Hockey season is officially underway in Winston-Salem, and there’s no better time to experience the Twin City Thunderbirds in action at the Fairgrounds Annex. This season marks the first under the team’s fresh new identity — the formerly Carolina Thunderbirds are now the Twin City Thunderbirds, a name chosen to honor both cities of Winston and Salem and reflect the region’s shared heritage.  As the team kicks off another high-energy season, fans old and new are filling the seats, ready for fast-paced play, big hits, and the signature electric atmosphere that makes Thunderbirds hockey one of the Triad’s most underrated entertainment experiences.

 

Whether you’re a family looking for something fun, a couple planning a date night, or a group of friends wanting an adrenaline-packed evening, here’s exactly what to expect at a Thunderbirds game this season — including everything from the on-ice action to the food, fan experience, and yes… the occasional hockey fight.

 

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🎉 A Game Day Atmosphere You Can Feel the Moment You Walk In

Before you even find your seat, you’ll feel the energy of the crowd. Thunderbirds fans are loud, loyal, and proud, and they show up ready to cheer. The Annex Arena fills with music, chants, and the unmistakable sound of blades on ice echoing through a building that’s been home to hockey for decades.

 

The team creates a family-friendly yet electric environment — with kids waving foam fingers, adults enjoying cold drinks, the mascot Winston hyping up the crowd, and the boards shaking every time a player gets checked. If you love the mix of nostalgia and excitement, a Thunderbirds game delivers.

 

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🧊 Fast-Paced Hockey That Even First-Time Fans Love

You don’t need to know hockey rules to enjoy the show. FPHL hockey is:

 

• Fast

• Physical

• High-scoring

• Easy to follow

 

Because the Annex is small compared to major arenas, every seat feels close to the action — you’ll see and hear every shot, hit, and save. Breakaways, big goals, and momentum swings happen constantly, keeping even casual fans engaged from start to finish.

 

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🥊 Let’s Talk About the Fights — Yes, They Happen

 

While the league has rules and penalties for fighting, it’s absolutely still part of the minor-league hockey experience.

Here's what to expect:

 

• Fights are spontaneous but not uncommon

• They’re quick, intense, and always get the crowd roaring

• Players typically separate on their own or with referee intervention

• Both skaters head to the penalty box afterward

 

Fans love it. The energy in the arena spikes instantly — the roar, the stomping, the excitement — it’s something you won’t get at most other sporting events. And despite the intensity, families regularly attend and consider it part of the fun and tradition of the sport.

 

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🍔 Budget-Friendly Food, Drinks & Merch

 

Concessions at the Fairgrounds Annex are refreshingly affordable. Expect:

• Hot dogs

• Pretzels

• Nachos

• Popcorn

• Local beer options

• Thunderbirds gear (jerseys, hats, hoodies, mini sticks)

 

Compared to professional sports arenas, you’ll save money and still enjoy the classic game-day snacks.

 

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🧒 A Great Family Outing — Surprisingly So

 

Despite the hard hits and occasional fights, Thunderbirds games are very family-friendly.

 

• Kids love Winston the mascot

• There are fun theme nights throughout the season

• Intermission games keep kids entertained

• Chuck-a-puck competitions get the entire arena involved

Plenty of parents say it’s their kids’ favorite winter activity.

 

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🚗 Easy Parking & Stress-Free Logistics

Parking at the Fairgrounds is one of the hidden perks — it’s easy, close, and far less stressful than trying to navigate downtown.

Most fans arrive 20–30 minutes before puck drop, making it simple to grab food, find your seat, and settle in without feeling rushed.

 

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🎟️ Why You Should Go This Season

 

With the new Twin City Thunderbirds season just beginning, this is the perfect time to jump into the action. The energy is high, the players are hungry, and every game feels like a fresh start. Whether you’re cheering a slapshot goal, watching a power play unfold, laughing at the mascot, or joining the roar of the crowd after a fight, you’ll understand why locals love Thunderbirds hockey.

 

It’s fun. It’s affordable. It’s fast. And it’s right here in Winston-Salem.