LAS VEGAS — Unbelievable. Amazing. Unreal. That was the unanimous sentiment on opening night Friday of the 2024 NHL Draft, where a $2.3 billion ballpark stunned draft picks, general managers and fans.
Comprised of a 270-degree curved screen with 16k resolution LED panels surrounding a spherical structure, the vibrant 18,000-seat building flashed vibrant images of draft picks and team logos throughout the night.
“That atmosphere, that sight, standing on that stage making the pick and looking up and seeing a wall of people was really unique,” Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said. “After the third pick, I was waiting for Marek[Vanacker]to get up there, and it was just so amazing, I just wanted to make sure I documented it, so I took a photo.”
The draft was the first sports-themed event held at the venue since it opened in September.
“I wasn't really sure what to expect at first,” No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celibrini said, “but then I got to see the Sphere. It was really cool to see it in person and even more so because they were preparing for this event. No, it was a really cool experience. It's amazing.”
Sixth overall pick Tizi Iginla said he'd never seen the sphere before and was surprised to learn his face might be on the ever-changing graphic display that hangs outside the venue, just as the 2024 NHL Draft logo had been displayed throughout the week leading up to the event.
“Yeah, that's cool,” Iginla said. “I'd love to see a video of what it's like outside during that process.”
Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said the team is extremely proud to host the final NHL draft in its current format in Las Vegas.
“I've been to a lot of drafts over the years, but this one was so unique and different and just so amazing for the players and their families,” McCrimmon said. “It was so fascinating and I was really blown away by how amazing it was. I knew it would be, but it was even more moving than I expected.”
On Wednesday, UFC used the Sphere's giant outdoor screen to announce the arena's first sporting competition, scheduled for Sept. 14 as part of Mexico's Independence Day weekend.
“This will be one of the biggest sporting events in history,” UFC president Dana White said in a statement.
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