Location: The Orleans Arena
4500 W. Tropicana Ave.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
About the Wranglers: In spite of - or maybe because of - the desert heat, Las Vegans love their ice hockey. Sure, Vegas is no Minneapolis or Toronto, but there's a dedicated cadre of fans who come out in face paint and all to see the Wranglers play. The AA hockey team is affiliated with the NHL's Calgary Flames, and the lively games are played in the Orleans Arena from October through April.
The 2007-08 season is the Wranglers' fifth in the ECHL, which has 25 teams across the United States and in British Columbia. The Wranglers are one of the best teams in the league.
In addition to skill, the Wranglers have style. In fact, their substitute goalie ain't heavy - he's my brother. No, he's actually Jay White, a Neil Diamond impersonator who has always aspired to be a hockey player. Now, he can be spotted sitting on the bench most games. (If you don't catch him there, he may be singing "Sweet Caroline" at the Riviera). It doesn't get much more Vegas than an impersonator goalie.
Thanks to a creative marketing team, each season brings some wacky promotions. In the past, there have been Mullet Night (when early-arriving fans receive mullet wigs) and Dick Cheney Hunting Vest Night (when orange vests were handed out, reading "Don't shoot me, I'm human"). There's also the annual Midnight Roundup, when hockey lovers show up at the witching hour in pajamas and other nighttime apparel for the traditional late game. This year, fans can also look forward to an 18-and-older night.
About the Arena: The Orleans Arena, located just a few miles west of the Strip, is an impressive venue. The theater-style seats are comfortable, and even the cheap seats give a great view of the action. Hardcore hockey fans will want to splurge on seats behind the glass, and it's worth the extra cash to get in on the blood and body-checking action. For moderate fans, though, mid-level seats are more than adequate - you can get a clearer view of the game. (Truth be told, that glass can get murky when you're up close.) Blood aside, Wranglers games are action-packed entertainment for the whole family.
The arena seats 7,000 and games sometimes sell out - get your tickets in advance. One thing that could be improved upon at the Orleans Arena is the food offerings: Don't expect to find anything more interesting than standard hot dog, nacho, and beer fare.
Tickets: Prices for adults are $12.50, $16, $20, $27.50, and $36.75; for kids under age12, tickets cost $7.50 and $12.50. Season tickets and group tickets are also available. Order tickets by calling 888-582-6278, or purchase them online at www.lasvegaswranglers.com.
