Pubs recreate arena atmosphere for fans during VGK broadcasts – Las Vegas Sun News

Towards the end of the first period, Tomáš Hertl scored his seventh power play goal of the season to give the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead over the Dallas Stars.

The sound of the goal horn echoed through T-Mobile Arena as Vegas fans celebrated. And nine miles away, at a PT’s Gold tavern, the sound of another goal horn rang out as fans jumped from their seats, cheering and clapping.

“Everyone always goes wild when we score,” said Kathy Abrams, a patron who that evening, Dec. 6, had the ceremonial duty of sounding the bar’s goal horn and flashing the blue light.

Sounding a horn to signal a home goal has become a staple in the NHL since then-Chicago Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz started the tradition in 1973. He had his yacht’s horn installed in the team’s home arena.

The goal horn has also become a tradition at PT locations around the valley since the Golden Knights began their inaugural season in 2017.

“It’s just nice to be able to watch and celebrate with everyone here,” said Abrams, who was at PT’s Gold location at 5630 Hualapai Way, near Russell Road.

For each home game, one person is selected to hold the remote control that sounds the horn. That night, the honor went to Abrams, whose husband, Andrew Abrams, is the Golden Knights’ vice president of entertainment and executive producer.

The button press is different for every game. Sometimes it’s someone who volunteers, and sometimes it’s someone who gets selected.

The only criterion: pay attention to the game and press the button when Vegas scores.

PT’s locations have streamed every Golden Knights home and away game since PT’s owner Golden Entertainment became a partner with the team in 2018.

Amber Fagan, general manager of the tavern, said crowds are larger on the nights the team plays. But not everyone is focused on the game — at least not until Vegas scores, she said.

“As soon as the siren goes off, they look straight up and know we have a target,” Fagan said. “We even have a few fans who bring pompoms and cheer.”

The Golden Knights work with PTs and other business partners to provide fans with an exciting atmosphere while watching the games.

Chance, the team mascot, and members of the Vivas dance team sometimes appear at official watch parties. Bars often offer drink specials and surprise offers or giveaways during games.

“The Vegas Golden Knights are proud to provide a first-class fan experience at all home games, and we work closely with our partners to create an equally incredible atmosphere when our fans are unable to attend our games in person,” said Krystle Krasnaj, Vice President of Global Partnership Activations for the Golden Knights.

As the wife of a Golden Knights manager, Abrams is used to having one of the best seats in the house when she attends a game in person.

But when she’s not at “The Fortress,” as the team’s home arena is known, her neighborhood practice facility is her go-to spot.

“I feel like coming here is the next best thing to not being on the ice,” she said. “The atmosphere is great.”

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