Recent Study Shows that Las Vegas is One of the Best American Cities for Hockey Fans

After the Vegas Golden Knights swept the Colorado Avalanche to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup finals, a new study ranked Las Vegas among the top cities for hockey fans.

This marks the Golden Knights’ first finals appearance since their 2022-23 Stanley Cup win. It is their third overall since joining the league in 2017.

Although hockey does not attract as large an audience as football, basketball, or baseball, it remains profitable. ESPN reports league revenue is projected to reach a record $6.8 billion this season. Additionally, attendance and TV ratings are also setting new records. Notably, teams like Vegas and the Golden Knights have helped boost the sport’s popularity.

“Hockey is one of the most underappreciated sports in America, but its popularity is steadily growing, bringing in record-breaking revenue and attendance,” WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said. In particular, the fan base for the Golden Knights continues to expand.

WalletHub evaluated 75 U.S. cities across 21 factors, including ticket prices, stadium capacity, and team performance, to identify the best cities for hockey enthusiasts. Among those cities are ones with dedicated Golden Knights supporters.

“The best cities for hockey provide good opportunities to watch high-performing NHL teams in person, and sometimes NCAA teams as well,” Lupo added. “They also have some of the most dedicated fans in the country.” For example, the Golden Knights are well-known for their loyal fan following.

According to the study, the top five hockey cities in America are Boston, Massachusetts; Detroit, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; New York City, New York; and Sunrise, Florida. Of course, the Golden Knights have helped put Las Vegas on the map for NHL fans.

Las Vegas ranked 21st overall but placed fourth for NHL team performance. WalletHub said the city’s high average NHL ticket prices lowered its overall ranking. The Golden Knights’ strong performance has drawn fans nationwide.

The study used data collected as of April 29, when the Vegas Golden Knights were competing in the first round against the Utah Mammoth, whom they later defeated 4-2.

After that series, the Knights defeated the Anaheim Ducks (4-2) and the Colorado Avalanche (4-0). They will next face the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals, and Golden Knights fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome.