Overall my experience was great. I took the train to Broad St. and got on the free shuttle to the arena. It dropped us off round 6pm at the entrance under the offices, it only took a few minutes to get it in and the crowd wasn't bad. Everything looked great, the views were spectacular, and the entire place has just such a great hockey presence. 3 things that I did not like: 1.) At least on the lower concourse the food lines were SLOW, even though they were short. 2.) The Devils Den stores were so small it was a joke. 3.) My friend wanted to go outside to smoke, so I went with him figuring I'd get a nice walk around of the arena. The battle to the ONLY smoking area was like navigating through CAA once again. You had to go all the way out to one of the cylinders to smoke. Once out there I was talking to one of the workers who said that there are balconies outside, but you are not allowed to use them. This just brings me to the point that it seems like this place needs more space for non-club seat holders to go. With so many food vendors on the concourse area, theres no real good place to socialize or eat outside of your seats...unless of course you've got the premium tickets to enter the lounges, bar, restaurant etc...
On a better note, I felt the arena staff was superb. The food vendors were a different story, not pleased with them. The staff members were very helpful and friendly. I even had some small talk about the inner workings of the arena with one (guy in the black suit jacket... security guards?). This is a great new arena, and I think once they work the minor kinks out it will truly be even better. I also kept in mind that tonight was opening night and it was a full house which accounted for the crowding. So many in future games it'll be easier to get around.