Halifax is a great city. That’s why you’re here. From the waterfront to the endless line of bars – there’s always something to do.
But you know that. You go to Dal – you’re smart.
However, sadly, there are some things you don’t know. Mainly – your Halifax sports knowledge.
Relax. I’m here to help.
Surprisingly, we’ve got a pretty solid thing going here, sports-wise. I know, I know – the Torontonian readers are shaking their heads. There are no major sports teams, no stadiums like the Air Canada Centre, and, frankly, no teams that are consistent national champions.
But if you ask me, we work with what we’ve got. And we do a damn fine job. Give us a break, man.
With that said, here are some of the top places to take in a game in Halifax. Enjoy.
- Maxwell’s Plum
Any bar with 60 beers on tap is a recipe for success (or disaster?). It’s a great place to grab a Brewtender (or three), take in a Leafs game, forget the score, and then hit the clubs.
- Niche Lounge
With a lineup of TVs and three dollar Keith’s, there’s nothing more you can ask for while on a student budget. They also open up the patio for big games, and the atmosphere is electric. Highly recommended.
- Grawood
Ah, the Grawood. So many memories (or lack thereof). You can always count on the Grawood to put a party of any major sporting event. But be careful – you’ve got to spend the next four years here. Don’t go too crazy there during the first week. They remember you. Oh, they remember.
- Oasis
One of my least favourite on the list, but I’ll throw it in because people seem to like it. If you want to give that fake ID a whirl and spend your night getting drunk in a dungeon – then this is the place for you. They’ve got pool tables. That’s cool, I guess. But so do my aunt and uncle.
- Huskie Stadium
The newly-renovated Huskie Stadium is the best place to watch football in Halifax. Period. And it’s great, because you can go and rightfully chirp them because their team was such crap last year (but be prepared to take a woopin’).
- Halifax Sports Bar
The newest location on the list, the Halifax Sports Bar is absolutely incredible. I’ve only been one time, however, because I paid eight dollars for a Canadian and was in utter shock and awe. So if a student loan payment just came through and you’ve got cash to blow, Halifax Sports Bar is the place to be.
- Wickwire Memorial Field
The seats may be rock hard and the Halifax breeze may be chilly, but trust me when I say Wickwire has been home to some of the fondest moments in AUS sport. Dal’s home field hosts an array of Dal sports teams, including soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and rugby.
- Dalplex
Happen to be a basketball fan? Fancy volleyball instead? The domed arena is the place to be for all of Dal’s winter sports. Get a pump on in the non-air conditioned gym, and then head over to the stands to take in some of the best games Dalhousie has to offer.
- Scotiabank Centre
Slapshot, shoot, score. You just can’t stop the Moose.
The revamped Metro Centre is home to the Halifax Mooseheads. No, they’re not the Montreal Canadians. But dammit – it’s some of the best junior hockey you’ll see. Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin and several other NHLers have roots to this team. Who knows? You could be watching the next all-star.
- Bubba Ray’s
When I was in third year, I woke up at seven o’clock on a Saturday to take in the gold medal Olympic hockey game between Canada and Sweden. After drinking until three the night before – this was a big feat. When I got to Bubba’s, it was already full, and I had to watch the game at Fickle Frog (ugh).
There’s no ifs, ands, or buts. This is THE place to watch sports in Halifax. Cheap beer, wing deals, delicious burgers – it has it all.
See ya there at the Leafs’ home opener.
Graeme Benjamin is a sports editor emeritus of the Dalhousie Gazette. He’s a recent graduate from the University of King’s College (stop laughing) and has lived all 22 years of his life in this remarkable city.
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