On Saturday, thousands of Vegas Golden Knights fans gathered along the Las Vegas Strip to celebrate the team’s Stanley Cup victory in a parade and rally in front of the team’s home arena. This marked the first NHL championship for the city.
The event held significant meaning, as it evoked memories of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history that occurred five years prior. Guests staying in hotel rooms with views of the parade route were awoken by security guards conducting checks for weapons or other potential threats.
The motorcade route traveled from Flamingo Road to Tropicana Avenue, culminating in a fan rally at Toshiba Plaza and the Park District in front of T-Mobile Arena. The Las Vegas police had prepared for a crowd of up to 100,000 people to line the streets along Las Vegas Boulevard, similar to the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks shows that have drawn approximately 400,000 people in previous years.
Despite some instances of people breaching barricades and climbing fences, the overall crowd remained orderly. Above the stage where the hockey players stood with the trophy, a banner displayed the names of the victims of the October 2017 mass shooting that took place in Las Vegas, during which 58 people lost their lives and over 850 were injured.
People in attendance at the celebration recalled the shooting and recognized the role the Golden Knights played in helping to rebuild the spirit of the community. The team, comprised of players drafted from other NHL teams, embraced survivors, first responders, and volunteers, becoming an integral part of the “Vegas Strong” events aimed at healing the community’s trauma.
The Golden Knights had made a remarkable impact in their first year as an expansion franchise, defying expectations by making the playoffs and advancing to the championship series. Though they fell short in the Stanley Cup Final against the Washington Capitals, their performance instilled hope and excitement in the city.
This year, the Golden Knights had an impressive playoff run, never facing elimination and ultimately defeating the Florida Panthers 9-3 in Game 5. Captain Mark Stone recorded a three-goal hat trick, and Jonathan Marchessault was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
Marchessault, along with five other original members of the Golden Knights expansion team, had the honor of hoisting the Stanley Cup during the post-game celebrations. Throughout the week, players were spotted celebrating at various renowned resorts along the parade route, including Caesars Palace, Bellagio, MGM Grand, and more.
It’s worth noting that the parade route, arena, and plaza had previously hosted a championship victory celebration in September for the Las Vegas Aces, who won the WNBA Championship. The Aces, a women’s basketball team, also play their home games at T-Mobile Arena.