If you’re a sports fan planning on visiting Las Vegas, then let us first commend you on your choice; you have certainly picked the right holiday destination. Vegas is synonymous with thrills and spills of all varieties, sure, but for sports lovers, this is a true paradise. Perhaps the City of Sin should be renamed the City of Sport, don’t you think?
But in a city famed for its gaming, gastronomy, gigs and nightlife, it can be hard for sports lovers to stay focused on their itinerary when visiting Vegas. We’re here to help with that; here are 7 places sports lovers should check out in Las Vegas.
For Lovers Of UFC: The T-Mobile Arena
If you’re a UFC fan, you’ll no doubt already be familiar with the sport’s affinity with Las Vegas; the mixed martial arts company headquarters are based in the city and the biggest box-office bouts are held here, too.
Though the MGM Grand Garden Arena has hosted an incredible 43 events in 20 years and laid the foundation of the infamous rivalry between Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz, we would argue that the T-Mobile Arena is the stadium UFC lovers should visit when in Vegas.
This is because it is the spiritual home of Conor McGregor’s meteoric rise, hosting the Notorious’ bouts with Diaz, Derrone and, most famously, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The arena still hosts at least four UFC events a year, contractually. If there are no events at the T-Mobile Arena on your visit, then you might find live action across town at the UFC Apex; there are UFC Fight Nights coming up on 10th July and 7th August here.
The sport also attracts plenty of gaming across the city, whether you’re watching the action live or catching it on the big screens.
For Fans Of Televised Sports: Circa Resort
Las Vegas doesn’t do things by halves, and because of this, we doubt you’ll be surprised to hear that the city is home to the world’s largest sportsbook. In fact, the Circa Resort has only recently opened, potentially changing the Vegas landscape forever.
This mega structure is truly a groundbreaking place, dedicated to sports rather than tables, wheels and slots, which makes it fairly unique amongst the crowded Las Vegas landscape. But three stories of betting isn’t even what makes this place truly stand out.
What’s most special is perhaps the giant screen that spans all three floors! That’s not the only groundbreaking screen here. Outside the resort, Circa also has a 40ft tall one, rendered in the highest of definitions. You won’t miss another moment of the action.
For The NFL fans: Allegiant Stadium
This stadium is one of the most remarkable ones you’ll find in the US, and if you’re into the NFL, this is certainly a must-visit experience when in Vegas. Serving as the home stadium for the Las Vegas Raiders and boasting a whopping 72’000 capacity, the Allegiant Stadium runs adjacent to the famous Las Vegas Strip, and is a quick 10 minute cab ride from the city’s most famous resorts.
If you’re keen to catch an NFL game here, then you’ll have to wait until September, when the season begins. That said, if you’re visiting in December, then you’ll be spoilt for choice, with the famous Las Vegas Bowl tournament taking place at the Allegiant during this month.
For The Motorheads: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
If you like fast cars and racing, then the Las Vegas Motor Speedway should be on your list of places to visit. The 1’200 acre, multitrack complex plays host to several NASCAR and NHRA races, so check up on the event calendar before you go.
Coming up this month and next are three street-legal drags in the form of the Summit Racing Equipment Mayhem trilogy, before things really ramp up in September and October, with both months seeing a dozen events in the complex.
For The Baseballers: Las Vegas Ballpark
If baseball is your thing, then don’t miss out on a trip to the Las Vegas Ballpark. Opened in 2019, the stadium is home to the Las Vegas Aviators, a minor league team who play in the Pacific Coast League.
The stadium is an intimate 12’000 seater, but baseball lovers will know that this equates to the most enjoyable watching experience, helping you get plenty close enough to the action to hear every single shot (and maybe even catch a ball!).
Read: MLB Summer League: 6 Tips For Throwing A Baseball-Themed Party
For The Swimmers: Mandalay Bay
We’re sure we don’t need to tell you twice that Vegas gets hot. Really hot. Yep, the temperatures are truly sweltering and in the summer months are consistently over 40°C. And let’s face it; watching sports isn’t exactly the best way to cool off (though most stadiums are air-conditioned, admittedly).
If you’re keen to get active yourself, then why not go for a swim (hey, it’s a sport) at the world’s most famous aquatic playground, Mandalay Bay Beach?
Sitting on 11 acres of prime real-estate in Sin City, Mandalay Bay Beach is a manmade city made of water within a city. There are 8 different pools in total, including a 1.6 million gallon wave pool which can generate huge waves off up to 6ft; try riding one of those after one of Vegas’s famous all-you-can-eat buffets. If water sports aren’t your thing, for a slower pace, there’s a lazy river with a mellow current where you can gently float along on a rubber ring.
The Bottom Line
Whether you like to watch sports up close and personal in a stadium, have a flutter whilst enjoying it on the big screen, or participate yourself, Las Vegas has got you covered!