Fans understanding of Golden Knights’ new autograph policy
Despite the Golden Knights’ policy on autographs at City National Arena being restrictive to adults, the fans understand why it was implemented.
Marc Munoz, a Golden Knights season ticket-holder from Las Vegas, was waiting by the glass Wednesday morning prior to practice to get coach Gerard Gallant’s signature for his grandson. Munoz also hoped a few players would sign his season ticket gift box, something many subscribers have tried to do.
“It should be about the kids,” he said. “My suggestion is to get three or four players after every practice to sign for everyone, kids and adults. I think it’s a fair way to do it.”
With fans packing the team’s practices and congregating outside the players’ parking lot seeking autographs and photos, the team decided to control traffic inside and outside the facility.
Camping outside by the parking lot is no longer allowed. In addition, fans can only receive autographs inside the rink in a designated area by the player benches and there is an age restriction. Only those 14 and under are allowed access to the players.
Luc Roy, another season ticket-holder, who drove over from Henderson, talked to team president Kerry Bubolz. He has a collection of signed posters but is concerned the new policy may keep him from completing the set.
“I agree, the team needed to do something,” he said. “I was out there a couple of times with the cars and it was insane. The players need some privacy and if I were a player, I’d want to be able to go home.
“But I wish they would have done it differently. My biggest concern is parents are using their kids to get autographs and then selling them. If an adult has 20 items and each has everyone’s autograph, how is that possible?”
Elijah Armstrong of Las Vegas doesn’t have season tickets. But he’s a regular at practice and he said it’s great the team affords fans access to even watch practice and ask for autographs.
“I’ve been outside two or three times and I’ve seen the adults let the kids go first,” Armstrong said. “But I understand why they did it. It’s a way to mitigate anyone getting hurt. I get that it’s for safety.
“But it should be for the kids. The kids are the season ticket-holders of the future.”
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Contact Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow @stevecarprj on Twitter.
