LVGEA Endorses Las Vegas NHL Team

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance passed a resolution today encouraging the National Hockey League to strongly consider an expansion team in Las Vegas.

“Las Vegas is the largest city in the nation without a pro sports team, and a NHL team here would do wonders for both our community and economy,” said Tom R. Skancke, CEO of the LVGEA. “There’s an obvious positive impact of jobs, tourism, and media exposure from televised games. But this is also about community pride. So often in Clark County we find ways to divide ourselves by politics, industry, local jurisdiction, and many other things. A key tenet of the LVGEA is fostering regional unity, and a NHL team in Las Vegas would aid those efforts.”

The LVGEA endorses the actions undertaken thus far by entrepreneur and businessman Bill Foley, along with the Maloof family, who have pre-sold more than 11,000 season ticket deposits for a privately financed Las Vegas-based NHL team through Hockey Vision Las Vegas, LLC.

Meanwhile, MGM Resorts International and AEG broke ground in May on a privately financed, 650,000 square-foot, $375 million, arena that will host a potential NHL team as early as the 2017-2018 season.

In its resolution, the LVGEA noted that Mr. Foley has shown a commitment to Las Vegas by buying a home in Summerlin and pledging to relocate one of his companies to the region. Through his actions, he has supported the high quality of life and excellent business environment in Southern Nevada.

“Bill Foley has shown he’s dedicated to Southern Nevada,” Skancke said. “It’s also important for the community here to show the NHL that we’re committed to the vision of a hockey team in Las Vegas. I hope this is just one of many small gestures individual businesses and business groups will be taking in the coming weeks and months to show support for a professional hockey team in Las Vegas.”