LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Vegas Golden Knights and the rest of the NHL are being put on ice, as the league 'pauses' to help combat the spread of coronavirus.
A "Go Knights Go" chant will also have to wait without hockey on the schedule in Las Vegas or anywhere in the near future, and fans are bummed.
"I'm not very happy, but I guess you have to understand. Sometimes I think this is overrated, this whole thing, and I think people know enough to stay home," Gail Campbell, a fan, said.
VGK released a statement Thursday that stressed the health and safety of their members, fans, and the community was a top priority. The team also asked fans who bought tickets for future games to hold on to them as the NHL sorts out it's scheduling.
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Sports radio host TC Martin said the 'pause' in the NHL schedule is expected to will have a significant impact on Las Vegas.
"That's 18,000 fans who are not coming to the T-Mobile arena every home game. Not to mention other fans who can't get tickets, who are watching at home or watching at sports bars," Martin said.
No games, mean no sports to show at bars like Public School 702 in downtown Summerlin.
"This weekend is going to be a busy weekend with St. Patrick's Day hopefully, but I think we'll really be able to tell by the end of the weekend how it's going to impact the business," Selina Bouffard, manager, said.
To keeping people coming in, restaurant employees said it is trying to come up with creative ways to entice them.
"We might be showing the Stanley Cup from two years ago to generate some buzz as well," Joshua Manna, head chef, said.
Other ideas included extra happy hours and promotions.
"Most people are more afraid of going on the Strip because there are so many tourists and so many locals come to this side of town that I think people feel safer over here," Bouffard said.
With this unprecedented development, employees told 13 Action News that they were also trying to remain optimistic.
