the festivities while you follow the tournament games broadcast on the big screens.
The Fan Experience runs from December 26th to January 5th from 9am to 9pm each day at Halifax Convention Centre. This gives fans a comfortable, affordable option right downtown to catch games if you can’t make it to Scotiabank Centre.
Watching at Local Bars & Restaurants
Halifax has a fantastic sports bar scene, so another prime option is to catch World Juniors games at a local pub or restaurant in the city.
Virtually every sports bar in town will have the World Juniors on their many big screen TVs throughout the tournament. Some great options to check out:
- Hurley’s Irish Pub on Argyle Street
- Durty Nelly’s on Argyle Street
- Your Father’s Moustache on Spring Garden Road
- Boston Pizza multiple locations
- Hooligan’s on Brunswick Street
Many of these bars will host special events and deals to align with the World Juniors, like offering food and drink specials during the games. With multiple screens and sound on, bars create a fun, lively setting for taking in the action with fellow hockey fans.
The atmosphere ramps up when Team Canada hits the ice, with raucous crowds cheering them on. Bars often show other sports, but will tune all screens to showcase the hockey during the World Juniors tournament.
Some advantages of catching games at a bar include:
- No ticket required
- Food and drinks readily available
- Lively fan environment
- Other games often on secondary screens
Just arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Cover charges may apply at some locations for premium games like Canada finals.
Watching World Juniors at Outdoor Sites
Halifax has a couple of outdoor screening sites set up for the World Juniors to help fans enjoy the experience free of charge.
Grand Parade, the large downtown square, will be transformed into a major gathering place during the tournament. A large screen will broadcast games live for the public to take in the action outside together.
The downtown site has capacity for over 5,000 fans. There will be concessions, sponsor booths, and entertainment around the square to complement the hockey telecast.
Fans planning to watch games at Grand Parade should dress warm and bring a chair or blanket. Some key tips:
- Games will be shown every day, even in bad weather
- Earlier games shown on big screen, late games on adjacent screens
- Entertainment begins 30 mins before puck drop
- No in and out privileges
The World Juniors Fan Experience at Halifax Convention Centre will also have additional screens setup outside to accommodate overflow crowds.
While rain or shine, outdoor public screenings allow fans to freely take in games in a festive, communal setting downtown. Definitely take advantage for a memorable World Juniors experience if the weather cooperates.
Watching from Your Hotel
For visitors coming in, watching games from the comfort of your hotel room can be an easy option too.
Every hotel room in Halifax should have a television with TSN on the channel line-up. As the exclusive broadcaster in Canada, TSN will show all games and related coverage live from the tournament.
Fans can tune in to watch matchups from their room, whether getting ready to head out for the day or unwinding after taking in the action live. Keep an eye on the daily schedule for game start times.
Some hotel bars and restaurants will also have the World Juniors on their screens for patrons dining in. Be sure to also check out any special events or deals your hotel may be offering during the hockey tournament.
While not the most thrilling, catching games on your hotel TV allows fans staying in town for the World Juniors a convenient way to follow the action if not attending in person.
Top Places for Watching World Juniors in Halifax Summary
Venue | Overview | Key Details |
---|---|---|
Scotiabank Centre | Host arena, live games | Purchase tickets in advance, vaccine proof required |
World Juniors Fan Experience | Free official fan zone, live broadcast on big screens | Free entry, located at Halifax Convention Centre |
Local bars & restaurants | Lively sports bar atmosphere | No ticket needed, arrive early for good spot |
Outdoor Sites | Free public screenings outside | Dress warm, bring chair/blanket |
Hotel | Convenient for staying in town | Check for TSN on your TV |
How to Get Tickets to World Juniors Games
For fans hoping to secure tickets to World Juniors games at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, here are some tips:
- Purchase directly through official sources like IIFHFWorldJuniors2022.com or TicketAtlantic.com
- Act quickly for high demand games – Canada matchups sell out fastest
- Full tournament packages offer best overall value and access
- Mini packs and single game tickets still available closer to event
- Compare resale sites like StubHub for last minute deals
- Join official mailing list for presale code access
Various ticket types offered:
Ticket Type | What’s Included | Average Price Range* |
---|---|---|
Full Tournament | Tickets to all games in Halifax | $800 – $3000 |
Mini Pack | Tickets to 2 games | $150 – $600 |
Single Game | Ticket to one game | $50 – $250 |
*Prices in CAD and vary based on seat location and demand
Supplies will be limited, so jump on opportunities quickly. With various fan zones and bars also showing games, there are still great options for enjoying the excitement around Halifax alongside the live action at Scotiabank Centre during the 2023 World Junior Championship.
Conclusion
The return of the World Juniors to Halifax for the first time in over 20 years is going to be an incredible experience for hockey fans in the region. With Scotiabank Centre hosting a slate of games as a co-host venue, there are ample opportunities around the city for fans to watch and enjoy the tournament.
Catching games live at the arena promises a thrilling atmosphere, while local bars and free outdoor sites also offer great settings for tuning in. The free World Juniors Fan Experience at Halifax Convention Centre is another hub for enjoying the action. Visitors in town can also simply watch from their hotel.
It’s shaping up to be a packed two weeks of excitement in Halifax this holiday season. With the spotlight on Halifax and Atlantic Canada, local businesses and fans aim to show the world legendary East Coast hospitality and create lasting memories during the 2023 World Junior Championship.