- The Washington Times - Tuesday, May 29, 2018

LAS VEGAS — The city that bills itself the “Entertainment Capital of the World” pulled out all the stops for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, creating a celebrity-packed party atmosphere as the Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals kicked off the championship series Monday night.

Rapper Lil Jon headlined a pre-game concert in the Toshiba Plaza outside T-Mobile Arena and boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer — the man famous for the phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble” — introduced the starting lineups.

Gladys Knight performed “God Bless America” after the first period to recognize Memorial Day, and Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the USA.”

Floyd Mayweather, who has made much of his living fighting in Las Vegas, attended the game. And magician Criss Angel, who also frequently performs in the city, was on hand to pump up the crowd:

The city that didn’t officially have an NHL team one year ago has thrown all its support behind the Golden Knights. Ahead of Game 1, the Statue of Liberty facsimile outside New York-New York Hotel and Casino was dressed in a Vegas hockey sweater, and the statue of Julius Caesar outside Caesars Palace is now grasping a hockey stick and Golden Knights flag.

• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.

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