Las Vegas has become a serious sports town. Within a few miles of the Strip you can watch NHL hockey, NFL football, college football, Triple-A baseball and championship fights. A game day here has its own rhythm, and a little planning makes it far more enjoyable.
The main venues
T-Mobile Arena
T-Mobile Arena sits just off the Strip and opened in April 2016. It has been home to the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights since 2017 and seats about 17,500 for hockey. It also stages UFC, boxing and concerts, and hosted Stanley Cup Final games in 2018 and 2023.
Allegiant Stadium
Allegiant Stadium, west of the Strip across Interstate 15, has been home to the Las Vegas Raiders and the UNLV Rebels since 2020. It holds 65,000 for NFL games under a translucent roof, so the weather inside is not a concern. It hosted Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024.
Las Vegas Ballpark
Out in Downtown Summerlin, Las Vegas Ballpark opened in April 2019 as home of the Pacific Coast League's Las Vegas Aviators. With 8,196 seats it is a relaxed, more intimate outing, but it is open-air, so plan for heat.
MGM Grand Garden Arena
MGM Grand Garden Arena has a long history with big fights, including Mayweather vs. Pacquiao in 2015.
Planning the day
- Buy from official sources. Check the team's or venue's own website for its authorized ticketing partner. Our guide to buying tickets safely explains why.
- Read the bag policy. Large venues often limit bag sizes; check before you leave your hotel.
- Leave early. Big crowds and road closures slow everything down near the Strip on event days.
- Think about the way home. Rideshare pickup zones get crowded after the final whistle. Walking part of the way, or waiting a little, can be quicker. See Getting Around the Strip.
Heat and hydration
Average July highs are around 104.5 °F, and tailgates, queues and walks between resorts all happen outdoors. Drink water steadily, find shade, and read Beating the Desert Heat before a summer game.
Choosing seats
Hockey fans often like a raised view to follow plays; football fans may prefer sideline sections. Seat Maps Explained covers the basics, and Arena Concert Tips has more on arena days in general.