NHL Hockey at MGM Grand Las Vegas

This week hockey fans from Colorado and Los Angeles descend on the MGM Grand Arena for Frozen Fury. This annual pre-season match-up between the Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche has become a huge event on the hockey calendar even though the game does not even count in the standings. Who can blame the fans when you consider that you can combine a weekend of hockey and a weekend in Vegas!

Saturday October 4, 2014 the reigning Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings take on the Colorado Avalanche and their young roster of fast and talented skaters. Expect plenty of sportsmanship on the ice and hardly any in the stands. These crowds get loud and the atmosphere is almost like a playoff game.

Before the game you might want to find a spot for the pre-game festivities. You know, a Vegas version of tailgating. Here are a few ideas for your pre-game party:

• Pub 1842 at MGM Grand is the obvious choice for a pre-game beer but it is on the way to the MGM Grand Garden Arena so your best bet is to get there early. You’ll probably want to try the peanut butter burger but load up on the lobster corn dogs and BBQ Chicken drumsticks. Share the pulled pork sandwich and a milkshake as well. Oh, yeah, while you are there order a Spanish Harlem, everyone needs barrel aged liquor before a hockey game.
• Double Barrel Roadhouse is across the street at Monte Carlo and might be an easier spot to get a table. If you get there early find a seat with a view of the strip and watch as the hockey fanatics parade by. You have to try the watermelon crawl but if you are hanging with the guys they might not let you order a “girl drink” (you should anyways) If you must, go with the Double Barrel Spiked Iced Tea, that is manly enough for a hockey crowd.
• Public House at Luxor Las Vegas is also a good option for a pre-game drink and you can get there early and catch some college football action. Burger, beer and some appetizers work in this place that is nicer than you think it should be. It is a classy bar so drink your beer out of the glass and not the bottle.(joking, only I'm not)

If you need somewhere to go after the game Hakkasan, Whiskey Down, Centrifuge and Rouge will all be in full swing and jam packed with hockey fans.