The View from the Hot Seats

Confession: Before attending the Canucks vs. Oilers game last Friday as a guest of the Metropolis Hot Seats program, I'd never been to a Canucks game. (It seems kind of sacrilegious coming from a born-and-bred Vancouverite, doesn't it?) For those of you unfamiliar with the Metropolis Hot Seats program, it's a recurring contest that gives customers the chance to win exclusive Executive Suite tickets to concerts and Canucks games. The program began last August and has already provided numerous winners the chance to see Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, and Jack Johnson--just to name a few of the big-name performers--as well as a slew of sporting events.



The Hot Seats promise an incomparable experience. Instead of the noisy din and bad view you get from, say, the nosebleed section, you're ensconced in an intimate box high above the crowds with a sweeping view of the entire arena. Behind the seating area, black leather couches and bar stools offer a place to socialize between periods or have a drink. The Suite is also equipped with a small kitchenette and its own private bathroom--no need to suffer long lineups.



The other highlight was the food. Platters of fresh fruit and veggies, crackers and cheese, as well as an unending supply of popcorn and chips, were already set out for the Metropolis Hot Seats winners to enjoy when I arrived. Non-alcoholic beverages were cooling in the fridge. Later in the evening we enjoyed delicious sliders, chicken wings, and battered fried prawns. And to top it off, we had fresh warm cookies for dessert! Everyone exclaimed over the warm cookies and the comforting sugary smell wafting from them. Between the amazing view of the ice and all the food, the Canucks' 6-1 victory over the Oilers with a hat trick by Kesler, and the infectious enthusiasm of the fans that filled the arena, it was a wonderful evening indeed.

Many thanks to Sarah Wong of Metropolis at Metrotown for this fantastic experience! If you're curious about upcoming contests, check out their website for details, follow them on Twitter, or find them on Facebook. To get your own chance to be in the Hot Seats, inquire at the Metropolis at Metrotown customer service kiosks and fill out a ballot. Good luck to you if you do!