The Vegas Golden Knights planned AHL affiliate will play the 2020-21 season at Orleans Arena, pending approval for the purchase and relocation of the San Antonio Rampage franchise membership.
Last week, it was announced that the Golden Knights had reached an agreement to purchase the Rampage franchise membership from Sports Sports & Entertainment. Should they receive the necessary approvals from the AHL board of governors, the Golden Knights will relocate the team to Henderson/Las Vegas in time for the 2020-21 AHL season.
Additional details emerged on Wednesday, when the Golden Knights announced that the AHL team would play home games at Orleans Arena–a venue at the Orleans Hotel and Casino–during the 2020-21 campaign. More information on the team and any subsequent plans will be announced at a later date, according to Wednesday’s announcement.
“Pending approval of the purchase and relocation from the American Hockey League Board of Governors, the Golden Knights AHL affiliate will play their home games during the 2020-21 AHL season at the Orleans Arena, located at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas,” Golden Knights president Kerry Bubolz said in a press statement. “We look forward to working with our partners at Boyd Gaming to create a memorable, best-in-class fan experience in one of the leading multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities in the nation. Additional updates regarding the Vegas Golden Knights AHL affiliate and subsequent plans will be communicated when appropriate.”
Orleans Arena has experience hosting minor-league hockey, as it was home to the Las Vegas Wranglers (ECHL) from 2003-2014.
“We are excited and honored to partner with the Vegas Golden Knights in bringing AHL hockey to the Orleans Arena next season,” Keith Smith, Boyd Gaming President and CEO, said in a press statement. “The arrival of AHL hockey is great news for our entire community, and we look forward to helping the Golden Knights organization further expand professional hockey in southern Nevada.”
Should the transaction move forward, the AHL team would use the currently under-construction Lifeguard Arena in suburban Henderson as its practice facility and headquarters. While there are still some details that have to be announced about the potential Las Vegas area AHL team, the confirmation of Orleans Arena as its 2020-21 home at least makes its near-term facilities plan a bit clearer.
Image courtesy Orleans Arena-Las Vegas.
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