Knights pledge financial support for arena, part-time employees

The Golden Knights are taking care of T-Mobile Arena employees impacted by the pause in the NHL season.

The team said Thursday it will pledge a minimum of $500,000 to assist part-time arena staff and its own part-time employees who were scheduled to work the remaining four regular-season home games.

“Make no mistake, these are uncertain and challenging times, especially here in the great city of Las Vegas,” owner Bill Foley said in a statement. “But we are all in this together and we will all persevere together.

“We hope these contributions can have a positive impact on many of the staff and their families who are affected. We want to do our part.”

In addition to contributions from Foley and the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, players also are offering financial support to those whose jobs were affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury committed to donating $100,000.

“A big part of what makes the Vegas Golden Knights game day experience so memorable is the staff working behind the scenes,” Fleury said in a statement. “As players, we truly appreciate all the employees who work so hard in making The Fortress the best place to play in the NHL. They are just as much a part of the Las Vegas community as we are.

“My family and I hope that these contributions not only help those in need, but also inspire others who are in fortunate positions to step up and find ways to help, too. We can’t wait to see the employees and our fans again soon.”

The Knights were one of the last NHL organizations to announce a plan to pay arena workers, who are not team employees. T-Mobile Arena is co-owned and operated by MGM Resorts International.

Foley said last week after the season was suspended he would make financial sacrifices if necessary.

The financial contributions will benefit hourly, on-call staff at T-Mobile Arena along with third-party vendors, service providers, food and beverage employees, retail associates, medical staff, event personnel, production and cleaning operations.

The Knights also will support their part-time game staff, which includes in-arena hosts, the public-address announcer, Vegas Vivas!, Golden Belles, Knights Guard, Knight Line, the Golden Knight, DJ and music director, camera operators, control room crew, Battle Wagon driver, Villain and Watchman, and the drivers of the ice resurfacers.

Interns who work game days for the team will also be assisted by these efforts.

Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @DavidSchoenLVRJ on Twitter.