The opening night of the 2024 NHL Draft at the $2.3 billion Sphere in Las Vegas left attendees in awe, showcasing stunning visuals and an unparalleled atmosphere for draft picks and fans.
Bollywood Fever: Incredible. Amazing. Unreal. These were the sentiments shared on Friday night at the 2024 NHL Draft, as the $2.3 billion Sphere in Las Vegas captivated draft picks, general managers, and fans alike.
The stunning 18,000-seat arena, featuring a curving 270-degree screen with 16k resolution LED panels, displayed vibrant visuals of draft picks and team logos throughout the event, creating an unmatched spectacle.
“The atmosphere, the spectacle of it, you know, standing on the stage and making picks and looking up and seeing just that wall of people was pretty unique,” remarked Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. “After our third pick, we were waiting for Marek (Vanacker) to get down there and I took a picture because I just wanted to make sure that I documented that view because it was so incredible.”
This event marked the first sports-themed occasion held at the Sphere since its opening in September. Macklin Cellibrini, the No. 1 overall pick, expressed his awe, “I didn’t really know what to expect at first. But I was able to see the Sphere. And I mean, it was amazing when I saw it and it’s even better when it’s all set up for this event. But no, it’s a really cool experience. It’s amazing.”
Sixth-overall pick Tij Iginla was similarly impressed, noting that the Sphere was unlike anything he had ever seen. He was especially struck by the idea that his face might have been displayed on the ever-changing graphics both inside and outside the venue, much like the 2024 NHL Draft logo leading up to the event.
“Yeah, that’d be cool,” Iginla said. “I would be interested to see a video of what the outside looked like through the process.”
Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon expressed pride in hosting the final NHL Draft in its current format. “Been to many, many drafts over a long time and this was just so unique, so different, so superior for the players and their families,” McCrimmon said. “It had to be fascinating, and just really blown away by how good it was. Knew it would be and was impressed more so even than what I would have expected.”
On Wednesday, the UFC utilized the Sphere’s massive exterior screen to announce what will be the first sports competition in the arena, scheduled for September 14th as part of Mexican Independence Day weekend. “This will be one of the biggest sporting events of all time,” stated UFC president Dana White.
The opening night of the 2024 NHL Draft at the Sphere was truly a historic and visually stunning experience, setting a new standard for future sports events.
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