Gary Bettman Says NHL Not Adding Las Vegas Team Anytime Soon
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Bettman Joins Las Vegas Officials, Stanley
Cup At "Welcome To Las Vegas" Sign |
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman yesterday "barely could contain his excitement about bringing the league's awards show" to Las Vegas, but he "wasn't nearly as hopeful about Las Vegas' chances to land an NHL team," according to Todd Dewey of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. Bettman, who was in Las Vegas to promote the NHL's three-year deal to bring the awards ceremony to the city, said, "I've said it repeatedly: I think Las Vegas would make a great home for a professional sports team, but the stadium/arena issues ne ed to be resolved before there can be serious consideration. The sense I get about the arena issue is, wherever it was a year ago, it's more distant (now) because of the economic downturn." Bettman added, "You never know, but we have no plans to expand, and I don't think anybody does at this time." Meanwhile, Bettman said that "one reason the league decided to move" the awards show to Las Vegas, which this year will take place on June 18 at The Palms, "was to create a "'destination event' for its fans." With the NHLPA also holding its annual summer meeting in Las Vegas that same week, Bettman "expects a record turnout for the event." Bettman: "We're going to have record attendance for players, award winners and other celebrities." The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority will pay the NHL about $650,000 annually to sponsor the event. Despite Bettman's remarks, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman still is hopeful that bringing the banquet to the city will "be followed by bringing a franchise here." Goodman: "I think it's a big deal because it shows (the NHL) has no problems with Las Vegas as a destination. That's certainly an indication that when it's time to expand or for a franchise to move, there won't be any objection to having it in Las Vegas." Bettman yesterday also confirmed that the NHL will team with Pokerstars.net and the union to host a "celebrity/pro athlete charity poker tournament" on June 17 (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 4/7).
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