NHL Draft Is Skating Into The Las Vegas Sphere In June

Hockey in Las Vegas is huge! So huge, that the NHL is bringing the draft to Las Vegas.

The 2024 NHL Draft is going to be held at The Sphere in Las Vegas. It will be the first time the event will be held in Las Vegas. It will happen on Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29,

The 2024 NHL Draft will be the first of this kind of event, televised live from the MSG Sphere. Pretty exciting for Las Vegas! NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made the official announcement during the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery.

The 2024 NHL Draft will take place over two days: Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29. Coaches, scouts and executives will all be on hand, with thousands expected to attend the event.

First it was hockey in the desert, now the NHL Draft is making its way to the desert.

The NHL will be the first sports league to use, and highlight, the MSG Sphere in this way. And living in, and knowing Las Vegas, it will be big. And sparkly! And over the top!

According to NHL.com, the announcement was made by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman during the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery. 

“The NHL is proud to bring the first sports event and the first live television broadcast to Sphere,” said Steve Mayer, NHL senior executive vice president and chief content officer. “Together with the amazing team at Sphere, we plan to deliver an NHL Draft like no other, introducing the bright future of hockey in an innovative and exhilarating setting.”

The San Jose Sharks will get the first pick in the 2024 NHL draft during Tuesday night's lottery. The Sharks finished in last overall, and they will get the first pick for the first time in franchise history. The Chicago Blackhawks were last year's lottery winner. They will get the second pick.

The Vegas Golden Knights get the 19th pick in the first round of the draft. Next season holds a lot of questions for the VGK, but time will tell. And so will draft picks.

Local Las Vegas Beer? Oh we've got it! And lately, have been enjoying some great flights of local craft beer.

If you didn't know, Las Vegas has some really, really good local breweries, and beers. My brother was in town from the east coast earlier in the month, and we hit Las Vegas' Brewery Row, and beyond. I'm a fan of stouts, porters, flavored, and ciders My brother likes hazy's, fruited, and sours.

Able Baker Brewery is very popular. It's located at 1510 S. Main St. They are famous for their Atomic Duck IPA. You can buy it in stores, but on tap is the best. The Waddle and Ducky Trail, are also really nice. Notice a theme?

I really enjoy HUDL Brewing Company as well.  Located at 1327 S. Main Street, they have a great outside patio for people watching, and enjoying a flight. My perfect HUDL flight has to include their Vanilla Oak Cream Ale. Just a touch of vanilla, creamy finish - it's amazing. The High Hatter Pineapple Hefe is also really nice. Tastes like vacation!

Next stop, Hop Nuts Brewing. Located at 1120 S. Main St. Try the Harry Porter. A nice roasty chocolate flavor - very smooth. The Golden Knight has a kick. It's light bodied, but it's a powerful ale.

Craft beers definitely cost a little more, but they are very popular.  I'm not a fan of basic beer, so I'll pay for something different and unique - especially local brews..  The growth of craft beer sales is leveling off, but they're still very popular. And many people are brewing their own beers now. My brother does it, and a couple other friends as well. It's a fun hobby, and in a few weeks, you can enjoy your work!

Beverage companies, and consumers always seem to be searching for the next big thing. Some say NA (non-alcoholic) beers will be the next new thing. Some people want the flavor and feel of beer, but not the buzz, so it would be a great move. Especially since there are so few out there.

Las Vegas has done a nice job with Brewery Row, and you can walk it very easily, while enjoying local brews. But there are so many impressive breweries throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City. Here are some you should definitely try, and my beer suggestions.

Great beer, and really good food! Get some fish and chips, and here's your flight: 1677 Nitro Stout, Chantilly Vanilla Cream Ale, Vacating Helles, and Saison. And then try the Kiwi Krush Cider for desert.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cJKHdWKyEHjRLyCr8

Your flight: 702 Pale Ale, Hop Ride, Bonanza Brown Ale, Hauling Oats Oatmeal Stout. Tenaya Creek doesn't have food, but thhey do have great food trucks, and here is the schedule.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/oTkt7C6vW355y8Fm8

A favorite of mine in beautiful, historic Boulder City. Their food is really good, and on a nice day, just take it easy on the patio. It's laid back, so relax! Honestly, I can't even tell you where to start, because they have some really fun stuff. Their own beers are great, their visiting brews and ciders are awesome, too. They also do blended brews, and they make some great Sangrias. There is truly something for everyone. But DO try the Orange Cream Ale, and the Vanilla Cream Coffee Stout.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/21MpNCzo5CD1NHwAA

Mojave has some fun brews. The Sinamon Toast Crunch Cream Ale, The Holiday Havoc Stout, The Patrick Swhazy, and The To Be Pear Cider are a great start. They also have frozen wine - great option for our Las Vegas summers.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qNAegJHT2Xu3qHd96