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Sam Boyd Stadium Sold, Likely To Be Torn Down

Author Shawn Tempesta
It's the end of the era. Sam Boyd Stadium sold back to Clark County and the stadium is surely set for demolition. But why?

It was the home of UNLV Rebels Football, Monster Jam and countless failed attempts at a second professional football league. News today that Sam Boyd Stadium sold back to Clark County from the University Of Nevada Las Vegas is bittersweet.

Why Sam Boyd Stadium Sold All Comes Down To The Fine Print

The stadium has been falling into disrepair ever since the UNLV Rebels football program moved to Allegiant Stadium. There have been plenty of people saying “hey, why don’t they do something with Sam Boyd?” The short-lived XFL franchise Vegas Vipers were looking for a home, but somehow took the baseball field turned soccer field Cashman Field instead of Sam Boyd Stadium. How come?

Well, that deal with the Rebels and Allegiant Stadium had a very important clause: you can’t use the stadium anymore. The venue, opened in 1971, was a threat to Allegiant Stadium’s business and could drive down the rate to use Allegiant. Why would Monster Jam pay to go to Allegiant Stadium when they can pay likely far less to compete at Sam Boyd?

So by getting Sam Boyd Stadium out of the large event business, they ensured Allegiant Stadium would be the premiere (and only) large format venue. Monster Jam took their World Finals event from Las Vegas to Orlando in 2019 and the stadium has been left alone and in disrepair ever since. The university has been receiving $3.5 million per year since their agreement with Allegiant Stadium began and that will run for 10 years.

Clark County Buys Sam Boyd Stadium

Sam Boyd Stadium sold to Clark County (pending a Board Of Regents meeting on Wednesday) for a cool $5 million. The land, and stadium, were originally owned by the county before being transferred to the school in 1985.

What Clark County intends to do with the land is anyone’s guess, but it won’t be a stadium. So goodbye to the memories of Rebels past. So long to ghosts of He Hate Me with the XFL’s Las Vegas Outlaws. Adios to the visions of the UFL’s Las Vegas Locos. No more daydreams of Grave Digger flying through the air.

It’s the end of an era for the venue which served the valley well for several decades.

Shawn Tempesta is the co-host of Aimee+Shawn on 102.7 VGS in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also an Emmy award nominated television host. As a content creator for 102.7 VGS, Shawn writes about current events, education, funny and trending stories.

Epic Photos From Tropicana Las Vegas' Implosion

The Tropicana has imploded! Another hotel with a rich legacy has joined the graveyard of past resorts that also once ruled The Strip.

On Wednesday morning, thousands of people found spots, went to parking garages and scoped out prime viewing locations to watch the Tropicana implode into the ground. Room rates skyrocketed in Las Vegas during this past week, probably in anticipation of a major resort collapsing — a once in a lifetime spectacle.

On social media, people expressed melancholy about their childhood memories becoming nothing but dust — quite literally. But, others expressed excitement for the future of Las Vegas and the future home for The Athletics.

To prepare for the implosion, resorts close to the Tropicana gave visitors notes with warnings. MGM even gave guests earplugs and a sleeping mask. After the implosion, people and the surrounding areas were covered with debris and dust. Now, it’s time for clean up.

https://twitter.com/infographx/status/1844160530396872983

Why Did Officials Implode The Tropicana?

The Tropicana was wiped out from the Las Vegas Strip to make room for the future stadium that will house the Athletics. NBC News reports that Las Vegas city officials hope this “will fuel the city’s economic future as affordability concerns simmer on and off the Strip.”

The Nevada Independent reported that “the public financing for the stadium includes $180 million in transferable tax credits from the state (which the team could sell to other businesses for cash), an estimated $120 million in Clark County bonds and a $25 million credit from the county for infrastructure needs around the stadium.”

The hope for breaking ground on the stadium is to aim for April 2024, the Nevada Independent further reported.

Melancholy For Tropicana’s History, Ready For A New Future

The Tropicana has a beautiful and ornamented history. Big rat pack celebs like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra adored the casino. Martin and Sinatra would even attend shows like the famous “Folies Bergere”  cabaret show, often distracting the dancers who would try to get their attention in the crowd.

Other great memories are the beautiful ceiling over the casino floor, the amazing workers and the classic Vegas energy that radiated throughout the resort.

As we say “goodbye” forever, we also welcome innovation with open arms. As Las Vegans, we’re used to constant change. But with constant change needs to be constant success. Thank you, Tropicana for all of the stunning memories. We will never forget Lady Tropicana!

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