Mark Stone celebrates with the Stanley Cup after the Vegas Golden Knights won the NHL Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, June 13, 2023.
Jeff Speer | Icon Sportswire | Getty Images
The Vegas Golden Knights triumphantly claimed the Stanley Cup, securing the league’s championship title with a decisive 4-1 series victory over the unexpected contenders, the Florida Panthers.
In just six seasons in the NHL, the Golden Knights have defied expectations and risen to the top of the hockey world. This outstanding achievement is a testament to owner Bill Foley’s vision and the team’s remarkable performance.
What makes their success even more impressive is that the Golden Knights are an expansion team based in Las Vegas, a city not traditionally associated with professional team sports, especially ice hockey.
The support for the Golden Knights has reached new heights, with influential figures in Las Vegas embracing the team. According to MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle, the atmosphere at T-Mobile Arena during the Stanley Cup Final was electric.
Beyond hockey, the Golden Knights’ triumph showcases Las Vegas’ transformation into a major sports destination under the leadership of former MGM CEO Jim Murren. Murren not only championed the Golden Knights but also played a role in bringing the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces to the city before the team was sold to Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis in 2021.
Davis, who has fully embraced Las Vegas as a sports destination, moved his football franchise, the Raiders, to the city in 2020. The team’s Allegiant Stadium will host the Super Bowl for the first time next year.
Golden glamor
The Golden Knights have consistently been strong contenders since their inaugural season, capturing the hearts of fans and making it to the Stanley Cup finals in 2018. Their journey to success includes multiple appearances in the conference finals and only one missed playoff opportunity.
The team’s home games are often sold out, attracting both locals and tourists. The city of Las Vegas enthusiastically supports the Golden Knights, as demonstrated by MGM Resorts draping a jersey on its replica Statue of Liberty outside New York New York.
The community spirit surrounding the Golden Knights extends to the entire sports scene in Las Vegas. According to Horbuckle, the city is experiencing an exciting time as it solidifies its position as a top sports and entertainment destination.
Las Vegas native Sandra Douglass Morgan, now the president of the Raiders, believes that her hometown has all the elements to captivate sports fans worldwide with its entertainment, dining, shopping, and gambling options.
In addition to hockey, Las Vegas is leveraging its casinos for the upcoming Formula 1 race in November, with luxurious weekend packages available. Furthermore, plans for a Major League Baseball team relocating to Las Vegas are in motion, with the Oakland A’s signing agreements and the Nevada Senate recently approving a bill to fund a new stadium.
While rumors persist about a potential NBA expansion team, for now, Las Vegas remains devoted to the Golden Knights, proudly supporting their triumphant rise to become the kings of hockey.
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