At this Las Vegas-area grocery store chain, many of the workers are wearing Golden Knights gear on game day. Same for the bartender at a local casino and the group of construction workers on a work site.
The Golden Knights run into the Stanley Cup Final has allowed businesses to loosen their dress code policy on game days, permitting employees to wear team gear in place of their uniforms.
Not only is it a way to show they are with the community in supporting their beloved team, it also boosts employees’ morale by getting out of their uniform garb for a day.
“The phenomenon is contagious, fun and the employees love it,” said Ryan Growney, general manager of South Point. “The employees requested it and it’s a hard thing to manage, but we’re going to do it because we’re behind this town and we’re behind this team.”
There’s a few limits on Knights gear at South Point: It has to be a jersey or collared shirt, and the item needs to convey a professional appearance. For security, valet workers and housekeepers still wear their uniforms, Growney said.
Employees at businesses of all types and sizes, whether it’s Smith’s Food and Drug, McCarran International Airport or family-owned local companies such as Burke Construction Group are also showing their support of the Knights.
While employees at McCarran can wear Knights gear on game days, workers employed with individual vendors are asked to obtain approval from their respective supervisors, said McCarran spokesperson Christine Crews.
Burke Construction Group also allows its employees, both in its corporate office and on construction sites, to wear Golden Knights gear on game days and Fridays.
“Burke Construction Group could not be prouder of our hometown team,” said Keith Burke said, the company’s president and CEO. “The Knights are a great inspiration to the Las Vegas community.”
Aside from team members showing their Golden Knights pride with clothing, South Point and McCarran, like several valley businesses, have banners and other signs of support on display for the team throughout their property.
South Point features various pieces of Golden Knights memorabilia strewn throughout the property, including a team jersey draped over the Benny Binion statue near the casino’s player’s club.
“I was born and raised here and I’ve never seen anything like it,” Growney said. “We’ll do anything we can to show our support.”
With the Knights trailing the Capitals three games to one, the businesses each share a similar wish: extending the series to seven games for two additional free dress days.