Las Vegas is rapidly evolving from a city known for casinos and shows to a leading sports epicenter in the United States.
This status will be further amplified with WrestleMania 41, WWE`s premier annual event, set to take place at Allegiant Stadium. The event promises a spectacular blend of entertainment and high-profile wrestling matches.
The WrestleMania 41 main event features a highly anticipated triple-threat match with Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins. Additionally, Cody Rhodes will face John Cena in a title match, marking Cena`s farewell to WWE`s grandest stage.
With major events like the Super Bowl, Formula 1 races, and now WrestleMania choosing Las Vegas, the city is proving its dominance as a top-tier entertainment and sports destination.
Here’s a look at how Las Vegas has ascended to become a sports capital:
2023: Formula 1 & Athletics
Las Vegas hosted its first Formula 1 Grand Prix on a new street circuit that incorporated the famous Las Vegas Strip. The race featured top F1 drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. This marked F1`s return to Las Vegas since 1982 and the city`s first street race since 2007.
The race saw Charles Leclerc of Ferrari start in pole position, but Max Verstappen of Red Bull ultimately won. Leclerc finished second, and Sergio Pérez, also from Red Bull, came in third.
Major League Baseball is also coming to Las Vegas. In 2023, MLB owners approved the relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas. This will be MLB`s first team relocation since 2005.
The Athletics will play in West Sacramento temporarily before their new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip is completed, expected for the 2028 season.
2020: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders NFL team, after moving between Oakland and Los Angeles, found a permanent home in Las Vegas.
Their most successful season since the move was in 2021, reaching the playoffs as a wild card team.
2018: Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces, a WNBA team with previous affiliations in Utah and San Antonio, relocated to Las Vegas in 2018.
Since their arrival, the Aces have consistently made the playoffs, winning multiple conference titles. In 2022, they secured their first championship, marking Las Vegas`s first major professional sports title. Led by A`ja Wilson, the Aces became the first WNBA team in over two decades to win back-to-back championships in 2023.
2017: Vegas Golden Knights
Las Vegas entered the major league sports scene with the Vegas Golden Knights NHL team in 2017.
The Golden Knights achieved immediate success, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season. They have since won multiple division and conference championships, and the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Dominic Ashworth