Looks like an NHL team is coming to Las Vegas

[Babe_Ruth]

The Associated PressVerified account‏@AP
APNewsBreak: Source says NHL settles on Las Vegas as choice for expansion.

This does not surprise me because the NHL is run by a bunch of morons. Personally, I don’t see this working well at all.

 

[Unity]

Y'know, if the Raiders move there too I could see it getting some attention. I just worry about that region's fanbase and its loyalty to hockey. Would I rather see a team in KC or the return of the Nordiques? Sure. That being said, the amount of tourists combined with the native population could lead to a lot of tickets being sold. I guess we'll see because it sounds like it's happening haha.

 

[Millz]

ONLY Las Vegas though? I thought it would be both them and Quebec?

I think having franchises in Vegas is smart...I get it...its hot...but its freaking Vegas.

 

[Unity]

ONLY Las Vegas though? I thought it would be both them and Quebec?

I think having franchises in Vegas is smart...I get it...its hot...but its freaking Vegas.

Well maybe/hopefully they're just indicating that Vegas is definitely one of them.

 

[Major]

Another terrible decision by the NHL. Vegas is not going to support a hockey team.

 

[Millz]

Stupid question but wouldn't they have done market research first?

The NHL beats the NFL there but if I'm the NFL I'm happy...they can sit back and watch how this works. If people are allowed to gamble on the home team I could see it working.

 

[Babe_Ruth]

They do research, no doubt, but not always good one. Case and point, the Panthers and Atlanta. Who thought it was a good idea to put two hockey teams in the Florida area? Like seriously?!

People won’t go to Vegas to watch Hockey. It’s like the Heat when they’re not winning – people don’t go to Miami to watch Basketball games.

 

[Crypticshock]

With the current Canadian dollar they would be playing $600-650M for the expansion fee. They could get a relocation team for $400M or less. What one would you take? Now - another note - if you are the NHL and there is a team in dire help (which there could be a few) - would you rather relocate to a traditional hockey city in Quebec City or a risky venture in Las Vegas? Simple answer!

We will find out Quebec's fate by the 22nd. I think they are out. With the dollar dropping from the $0.80 mark again, they are not willing to pay that expansion fee. Now they could defer Quebec's bid until next year to see if the currency is in better shape - or they will be first in line if there is a relocation.

Whatever happens; the league needs 32 or 28 teams to make sense. They are not going to 28.

 

[Millz]

The more and more I think about it, the more and more I think this is a brilliant move by the NHL.

Vegas isn't the same as Florida...just because its hot doesn't mean hockey won't work there. It works in Dallas, it works in Tampa. The heat means nothing.

They've already sold, what, 13,000 season tickets? They have had minor league hockey teams there that have had great attendance. People from other markets will travel there to catch their team playing in Vegas. You take in the sights and the glamour and watch some hockey as well.

And lastly...tourists. Sure, there's a lot to do there but this is an added attraction in a city full of them. The casinos in the area will give out tickets to "high rollers" to help fill the arena.

I dunno...I struggle to see a downside here. It's hot doesn't count as a reason anymore IMO. No fanbase there...I guess that is something? Maybe?

 

[Crypticshock]

The 13,000 seats were sold at a 10% down deposit. I'd wager the third party ticket sellers had a field day! It will be new and shiny for the first couple years so they better turn a winning team before that wears off... The big money is in the suite sells and season tickets. Tourists don't buy suites or season tickets.