Proposed facility amenities include two National Hockey League regulation-size ice rinks, retail space, a full-service restaurant overlooking the ice and Water Street, and approximately 5,000 square feet of meeting space. The project will expand the recreational facilities available to the community through youth and adult hockey programs and leagues, youth and adult figure skating programs, free hockey play and open skate events, tournaments, and camps for hockey and figure skating. The facility will also be home to five official watch parties annually and host player and team executive appearances.

"The City's partnership with the iconic Vegas Golden Knights will be a catalyst for business investment and social activity in Henderson's burgeoning downtown area," said Mayor Debra March . "The team already has a huge fan base in Henderson and their presence in our community will actively engage residents and the next generation of players in the sport of hockey."

The Henderson hockey facility will be built on 3.2 acres at the southwest corner of Water Street and Atlantic Avenue, adjacent to Henderson City Hall on a site currently occupied by the Henderson Convention Center, which will be demolished this summer. The new facility is tentatively scheduled for completion by July 2020 with an estimated construction cost of $25 million.

Henderson, Nev. - It's a golden night in Henderson after the Mayor and Council unanimously approved a lease agreement with the Vegas Golden Knights to build and operate an indoor ice hockey facility in downtown Henderson.

"This project will be a game-changer for downtown Henderson," said City Manager Richard Derrick. "The entertainment venue we envision building in partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights will invigorate activity on the Henderson Events Plaza and attract people from all over the region to dine, shop and play in the Water Street District."

During the first three years of the agreement, the Vegas Golden Knights will award 20 grants of $500 each to Henderson residents younger than 18 years old who come from at-risk or lower-income homes to be used for any of the programming offered at the facility.

"Henderson is a hockey hotbed," said Vegas Golden Knights President Kerry Bubolz. "The passion for the Golden Knights in Henderson has been remarkable and we are grateful for the community's incredible support. We are confident the project will help contribute to the continued revitalization of the Water St. District. We would like to thank Mayor March and the Council for their leadership championing this project."

The agreement approved at tonight's City Council meeting is for a 20-year ground lease and development agreement with the Vegas Golden Knights with the option of two additional 10-year terms. The annual rent for the first year will be $40,000 and will increase by 2% each year. The City of Henderson will contribute $6.7 million along with $4 million in Redevelopment Agency funds toward the cost of design, development and construction, for a total contribution of $10.75 million. The City will acquire the building at completion of the lease.

For updates on the Henderson hockey facility, follow City of Henderson on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT CITY OF HENDERSON

Incorporated in 1953, Henderson is Nevada's second largest city with more than 310,000 residents. Henderson is a premier city, nationally recognized for its stunning parks, trails, master-planned communities, outstanding quality of life and patriotic past. Recognized as one of America's Best Places to Live (MONEY and Liveability.com), one of America's Best Cities (Business Week), one of the safest cities in America (Forbes, InsuranceProviders.com, Law Street Media, Movato.com), and a Bicycle Friendly Community (League of American Bicyclists), Henderson is a progressive and vibrant city committed to maintaining premier amenities and services for all who choose to live, learn, work and play in Henderson…a place to call home.

ABOUT THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

The Vegas Golden Knights are a National Hockey League franchise owned and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment LLC. The Vegas Golden Knights were established by founding partners William Foley and his family and the Maloof family. For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights visit vegasgoldenknights.com. Fans can follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.