The events are wonderfully laid back which allows you to feel closer to the action in the same way you might connect in a different way with high school or college sports than you do professional sports. None of the players, refs, or announcers are paid, so you know that everybody is there because they have a passion for what they do.
I always leave the bouts in a very "GIRL POWER!" kind of mood, which to me is worth the price of admission (getting pizza downtown before the games is also a perk). My friend was so inspired by the bouts last year that she actually joined one of the training camps and has started getting really into the sport. While I don't think that I'm ready to buy myself some skates, I was thinking about buying season tickets. Not sure if it's still possible, but I know for sure I will be at the bout next month!