Charleston Has a Hockey Culture — and It's Surprisingly Good

When people think about Charleston, South Carolina, they usually picture beaches, boats, and shrimp and grits.

Hockey probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind.

But for Terry and me, some of our favorite nights in the Charleston area happen inside the arena watching the South Carolina Stingrays take the ice.

We've been season ticket holders for several years, and it has become one of our favorite local traditions.

The Energy Inside the Arena

If you've never been to a Stingrays game, the first thing you notice is the energy.

The crowd is loud.
The music is fun.
And the hockey is fast.

During one recent game, the Stingrays goalie absolutely stood on his head. Fans around us kept saying he was a "brick wall," and honestly that felt about right.

There's something exciting about being in the building when the team catches momentum. The crowd gets louder with every save, every hit, every rush down the ice.

You can feel the whole place leaning forward.

The Fans Make It Even Better

One of the things we've enjoyed most about being season ticket holders is the people.

You start recognizing the regulars.

Some fans are there for every game, some bring their kids, and some travel from other cities to support their teams. During one game recently, there were a surprising number of visiting fans from Toledo — and even they commented on how great the atmosphere was.

It feels less like a sporting event and more like a community gathering.

And that's exactly the kind of thing Charleston does well.

Hockey Nights Are a Perfect Charleston Tradition

For us, Stingrays games have become a great excuse to invite friends.

Sometimes we bring clients.
Sometimes neighbors.
Sometimes friends who have never been to a hockey game before.

Almost every time, someone turns to us during the game and says:

"I can't believe how fun this is."

Hockey in person is completely different from watching it on TV.

It's faster.
Louder.
And a lot more exciting.

A Great Way to Experience Charleston Life

Living in the Charleston area isn't just about beaches and restaurants.

It's about finding those little traditions that make a place feel like home.

For Terry and me, hockey nights with the Stingrays have become one of those traditions.

And if you've never been to a game, it's absolutely worth experiencing at least once.

You might just find yourself becoming a fan.

Bonnie Wicks, licensed as Bonnie Jean Wicks Bertalot, is an Associate Broker with Carolina One Real Estate serving Mount Pleasant, Charleston, and surrounding Lowcountry communities.