American Airlines Center has opened a formal investigation after a video surfaced on social media showing a group of Dallas Stars fans appearing to perform Nazi salutes during a December game at the downtown Dallas arena.
The incident reportedly occurred on Dec. 21, 2025, during a Stars game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. According to a Reddit post that went viral, a fellow fan recorded a group of young men sitting in front of them making the gesture each time the Stars scored. Dallas won that game 5-1.
The witness who posted the video wrote that they reported the behavior to arena management during the game and provided the men's exact seat numbers, but management said they were unable to locate them.
American Airlines Center officials have opened an investigation into a video that shows Stars fans doing what appears to be the Nazi salute at a game at American Airlines Center in December.
— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) April 1, 2026
More on how AAC is responding ⤵️ https://t.co/kf0ohil7se
The video resurfaced widely in late March and early April 2026, drawing widespread condemnation online and prompting American Airlines Center officials to announce they are working to identify those involved. The arena has stated it has zero tolerance for hate or abusive behavior.
The Dallas Stars organization had not issued a public statement as of the time of this report, a silence that drew criticism from hockey fans and commentators on social media.
Among those calling for accountability is Lexi LaFleur Brown, wife of former NHL player J.T. Brown. LaFleur Brown called for an immediate lifetime ban, pointing to the NHL Fan Code of Conduct, which explicitly prohibits such behavior.
The NHL's Fan Code of Conduct states that language, gestures, behavior, or other personal expressions that demean a specific race, ethnicity, religion, or other identity-based characteristic are strictly prohibited — and that violations can result in a lifetime ban from future NHL events.
LaFleur Brown encouraged fans who witness similar conduct to report it to arena staff immediately.
The incident has prompted broader conversation about hate and inclusion in professional hockey, with critics noting similar behavior has allegedly appeared at other NHL arenas in recent months.
The incident reportedly occurred on Dec. 21, 2025, during a Stars game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
