15 Playoff Fever Trips That Sports Fans Should Take This May

May is one of the best months to be a sports fan in North America. With the NBA and NHL playoffs in full swing, cities across the U.S. and Canada are buzzing with excitement—and tickets, atmosphere, and hometown pride are all turned up to 11.

Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or just love the thrill of a high-stakes game, these 15 cities are hosting the matchups that matter most. From iconic arenas to underdog stories, here’s where the action—and the adventure—is.

1. Madison Square Garden – New York City, NY (Knicks)

There’s something electric about playoff basketball here. If the series goes the distance, this venue is set to host Game 7 on Saturday, May 3, 2025, as the Knicks aim to close out their first-round playoff battle in dramatic fashion.

The energy builds hours before tip-off, and once inside, it’s a nonstop roar from start to finish. Every possession feels like it matters, and fans hang on every shot like it’s a championship decider.

2. TD Garden – Boston, MA (Celtics)

Postseason games here feel like a battle. The Celtics could take the floor for Game 6 on Thursday, May 1, and Game 7 on Saturday, May 3, depending on how their series against the Magic unfolds.

The crowd is dialed in from the national anthem to the final buzzer, and there’s no shortage of intensity on the court or in the stands. Expect big plays, louder boos, and cheers that shake the rafters.

3. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse – Cleveland, OH (Cavaliers)

The playoff buzz hits as soon as you walk through the doors. The Cavaliers will tip off the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pacers with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2025 on their home court.

It’s the kind of venue where you can feel the adrenaline before the first whistle. And when the home team hits a three, it’s like the roof’s about to come off.

4. Ball Arena – Denver, CO (Nuggets)

This crowd brings serious energy to every game. The defending champs are slated to host Game 4 of their first-round series against the Clippers on Saturday, May 3, keeping the pressure high on home ice and hardwood.

The altitude may affect the players, but it definitely doesn’t slow down the fans. Fast breaks, clutch shots, and home-court momentum? You’ll see them all in Denver’s Ball Arena.

5. Target Center – Minneapolis, MN (Timberwolves)

This is the kind of place where the playoffs feel personal. If needed, this arena will host Game 6 of Minnesota’s first-round series, with the date to be finalized based on earlier outcomes.

Every steal, dunk, and block is met with huge reactions from fans who’ve waited years for this moment. The noise levels aren’t just loud—they’re passionate.

6. Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, CA (Lakers)

There’s playoff pressure and then there’s spotlight pressure—and this place has both. Playoff basketball returns here in mid-May with Games 3 and 4 of the Conference Semifinals expected between May 8–12, 2025, exact dates pending.

The crowd is a mix of die-hard fans and famous faces, and they’re all locked in when the postseason tips off. The pace is fast, the lights are bright, and the expectations are sky-high.

7. Paycom Center – Oklahoma City, OK (Thunder)

It gets loud in here—really loud. The fans don’t just react to the action; they fuel it. The Thunder are preparing to host first-round playoff games in May, with the schedule to be confirmed once matchups and outcomes are finalized.

Every run feels bigger, every stop more crucial, and when the team gets rolling, the atmosphere is absolutely electric.

8. Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON (Maple Leafs)

The minute the puck drops, it’s all-out intensity. A potential Game 7 on Saturday, May 3, 2025, could determine whether the Maple Leafs advance, pending the results of earlier matchups.

Hits, goals, and saves are met with thunderous reactions in The Scotiabank Arena, and the energy never dips. Overtime? Pure mayhem.

9. T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV (Golden Knights)

This arena knows how to put on a show. Fans here may witness a winner-takes-all Game 7 against the Wild on May 3, depending on how the first six games of the series play out.

From pre-game theatrics to crowd chants, the entire experience feels supercharged. It’s loud, it’s fast-paced, and the fans show up ready to win.

10. Rogers Place – Edmonton, AB (Oilers)

Every shift here is played at full throttle, and the crowd matches that intensity. This Canadian powerhouse is set to host Game 6 on Thursday, May 1, and, if needed, Game 7 on Saturday, May 3, in their series against the Kings.

You’ll hear chants, air horns, and cheers that rattle the glass. It’s old-school hockey meets modern madness in Rogers Place.

11. American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX (Stars)

The crowd here has that mix of southern hospitality and postseason passion. A possible Game 6 against the Avalanche will be played here, with the exact date to be determined as the series progresses.

It starts strong and gets louder with every goal. Don’t be surprised if the whole building’s on its feet by the third period.

12. PNC Arena – Raleigh, NC (Hurricanes)

The playoff vibe here is surprisingly wild. The second round brings playoff excitement with Game 3 on Thursday, May 9, and Game 4 on Saturday, May 11, both hosted at this arena.

Fans tailgate like it’s football, and once inside the PNC Arena, they don’t let up. Chants, towels, and non-stop noise—it’s a full-on experience.

13. Amerant Bank Arena – Sunrise, FL (Panthers)

Inside, the AC is cold—but the crowd is on fire. If their series stretches, this venue will host Game 6 against the Lightning on Friday, May 2, giving fans another high-stakes night.

Playoff hockey in Sunrise has a tropical twist, but don’t mistake laid-back vibes for low energy. It gets intense fast, and the fans don’t hold back.

14. Ball Arena – Denver, CO (Avalanche)

When the team is on the ice, the energy is nonstop. This arena will again host the action with Game 6 of the first-round series against the Stars, with dates dependent on series development.

The crowd reacts to every shot and every hit with playoff-level urgency. There’s no easing into it—the Ball Arena is all in from puck drop.

15. Madison Square Garden – New York City, NY (Rangers)

The crowd brings old-school passion and big-stage intensity. Should their second-round series continue past four games, Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2025, bringing playoff tension back to the Garden.

The chants echo through every period, and when a goal is scored, the noise is unreal. Every game feels like a final.