It is not that long ago that the only way that you could watch sports in Las Vegas was the big boxing fights or on-screen at the casinos and the sportsbooks the city is famous for. But all that has changed in the last few years.
Vegas is still home to the best online betting sites but visitors can also take in live sports in the City of Lights these days. Whether it is pro hockey, football or basketball, Vegas has it all – and there are plenty of minor league and college sports options available too. Read on to find out all about the live sports scene in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Las Vegas Raiders, NFL
The Raiders are one of the most well-known franchises in NFL history and called both Oakland and Los Angeles home before relocating to Las Vegas in 2020. The Raider Nation are some of the most extravagant and passionate fans in the world of sports – and have now found a perfect match in this city.
The Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada – right next to Las Vegas – is the home stadium of the Raiders and the Silver and Black go up against the Chiefs, Chargers and Broncos in the AFC West each year. There hasn’t been a Super Bowl victory since 1983 but you would never know from that the way the fans enjoy the games.
Vegas Golden Knights, NHL
After years of trying, Las Vegas finally got its first-ever major sports franchise when the NHL announced its latest expansion team was to start playing in 2017. The Vegas Golden Knights play their home games at the T-Mobile Arena – right on the Strip in downtown Las Vegas.
Although the Golden Knights have only been in existence for a few years, they have already been incredibly successful. They reached the Stanley Cup Finals in their very first year and made the playoffs for each of the first four years. 2021-22 was the first time they missed out but there is always top-class hockey in Vegas these days.
Las Vegas Aces, WNBA
The Aces began life 25 years ago as the Utah Starzz. But after moving cities and changing names a few times, they became the Las Vegas Aces in 2018 and play their home games at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on the Strip. Come for the casino and stay for the hoops!
The Aces have qualified for the playoffs in three of the four years they have played in Las Vegas, making it all the way to the WNBA Finals in 2020 before losing to Seattle. The 2022 season is only a few months old but the Aces have looked very good this season. So if you want to see some champions-elect, they might be the ones to choose.
Minor Leagues and College Sports
Las Vegas has long been home to some of the best college sports programs in the country, with the UNLV Rebels representing the city. The football team now shares the Allegiant Stadium with the Raiders – and the basketball team plays at the Thomas and Mack Center in Paradise, as well as some at the T-Mobile Arena.
There are also minor league hockey, basketball and baseball teams in Las Vegas, with the Triple-A Aviators being one of the oldest teams in the city. There’s also soccer, indoor football and box lacrosse to choose from.
Could Major League Baseball be next for Las Vegas?
The Future of Pro Sports in Las Vegas
Las Vegas will continue to draw sports fans from across the world, so it is only fitting that the city has a number of pro sports teams to choose from now. But there could well be more in the coming years.
Both the NBA and MLB have looked into moving teams to Vegas – and the success of the Golden Knights and the Raiders suggests that it is a priority for both leagues to be represented in the near future. Las Vegas will soon be the center of the sports universe!
 |
