Photo credit Vegas Golden Knights
Golden Knights are becoming an integral part of our Golden City! Las Vegas is thrilled and excited to welcome its first hockey team as it attracts hockey fans from all over the country.
“The most successful teams always embrace the identity of the city where they play. Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, and expectations come with playing here. People are expecting us to be different— they expect a big show. I think when you go to a Golden Knights game you’re going to walk away, regardless of a win or loss— saying that it was a great experience and you want to go back,” said Eric Tosi, Vice President of Communications & Content for Vegas Golden Knights.
T-Mobile Arena is the new home for Vegas Golden Knights. Conveniently located at the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard, fans will be able to watch live hockey games and then stroll around the strip surrounded by world-class restaurants, bars, and entertainment all within walking distance. T-Mobile Arena literally has no bad seats; no matter where you sit, you’ll be able to enjoy the game.
Tosi was pleased to note that their local TV partner ROOT Sports Rocky Mountain HD and AT&T SportsNet will be broadcasting and livestreaming all the games in high-defintion. Back in the day, we used to watch hockey on black and white screens and could barely follow the puck. That’s where the skill of a commentator would come into play and you learned to appreciate the ability to share the spectacular fast paced action as it unfolded with enthusiasm. Today, we are able to enjoy the hockey game in high-definition and in color with a great crew of commentators.
Kerry Bubolz, Vegas Golden Knights President, welcomed Dave Goucher as a first Golden Knights TV announcer, Shane Hnidy as TV commentator, and Dan D’Uva as teams radio announcer. For full coverage, tune into radio FOX Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM. Broadcasts are promising to be fun and sharp, based on the extensive professional hockey experience of these brilliant individuals.
With about 82 games scheduled over the span of 7 months with 2-3 games per week, it will have an impact on our community. Locals might stress due to potential of having more traffic. In response to this, Tosi reassured that they are in contact with MGM, T-Mobile Arena, and local Transit Authorities to coordinate alternate ways to direct traffic. On a good note, most of the MGM properties are within walking distance. There is also a possibility of a shuttle leaving from Red Rock Hotel and Casino in Summerlin and transporting fans directly to the Arena.
“We understand everyones concerns, and are listening and planning diligently to make it an enjoyable experience — because that’s what ultimately matters,” explained Tosi.
The Vegas Golden Knights practice facility which has been branded City National Arena, located next to Red Rock Casino in Summerlin, is expected to cost between $25 million to $30 million. The team will start training camp on September 8th. The 146,000-square-foot facility with two NHL ice rinks, will boast a slew of amenities from players lounge, team locker rooms with showers and sauna, and massage rooms to accommodate the team. The state-of-the-art facility will start with two practice sessions per day for the team. Morning practice will be starting at 10:30am in the morning. Evening sessions will be for other half of the players. Schedules will vary from week to week and from month to month.
City National Arena will serve the community at large and will open its state-of-the-art facility to all of Las Vegas to enjoy. It will host youth hockey leagues and UNLV hockey, in addition to the Golden Knights.
“The fun part about working here is the excitement and the enterprenual spirit that comes along with it. Everybody embraces the amount of work and knows there is going to be long hours and there will be some challenges along the way, but we will make it an amazing experience,” said Tosi.
Make sure to come out and support the team!