T-Mobile Arena Ranked Second Best NHL Rink by The Athletic

Las Vegas Golden Knights' home arena praised for atmosphere, amenities, and fan experience

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:07pm

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According to a survey conducted by The Athletic, T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights, has been ranked the second-best NHL rink in the league. The arena scored highly for its atmosphere, amenities, and overall fan experience, with Golden Knights fans praising the in-game entertainment and camaraderie among season ticket holders.

Why it matters

The ranking of T-Mobile Arena as one of the top NHL arenas highlights the Golden Knights' success in creating an unparalleled game-day experience for their fans since the team's inception in 2017. This recognition solidifies T-Mobile Arena's reputation as one of the premier sports and entertainment destinations in the league.

The details

The Athletic's survey, which included feedback from thousands of subscribers, including season ticket holders, as well as scores from the publication's beat writers, placed T-Mobile Arena second overall among the 32 NHL arenas. The arena scored particularly high marks for its atmosphere (9.8 out of 10) and amenities (9.0 out of 10), with fans praising the in-game entertainment, including performances by Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil.

  • The Athletic's survey was conducted in 2026.
  • The Golden Knights have appeared in seven playoff runs and two Stanley Cup Finals since the team's first season in 2017-18.

The players

Vegas Golden Knights

The professional ice hockey team that plays its home games at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sarah Nakamura

A longtime Golden Knights fan who has had season tickets since the team's inception and travels with her row of season ticket holders to away games.

Mark Raymond

A Golden Knights fan who has attended games at T-Mobile Arena and compares the in-game experience to "Hollywood on steroids."

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What they’re saying

“Everything is a spectacle. From the moment you enter the Toshiba Plaza, there is something to stare at. Drum line, showgirls, Chance (the mascot) with free swag...Then you enter the arena and it gets even more bonkers. One game I went to had Blue Man Group perform during the first intermission, and Cirque du Soleil performing during the second...I get three shows for the price of one.”

— A Golden Knights fan (The Athletic)

“We moved here three and a half years ago, and one of the first things we bought was Golden Knights season tickets. Our whole row is season ticket holders, and we travel together to away games. At T-Mobile Arena, it's not only the energy that's created, but the camaraderie and relationships that are built too.”

— Sarah Nakamura, Longtime Golden Knights fan (Instagram)

“This is the most incredible thing we have ever seen. I've been to basketball and football games all over the country, and I've never seen anything like it. It's like Hollywood on steroids.”

— Mark Raymond, Golden Knights fan (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Golden Knights will look to continue their success and playoff appearances at T-Mobile Arena, aiming to build on their two Stanley Cup Final appearances in the first nine seasons of the franchise.

The takeaway

T-Mobile Arena's ranking as one of the top NHL rinks in the league underscores the Golden Knights' ability to create an unparalleled game-day experience for their fans, blending high-energy entertainment, state-of-the-art amenities, and a passionate fan base to establish the arena as a premier destination for hockey and sports enthusiasts.