Lake Erie Monsters

Great inexpensive family experience at the Lake Erie Monsters!
Ok, they lost the game we went to. But still an entertaining evening. Apparently they offer free face painting and sign making to families before the game. Food prices are expensive as expected at any sporting arena, but lots of great (and also expensive) restaurant options nearby in walking distance.
Watch out for seat squatters — at least in my section, there were people in our seats when they arrived that grumbled about moving, and then we saw a few other people that were squatting. Just sit in your own seats people!
My favorite part was the kiss cam — it was so fun and what a unique idea too!

Growing up, I had never experienced hockey. There were no hockey rinks in Cleveland’s «inner city» neighborhoods, and none in its east side schools. I was first exposed to hockey, through being a Cleveland Cavalier Season Ticket Holder and receiving free Lake Erie Monsters Tickets.
After attending my first game, I quickly fell in love with hockey! And at the time I first started going to the games, the Monsters had two African-​American players on their roster. That was very refreshing to see.
Also, I know the two Monsters in-​game Hosts – Olivier and Ahmaad – from the Cavs games. Needless to say, I felt right at home. Now, I attend as many Monsters games as I can. I love their Giveaway Nights, especially the Cavs and the Browns Bobblehead Nights.
They even hosted a Tribe Night once, and they had many players there signing autographs. And they use to have Cavs and Browns players there signing autographs, in the past. But now, they just have them there to drop the puck before the game starts.
Despite all the fights, Monsters games are actually very kid and family friendly. And they routinely have a lot of food and drink specials, including several «Dollar Dog» Nights.

The Monsters put out a pretty good product on and off the ice. American League Hockey is great, and has come a long way from the time when players were washed up pros or guys just hanging on… these kids are one step away from the NHL and they play like it. AS good as the action is on the ice, the Monsters put on a pretty awesome, interactive experience off the ice. Tons of ways for fans to get involved, and a great amount of fun at a reasonable price.

OK – I’m not just saying this because I love all things Cleveland. I’m realistic…
But if you’re looking for something to do on a Friday night, love random flights, sports and beers – this is right up your alley!
I agree with all the super-​fun things everyone else mentioned, but I do want to clarify some things as I think there may have been some changes recently.
We came here with my boyfriend’s 8 year old and although he had a ton of fun, I didn’t think this event was as family friendly as everyone else did, and here’s why:
1) Actually reasons 1 – 3 are the Lake Erie Monsters girls.
Seriously? Did they dress these girls with leftovers from Christie’s? I swear to GOD this isn’t just me being uptight. It’s borderline impossible to offend me – but when an 8 year old is watching a strip show (on cold ice, no less) next to you– I don’t quite think it’s appropriate. Now, again, before you jump down my throat for «exaggerating», please note that my bf’s son was so embarrassed, laughed the whole time and asked, «Why is their hair making so much commotion?» He was referring to the only dance-​move they seemed to know, where they’re bent over, swinging their hair in circles… continuously. While I’m sure this has it’s entertainment value, it’s not really something I find appropriate for young boys or girls, for that matter!
4) We all love a great fight – but it’s slightly hilarious to see 6 and 7 year olds cheering on brutal punches with signs saying, «Fight, Fight Fight!» A girl and her father were punching the glass while a fight was happening right in front of them – so much so that the ref had to yell at them. Great example! I know, I know… that’s what hockey is about. But there’s more to the sport, right?! I just find it strange that we’re teaching our children to rally behind random violence, etc. etc. etc.
I also don’t want to make it seem like this was a negative experience (see those 5-​stars?) It was a blast – I just felt like I shaved off some of Kelton’s childhood by bringing him there. You know, kind of like that feeling after you let your kid watch a horror film you remembered being much less gruesome, but it’s too late now – that kind of thing.
In the future, I think I’d keep this as an adult activity or something we do with Kelton when he’s over the age of 15. (God – I feel like the most uptight person ever now…)

Dont understand hockey too much. Im not Canadian. nor am I a Communist. Been to a few games and its always inexpensive for tickets and they sell beer!

solid entertainment at a great price. They always have a ton of promotions including $ 1 beer night which is AMAZING. Seats on the glass are a must and under $ 100 and totally worth it if you’ve never sat on the ice before.

I love going to these games! It’s a really inexpensive thing to do on any night and so fun. Watching hockey is more exciting than a lot of sports. Also if you go during the week you can sit right down front and center for a steal. The whole pregame show they put on with the lights and music is soo cool, it never gets old for me. Definitely a fun thing to do in the winter, during the weekdays, or any time.

I went to my first Monsters game last weekend. They were giving out cards with a peel off sticker that showed what prize you win from Kaiser Permanente. My card said «Mystery Prize». The guy behind me was a 33 year old, husky, outspoken gentleman who advised me as to what that mystery prize may be. He explained that it was a choice between a toothpaste squeezer, reusable grocery bag, or a little thing to grow basil in. He then talked about how he has smoked basil and just about anything that you can think of. He followed that up with «I once got so drunk, I shaved every square inch of my body. I can’t believe I’m telling you that. First time in 33 years». He shook my hand. That creeped out the girls that we were with. He said that he also wanted to order an African Bullfrog so he could lick it and get high from the secretions of the creature. He tried to order but the pet shop said it was illegal and he could not have it. He did however own a Rose-​haired Tarantula. His cat ate one of his other spiders. He moved out of Lakewood and down to Berea. He was mad about Lakewood. Berea offered a lower population density and this appealed to the man. I opted for the free can of basil.

Your Monsters just clinched a playoff spot! Go to see Cleveland’s winningest team play! The games are always lots of fun, with entertainment for the whole family. And hockey is addictive — you can’t just go once!

I hate following such good reviews, especially when the person quotes Slap Shot, one of my favorite movies all time! Great review Jason.
He’s right. What a great venue to watch a game. I just love the feel of a hockey game, the cool feeling in the air, the Zamboni song, and drinking a beer while watching two brutes beat the living snot out of each other. Now that’s a family night out on the town if I ever heard of one.
I usually hit probably 6 – 10 games a year and really enjoy the way the Q puts together a game. Lots of promotional games and every Friday is dollar dog day. As for seating I think there really is two options, either up against the glass or up in the 2^nd level where you can see everything. Don’t bother too much with the glass level seats unless you manage to sneak up there without being caught.
I played for 18 years and its in my blood so maybe that’s what is steering me to a 4.5 star review. But as a up and coming dad, I can tell you that girl or boy, this kid will be at this arena with me at least twice a month.
Side Note: I’m actually a Red Wing fan so for me to watch Avalanche affiliate Monsters play and actually cheer them on, that’s tough. I do go to all Griffins /​Monsters games.

Despite hockey’s beer guzzling, fight-​prone reputation, this is actually some pretty family friendly entertainment. The organization makes it a good time for people of all ages. It’s not nearly as flamboyant (obnoxious) and pompous as a Cavs game. Maybe it’s because the cheerleaders can’t actually get on the ice. Or because the mascot, a seagull, doesn’t do the tired dunking off of a trampoline bit every stupid NBA mascot does. They even let two pee wee hockey teams play during intermission. It was better than the actual game.
The beer choices were slim and expensive. If you marvel at the fact that you can still get a decent brew at most bars for 3 to 5 bucks, try the Q for that authentic big city price gauging people move to New York to experience. $ 6.75 for a Bud Select. You read that right, Bud select. The concession folks are all hard working and friendly. The other staff at the Q seems very disinterested in their work. But you don’t really need people with walkie talkies standing every five feet apart, so it doesn’t matter if they work or not.
Our seats were in the nosebleeds, which is fun if you just want to stretch out and talk to your friends. We later moved down closer. That provided more of a feeling of being part of the action. That’s where we saw the capper of the evening– –little boys taking their shirts off and twirling them over their heads like drunken football fans. It was hilarious.
The tix were free, but i could see paying around ten to maybe go see some hot shots from the NHL playing on a farm team until they recover from injury or whatever. It was also As Seen on TV giveaway night. I got a jupiter jack that turns your car speakers into a speaker for your cell phone. It kind of works. I still prefer to text and drive myself. Best thing was hockey does not draw the crowds of the other three major sports, so there was plenty of street parking.