SPORTS IN LAS VEGAS : TEAMS & EVENTS
Throughout its history, Las Vegas has been able to renew itself to offer more and more new attractions to its visitors and its residents. But one essential area of great American cities has always been lacking; the sport. Indeed, the culture of gaming and sports betting present in the city has for a long time prevented the development of major sports franchises in the city of Nevada. But since 2017 and the installation of the Golden Knights playing in the NHL, the city has experienced remarkable growth in the field. A progression such that in the space of ten years, the city has hosted and will host 3 of the 4 major North American sports in addition to numerous less popular professional leagues. But that's not all ! Las Vegas has also hosted many major sporting events such as Formula 1, the Copa America and the Super Bowl (LVIII). In this article, we introduce you to the sport teams and events you can attend in Las Vegas.
Major Sports League Schedule
Many of you like to attend a sporting event during your vacation in Las Vegas and the American West. However, because the seasons for different sports vary throughout the year, it is not always easy to know which sports and events can be seen in Las Vegas. We have therefore created a calendar of the seasons of the different main sports in the United States so that you can have a broad vision of the sporting events taking place throughout the year.
Major League Sports Teams Las Vegas
National Football League
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
In the United States, one of the most popular sports, is American Football. Most major cities have one or more teams, and being one of the most popular cities in the U.S., Las Vegas is no exception. Indeed, since 2020 the city has hosted the Las Vegas Raiders playing in the NFL (National Football League). The team is not currently performing the best, but that does not stop the fans from putting energy into the various oppositions. The Raiders play part of their matches at Allegiant Stadium during the season which runs from September to January.
National Hockey League
LAS VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Yes, a city whose summers reach over 40 degrees Celsius is home to an ice hockey team. The Vegas Golden Knights playing in the NHL (National Hockey League) are the first major team in the city of Las Vegas. They played their first season in 2017 and are currently the only locally born professional sports franchise. And although they are young, they are no less efficient with already a championship title (2023) and two appearances in the final (2018, 2023). Matches are typically played from early October to late April at the T-Mobil Arena on the Strip.
Women's National Basketball Association
LAS VEGAS ACES
Currently, the only professional basketball team is the Las Vegas Aces playing in the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association). The team moved to Las Vegas in 2018 from San Antonio where they were known as the San Antonio Stars. Since then, they have won 2 consecutive championship titles (2022 and 2023) and are perhaps on their way to a third title come the 2024 season. The Aces play at the Michelob Ultra Arena and sometimes at the T-Mobile Arena. They generally play from May to September.
Minor League Sports Teams Las Vegas
Minor League Baseball
LAS VEGAS AVIATORS
If you are keen to see a baseball game and enjoy the atmosphere, you can see the Las Vegas Aviators. This MiLB (Minor League Baseball) team is the Athletics’ development team. But those for a short time. Indeed, the Aviators, formerly known as the Las Vegas Stars or Las Vegas 51s, are the oldest professional team in Vegas (1983). They are currently playing at Las Vegas Ballpak in Summerlin, usually between April and September.
USL Championship
LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC
The major football or “soccer” league in the United States is the MLS. Unfortunately, there is no MLS team in Vegas. On the other hand, there is the Las Vegas Lights FC of the USL (United Soccer League), a second division league. Lights FC plays at Cashman Field from March to October.
Sporting Events Las Vegas
NBA Summer League
Another notable basketball-related event is the NBA Summer League usually taking place in July. During this time you can see NBA rookies playing in approximately 8 games per day. This year it will take place from July 12 to 21, 2024 at the Thomas & Mark Center
Formule 1 Grand Prix
Since 2023, Las Vegas has been one of the host cities of Formula 1. For an instant of one night, the streets of the city become the playground for the best drivers aboard their Formula 1. This year this show will take place from November 21 to 23, 2024 around the Las Vegas Strip.
National Finals Rodeo.
Like every year, the National Rodeo Finals will take place in Las Vegas. This year the finals will take place from December 5 to 14, 2024 at the Thomas & Marks Center.
NASCAR Cup Series
Experience the excitement of close battles, daring passes and breathtaking finishes as they race for the checkered flag. This year it will take place from October 18 to 20, 2024 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
SuperMotocross World Championship Finals
Be there for the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals fueled by Monster Energy the sports ultimate championship! The 22 best riders compete on the worlds most challenging tracks that feature big air jumps, fast straightaways, technical rhythm sections, and elevation changes.
LA Lakers vs GS Warriors
It's starting to become a habit, the Los Angeles Lakers will play one of their preseason games in Las Vegas, this time against the Golden State Warriors at the T-Mobile Arena on October 15, 2024. A match not to be missed !