Las Vegas is no longer just the city of slot machines and dazzling stage shows; it has become a pulsating epicenter for sports enthusiasts seeking the ultimate adrenaline-packed getaway. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, hockey enthusiast, basketball aficionado, or racing junkie, Las Vegas offers a sports experience like no other, seamlessly paired with world-class dining and vibrant nightlife. So for your next sports-themed getaway, Las Vegas should be at the top of your list.
See also: Adrenaline & luxury: The ultimate Las Vegas sports adventure
NFL thrills at Allegiant Stadium
Kick off your ultimate sports getaway with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. Allegiant Stadium, affectionately called the “Death Star,” is an architectural marvel. As you step into the state-of-the-art arena, the energy is palpable. Fans don the silver and black, ready to cheer on their team in a high-octane game filled with unforgettable moments.
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Food suggestion: Before the game, indulge in pre-game dining at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, located inside The Venetian. Their award-winning craft burgers and Instagram-worthy milkshakes are the perfect way to fuel up before heading to the stadium.
Skating into action with the Vegas Golden Knights
Can a game played on ice survive in the desert? It sure can. Not only can it survice, it thrives. Las Vegas is the proud home of the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team who play out of the T-Mobile Arena. In its expansion year, the Knights went straight to the Stanley Cup finals, a feat so rare in modern professional sports. This team’s games are as electric as the Strip itself, featuring loud goal horns, enthusiastic fans, and light shows that make hockey in Vegas feel like a party. The Knights have become the premier sports stop when in Las Vegas.
Food suggestion: Before heading to the arena, treat yourself to dinner at Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar at Park MGM. With its timeless ambiance and exceptional ribeye steaks, it’s a prime spot to enjoy a classic Vegas meal before the puck drops.
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The Aces and WNBA action
For basketball fans, a WNBA game featuring the Las Vegas Aces is a must-see. The Aces, one of the league’s top teams, bring energy, skill, and excitement to Michelob Ultra Arena. Watching them play is a testament to how far women’s sports have come, with intense action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A must see for the basketball fan. Who knows, maybe this will inspire an NBA team to spring up sometime soon.
Food suggestion: Start your evening with dinner at Momofuku in The Cosmopolitan. Known for its bold Asian-American flavours, the pork belly buns and ramen are game-changers for your taste buds.
Racing dreams with Formula 1
If you want to understand the power of showmanship in Las Vegas, you want to take in the Formula 1 race. This year’s edition takes place November 21-23 and is unlike any other race in the circuit. Set against the backdrop of the epic Las Vegas strip, the lights, the sounds, the action, intensity and entertainment at its peak. The Las Vegas Grand Prix offers an unmatched racing spectacle, with cars zipping past iconic landmarks like the Bellagio fountains and the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. The track merges the glamour of F1 with the neon-lit excitement of the Strip, making it a bucket-list experience for motorsports fans.
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Food suggestion: Enhance your race-day experience by dining at Spago by Wolfgang Puck, located at the Bellagio. Offering panoramic views of the fountains, the sophisticated menu and lively atmosphere are the perfect companions to the high-speed drama of F1.
High stakes at the North American Poker Tour
If poker is your thing, Las Vegas is your place to be. PokerStars recently hosted the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) from November 1-10, 2024, at Resorts World Las Vegas. This prestigious event attracted over 5,000 entries across multiple tournaments. The $5,300 Main Event drew 895 participants and concluded with British poker pro Nick Marchington claiming the title and earning over $760K in prize winnings.
For those looking to experience the excitement of live poker, Resorts World also offers a state-of-the-art poker room that operates year-round. After testing your skills at the tables, unwind with a meal at Wally’s Wine & Spirits, located within the resort. This venue combines a gourmet restaurant with an extensive wine selection, providing the perfect setting to reflect on your poker hands and enjoy a sophisticated dining experience.
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A look ahead to MLB and WWE excitement
Las Vegas is set to welcome its very own MLB team, adding another feather to its sports cap. While the team and stadium are still on the horizon, there’s plenty of excitement in the air about the city’s growing baseball presence. Fans can enjoy local minor league baseball games or simply bask in the anticipation of major league action coming soon.
WrestleMania 41 – The grandest stage of them all
In April 2025, Las Vegas will host WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20. This marks the first time in 32 years that WrestleMania returns to Las Vegas, promising an unforgettable experience for wrestling fans.
Beyond the games: entertainment and nightlife
Vegas’ sports getaway wouldn’t be complete without sampling the city’s non-sporting attractions. Dance the night away at Omnia Nightclub or enjoy a more laid-back vibe at The Chandelier bar inside The Cosmopolitan. For a unique blend of sports and nightlife, visit Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas, where you can catch live games with a rooftop view of the Strip.
Wrapping up the getaway
Las Vegas redefines what it means to be a sports city, offering unmatched energy, cutting-edge venues, and unforgettable experiences. The city’s ability to blend world-class dining, nightlife, and sporting events makes it a dream destination for fans of all stripes. Whether you’re cheering for the Raiders, witnessing the speed of F1, or anticipating the MLB’s arrival, Las Vegas proves to be the ultimate sports getaway you’ll want to experience again and again.
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Feature photo Antonio Janeski