Las Vegas is rapidly evolving from a city known for casinos and entertainment to a major player in the sports world. This transformation is highlighted by recent high-profile events and the arrival of professional sports teams.
WrestleMania 41 is set to take center stage at Allegiant Stadium, showcasing WWE`s grandest event. The spectacle promises to be a thrilling blend of pyrotechnics, elaborate performances, and intense wrestling matches.
The main event on Saturday features a highly anticipated triple-threat match between Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins. Sunday`s card includes Cody Rhodes facing John Cena in a title match, marking Cena`s farewell to WWE`s biggest stage.
Las Vegas`s ascent in the sports arena is further solidified by hosting events like the Super Bowl and Formula 1 races. The city is proving its capacity to host major sporting events, becoming a central hub for entertainment and sports alike.
Here’s a look at how Las Vegas has become a sports capital:
2023: Formula 1 and Athletics
Laurence Edmondson provides an update from Las Vegas ahead of the inaugural Grand Prix.
The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix was a significant event, utilizing a new street circuit that ran through the famous Las Vegas Strip. The race featured top Formula 1 drivers such as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. This event marked Formula 1`s return to Las Vegas after nearly four decades, and the first street race in the city since 2007.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari started in pole position, with teammate Carlos Sainz initially qualifying second but starting further back due to penalties. Max Verstappen of Red Bull ultimately won the race, with Leclerc and Sergio Pérez completing the podium.
A`s owner John Fisher speaks about his team`s move to Las Vegas, calling it a sad day for fans in Oakland.
Major League Baseball is set to be the next addition to Las Vegas`s sports scene. In 2023, MLB owners approved the relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas. The Athletics will temporarily play in West Sacramento before moving to a new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, expected to open for the 2028 season.
2020: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have made Las Vegas their home after moving from Oakland. While they are still building consistent success in Las Vegas, their 2021 season showed promise with a playoff appearance.
2018: Las Vegas Aces
The WNBA`s Aces relocated to Las Vegas in 2018. They have since become a dominant team, making the playoffs in multiple seasons and winning championships in 2022 and 2023, led by MVP A`ja Wilson. Their 2023 victory marked the WNBA`s first back-to-back champions in over 20 years.
2017: Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights were the first major professional sports team in Las Vegas, joining the NHL in 2017. Exceeding expectations, they reached the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season and won the Stanley Cup in 2023. The Golden Knights have quickly become a successful franchise, securing multiple divisional and conference championships.
