You know, I wanted to use this clip since the Vegas Golden Knights got some solid news on Monday. No, it isn't Brandon Saad and Colton Sissons practicing in regular jerseys (although that's also nice). You can say that this track goes hard... and fast.
Ahh, the sheer flamboyance, glitz, and glamour of this track simply can't be beat. It's almost like you're on a race track with Mario.
But in all seriousness, the purpose of that track concerns Las Vegas Motor Speedway. According to Tyler Kuehl of Daily Faceoff, the venue is looking to host an NHL outdoor game for the Golden Knights. Aaron Crowley, vice president of sales at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, hinted at possibly bringing an outdoor game to the race track in an interview.
"Experience has become everything, whether it’s in sports or entertainment."Aaron Crowley
That certainly seems to be the case with the growth of NHL outdoor games. The Golden Knights are participating in next season's Stadium Series game at Jerryworld. In case you're not familiar with the NFL, that's AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys. That's right, Vegas is taking on the Dallas Stars in what could be the only relevant action that Cowboy fans will see in a while.
Aaron Crowley and Las Vegas Motor Speedway could be the heroes the Vegas Golden Knights need for making an NHL outdoor game in Las Vegas happen
Believe it or not, the idea of hosting a non-NASCAR or motorsports event at a race track isn't far-fetched. The Atlanta Braves took on the Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway, which has also hosted college football games. Why not add an NHL flair to the concept and replace SEC football with the Golden Knights?
Besides, there isn't much wiggle room for outdoor events in Las Vegas. Sam Boyd Stadium won't likely see another event hosted ever again. Allegiant Stadium sounds nice, yet it could face hurdles. Don't even get me started on the Athletics, where John Fisher had to make his dome closed (John Fisher ruins everything).
Las Vegas Motor Speedway coming in to save the day would be monumental for the Golden Knights, should they get an outdoor game. The Golden Knights have grown as a global brand over the years, becoming one of the NHL's most popular teams since their inception. That would give Gary Bettman the ultimate opportunity to capitalize on that growth, adding more interest and lore to the organization.
After all, that's what efficient professional sports leagues do. They tap into those big brands for the biggest events possible, whether it's the New York Rangers at a Winter Classic in Miami or the Boston Bruins at a Stadium Series game in Tampa.
That's no different for the Golden Knights, who continue to grow with fans... and haters. With revenue being the main focus of literally everything, why not grab the league's most noteworthy team and plop them in the middle of a race track? That would make Aaron Crowley one of the most likable people in Las Vegas. Maybe he won't have to pay for a beer for the rest of his life... like Jack Eichel.