[ChrisRabior]

I'd go with both for the first time you're out. If you end up shooting from the media gallery, the 300 is going to be clutch. I'm usually pretty happy with the 70-200 range. Guess it's more preference.

As I said, lighting is a tossup. One of my favorite places to shoot at here is a total hole, but the lighting is spectacular. One of the nicest venues has the worst lighting out of them all. Just remember to set your WB accordingly.

I usually keep the hood on. I've found I get a bit too close to the glass and every so often someone makes a hit that shakes the boards from end to end. You really don't want your front element bouncing off of the glass when it rebounds. I have a lot of issues shooting with my 28-75, bc the focus seems to try to lock onto the scuffs on the boards. I guess that's what got me really used to shooting so close. Your focus limiting switches should do the trick for ya. Mine is usually set at 3m.