The Los Angeles Kings begin their defense of the Stanley Cup
LA Kings Stanley Cup Parade: "We've Waited 45 Years for This"
Fans lined Figueroa Street Thursday to see the LA KIngs and the Stanley Cup
Luc Robitaille, president of Kings business operations, talks about the excitement on parade day before the LA Kings bring the Stanley Cup down Figueroa to Staples Center. Raw Video
Fans showed up before dawn Thursday to watch the LA Kings Stanley Cup Championship Celebration, which began at noon with a parade along Figueroa Street to Staples Center.
Fans and the team are scheduled to gather at Staples Center for a rally.
"We've waited 45 years for this," said Luc Robitaille, president of business operations for the Kings. "To come here at 7 a.m. and see people lining up already, it's pretty special."
The parade started at West 5th Street and traveled down Figueroa Street to Chick Hearn Court. Thousands of fans lined the street to watch the 45-minute event, which included Kings players on six double-decker buses and a semi-trailer truck.
The Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe Trophy and Clarence Campbell Bowl also were part of the parade.
"Thanks a lot for all the support, we love you guys,'' Kings defenseman Matt Greene told the crowd from one of the buses. "We couldn't have done it without you. This is awesome. This is the best day of my life."
Teammate and captain Dustin Brown then hoisted the Stanley Cup above his head.
The Staples Center Rally
Tickets are required for admission to the rally that is scheduled to follow the parade. Special viewing areas for fans with tickets have been set up near Staples Center.
The event is sold out.
The 60-minute Championship Rally is schedule to begin at 2:30 p.m. The event will feature video highlights from the Kings' season, team introductions and player speeches.
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