Dallas Stars Arena Investigates Nazi Salute by Fans

Four fans appeared to celebrate a goal with a Nazi salute, prompting an internal investigation by the American Airlines Center.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in muted blue, gray, and white tones, conceptually representing the fractured, multi-perspective nature of a controversial incident at a hockey game.A fragmented, cubist-inspired illustration captures the divisive moment when a group of hockey fans appeared to celebrate a goal with a hateful gesture, sparking an investigation by the team's home arena.Dallas Today

The home arena of the Dallas Stars, the American Airlines Center, has launched an investigation into a video that appears to show four fans celebrating a goal by performing a Nazi salute. The arena has stated it has 'zero tolerance for any acts of hate and/or discrimination' and that all fans are expected to adhere to the venue's code of conduct.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing challenge sports venues face in addressing hateful or discriminatory behavior by fans, which can undermine the inclusive atmosphere that teams and arenas aim to foster. The investigation will likely result in consequences for the individuals involved and could prompt the arena and team to review their policies and enforcement around fan conduct.

The details

A Dallas Stars fan named Courtney Ripley recorded a 12-second video at a late December game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which appears to show four fans reacting to a goal by raising and extending their right arms in what looks like a Nazi salute. The video gained traction on social media this week, prompting the American Airlines Center to launch an internal investigation.

  • The incident occurred in late December 2025 during a Dallas Stars game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • The video of the incident surfaced on social media platforms this week.

The players

American Airlines Center

The home arena of the Dallas Stars NHL team, which has launched an investigation into the incident.

Dallas Stars

The NHL team whose fans were involved in the apparent Nazi salute incident at their home arena.

Courtney Ripley

A Dallas Stars fan who recorded the 12-second video that captured the incident.

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What’s next

The American Airlines Center has stated it will conduct a full internal investigation into the incident to determine the appropriate consequences for the fans involved.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenge sports venues face in addressing hateful or discriminatory behavior by fans, which can undermine the inclusive atmosphere that teams and arenas aim to foster. The investigation and any resulting consequences will likely prompt the arena and team to review their policies and enforcement around fan conduct to ensure a welcoming environment for all attendees.