Las Vegas Bets Big on Sports to Attract Visitors and Businesses

Las Vegas is investing billions of dollars in sports, including NFL, NHL, WNBA, and USL teams, a Formula 1 race, and hosting Super Bowl 58, as part of an ambitious effort to attract more visitors and businesses to the city. The investments come despite challenges such as climate change and water scarcity facing the desert city.

The city is now home to the NFL's Raiders, the NHL's Golden Knights, the WNBA's Aces, and a USL soccer team. Las Vegas will also host the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in November 2023 and Super Bowl 58 in February 2024 at Allegiant Stadium. "Las Vegas is aiming to become a major sports hub," said Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

To accommodate growing demand, the Aces and other WNBA teams are relocating home games to larger arenas. The Aces will host the Indiana Fever at the 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena, a significant increase from their usual 12,000-seat venue. The Seattle Storm also recently unveiled a new $64 million, 50,000-square-foot practice facility, the first in the WNBA to be designed and built from the ground up by a team.

Why this matters: Las Vegas' sports investments aim to diversify the city's entertainment offerings and economy beyond casinos and nightlife. The strategy could help the city weather economic downturns and competition from other destinations, but it also raises questions about resource management and sustainability in a region grappling with drought and a changing climate.

Governor Joe Lombardo expressed support for the sports investments, stating, "These teams and events will create jobs, generate economic activity, and showcase Las Vegas as a world-class sports destination." However, some residents and environmental groups have raised concerns about the strain on water resources and infrastructure as the city continues to grow and attract more visitors during a historic drought in the Southwest.

Key Takeaways

• Las Vegas investing billions in sports to attract more visitors and businesses.
• City now home to NFL, NHL, WNBA, and USL teams, hosting F1 race and Super Bowl.
• WNBA teams relocating to larger arenas to accommodate growing demand.
• Investments aim to diversify city's economy beyond casinos and nightlife.
• Concerns raised about strain on water resources and infrastructure due to growth.