More Than Just Hockey: Finding Community at RIT
Attending an RIT hockey game as a grad student is a thrill! It’s a night to remember where campus traditions, raucous cheers, and the Corner Crew's unmistakable energy converge.
The Campus Hockey Experience
The Gene Polisseni Center at RIT is more than just a place to watch sports, it's the center of Tiger pride when hockey season arrives. The atmosphere is electric from the moment students and alumni enter and hear the pep band. The Corner Crew's chants echo throughout the arena, particularly during major events like Brick City Homecoming or the playoffs.
Accessible Tickets and Discounts
The games were particularly appealing to me as an international graduate student wanting to experience college hockey. Tickets are reasonably priced, and student discounts are readily available, so catching an NCAA Division I hockey game doesn't have to be a financial strain. The stands are filled with undergrads, grad students, alumni, and local supporters, all united in their support for the Tigers, fostering a genuine feeling of camaraderie.
Where to Find Schedules
Students and fans can always access up-to-date schedules for men’s and women’s teams on the official RIT Athletics website:
How to Get Tickets
Tickets can be reserved or purchased online at RIT Tickets
Pricing is competitive, with discounts for students, faculty, alumni, and youth:
- Season Ticket Information
- Single-Game Ticket Prices: Adults from $12, RIT students for $5, with seat upgrade options available. You can also purchase at the Gene Polisseni Center box office or by phone for group deals.
The Phone Flashlight Tradition
A defining moment at RIT hockey games is the wave of phone flashlights. When the atmosphere is electric, often during synchronized chants or following significant announcements, hundreds of students light up their phones, transforming the stands into a shimmering expanse. This display goes beyond mere entertainment, it's a demonstration of togetherness and jubilation, much like the "painting with light" tradition RIT embraces at other campus gatherings. It's a contemporary take on older practices, now brought to life with LED phone flashlights at the games.
A Modern Arena for Memorable Moments
The Gene Polisseni Center is a real gem. It's modern, designed with fans in mind, and provides fantastic views, great facilities, and an overall vibe that makes every game a pleasure. Whether you're a die-hard hockey enthusiast or just starting to explore the sport, going to a game is a great way to experience the excitement and intensity of college hockey.
Why Every Grad Student Should Attend
For a grad student, going to RIT hockey games is about more than just the action on the ice. It's about creating lasting memories with other Tigers, escaping the pressures of schoolwork for a while, and feeling like you're part of the lively RIT community. If you're new to the area or just want a fun, inexpensive way to unwind, you should consider catching a game at the Gene Polisseni Center.
About the author
Hey, I'm Sahruday Sherla, a Master's student in Computer Science with roots in the city of Mumbai. I’m passionate about coding, a total movie buff, and love exploring new places whenever I can. I’m looking forward to discovering all that RIT has to offer and sharing my experiences with you as I navigate this exciting journey!
