An elaborate, theatrical show is put on by the Golden Knights before every home gamegetty images
Sports fans likely will see more teams "adding theatrical presentations similar to that of the Golden Knights" prior to games, as there is "no question other organizations around the pro sports landscape have taken notice, especially in the NHL," according to Joe McDonald of THE ATHLETIC. Wild VP/Brand, Broadcast & Production John Maher said, "What (Vegas) is doing, when you watch the games, the pregame is one piece, but they're able to keep that level of energy up throughout the game, so they're doing great things there." Most NHL teams "keep their presentation the same during the regular season." Lightning VP/Game Presentation John Franzone said, "It comes down to philosophy and you have to understand your team's brand." But Franzone is a "fan of what Vegas is doing." Franzone: "It's a different way of storytelling and it plays perfectly there. It may not play perfectly anywhere else like it does there." Predators Dir of Event Presentation Brian Campbell said, "What we do here may not work in New York or Philadelphia. ... We have a unique fan base where it's a mixture of an SEC college atmosphere. There's some wrestling in there, there's some NASCAR and it's more entertainment based." McDonald notes the "Original Six" teams tend to "highlight their long histories in the league in their presentations." The Bruins have a "basic pregame presentation that relies on the organization's storied history," and the Rangers have a "similar pregame presentation." The Canadiens use projector technology to "craft one of the league's best presentations" (THEATHLETIC.com, 6/7).
IN HIGH DEMAND: A Capitals spokesperson said that more than 70,000 fans "logged on at that time" yesterday afternoon to claim free tickets for tonight's watch party for Stanley Cup Final Game 5, which is being played in Las Vegas. ESPN.com's Greg Wyshynski notes DC's Capital One Arena has a capacity of 18,506. Trains will "run a full hour beyond Metro's regular weeknight closing time" thanks to Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which will "cover the $100,000 in additional expenses." The agreement is the "first time the Metrorail system has ever extended hours for an away game" (ESPN.com, 6/7).
