lvs
There’s a lot of reasons for the NHL NOT to expand to Las Vegas: Possible gambling connotations; the state of the American economy- and that’s not even factoring in the fact that a giant desert doesn’t exactly bring to mind ice hockey. I’m a big fan of the idea though- here’s six reasons why hockey in Vegas COULD work!

1. They’ve already got a freaking building!
I’ll let this drone video speak for itself. Pretty cool, eh?

2. AIR CONDITIONING
Las Vegas IS in the middle of the desert so what better way to cool off than going into a climate controlled building for a hockey game! Worried about Ice Quality? Please- if we can put an outdoor game in Los Angeles- we have the technology!

3. Revenue for the NHL
Clearly there is a demand for an NHL team in Sin City with funds already being secured with a season ticket drive- but aside from that the sponsorship opportunities are endless. The NHL would be the first pro-sports franchise in Vegas which makes it very attractive to advertisers who might otherwise shy away from hockey. The tourism industry in Las Vegas will want to be featured prominently- and surely the hotels will jockey for televised spots. Another big deal in Nevada is the UFC- and without suggesting sending NHL goons into the Octagon surely some kind of cross promotion could help out both brands.

4. High Rollers
The locals will want to support the team of course- but Casino owners are known for a little brown-nosing with their high rollers. One would assume the major casinos would be very interested in securing VIP suites to shmooze clients.

5. Player morale
Yes yes yes, it’s all about focusing on what’s happening on the ice but the NHL has one of the longest and most grueling schedules in pro sports. 82 games can really wear on ya- especially if your team is on a losing skid. A well timed day off after a Vegas game could be the bonding session the team needs. Assuming nobody pulls a Jarret Stoll that is. Even if the players aren’t there to party- Vegas has some pretty luxurious hotels that would surely be a highlight of any teams road trip.

6. Tourism
Millions of adults the world over head to Vegas annually for some fun on the strip. And sure sometimes it’s for music festivals, conferences or just when there’s a cheap deal on flights- but what NHL fan wouldn’t want to book a weekend trip when his teams in town? And how many great promotions and contests can the other 30 (or most likely 31) teams sell within their own market? Join the Edmonton Oilers in Las Vegas this weekend with an all inclusive two night stay at the MGM Grand! Enter to win a trip to see your Ottawa Senators in Vegas- and enjoy a champagne hot stove with the coaching staff!