Starting next season, the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL will have one of the coolest home “arenas” in North America. According to Puck Daddy, the team has reached a five-year deal to play their home games on the roof of the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Vegas.
The new deal calls for a $4 million renovation that will turn the roof’s existing parking lot into a 3,500-seat fabric-shell arena. The hotel will also convert the fifth floor of its south tower for locker rooms, medical space and bathrooms.
It’s expected that visiting teams will stay at the Plaza when they come into town for games against the Wranglers. There’s also a good chance that the Wranglers’ annual “Midnight Game” (start time of 12 AM) might expand to more than once a season with the rink conveniently located just a few floors above the casino levels.
The unique arrangement comes after a deal could not be reached to renew the Wranglers’ lease at the Orleans Arena, and you’ve certainly got to give the team credit for thinking outside the box to secure their future in Vegas for the next handful of years.
About Pete Blackburn