LAS VEGAS — The 2022 Truly Hard Seltzer NHL Fan Fair kicked off All-Star Weekend on Thursday with plenty to offer for hockey fans of all ages.
Taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center throughout the weekend, NHL Fan Fair will be open from 3 p.m.-9 p.m. PT on Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. PT on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. PT on Sunday.
Among the activities and events will be Air and Bubble Hockey, a Kids Zone for younger children, interactive hockey skill challenges, Hockey Hall of Fame and Black Hockey History Tour exhibits, a merchandise shop, appearances and autograph sessions by NHL alumni, the NHL mascots and, of course, the opportunity to take a picture with the Stanley Cup.
Scott from Las Vegas, a Vegas Golden Knights fan, took his two sons to NHL Fan Fair on Thursday. He said the highlight was to see one of his sons play goalie for the first time.
“I grew up in Indiana in a small town where I had to drive hours to watch minor-league hockey,” Scott said. “[This event] is excellent; it’s a great experience to have it right in town. [My] kids are here somewhere. They just keep doing all the activities and skills competition.”
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Dave Meyerson and his daughter, Brooke, are Florida Panthers fans and visited Vegas from Palm Beach County, Florida, on Thursday. Dave said this event is extra special with the Panthers being one of the top teams in the NHL this season, and also because his daughter is attending her first All-Star Weekend.
“I’ve been a Panthers fan since I was 2 or 3,” Brooke said. “Hockey, figure skating, it makes me so happy. I love going to the games and cheering on my Panthers. The fact that I’m here right now is so crazy. I never thought I’d make it out to Vegas and come see our [Jonathan Huberdeau] play, so it’s awesome.”
There are also special events scheduled throughout the weekend, including Kids Day on Friday, in which 500 Las Vegas students who have participated in the NHL/NHLPA Future Goals program will experience NHL Fan Fair with various activities and will hear from a panel of professionals who use Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
The NHL Street Showcase is a new addition to NHL Fan Fair. In partnership with RCX Sports, more than 300 local boys and girls will get to participate throughout the weekend. The showcase will be the first look at the NHL’s street and ball hockey programming, which is expected to launch later this season.
Nick Lloyd and his son, Brett, are St. Louis Blues fans who are visiting NHL Fan Fair together for the second time after attending All-Star Weekend in their hometown of St. Louis in 2020.
“Vegas is always a fun city,” Nick Lloyd said. “Being able to bring my son to this, it’s always fun to do events like this with him and make memories.”
Tickets for each day are available at NHL.com/FanFair for $15 for adults and $12 for youth, seniors, college students and members of the military. Children three years of age and under will be admitted free.
Fans are encouraged to download the NHL Fan Access App for the opportunity to participate in activities, chances to win prizes, take a photo with the Stanley Cup, get up-to-date schedule alerts, access maps and more.
For those who don’t have tickets to the 2022 NHL All-Star Skills presented by DraftKings Sportsbook and the 2022 Honda NHL All-Star Game, there will be official watch parties at NHL Fan Fair.
Staff writers Pete Jensen and David Satriano contributed to this report