The 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, marked a historic event as the first major sporting event hosted at the $2.3 billion venue. The draft featured 32 teams and was attended by all team staffs for the last time in person. The San Jose Sharks selected Macklin Celebrini from Boston University as the first overall pick, a decision widely anticipated. Celebrini, who grew up playing for the Jr. Sharks in San Jose and has ties to NBA MVP Steve Nash, is expected to transform the Sharks. Joe Thornton, a former Shark, announced the pick, and Celebrini headed to the stage with Fleetwood Mac playing. Celebrini's father, Rick, is the Warriors' VP of Player Health and Performance. The event drew a sellout crowd of 14,220 and showcased the Sphere's advanced technology, including a 160,000 sq. ft. interior screen and 580,000 sq. ft. Exosphere. The draft will continue with rounds 2-7 at 7 p.m. ET.
I thought the draft being at the Sphere was a little unnecessary. I was wrong. It was awesome. Every part of it. The NHL should do this every year, as opposed to just eliminating the in-person draft. https://t.co/AweBW1vMbx
The Sphere was in all its glory as the NHL used the venue for the first round of its draft Friday in Las Vegas. The Sharks took Boston center Macklin Celebrini No. 1 overall. Photo by Ellen Schmidt @reviewjournal https://t.co/en8zFeNO6d
The Vegas Golden Knights have a new player coming after the first day of the NHL Draft, and fans were not shy to share their thoughts. We have a full recap of Friday's NHL Draft at the Vegas Sphere here >> https://t.co/HVSQQ8ed9w https://t.co/8fPfOmUfdz
This visual from the NHL Draft inside the Sphere is incredible. 🤯 (🎥: @StLouisBlues) https://t.co/xD9k5FFzIo
.@utahhockeyclub juked us all with the team’s first-ever draft selection. #UtahHC #NHLDraft @PuckUtah https://t.co/ehAmgsKJJZ
The scene from inside Sphere, a feast of eye candy during the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft on Friday. "Oh, it's amazing." ⤵️https://t.co/PWICKraAnc
The first round of the 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft at @SphereVegas has been rounded out. And it was incredible. Congratulations to all 32 players who heard their name called tonight, and their families. #NHLStats: https://t.co/V2omFONKOy https://t.co/XbM6aGyYxo
The first live broadcast and first event with a major sports league from @SphereVegas drew a sellout crowd of 14,220! We’ll be back for Rounds 2-7 of the 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft tomorrow. #NHLStats: https://t.co/V2omFONKOy https://t.co/asXijApS2p
Presenting the top three picks from the 2024 #NHLDraft at @SphereVegas! 🤩 📺: The 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft continues tomorrow at 11:30a ET on @ESPNPlus, @NHLNetwork, @Sportsnet, SN1, Sportsnet+, and @TVASports https://t.co/Rr9j6ZKAJ3
The 2024 NHL Draft at the Sphere officially drew a sellout crowd of 14,220. https://t.co/9b9eSosIet
2024 #NHLDraft Round 1 in the books from @SphereVegas -> https://t.co/Amh7MP14QY
The first live broadcast and first sporting event from @SphereVegas drew a sellout crowd of 14,220! We’ll be back for Rounds 2-7 of the 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft tomorrow. #NHLStats: https://t.co/V2omFONKOy https://t.co/W6tAETPpZR
The 2024 NHL Entry Draft is here in Las Vegas until Saturday! Check out these views from the inside 📸🏒 https://t.co/jc6iFoBi6e
You can bet NFL and NBA are kicking themselves that they didn’t get to host their Draft in @SphereVegas first. This venue is mind blowing. 🤯 #NHL had the vision and pulled it off - with a Herculean lift behind the scenes on creative, graphics and show flow. Well done. 👏🏻 https://t.co/qadT5MjgVl
Utah HC picks son of hockey legend in franchise's first NHL Draft https://t.co/cc7uviPOFk
#NYR on the clock… https://t.co/GxfQdURT2o
The #NYR are on the clock.
It’s a Celebrini-ation in #Vegas 🏒🥅 📍@SphereVegas #NHLDraft https://t.co/qNKReh8BK7
Macklin Celebrini will be at #SJSharks development camp. @TheHockeyNews
POV: you’re watching the #NHLDraft at the Sphere 🤩 https://t.co/OSqvmfGT0W
#NHLDraft Vegas-style 😎 https://t.co/GJ33wNJQw6
Incredible! @SphereVegas @GoldenKnights #2024NHLDraft https://t.co/yFWPvAt7LI
Yeah the visuals here at Sphere are ridiculous #NHLDraft https://t.co/6GN1DfIKwC
After growing up playing for the Jr. Sharks in San Jose, you sit waiting to hear your name called at the #NHLDraft. Out steps JUMBO JOE as a surprise guest to announce you're the newest member of the @SanJoseSharks. 🦈 What a story for Macklin Celebrini. https://t.co/3k12HPnM3z
Macklin Celebrini selected No. 1 by San Jose at NHL draft where Las Vegas and hockey royalty mix (from @AP) https://t.co/PEst2qlh0S
Macklin Celebrini is the star of The Sphere, going first in the NHL draft https://t.co/PJg6vMIiDG
It should be obvious @SanJoseSharks top pick Macklin Celebrini was a born playmaker, he grew up with two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash for an 'uncle.' ⤵️ https://t.co/w6bJteYhWz
With @scottcwheeler, our initial story on Macklin Celebrini selected with the No. 1 overall pick and his fit with the #SJSharks on a historic day for the franchise. https://t.co/yRfmtjYi1h
It should be obvious @SanJoseSharks top pick Macklin Celebrini was a born playmaker, he grew with two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash for an 'uncle.' ⤵️ https://t.co/w6bJteYhWz
Vegas just hosted the coolest NHL draft ever. 🏒 https://t.co/cUbyXJNNi5
A historic event here at @SphereVegas as the @SanJoseSharks & @NHLBlackhawks make their picks at #1 & #2 Check it out! @News3LV #NHL #2024NHLDraft #Sphere #LASVegasSphere https://t.co/dheXUBE2Vl
#NHL was ahead of game in bringing major pro sports to @CityOfLasVegas and first again with #NHLDraft here. @SphereVegas getting a ton of publicity from this too. Now everybody wants to see a concert here. Incredible venue. Nashville and Vegas back-to-back drafts good call. 👍 https://t.co/vnkM9nB8dl
The Golden Knights are now on the clock with the 19th pick. These are the top remaining prospects according to @coreypronman's rankings: 12. Stian Solberg 16. Cole Eiserman 18. Igor Chernyshov 20. Cole Beaudoin 21. Leo Sahlin Wallenius 22. Charlie Elick 23. Liam Greentree
More looks from inside the #Sphere for the #NHLDraft https://t.co/ILFZHUv0Bn
Kurtenbach: Instant reaction to the Sharks’ No. 11 pick in the NHL Draft https://t.co/TnQugNwWzq
View from the 400 section of Sphere for the NHL Draft. #vegas #nhldraft https://t.co/yEPzNnDols
from @Marisa_Ingemi Macklin Celebrini’s rise from Junior Shark to face of San Jose Sharks: ‘Most exciting thing in NHL’ https://t.co/rh1Yy8sgtH via @sfchronicle
Soaring through @SphereVegas!! 🙌 📺: 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft on @espn, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, and @TVASports https://t.co/FloX7QPybK
Utah Hockey Club’s first draft pick is the son of a hockey legend Story by @ryanwmcdonald https://t.co/k9coRBmeT7
10 mind-bending photos and videos of the Las Vegas Sphere hosting the 2024 NHL Draft https://t.co/NNHR2cbuQR https://t.co/AIt3CebPO8
The Sabres are on the clock.
Blackhawks' second first-rounder is five picks away.
NHL draft at Las Vegas Sphere featured odd robot who introduced prospects https://t.co/r0gnECweZw
NHL Draft: #SJSharks take 6-foot-3 defenseman 11th overall https://t.co/QKm7CWCDfj
NHL Draft: San Jose Sharks take 6-foot-3 defenseman 11th overall https://t.co/qbe4IrpoPL
The Sharks picked No. 1 overall in the NHL Draft, and their selection has Bay Area ties. https://t.co/XKqd1GUv2U
FIRST PICK! Utah HC picks son of hockey legend in franchise's first NHL Draft. https://t.co/65vhc3hPT8
#SJSharks select Sam Dickenson with the No. 11 overall pick at the NHL Draft.
The #SJSharks select Sam Dickinson at No. 11
If this is what the NHL draft looks like at the Las Vegas Sphere, the UFC fights in September might actually end up being one of the greatest sporting events ever. (🎥: @HKYJersey) https://t.co/9MaBs119p0
The #SJSharks are on the clock
#NJDevils on the clock with the 10th pick https://t.co/PqrkAtHv0d
The #NJDevils are making their pick.
We’re on the clock 👀 #NJDevils | @Verizon https://t.co/MrXxogm2lv
Devils are on the clock at 10 https://t.co/7IIssJUJrQ
The Devils are up at 10. Will they make the pick or trade?
Next up, the Devils at 10. (Devils pick at 10, Islanders at 20 and the Rangers at 30 -- barring trades, of course.)
The #NJDevils are on the clock.
... and #NJDevils are on the clock!
And the #NJDevils are on the clock.....
A look at the NHL Draft visuals inside the $2.3 billion Sphere in Vegas 🔮 https://t.co/gT0cCQWrSI
NHL Draft at Vegas Sphere draws massive comment https://t.co/CUPDhbCMqj
Las Vegas Sphere decked out for the NHL Draft 👀 (via @MollieeWalkerr) https://t.co/0QzqnFtszw
A look inside the Vegas Sphere at the #NHLDraft tracker. This is AMAZING! 🎥: @FanShotz, Vegas Sports Today #VegasBorn | #NHLDraft https://t.co/cU0VuiCEZ1
The NCAA was well-represented among the top two picks. Tune in for Round 1 of the 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft on @espn, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet and @TVASports. #NHLStats: https://t.co/V2omFONKOy https://t.co/3hXiUe2GC6
View from the floor of the Sphere. Amazing. #NHLDraft #ALLCAPS https://t.co/3ZfrYqTcFd
.@utahhockeyclub is on the clock at No. 6. #UtahHC #NHLDraft #NHL https://t.co/AZHGvtTqWY
The NHL Draft is taking place at The Sphere tonight, and the visuals look unreal 🤯 Can’t wait to see how the UFC pulls it off at #NocheUFC 🎥 @BroBible #UFC #MMA #NHL https://t.co/z2YXRYAl41
NHL Draft, views from the top of Sphere… https://t.co/ucKRmxpncP
MACK IN THE BAY! Congrats to the @SanJoseSharks & Macklin Celebrini. We can’t wait to welcome you to the South Bay. 🦈 🌊 #BayAreaUnite https://t.co/qfGA8EVlkh
#CBJ is on the clock!
Macklin Celebrini’s dad, Rick, is the Warriors VP of Player Health and Performance. Tonight, Macklin was drafted to the @SanJoseSharks as the first pick in the NHL Draft! #BayAreaUnite https://t.co/hMyHiFnk9i
Blackhawks on the clock https://t.co/NtouEHqnXb
Joe Thornton announces the Sharks selecting Macklin Celebrini and there's a Sharks fan losing his damn mind https://t.co/hmDuvsCGRh
A look at the 2024 NHL Draft inside the Sphere from an FPV drone: https://t.co/aervGRWaB3
With the first pick of the night in the Sphere, the Sharks obviously took Macklin Celebrini. https://t.co/QQ19kPgQZJ
Joe Thornton does the honors for the Sharks https://t.co/b5h2BLKnUb
Wow shocker, Macklin Celebrini gets selected first 😂😂😂 Joe Thornton announced it
Joe Thornton announces Macklin Celebrini from Boston University as the No. 1 pick of the San Jose Sharks and he heads to the stage with Fleetwood Mac for the soundtrack. We are FLYING already, baby
Joe Thornton selects Macklin Celebrini for San Jose
C Macklin Celibrini of Boston University taken No. 1 overall by the San Jose Sharks in NHL Entry Draft. In other news, the Sphere venue in Las Vegas is somewhat round. #NHLDraft #SEAKraken
To no surprise, #SJSharks take Celebrini at No. 1. Joe Thornton, my hotel buddy, makes the announcement.
#SJSharks take almost all of their allotted three minutes to do what everyone knew they would do and select BU's Macklin Celebrini first overall at the 2024 NHL Draft Joe Thornton announces pick for his former team.
The Sharks are on the clock https://t.co/wSUaqEbjwc https://t.co/ElkN86F9GP
The Sharks are on the clock to kick off the 2024 NHL Draft. https://t.co/ULIylDNkkW
Sharks on the clock. https://t.co/IyT3RL5n6m
The Sharks are on the clock. And here we go! (Obviously they're taking Celebrini)
Great job by the NHL setting up its draft inside the Sphere in Las Vegas https://t.co/AxTH1oahqr
It's go time. The First Round of the #NHLDraft starts NOW on ESPN! #NJDevils | @Verizon https://t.co/bUsCpFyoP1
The Sharks are on the clock.
Here's the ESPN open of the 2024 NHL Draft, live from Sphere in Las Vegas. 🏒📺🎙️🔵 https://t.co/zD8Elk1qoL
Joe Thornton is here in Vegas. Wonder if Sharks have the former No. 1 overall announce this year's No. 1 overall
Views from inside the @SphereVegas for the 2024 #NHLDraft 📸 @Peter_Baugh | @MarkLazerus https://t.co/QfQBOf3V6I https://t.co/BurHxA8LYm
WE. ARE. LIVE. Tune into @ESPN for coverage of the 2024 #NHLDraft. #LetsGoFlyers https://t.co/TVO8zJmWnz https://t.co/pDCMlvmsma
And away we go! The first round of the NHL Draft about to get underway! #NJDevils on the board at 10.
The NHL draft is underway. Blackhawks will be picking shortly. https://t.co/ldu8QRQxSw
VGK select #19 tonight. Their highest pick since Peyton Krebs in 2019. https://t.co/5YuTKnBop3
32 prospects will have their dreams come true tonight when they hear their name called in Round 1 of the 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft live at @SphereVegas. #NHLStats: https://t.co/V2omFONcZ0 https://t.co/a2gru6Vexh
It's almost go time at Sphere in Las Vegas for the 2024 NHL Draft. #NJDevils hold the 10th-overall pick in the 1st round.
Predicting #NHLDraft is a fool’s errand. Subterfuge is real. Speculation suggests it opens like this: 1. #sjsharks Macklin Celebrini 2. #blackhawks Artyom Levshunov 3. #flytogether Beckett Sennecke And… that’s when the jockeying would begin for #CBJ No. 4 pick. Buckle up.
Drone footage from the NHL Draft floor at The Sphere goes incredibly hard 👀 https://t.co/cqKUjb7ugW
The Chicago Blackhawks will influence how the NHL Draft unfolds Friday in having the No. 2 pick, a year after choosing center Connor Bedard with the No. 1 pick in 2023. https://t.co/zfn0Gk9o0W
Live Updates is back for the 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft. Follow along for #NHLStats from the 32 selections from Round 1 tonight live from inside of a sphere 🔮 : https://t.co/V2omFONcZ0 https://t.co/B61wfbR4PL
Here at Sphere. This place is amazing! #nhldraft https://t.co/GSvImbXdRa
How many times will we see this pop up tonight at @SphereVegas? Catch the 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft at 7 p.m. ET on @ESPN, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet and @TVASports. https://t.co/50hAS7JGEW
Tonight, history will be made as the 2024 @NHL Draft takes place at @Sphere - the first-ever sporting event to be hosted in the venue. https://t.co/jU5sO8glpM
Who will @utahhockeyclub select with their first #NHLDraft pick in franchise history? 🤔 Tune in for Round 1 live from @SphereVegas at 7 p.m. ET on @espn, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet and @TVASports. #NHLStats https://t.co/28PxXWJEIp
Going to be a very cool experience seeing the NHL Draft go down at the Sphere. @FlyerItUp https://t.co/THnUl0GQ35
2024 NHL Draft tracker: Grading every pick in the first round https://t.co/4mVNnFlpZj https://t.co/L5tDUh3Sre
Tonight, the NHL Draft will be the first major sporting event held entirely at the $2.3 billion Sphere in Vegas. The events will unfold on the Sphere's 160,000 sq. ft. interior screen as well as the 580,000 sq. ft. “Exosphere." “This is the biggest canvas you’ll ever paint on."
✅ #NHLStats confirmed: First time in 62 years that the #NHLDraft will be held in a sphere. 🕖 7 p.m. ET 📍 @SphereVegas 📺 @ESPN, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet, @TVASports https://t.co/pnwyVicaHV
This is bananas. This is @SphereVegas #NHLDraft24 https://t.co/1oloZcy00g
Get excited for the first #NHLDraft for Utah Hockey Club. They are picking sixth overall. We have you covered with coverage through the @utahhockeyclub pick and all the way through the first round on @KSLSportsZone. TUNE IN: https://t.co/LszktjyIN9 https://t.co/1ccBCE8vU9
NHL Draft floor at the Sphere. https://t.co/UO3Q2tm0Iy
NHL draft floor at the @SphereVegas cool Birds Eye view of the future of the league #NHLDraft https://t.co/mIMGdAwhTu
Get ready for "Welcome to the NHL" moments unlike any we've ever seen. Catch the 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft live from @SphereVegas at 7 p.m. ET on @ESPN, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet, @TVASports. https://t.co/hizGNvzk3E
Whether you're a hockey fan or not, you’ve got to admit that having the draft at the Sphere in Vegas is cool as hell. https://t.co/HkQmyMQLHI
The 2024 NHL Draft a few hours away from beginning here at @SphereVegas. #vegas #nhl #nhldraft https://t.co/cKsvkrdtwf
Welcome to Sphere, where the 2024 NHL Draft will kick off in 90 minutes. Maybe the most unique setup ever for one of these. Just a projection on the screen right now but I bet it’s gonna look pretty sweet once the picks are being made. #CBJ https://t.co/zbOnsZx6NX
There has never been an #NHLDraft like this. Live from @SphereVegas at 7 p.m. ET on @ESPN, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet, @TVASports. https://t.co/NCzgAFcY4c
The NHL Draft is taking over the Sphere in Las Vegas this afternoon! https://t.co/rHpxyW3zaU
The @SphereVegas ready for the #NHLDraft what a time to be alive https://t.co/8lU0KfZ09L
The Sphere is an amazing setting for this years #NHLEntryDraft Coverage starts at 6:30pm et on Sportsnet 🙌🏽 https://t.co/oTo1Da4apw
Soon 👀 📸 @SphereVegas | #NHLDraft https://t.co/QyFkErhXMS
The San Jose Sharks have the No. 1 overall pick and just added the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, which starts today at 4:30 p.m. What to know: https://t.co/0hWWA6pyzm
NHL Draft at the Sphere tonight. https://t.co/5c8Pn0tZjN
NHL draft goes immersive for last ride, Las Vegas-style, at Sphere https://t.co/lu3Dspnrn5
"I was in the Sphere this morning for rehearsal and it looks spectacular.. The NHL Draft is gonna be a great show tonight" @FriedgeHNIC #PMSLive #HockeyIsAwesome https://t.co/Bqgepzh83Q
NHL DRAFT THREAD: I’m here in fabulous Las Vegas for @fox13 for all things @utahhockeyclub and the @NHL 2024 Draft! The sphere is ready for the big day and I’ll be posting updates throughout the day here! (Had to get my selfie with the @SphereVegas 🤣) https://t.co/AdbnHGH9Sc
With Macklin Celebrini likely going first, the intrigue revolves around the order of the next five picks at this year's NHL draft. READ MORE: https://t.co/QImxi8MRJM https://t.co/QImxi8MRJM
We asked the players at the NHL Combine to answer some poll questions. 📝 Here are the results: 📺: Round 1 of the 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft TONIGHT at 7p ET on @espn, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, and @TVASports https://t.co/UQouceKUYU
BIG DAY! 😁 We’re making the 19th overall selection at the NHL Draft tonight at @SphereVegas! #VegasBorn | @VenetianVegas
Who can #SJSharks pick at No. 11? An NHL scout shares his thoughts: https://t.co/O8DyON1AO4
Here’s how to watch — or stream — the NHL draft, which will feature Utah Hockey Club’s first-ever draft pick. | By @JoeAColes https://t.co/ei7WJqwXeV
I got to spend a Sunday afternoon with Macklin Celebrini and his family at their home in North Vancouver. So what was the biggest takeaway? The San Jose Sharks and quite possibly the NHL are going to fall in love with him. #SJSharks https://t.co/9ib69Pi60I
Macklin Celebrini was the Brick Invitational MVP... as a Dman. He grew up on the ice at Open Ice sessions, with three other future top-5 NHL draft picks. So what makes Macklin Celebrini so good? 4 stories that reveal why he’ll transform the Sharks: https://t.co/3WJyHO5xWk
The #SEAKraken pick at No. 8 in an NHL Entry Draft that starts at 4 pm PT in Las Vegas. It’s to be the final “in person” draft for staffs of all 32 teams and takes place at the unique Sphere venue — which should mean quite a show to watch. https://t.co/OrbJtg5cCz #NHL #NHLDraft
The Athletic: #CBJ have the No. 4 overall pick tonight when the #NHL Draft is staged at Sphere in Las Vegas. With such a wide-open pool of prospects after No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini, is this a year to consider trading down? https://t.co/9Vup61zChL
The final “in person” NHL Entry Draft starts Friday in Las Vegas at the much-discussed Sphere venue. The #SEAKraken pick No. 8 overall and have five selections the first three rounds. https://t.co/OrbJtg5cCz #NHL #NHLDraft
This year’s NHL draft, starting with Friday's opening round at the Sphere in Las Vegas, will be the final in-person event attended by staffs of all 32 teams. https://t.co/t8qNZWNVpR
This year’s NHL draft, starting with Friday's opening round at the Sphere in Las Vegas, will be the final in-person event attended by staffs of all 32 teams. From @GeoffBakerTIMES: https://t.co/cw8cUXhOFz
Macklin Celebrini headlines first round of NHL mock draft for Friday night. https://t.co/933goulfP3 https://t.co/6l3NZ0DqgE
The @GoldenKnights should have some intriguing options on the board when they select 19th in the NHL draft Friday. Here are a few prospects to keep an eye on. #VegasBorn https://t.co/55L8U40Tez
There's little surprise the San Jose Sharks will select Macklin Celebrini first overall in the NHL Draft. After that, however, all bets are off. Sam Cosentino gives his take on how the first round could play out with his mock draft 2.0. https://t.co/o0VBr2TTTC
On Friday, the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft will become the first live event to be broadcast from inside the Sphere in Las Vegas. • 18,600 seats • 168,000 speakers • Custom graphics for all 32 teams • The world's highest resolution LED screen #NHLDraft | @UpperDeckSports https://t.co/rhHq3ffZ7F