Golden Knights, organizers halt ‘premature’ parade planning

Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau

Any talk of a celebratory parade for the Golden Knights on the Las Vegas Strip is premature, the team said in a statement today.

The Clark County Commission previously listed discussion on a season-celebrating parade, which would occur regardless of the outcome in the Stanley Cup Final, on a Tuesday meeting agenda. The county stated they had been in contact with the department of public works and Metro, but the Golden Knights said they weren’t involved in the talks.

“The Department of Public Works did not consult with the team or have any dialogue with the team whatsoever before adding this item to the County Meeting agenda,” the statement read. “Upon learning that it was on the agenda, the Golden Knights requested that it be removed.”

The initial plan called for Las Vegas Boulevard to be closed down between Sahara and Tropicana avenues to celebrate the team's historic inaugural season in the NHL.

But with the Golden Knights in the midst of the Stanley Cup Final, down 2-1 in the series to the Washington Capitals, commission chairman Steve Sisolak said it was too early for any planning.

“I did have it removed from the agenda,” Sisolak said. “It was premature. They’re focused on playing hockey and not anything else. They're solely focused on playing hockey right now.”

Sisolak wouldn’t confirm the item would be heard at a future meeting. The Golden Knights said they’d spearhead the event if it were to occur.

“Planning related to any kind of parade or team celebration will take place only when it is appropriate,” the team’s statement said. “This planning will be led by the Golden Knights. We have not been involved in any planning discussions and will only begin doing so when appropriate.”