Look, having a blast in Vegas isn’t exactly rocket science, but there’s something next-level about rounding up a crew of 50 Nation Citizens and heading to another city to watch some hockey. I love our hometown bashes as much as the next guy, but bringing a stack of Oilers diehards to Vegas for a few days of hanging out and going to a game is a whole other vibe. It’s just a different beast, and last night we kicked it off with a bang.

After jumping on our flight bright and early on Sunday morning, we landed in Vegas and set up at our home base at Circa Hotel and Resort. After grabbing something quick to eat and checking into our rooms, we made our way to Stadium Swim to hang out in the pool and put some bets down. If you’ve never been to Circa or Stadium Swim, I can’t recommend it enough.

There’s something incredible about hanging out in a pool surrounded by giant screens that are showing every sport you can imagine. The place is paradise for sports fans, and if it weren’t for my pasty skin and resulting sunburn, it would have been the perfect afternoon.

After wrapping up our pool session, we made our way to the mingling/cocktail hour we set up for the group, and it was so much fun to meet everybody and hear why these trips are a must-attend for any Nation Citizen. Honestly, seeing so many familiar faces and sharing those stories is one of the best parts of this job, and one that I will never forget or tire of hearing.

With a few drinks in us, we made our way to the strip to check out the scene and score a meal at our beloved Taco Bell Cantina. Even though we’ve all been going to the Cantina every time we get down here, it was especially hilarious to drag a bunch of trip goers along with us. If you’re wondering, Taco Bell Cantina serves the same food you’ve ever had, the major difference is that this spot is a party. The tunes were blasting in there last night, the beers were flowing, and it was the perfect fuel to close out the night.

Nights like that are why we do these #NationVacations. To every single one of you who showed up and made it unreal, I can’t say thanks enough. On behalf of the Oilersnation squad, you beauties crushed it. That was a riot, and I’m already pumped to see what the rest of this trip has in store. Let’s keep it rolling. Bring on Day 2.