The renovations at "The Nest" are complete, but I have not been back since it was finished. The colored tiles on the ceiling are now all black and makes the arena look much more open. The concourse now boasts an enclosed bar, complete with plasma screen televisions.

Parking: There is a parking deck across from the arena that used to be free, but I believe now costs $3.

Camera policy: Although your bag will be searched, there should be no problem.

Food: The food at "The Nest" is adequate arena fare and is reasonably priced. The beer is also reasonably priced as well.

Arena rating: n/a with renovations/ Food rating: **

Restaurant Recommendations: We ate at a fantastic barbecue restaurant within walking distance of the arena called Theodore'(201 Worthington Street). Although we jhave not ventured back after the game, Theodore's also has live blues as well. The food was awesome, including the ribs, brisket and chicken, and is very reasonably priced. This is one of the best restaurants we have encountered on our many road trips.

Another nice place to eat is Champion's Sports Bar (inside the Marriott Hotel, Corner of Boland Way & Columbus). The sliders and bacon/cheese fries were excellent and so was the clam chowder. Champion's gets pretty busy on Sunday's during football season

.If a quick pizza is what you are looking for, then Red Rose Pizzeria (1060 Main Street) is perfect! My only suggestion is that you get there no later than 5:00 for a 7:00 game. We had no problem getting in at 4:30, but when we were ready to leave at 6:00, the place was packed with a 30-40 minute wait. This isn't your typical 10 table pizzeria. From what it looked like, Red Rose has over 15 pizza ovens and the place is huge. The pizza was phenomenal. The rest of the menu is chocked with typical Italian fare. We also have had the lasagna which was great. One order is more than enough for two people as well

!If you stay in West Springfield, we would also recommend a restaurant called 99 Restaurant and Pub (1053 Riverdale Drive, directly behind the Hampton Inn). They have excellent burgers and the French Onion soup was very tasty as well. 99 is open late, so a post-game beer or dessert is an option as well.

Approximately 15 minutes away is the Northampton Brewery (11 Brewster Court, Northampton) which was very good. The menu features typical pub fare, so everyone in your group will have no problem finding something to eat. We started with the black bean dip, which was very tasty. We then enjoyed the Green Mountain Bacon and Cheddar burger and the Blackened Bleu burger. The Redheaded Stepchild Ale was also very good. Prices are very reasonable and the service was good as well.