Coachella Valley Firebirds: Visitor's Guide to Ice Hockey in the Desert

The Coachella Valley Firebirds are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL's Seattle Kraken, bringing professional hockey to Palm Springs. Despite being a young franchise, the Firebirds have quickly established themselves as an AHL powerhouse, reaching the Calder Cup Finals in each of their first two seasons.

2024-25 Season Information

1. Regular Season: The AHL season typically runs from October to April
2. Home Arena: Acrisure Arena (75702 Varner Rd, Palm Desert, CA 92211)
3. Ticket Prices: Range from approximately $25 to $ 150, depending on seating location and opponent
4. Current Status: In the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs (Pacific Division semifinals vs. Abbotsford Canucks, series tied 1-1)

Acrisure Arena Information

1. Location: 75702 Varner Rd, Palm Desert, CA 92211
2. Directions: Accessible from Interstate 10 via either Cook Street or Washington Street exits
3. Capacity: 10,000+ for hockey games
4. Amenities: State-of-the-art facility with modern concessions, premium seating options, and excellent sightlines

Important Policies

Cashless Environment:

1. Acrisure Arena is completely cashless.
2. All concessions and merchandise locations accept only major debit and credit cards

Clear Bag Policy:

1. Clear bags not exceeding 14" x 14" x 6" with no more than two pockets
2. Small clutches, purses, or wallets measuring 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller
3. Medical necessity bags or diaper bags (with supervisor approval)
4. All bags are subject to search upon entry

Parking Information:

1. Purchase parking passes in advance to avoid delays
2. Display pre-purchased pass or pay by credit card upon arrival
3. Online parking sales close three hours before event start times
4. Cash is not accepted for parking payment

Team History

A Remarkable Start:

1. Inaugural season: 2022-23
2. Back-to-back Western Conference Championships (2022-23, 2023-24)
3. Back-to-back Calder Cup Finals appearances, falling to the Hershey Bears both times

2023-24 Season Highlights:

1. Captured the second consecutive Western Conference title
2. Advanced to Calder Cup Finals for the second straight year
3. Lost heartbreakingly in overtime of Game 6 against Hershey

Where to Watch Road Games

The remaining games will take place on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in Abbotsford. All three games begin at 7 p.m. Sunday's Game 5 will only be played if necessary. Games will not air on local TV for the current playoff series against Abbotsford. Fans can catch the action at these "Firebirds Bars":

1. Burgers & Beer Rancho Mirage: 72773 Dinah Shore Dr, Rancho Mirage
2. Burgers & Beer La Quinta: 79-815 CA-111 #101, La Quinta
3. Playoffs in Desert Hot Springs: 12105 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs
4. Buffalo Wild Wings in Palm Desert: 72840 CA-111, Palm Desert
5. Roc's Firehouse Grill in Palm Desert: 36891 Cook Street, Suite 10, Palm Desert
6. Taproom 29 inside Spotlight 29 Casino: 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella

Tips for First-Time Visitors

1. Purchase tickets in advance through the official Firebirds website or Ticketmaster
2. Arrive early to explore the new Acrisure Arena
3. Consider taking a rideshare service to avoid parking hassles
4. Bring a light jacket (the arena can be chilly despite desert temperatures)
5. Check the team's social media for special promotions and events

Experience the excitement of professional hockey in the desert with the Coachella Valley Firebirds!

Image by Sissi Pannach from Pixabay