LAS VEGAS (AP) — A massive gathering of Vegas Golden Knights supporters, numbering in the tens of thousands or possibly more, is anticipated in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip this Saturday. The occasion is a grand celebration and rally commemorating the team’s historic achievement of winning their inaugural NHL championship, the Stanley Cup.
Las Vegas law enforcement authorities have made necessary arrangements in preparation for the event, expecting a crowd of up to 100,000 individuals to converge along Las Vegas Boulevard. This jubilant gathering is being likened to the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacles that have attracted an estimated 400,000 attendees in previous years. Despite the scorching temperatures, which are projected to reach the 90s during the evening, fans are eager to participate.
To facilitate the celebratory procession, the Strip will be temporarily closed. The motorcade will kick off at 7 p.m. in close proximity to Flamingo Road and continue for approximately one mile (1.6 kilometers) until it reaches Tropicana Avenue. The festivities will culminate in a fan rally at Toshiba Plaza and the Park District, situated in front of the iconic T-Mobile Arena.
It is worth noting that the Golden Knights made their debut at the T-Mobile Arena in October 2017, a mere few days after a tragic incident in which a gunman perpetrated the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. This championship victory holds a special significance for the team and the city, symbolizing resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
The players, who had affectionately referred to themselves as the Golden Misfits, wholeheartedly embraced the survivors, first responders, and volunteers of the tragic incident. Over the years, the team has evolved into an integral component of the “Vegas Strong” initiatives, which aim to foster community healing in the aftermath of the trauma.
Renowned team owner Bill Foley gained attention when he boldly predicted that the Golden Knights would secure a playoff spot within three years and clinch the Stanley Cup within six years of their establishment. Surprising many skeptics, the franchise defied expectations by not only qualifying for the playoffs in their inaugural year but also progressing to the championship series. Although they ultimately fell short, losing in five games to the Washington Capitals, their remarkable journey left an indelible mark on the hockey world.
In a remarkable display of dominance, the Golden Knights sailed through the playoffs this year without ever facing an elimination game. Their outstanding performance culminated in a resounding victory over the Florida Panthers, with a commanding 9-3 win in Game 5 on Tuesday. Notably, team captain Mark Stone delivered an impressive three-goal performance, known as a “hat trick.” The accolades continued as Jonathan Marchessault was awarded the prestigious Conn Smythe Trophy, recognizing him as the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs.
Marchessault holds a special place among the team’s original members, known as the “Original Six” of the Golden Knights expansion team. Alongside Reilly Smith, William Karlsson, Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb, and William Carrier, Marchessault and his teammates were among the first to experience the exhilaration of hoisting the Stanley Cup during the post-game celebrations.
Throughout the week, sightings of the players reveling in their triumph have been reported at various renowned nightspots located within the glittering resorts that line the parade route. These iconic establishments include Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Bellagio, Horseshoe, Paris Las Vegas, Cosmopolitan, Planet Hollywood, New York-New York, Aria, and MGM Grand.
Interestingly, the parade route, along with the arena and plaza, previously hosted a victory celebration in September of the previous year when the Las Vegas Aces, the city’s women’s basketball team, triumphed over the Connecticut Sun to claim the WNBA Championship. T-Mobile Arena serves as the home venue for both the Golden Knights and the Aces, fostering a shared sense of championship success within the Las Vegas community.
