Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Golden Knights to submit plan to bring fans back to T-Mobile Arena next month

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Steve Marcus

Fans cheer a goal by Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Edmonton Oilers at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020.

Golden Knights fans could return to T-Mobile Arena as soon as two weeks from now.

Following the announcement from Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak last week that large gatherings can be expanded to include sporting events, a Golden Knights spokesman confirmed Monday that the team will submit a plan for government approval to welcome back spectators for home games.

If approved, the Golden Knights could host up to 20% capacity (about 3,500 fans) as soon as March 1. Vegas hosts the Minnesota Wild on that day and has 17 home games from that date onward.

“It would be fantastic news. We miss our fans,” general manager Kelly McCrimmon told the Sun. “Fans are going to make a world of a difference and I know they’re anxious to get back and watch us. We’re anxious to have them.”

Under previous state restrictions, large gatherings like sporting events were capped at 50, too small a number for the Golden Knights to consider. Under the new regulations released Thursday, organizations were permitted to begin filing plans for considerations starting Monday. Even with approval, no large gatherings can be held before March 1.

The Golden Knights have played 13 games this season and 10 at home with no fans. One of their road games was in San Jose, which does not currently allow fans.

Two games have been in Arizona against the Coyotes, where capacity restrictions allow for spectators. McCrimmon said that even having 20% of a full building is a major difference.

“It really was a much better atmosphere than the games we’ve been part of with no fans,” McCrimmon said. “We can’t wait to get people back in our building.”

If the Golden Knights' plan is approved, they will release information about tickets and entry requirements at that time.

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