Dallas Stars Ban Fan Over Nazi Salute at Arena

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The Dallas Stars have banned an individual from attending games at American Airlines Center after they purchased tickets for a group of fans who were seen celebrating a goal by performing a Nazi salute during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team conducted an investigation and identified the ticket purchaser, who was informed of the indefinite ban. The Stars also said they are increasing in-arena messaging about their fan code of conduct and prioritizing staff training to identify and handle such situations.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing hateful and discriminatory behavior in professional sports arenas, where teams aim to create inclusive, safe and respectful environments for all fans. The Stars' swift action to ban the individual and strengthen their policies sends a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.

The details

A video clip, about 12 seconds long, surfaced on social media showing several male fans in the upper deck of American Airlines Center performing what appears to be a Nazi salute in unison, timed to the team's goal song 'Puck off' by Pantera. The Stars conducted an investigation and identified the individual who purchased the tickets for the group.

• The incident occurred during the Stars' game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 21, 2025.

What’s next

The Stars said they are increasing in-arena messaging about their fan code of conduct and prioritizing staff training to identify and handle such situations in the future.