When Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers mascot, made his debut in 2018, I was skeptical like many others but within days became a fan of the googly eyed orange furball. Watching his antics, stunts and social media over the past few years has even made my 81 yo mom a fan. Gritty’s Instagram will always make your day better. So, when the Flyers debuted a special new fan and family section this year, Gritty’s Chaos Corner, we had to try it. We would become “Gritzens” of Gritty’s world for the game. It was my birthday and I thought what better way to spend the day than at the Flyers game with the internet sensation Gritty, my family and the famous Chickie’s & Pete’s fries.
Gritty’s Chaos Corner Rules
Given Gritty’s propensity for chaos and fun, it’s no surprise that he has his own area now to wreak havoc with the assist of the very willing fans ready to endure all kinds of antics. You’ll also see the play by play on Gritty’s Instagram page if you want to be social media famous. We actually signed up for this by agreeing to sit in the special section on the ground level, section 122. This section is above the Zamboni tunnel entrance to the ice and near the goal which provides a fantastic view and experience with or without Gritty.
Gritty’s Chaos Corner has a few rules to it such as required chanting of “Let’s GO FLYERS” and for the little ones and those young at heart a “DANCE PARTY” when the Flyers score. For the rest of us, we have the option to volunteer for “games and shenanigans” which on the night of our visit meant having a full sheet cake thrown at your face. While it was my birthday, I’d rather eat cake than wear cake so I didn’t raise my hand for that game.
Gritty appears in Chaos Corner for the 1st and 3rd periods and wanders the arena during the 2nd period (often found mid-ice banging a drum for the LET’S GO FLYERS chant). When he is in Chaos Corner, he will walk to each row to take selfies with you and your group. Beware that the kids in nearby sections will scramble to get a selfie and Gritty’s attention. That happened to us as my niece was able to get a selfie but we couldn’t get my mom up quick enough before the mob of children encircled Gritty requiring a bit of his security team to help him navigate to the other rows of “Gritzens”.
Philadelphia Flyers
I’ve been a Flyers fan since I was a child watching the Broad Street Bullies win the Stanley Cup. It’s been a very (very) long time since the last pennant flew in the Flyers arena but I still love a good ice hockey game. The fights are much less frequent than they used to be and I’ve only witnessed two “hat tricks” (when fans throw their hats on the ice for the player scoring his third goal in the game) which was incredible to see. Win or lose the Flyers are a good time out with family or friends. Over the years, I’ve sat in the last row at the top of the arena, behind the net and a few club suites along the way. All seats had their pros and cons but I’ll be honest, the Gritty Chaos Corner seats were fantastic. We were in row 11 with an aisle seat and my mom declared “these are the best seats ever!” and we all agreed with mom, who was torn between all the good food, the hockey game and seeing Gritty.
How to Buy Tickets to Meet Gritty
Flyers tickets are tough to get as many long-time fans have season tickets. That said, we paid $60 per ticket plus fees for Gritty’s Chaos Corner. Gritty ticket pricing will vary as I’ve seen prices from $55 – $100+ per ticket before fees. https://www.nhl.com/flyers/fans/gritty
Gritty’s Chaos Corner Seats can only be bought via the link on the Flyers site (click on Fanzone, Meet Gritty, Buy Tickets). Once you click “Buy Tickets” a pop up will show you games, prices and how many seats are left (solo hockey fan tip – there are often single seats open). You will get the seat assignment after buying the seats. You will be seated in section 122 but won’t have control over row or seat location. We lucked out as there were six seats left for the game and were assigned four seats with an aisle. A pair of seats ahead of us was empty for most of the game. A couple would relocate themselves to the seats for the 3rd period as they were initially seated in the middle of many families with loud kids doing what Gritty asked them to do “be the loudest, rowdiest, most chaotic fans in the building”.
Philadelphia Flyers Game Parking
Parking at the Wells Fargo Center is either paid in advance for a barcode entry to general parking or pay by card only at the gate. We bought premium parking in Lot C ahead of the game – Lot C is closest to the main entrance. The main entrance is next to the Flyers Store for all your hockey merch, in the main atrium of escalators to the club suites and the second level and across from Gritty’s Chaos Corner, section 122. While the close location is great for less walking and direct access, the real benefit is the quick exit from the parking lot to Broad Street for all the highways.
Final Thoughts – Gritty’s Chaos Corner
I loved Gritty’s Chaos Corner and hope that the Flyers make this permanent feature as kids of all ages can enjoy the hockey game (don’t forget you are there for the hockey game) and the brush with sports mascot royalty. My mom loved it and is already asking when we are going back. Hopefully soon mom because you need that selfie with Gritty!
