L.A. sports, ice hockey and more in the desert at Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena

With Vegas only a five-hour drive, (or approximately a five-minute flight) away, Angelenos can justify taking a quick trip to Sin City for just about any occasion. Halloween? Legitimate. National Pickle Day? (Tuesday, Nov. 14, for those wondering.) Sure, why not. That said, L.A. sports fans will have all sorts of better reasons to head to the desert, with Lakers preseason games aplenty and a new NHL franchise this winter.

NBA fans can see the city’s premier team before they hit Staples Center - that’s right, the Lakers are playing a preseason game at T-Mobile arena. The state-of-the-art year-old venue is the perfect place to take in a game in between more typical Vegas debauchery. The team will take on the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 8.

Arena eats

If you’re that “sports are pointless to follow” friend, there’s away to not be a total party pooper should your group want to attend a T-Mobile event - eat!

T-Mobile Arena isn’t a soggy garlic-fry and withered weiner kind of place. Instead, feed your bicoastal nature with Shake Shack. The New York chain famous for its creative burgers, waffle fries and malts may have recently expanded to Los Angeles, but it’s definitely going to taste better in a sports venue setting.

If you’re feeling homesick and also insistent on a true arena food experience, grab a hot-dog from Pink’s.That’s right,the legendary LaBrea hot dog spot has an outpost at T-Mobile to satisfy any Brando Dog cravings you may have two days away from L.A.

Ice in the desert

Hockey fans: Vegas now has an NHL team. Completely ignoring the odd juxtaposition of desert heat and ice hockey, this is great news for L.A. Kings fans, with another away venue nearby. The Golden Knights will play their first home game on Oct. 10, and their first game against the Los Angeles Kings on Nov. 19. Single game tickets are available at www.vegasgoldenknights.com.

-Alan LaGuardia, Custom Publishing Writer