What to know before your first Ottawa Senators game

Do you know how to dangle the biscuit? Have you spent time in the sin bin?  

If not, you may be new (or not familiar with) hockey. But with hockey season now in play, it’s time to get up to speed for the Ottawa Senators’ next barn burner.  

If you’re getting ready for your first hockey game, here is everything you need to know before your first Ottawa Senators game. Plus, you can access exclusive savings with your CAA Membership (like $15 off parking), but more on that later.  

Hockey 101

The Ottawa Senators are a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League. There are 32 member clubs, all competing in the NHL for the coveted Stanley Cup championship.  

NHL regular season game consists of three 20-minute periods, with teams switching ends after each period. The periods are separated by 20-minute intermissions. The game is played with six players, including the goaltender, per team on the ice.  

If the game is tied after three periods, it goes into a five-minute, sudden-death overtime, where the first team to score wins. If it is still tied after the five-minute overtime period, a shootout determines the winner. The games are overseen by referees and linemen, who enforce penalties, leading to temporary disadvantages as penalized players serve time in the penalty box. 

The Ottawa Senators' story

The Ottawa Senators, often affectionately called the Sens, have a long hockey history in Ottawa. The current franchise was created in 1992 as the NHL expanded in the ’90s. However, the history of hockey in Ottawa goes back to 1883.  

 The original Ottawa Senators were one of the founding members of the NHL and the first hockey club in Ontario. The Senators played as the Generals in the 1890s, before changing their name to the Silver Seven from 1903 to 1907. They finally settled on Senators in 1908. 

The name “Senators” draws on the history and legacy of Ottawa as Canada’s Capital and the home of the Canadian House of Senate. The Sens colours are red, black and gold, paying homage to the original Ottawa Senators hockey team and matching other franchises in Ottawa, like the REDBLACKS. The Senators’ logo features the head of a Roman general as a nod to the team’s namesake. 

Show your team pride

Whether or not you think red, white, black, and gold are your colours, the Sens palette looks great on every fan. From toques and caps to the new 2024 jerseys and shirts, head over to the Sens Store at Canadian Tire Centre. Not a Sens fan, but know one or two? You can also find Christmas ornaments, dog sweaters, and more. Plus, your CAA Membership saves you 10% online and in-store.   

What to bring

When attending an Ottawa Senators game, just bring the essentials (including your CAA Membership when you head to our kiosk!). Only small bags the size of a wallet or clutch–style bag are allowed through most entries (although there is one gate for those with larger bags). Bags are scanned upon entry to the arena. Horns, noise makers, whistles, and sirens are prohibited. Guests can bring in an empty reusable water bottle to be filled at the many water fountains around the stadium.  

Top snacks around Canadian Tire Centre

One of the best parts of any game at Canadian Tire Centre is the food. There is something to delight your tastebuds and satisfy your cravings while you cheer on the Sens at home.   

Head to Ottawa Street Eats in Section 212, offering authentic street food. The Sens Express Concessions throughout the arena offer classic stadium food like nachos, pizza, pretzels and popcorn. Looking for Ottawa’s famous Golden Palace eggrolls? You can find them outside sections 113 and 225.  

Getting to Canadian Tire Centre

Located in Kanata region, just off Highway 417, CTC is surrounded by plenty of parking. And if you’re a CAA Member buying your tickets online (where you save BIG on tickets), you can also get $15 off parking in Lot 4. If you’re driving, take either the Palladium Drive Exit or the Terry Fox Drive Exit, heading towards the parking lots. Parking in the Slap Shot Lots (Lot 5  and 9), you can pay after you park using the Indigo Neo Parking App. You can pre-purchase passes for Lot 6 when buying your tickets.  

If you plan on taking public transit, OC Transpo’s Route 404 and 405 are your connection to Canadian Tire Centre. Check the OC Transpo’s website and route maps for more information.  

Meet Spartacat

No Sens game is complete without visiting Spartacat. Nicknamed Sparty, the Senators’ Mascot is a lion with a larger-than-life personality. You can find him roaming the stands and cheering on his favourite team at every home game. Make sure you say hi to the National Capital Region‘s biggest party animal and the team’s ambassador of fun.  

Save on tickets

Cheer on the Ottawa Senators this season with the help of your CAA Membership. Members can save BIG on select tickets when purchasing through the CAA Rewards Portal. Plus, save $15 on parking in Lot 4 when purchasing tickets online. Want more? Watch for our activations team at the CAA Kiosk to score some free swag and enter contests.