Las Vegas, the city that was once shunned by the NFL for its association with gambling, is now hosting the league’s biggest game. On Sunday, February 11, 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers will face off in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders. This is a remarkable turnaround for the relationship between the NFL and Las Vegas, which has evolved from hostility to partnership in recent years.
How the NFL Changed Its Stance on Las Vegas
For decades, the NFL had a strict policy against any involvement with Las Vegas, fearing that it would compromise the integrity of the game and tarnish the league’s image. The NFL refused to allow any of its teams, players, or officials to have any ties with the city or its gambling industry. It also rejected any advertising or sponsorship deals from Las Vegas entities, and even banned a tourism commercial from airing during the Super Bowl in 2003.
The NFL’s stance began to soften in 2017, when the league owners approved the relocation of the Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas, after the team failed to secure a new stadium deal in California. The move was seen as a recognition of the growing popularity and legitimacy of Las Vegas as a sports and entertainment destination, as well as the changing attitudes toward sports betting in the U.S.
A year later, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which had prohibited sports betting outside of Nevada. This opened the door for other states to legalize and regulate sports wagering, creating a new source of revenue and fan engagement for the NFL and other leagues. The NFL also realized that it could not ignore the huge market and fan base that Las Vegas offered, and decided to embrace the city rather than shun it.
How Las Vegas Became a Sports Capital
Las Vegas has long been a hub for sports fans, especially for boxing and mixed martial arts events. But in recent years, the city has also become home to several major professional sports teams, attracting both local and national attention.
The first major breakthrough came in 2016, when the NHL awarded an expansion franchise to Las Vegas, making it the first major league team to be based in the city. The team, named the Vegas Golden Knights, debuted in the 2017-18 season and made an incredible run to the Stanley Cup Final, creating a loyal and passionate fan base.
The next year, the WNBA’s San Antonio Stars relocated to Las Vegas and became the Las Vegas Aces, joining the city’s minor league baseball and hockey teams. The Aces have been one of the most successful and popular teams in the league, reaching the WNBA Finals in 2020 and 2021.
In 2020, the Raiders officially moved to Las Vegas and began playing at the newly built Allegiant Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue that cost $1.9 billion and seats 65,000 fans. The Raiders have been one of the most storied and controversial franchises in the NFL, and their arrival in Las Vegas added more excitement and drama to the city’s sports scene.
In addition to hosting its own teams, Las Vegas has also hosted several major sports events, such as the NFL Draft, the Pro Bowl, the NASCAR Cup Series, the UFC, and the PGA Tour. The city has also been a candidate for hosting the Olympics, the World Cup, and the NBA All-Star Game.
In December 2021, the NFL announced that Las Vegas would host the Super Bowl in 2024, making it the first time that the city would host the most-watched sporting event in the U.S. The announcement was a testament to the city’s transformation into a sports capital, and a sign of the NFL’s confidence and commitment to Las Vegas.
What the Super Bowl Means for Las Vegas
Hosting the Super Bowl is a huge honor and opportunity for any city, but especially for Las Vegas, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact. The city relies heavily on tourism and entertainment, which have been severely affected by the travel restrictions and social distancing measures imposed by the health crisis.
The Super Bowl is expected to bring a boost to the city’s economy and morale, as well as showcase its resilience and recovery. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Super Bowl is projected to generate $500 million in economic impact and attract 150,000 visitors to the city. The event will also create thousands of jobs and support local businesses, especially in the hospitality and entertainment sectors.
The Super Bowl will also be a chance for Las Vegas to showcase its unique and diverse culture, history, and attractions to a global audience. The city has a lot to offer beyond the casinos and shows, such as world-class restaurants, museums, art galleries, outdoor activities, and more. The city will also host a variety of events and festivities leading up to the game, such as concerts, parties, fan zones, and charity events.
The Super Bowl will also be a historic and memorable moment for the city’s sports fans, who have been waiting for decades to see their city host the NFL’s biggest game. The game will also feature two of the most exciting and talented teams in the league, the Chiefs and the 49ers, who have both won multiple Super Bowls and have loyal and passionate fan bases across the country.
The Super Bowl in Las Vegas will be a celebration of sports, entertainment, and community, and a milestone for the relationship between the NFL and the city. It will also be a testament to the city’s motto: “What happens here, only happens here.”
