Atlanta Gladiators offer family fun on and off the ice

From the feeling of the cool steam rising from rink, to the sight of players bounding towards the goal, there are plenty of thrills when attending a hockey game — especially with the Atlanta Gladiators.

On April 1, the team defeated Greenville in an overtime shootout to clinch a spot in the playoffs. For the first time since 2018, the Atlanta Gladiators are in the postseason!

“Watching the Gladiators push to finish what we started in the 2019-20 season has been a great honor this year,” said Richard Elmore, season ticket holder 18 years and counting. “Our team has not disappointed this year, and as with other great teams of Atlanta, this could be our year to bring it all home. Go Glads!”

See our full coverage of the Gladiators’ 2021-22 season and playoffs

But there’s also lots of excitement off the ice. With tons of activities before, during and after the game, adults and kids alike are guaranteed to have a blast.

Here are just a few of the activities you can expect when the Gladiators play home games at Gas South Arena.

Chuck a Puck

Want to try to win some grocery money while you’re waiting for the last period to start? At the beginning of the second intermission, fans can throw foam pucks on the ice for a chance to win a $500 Kroger gift card. They throw out a large Kroger mat and you try to get the puck in the center of the red circle that is Kroger’s “O.” If no one lands on the dot, whichever participant lands closest will receive a $25 Kroger gift card.

High-Five Tunnel

High-five the players and wish them luck as they come onto the ice for the game. Reserved for groups of 15 or more, participants gather in the pre-function room at the starting lineup before the game.

Atlanta Gladiators

Dale Zanine (Submitted)

Slapshot Sundays

After every Sunday game, kids get an opportunity to take a slapshot on the ice. Parents can sign up their child at the beginning of the game. It’s free to participate but there’s a limit of 120 kids, so be sure to sign up early.

It’s games such as these that make the environment so electrifying for fans.

“As a first-time season ticket holder and lifelong hockey fan, the atmosphere at a Gladiators’ game is top tier,” said Kyle Coleman, first-time season ticket holder. “The stadium is electric, the rivalries are intense and the staff is engaging. There is nothing like starting a season knowing that I’ve got a family of fans waiting for me at every single game. From the top floor clubhouse to the seats between the benches, Gas South Arena is my home away from home.”

Between the Benches

For $50, you can snag the best view of the game. For one period, you’ll get to sit between the Gladiators’ benches and the away team. In addition to being close to the action, you’ll have a chance to wave at the players, who’ve been known, on occasion, to give out their equipment.

Intermission games

Lucky fans will be asked to come down to the ice during intermission to participate in a variety of halftime games. These vary per game — and no game is the same. Previous games have included musical chairs and a Jimmy Neutron-themed relay race. Winners receive a Gladiators prize pack or even a puck from the game.

Giveaways

It’s first-come, first-served for these giveaways at select games. Typically, the first 500, 1,000 or 2,000 fans will receive a freebie. The number of fans depends on the prize. At a February game, for example, they gave away Spittin’ Chiclets swag and specialty pucks to honor team captain Derek Nesbitt’s 1,000th game.

Pre-game concerts and intermission performances

Keep an eye out for the live tunes scheduled to play before select games or during intermission. A game ticket gives you access to the concert. Previous concerts have included Departure – The Journey Tribute Band and Angelica Hale. During intermission, a live DJ often spins tunes.

“The Atlanta Gladiators have been an amazing way to bring family and friends together,” said Matt Adams, first-year season ticket holder. “With our season tickets, we go to as many games as possible and always have a blast! The arena is easy to access, and it’s a great facility in every way. Every game is action-packed, and more times than not, we come out with a win! The Glads are coming away with the cup this year; don’t miss it!”

Costume contests

Sometimes, fans can participate in a costume contest during intermission. Themes have included a Marvel contest and an ugly sweater contest, in which the first-place winner received a Weber grill and jersey.

Kid Zone

The Gladiators organization understands that kids can have a short attention span. For those who don’t want to sit and watch the entire game, the Kid Zone is open during the entire game and is free for anyone who has a game ticket. There is a basketball hoop, a hockey net kids can shoot a puck into, Nintendo Switch and cornhole.

Souvenirs

Check out the gift shop on your way in or out of the arena for some goodies for you or the kids. They have a lot of toys, such as mini sticks and foam swords. Sometimes, they even have specialty pucks or jerseys from previous seasons for purchase.

Souvenirs are also good for Gladiators fans who may not be able to make every game.

“As Gladiators season ticket holders, we have not only the ability to be at every home game but the true advantage of ‘rain checking’ tickets if we could not make a game,” said Lisa Scovell-Brown, first-time season ticket holder. “We have been able to do both date nights and family nights with the flex package added, along with introducing friends to the game with us.”