Sam Boyd Stadium

Built in 1971 to serve as the home field for the University of Nevada Las Vegas football program, Sam Boyd Stadium was renovated and expanded in 1999 to accommodate up to 36,800 fans. In recent years, it has played host to XFL, CFL, UFL, and NCAA bowl games, as well as numerous concerts, from U2, Paul McCartney, and the Eagles to the George Strait Festival and summertime appearances by the Grateful Dead. The stadium has carried the name of local gaming pioneer Sam Boyd since 1984, having previously been known as the Las Vegas Bowl and the Silver Bowl.

Sam Boyd Stadium still features its original horseshoe-shape configuration, open on one end, but the Astroturf it was fitted with in 1985 was replaced by a retractable artificial turf, TurfTech's so-called "Magic Carpet," in 2003. This makes the facility multipurpose and available for events ranging from motocross to outdoor trade shows. Refreshment areas, bars, and concessions stands are located throughout the stadium, and food/beverages from outside are not permitted.

Sam Boyd Stadium is located 15 minutes east of Las Vegas at 7000 West Russell Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118. From Las Vegas Airport, take the exit north on Swenson Avenue for a half-mile and turn right (east) on Tropicana Avenue. Continue for about 5 miles, and then turn right on Boulder Highway. The entrance to Russell Road is on the left, leading directly into the stadium. Parking is on a dirt surface.