Going to a Golden Knights Game on NYE... Anything I Should Know?

[NotFromConcentrate]

Hey All: Decided to grab a ticket for the Montreal Canadiens/Vegas Golden Knights game on New Years Eve, taking place at noon. For anyone curious about pricing and selection there was an abundance of $65 "standing room only" seats, but also a handful of sub-$100 seated options and I grabbed the cheapest for $80 (total of $95 with fees).

While I've been to plenty of events and performances recently, I haven't been to a pro hockey game since early 2017... nor have I ever been to one on New Years Eve in a city like Las Vegas where they'll understandably be gearing up security protocols.

I'll start out with a few questions I have in order of approximate importance, though I also openly solicit any and all helpful FYIs, comments, or other information.

1. How do I actually GET to T-Mobile Arena on foot from the strip? I've laid eyes on it and passed by it a number of times, but have never gone to an event there, so I'm wondering if there's anything I should know in terms of getting there as a pedestrian, or anything I should avoid in terms of navigating the foot traffic areas surrounding the stadium. I'd be arriving at MGM Grand Monorail station if that makes any difference in terms of what approach I'd take.

2. Based on a noon game start time, what time should I arrive to T-Mobile Arena? Seated in section 213 if that makes any difference. My instinct says to arrive "a little after 11", but if that isn't enough time I'd rather not find out the hard way.

3. I assume I shouldn't expect any issues carrying a smartphone charging cord/block and/or a small battery pack? I'll be attending the game wearing the same clothes I'll be wearing to an NYE event that night (i.e., I'll be coming down from the Strat by monorail and will be remaining on the strip the rest of the afternoon/evening) and was planning to simply put my charger/battery in one of my blazer pockets. No bag of any kind. I checked the prohibited items list and there appears to be no mention of anything like this. Probably a silly question, but I've never attempted to bring a phone charger/battery pack into a venue before so perhaps that's commonly something picked up by metal detectors and such.

4. Rough idea of what a beer costs there? I'm sure it's stupid expensive, I just want to have a sense of how grossly I'll be overpaying so I can be mentally prepared.

As mentioned, any additional insights greatly appreciated... particularly if there are non-obvious things when it comes to one getting the most out of their first trip to T-Mobile Arena.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dms79]

My thoughts interspersed in bold.

Hey All: Decided to grab a ticket for the Montreal Canadiens/Vegas Golden Knights game on New Years Eve, taking place at noon. For anyone curious about pricing and selection there was an abundance of $65 "standing room only" seats, but also a handful of sub-$100 seated options and I grabbed the cheapest for $80 (total of $95 with fees).

It's a hockey game and you're not broke. Never, ever do SRO unless you need to do it to get a seat (ha, see what I did there?!) for a game you couldn't otherwise afford. Also, you look semi-respectable so sneak down during 1st intermission, obviously.

While I've been to plenty of events and performances recently, I haven't been to a pro hockey game since early 2017... nor have I ever been to one on New Years Eve in a city like Las Vegas where they'll understandably be gearing up security protocols.

Their first season commenced right after October 1st, 2017 so I'm sure they've already been pretty high security from the jump.

I'll start out with a few questions I have in order of approximate importance, though I also openly solicit any and all helpful FYIs, comments, or other information.

1. How do I actually GET to T-Mobile Arena on foot from the strip? I've laid eyes on it and passed by it a number of times, but have never gone to an event there, so I'm wondering if there's anything I should know in terms of getting there as a pedestrian, or anything I should avoid in terms of navigating the foot traffic areas surrounding the stadium. I'd be arriving at MGM Grand Monorail station if that makes any difference in terms of what approach I'd take.

I went to a Saturday night Stevie Nicks concert and a Sunday matinee VGK game and everything was pretty easy. NYNY/Park MGM/T-Mobile are all super accessible to each other. I'd imagine the MGM Grand monorail stop is a 20 minute walk MAX across LVB x Tropicana even if traffic (car/rideshare/foot) is gnarly.

2. Based on a noon game start time, what time should I arrive to T-Mobile Arena? Seated in section 213 if that makes any difference. My instinct says to arrive "a little after 11", but if that isn't enough time I'd rather not find out the hard way.

That should be fine. IMO, show up at 10 a.m. and do the @julia Special (play "not great paytable but low denom Bonus Poker)" at a Park bar and pregame 'for free.'

3. I assume I shouldn't expect any issues carrying a smartphone charging cord/block and/or a small battery pack? I'll be attending the game wearing the same clothes I'll be wearing to an NYE event that night (i.e., I'll be coming down from the Strat by monorail and will be remaining on the strip the rest of the afternoon/evening) and was planning to simply put my charger/battery in one of my blazer pockets. No bag of any kind. I checked the prohibited items list and there appears to be no mention of anything like this. Probably a silly question, but I've never attempted to bring a phone charger/battery pack into a venue before so perhaps that's commonly something picked up by metal detectors and such.

Don't think any of this will be a problem but not my area of expertise.

4. Rough idea of what a beer costs there? I'm sure it's stupid expensive, I just want to have a sense of how grossly I'll be overpaying so I can be mentally prepared.

It's stupid; $15-20. Again, pregame at the Peppermill or a Park MGM bar IMO.

As mentioned, any additional insights greatly appreciated... particularly if there are non-obvious things when it comes to one getting the most out of their first trip to T-Mobile Arena.

Thanks in advance!

 

[NotFromConcentrate]

Thanks for the great intel!

Also, you look semi-respectable so sneak down during 1st intermission, obviously.

I used to do this with my friends at baseball games back in the early 2000s. Never attempted it anywhere since. Is this actually worth trying? It's pretty victimless I suppose if nobody is actually sitting there, I just don't want to be given a reason to be thrown out.

 

[huskermike]

For reference I walked into the Stanley Cup clincher from Park MGM 15 minutes before the start and had no issues. Basically the same protocols for entering any sporting event these days. The suggestion of drinking at Park pregame is a good one. Beers will be around $20.

 

[mnvegasfan]

A phone charger shouldn’t be an issue security wise; had mine on me when I attended one of the Stanley Cup Final games and it wasn’t even an issue.

Stayed at MGM Grand, and I’d estimate it’s about a 20 minute walk from Grand to TMobile. I too pregamed at Park before the game and it’s literally a 3 minute walk from NoMad Library to the arena. Alternatively, NYNY’s ramp is also right there too and is a quick walk with a ramp to one of the gates.

 

[irishdave]

I'd plan on being there about 30 mins before puck drop. The pregame production is not to be missed.

 

[Jsmile898]

The arena is COLD (says a Canadian)

 

[eliza]

1. Super easy to get to on foot. From MGM -walk across bridge to NYNY. Then down the escalators to casino, hang a right, and exit near Mad Apple. Then it's a very short walk through the Park Area (fun for some pre-gaming) to the arena.

2. If you are there an hour early, that should be plenty of time to get in, check out the stadium, and be in your seat ~15-20 minutes before puck drop to catch the pre-game festivities.

3. I've carried my charging brick in many times and never had a problem. You'll have to take it out of your pocket and send it through a metal detector, but I've carried mine into T-Mobile, Allegiant, and Michelob Ultra arenas and never had security blink.

4. If I'm remembering properly, beers were $17-21. I found the mixed drinks to be even more outrageously priced, but also a better value. Last time I was there I bought a double cocktail for like $29 and it was poured so strong that one was all I could manage during the game. YMMV on the pour sizes though.

I'll also respectfully disagree with @Dms79 - I LOVE standing room tickets at hockey games. I started buying them back when I was broke and it was the only way to afford going as much as I'd like, but I ended up really enjoying them and still do it sometimes even though I can "afford" better. It tends to be a bit of a more rowdy crowd, but I dig that.

 

[gadgets19]

1. MGM monorail station -> walk through MGM heading towards NYNY -> cross bridge into NYNY -> walk through NYNY heading towards Park MGM -> turn left once outside and follow crowd to T-Mobile.
2. Since first time and if you want to watch warmup I would be there around 11:00. No warmup in your seat by 11:20. Pregame show/introductions not to be missed.
3. Probably going to set off detectors but once you show why can't imagine it being an issue.
4. I don't remember beer being $20. But damn just looked at old statement and yup $19.50 but it was a big beer.

Other considerations:
1. T-Mobile cashless
2. 51/49 tickets
3. I have pregamed at Il Fornaio and Tom's but I also needed food.
4. Postgamed at Beerhaus (crowded but acceptable)

 

[Jsmile898]

I think the arena has Shake Shack! So good. It's on my list to have Shake Shack again. I loved the milkshake. IMHO shake shack > in n out

 

[Michael Smith]

Agree with much of the above. Knights put on a pretty good pregame show, so get there a bit early. Had a large canned beer (maybe Modelo) and a helmet of popcorn: $36. No bad seats in the place, in my opinion. 213 is at the top—I usually always get a seat toward the top of those top sections so I don't have to walk too far down those steep stairs. I would not opt for SRO, but I'm old and, unless it's a concert at HOB, I don't want to stand or lean for that long. Knight's games are actually my most favorite thing to do in Vegas in the winter/spring. Enjoy it!

Edit: And, yes, Jsmile is correct. Dress warm for the game. I went in shorts (as I always do) in early November, and was a bit uncomfortable.

 

[NotFromConcentrate]

I went in shorts (as I always do) in early November, and was a bit uncomfortable.

Think I'll be OK in a suit? Part of me is debating just "dressing for the weather" and going back to Strat after the game to change for the NYE event. But my stubborn ass really doesn't want to make two trips lol

 

[Michael Smith]

Think I'll be OK in a suit?

Shouldn't be a problem. It's cold, but not that cold. Plus you're involved in the game and that should get your adrenalin going—at least that was my experience. I saw an OT game and enjoyed every second. The most exciting live sport around, in my opinion.

 

[habs0nut]

All I have to add to this is that I’m jealous (even though the Habs will most likely lose)

 

[tringlomane]

Most things are covered here. And I don't have a lot to add. But if you want to see "The March to the Fortress," it starts here in the NYNY casino one hour before the scheduled game time, so 11am for that game.


I personally wouldn't get to the arena super early, unless you are really interested in seeing warmups. If you are just concerned about the pregame festivities, in your seat within 30 minutes of noon is fine.

Pregaming isn't a bad idea. A 19.2oz "stovepipe" of Space Dust is $17.50+tax ($18.97) for reference.

Battery is fine, you just have to get it out for the metal detector.

In the upper deck it shouldn't be too much cooler than 18C, so you should be fine with a suit unless you get cold fairly easy. I wore shorts last game with my Nordiques jersey. I had to rub my legs a bit there at times, but I definitely would have been fine in a suit.

 

[(Sad)LeafsFan]

All I have to add to this is that I’m jealous (even though the Habs will most likely lose)

i agree with being jealous! But no comment on the Habs losing . I would still be rooting for the Canadian team if I were there (and I could even wear my son’s old Carey Price jersey lol).

We brought in a portable charger with no problem. I had to open up my small lululemon crossbody bag for security on entry but that is pretty standard.

We had Mexican food at T-mobile before the game. I was surprised by how good it was. On the other hand I got a pretzel there that was dry/stale. #disappointed

Lots of good info in this thread already about how easy it is to get here from MGM. But take into account that although it is a good 10 min walk from the monorail station to the casino exit to the bridge that goes to NYNY..
Love the pregame show and the general energy of the TMobile games. Enjoy!

 

[hail2skins]

NFC, not sure how sensitive you are to noise, but if you are getting there early for warmups and sitting in the upper deck and are noise sensitive, consider earplugs. Ive sat in the upper level there and although I didnt think the game was loud, thought the music volume during the warmups was, and I dont think Im that noise sensitivr.

 

[jj_sparty]

To mitigate the beer prices in T-Mobile, I recommend having one or two at Beerhaus if you have time pregame. I’ve been there pre and post game for a few games and it’s pretty lively. Lots of visiting team sweaters, good beer selection and not at T-Mobile prices.

It does get loud in there and crowded but if you can grab a seat inside or even a piece of picnic table outside, it’s not a bad pit stop.

 

[NotFromConcentrate]

NFC, not sure how sensitive you are to noise, but if you are getting there early for warmups and sitting in the upper deck and are noise sensitive, consider earplugs. Ive sat in the upper level there and although I didnt think the game was loud, thought the music volume during the warmups was, and I dont think Im that noise sensitivr.

Good call! I have a large container of earplugs that I don’t think I’ll ever use all of, so I just put a pair into a ziplock bag and stashed them into the pocket of the blazer I’ll be wearing that day

Thanks for mentioning this!

 

[nostresshere]

Maybe I missed it, but where and when is your NYE event?