Viva Las Vegas. There are probably tens of thousands of Las Vegas sayings. It is a one of a kind city.
If you want world class entertainment, fine dining, and weather to make you forget winter is on the way, Vegas is the place.
Hockey. In Vegas?
While many people frowned upon the NHL venturing to Sin City, and many do not believe it will survive in the desert, I was not one of those people.
I have been an ardent supporter of UNLV and their quest to have an NCAA program, while currently supporting their ACHA program. Our company makes a point of being at every Las Vegas showcase in some capacity.
So, when the opportunity came up to spend an evening watching the NHL dress rehearsal, I couldn’t pass it up.
A colleague and I traveled west to see if the entertainment capital of the world could pull off an NHL presentation. We went with every intention of being hyper critical in observing not only the game but the arena, and the amenities.
First and foremost, lets get the team grading out of the way. The Knights are bad. Not a good hockey team. It is what it is. When you lose to the Avalanche, as bad as they are, you don’t have much talent.
Ok. So that was the bad news.
The game presentation, as far as quality of announcers, arena staff, and in game promotions. The effort was a ten out of ten, and the product was an eight out of ten. Again, being hyper critical and comparing it to the rest of the NHL’s experienced organizations.
The arena. It is simply the nicest building I have been in thus far. While the NHL has some nice buildings, T-Mobile Arena is a work of art. This building was built for hockey first and everything else is second.
The acoustics, video, sightlines and amenities are second to none. From private decks outside, to community areas suspended above the courtyard, this was a design with the customer in mind.
The food and beverage service? Are you kidding me? This was simply better than some fine dining experiences I have had anywhere in the world.
Luxury boxes? There is now a new definition for luxury and service and T-Mobile Arena sets the new standard.
Over all, if the team ever comes close to matching the arena and presentation, Las Vegas will have a winner. If you get a chance to catch a game there, if you can get tickets, it is a cant miss opportunity.
Joseph Kolodziej – Publisher
