VEGAS IS YOUR SPORTING DESTINATION THIS WINTER

Las Vegas is serious about sports. In the past, it was about placing bets on the Super Bowl, March Madness and the Kentucky Derby. Now, the city is host, or soon-to-be host, of several professional sports franchises.

Las Vegas goes all out when tackling tourism market segment. Once thought of only for gambling and entertainment, the script was flipped by introducing Rodeo Drive-equivalent designer shopping, a dining mecca with celebrity chefs, mega events and now professional sports. As Las Vegas’ DNA is altered again, the famed showgirl feels more like an iconic emblem.

Changing times are evident with the advent of the city’s new professional hockey franchise, the Vegas Golden Knights, playing their first season in the new T-Mobile Arena and the future Las Vegas Raiders holding a recent groundbreaking for the domed Las Vegas Stadium, set for a 2020 opening. Predictions say the city will host a Super Bowl in 2024 or 2025. Additionally, Las Vegas Lights FC, an expansion team for the United Soccer League, will play at Cashman Field downtown for the 2018 season.

Meanwhile if you can’t attend the 2018Super Bowl in Minneapolis, Las Vegas continues to be the next best place. The big challenge is where to view the game and party. The choices can be overwhelming, but it’s not too soon to start planning.

An obvious pick is a mega-resort’s sports book. Selections are plentiful and most have been recently remodeled. The Wynn Race and Sports Book renovation is highlighted by a huge 137-foot-wide-by-11-foot-highvideo wall withnearly180 degrees of viewing. Last year, the Westgate Las Vegas Super Book went all in with the world’s largest indoor LED video wall, measuring 240feet wide and 20feet tall.

For a outdoor bash, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center will feature the game on a 72-foot screen with thundering volume. For camaraderie, sports bar can be appealing. Mingle at SLS Las Vegas at Umami Burger, Beer Garden and Sports Book, Senor Frogs at Treasure Island, or TAP Sports Bar in the MGM Grand. Always popular is the outdoor rooftop deck, Beer Park by Budweiser at Paris or Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo.

If you want to integrate with the locals, look up the NFL team specific bars in the Las Vegas area and visit with folks to root alongside, even if your team isn’t Super Bowl bound.