[NLVgal]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

Let me just take a moment to point out that ALL OF THIS was discussed the last time this thread came up.

[Buzz123]

To the O/P, we have been hearing this question for at least the nearly 50 years I've lived here, and it probably started way before that. So, sorry, but we're tired of answering it. The truth is, nobody has an answer, just a lot of opinions.

My opinion is that there are just too many distractions in all other forms of entertainment. Besides that, nobody has come along with an honest plan to build a stadium. There have been many scam artists though, but like they say, "Money talks, BS walks."

Our question as a community is, "Are we walkin', or talkin'?"

[irishspy]

WHY do other major cities have sports teams because it is a big draw for tourist. LV has a zillion other big draws for tourist. LV does host professional sports NASCAR week a big draw, National Rodeo Finals, Professional Poker tour. I would say any of the major sports would not put a franchise in a city with less than 5 million people and even then that is iffy. Could LV support a team well if the casinos supported it through advertising it but then that would be a big fight on who can dominate. If you notice most pro sports teams are owned by large corporations or very rich families. Some of them survive but barley and have to be subsided by the leagues. The betting thing is beginning to be beat down New Jersey is next to pass it and other states will follow suit. If any sport is gambled upon the most it is collage so the whole pro betting is just a smoke screen. A home town pro sports team does produce $$$ to a city as does a big college sports teams. I believe the Casinos will not allow it they see it as competition for their casinos. It is nice to have people around us who plan how they are going to get our money

[Trash Can]

Originally Posted by irishspy

I would say any of the major sports would not put a franchise in a city with less than 5 million people and even then that is iffy.

I'm not sure how much population figures into the equation when major sports teams decide where to locate (or remain). Fan support is crucial. Green Bay is a very small market located in the middle of nowhere, yet the Packers have tremendous loyalty and support. Milwaukee is the closest major metropolitan area, which is two hours away. Oklahoma City is another example of a small market with tremendous support for the Thunder.

I agree with a lot of the reasons already mentioned in this thread. Gambling, lack of adequate outdoor/domed facilities, and lack of fan loyalty (perceived or real) combined with plenty of other entertainment options are the biggest reasons why we will not see a pro team.

EDIT: While not a pro team, at least we have the Sin City Rollergirls.

[Exaday]

We are a small market. Pretty much end of story.

Seattle would get a team well before we would.

Vegas is really a part of LA and to a lesser extent, Phoenix and SLC market.

It's not the size of the city, it's the size of your viewing audience. Before someone predictably gives examples of other small markets with successful franchises, they are likely well established. It's different trying to get a whole new team and build a fanbase. Who here would pay for the team? The leagues don't just give them out. I would rather see another theme park and perhaps even some money for the schools.

Some of the biggest pro fighting events in the history of the world were held in Vegas. I think we do ok.

No thanks.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by Exaday

We are a small market. Pretty much end of story.

Seattle would get a team well before we would.

First thing that HASN'T been mentioned in the old thread.

Seattle already has two major franchises. Las Vegas is the largest city in America by far, that does not have ANYTHING. I have no hope whatsoever that will change. But I'd certainly like to see an NFL or MLB franchise. NBA, not so much.

[NLVgal]

Well guys, we mentioned the sports betting issue and that the NFL hates us for it (while secretly loving us for it), but I'm not sure if any of you were here for the Tarkanian scandal when the Rebels were kickin' ass and takin' names? That blew up in our faces because a couple of players were getting free cars and stuff from the alumni. ((shudders)) ((rolls eyes))

It really does come down to the sports betting, and the fact that the Las Vegas taxpayer is not interested in subsidizing other people's entertainment. Caesars or MGM could put in a stadium, but they, and everyone else who has expressed interest in doing so is looking for a taxpayer subsidy. The irony in that is that after Joe Everyman's tax dollars are spent on the damn thing, he'll be priced out of the tickets to major events anyway.

I'll stick with the 51's and the Wranglers. As far as I'm concerned, The NFL, and the NHL, etc. is akin to paying for a brand name. They can keep it.

[Darthfrodo]

There's been several attempts at building a major sports arena here, and the thinking (by those who want one) is that if you build it one will come. The casinos don't want the competition for the entertainment dollars, since many casinos have indoor arenas for boxing, rodeo, and other sports. The casinos don't want a stadium that isn't under their control. What the casinos want, the casinos get. That's why they don't even sell lottery tickets in Nevada, the casinos blocked it.

[irishspy]

Originally Posted by Trash Can

I'm not sure how much population figures into the equation when major sports teams decide where to locate (or remain). Fan support is crucial. Green Bay is a very small market located in the middle of nowhere, yet the Packers have tremendous loyalty and support. Milwaukee is the closest major metropolitan area, which is two hours away. Oklahoma City is another example of a small market with tremendous support for the Thunder.

I agree with a lot of the reasons already mentioned in this thread. Gambling, lack of adequate outdoor/domed facilities, and lack of fan loyalty (perceived or real) combined with plenty of other entertainment options are the biggest reasons why we will not see a pro team.

EDIT: While not a pro team, at least we have the Sin City Rollergirls.

Small city markets are being supported by the larger market teams. You mentioned Green Bay well they would not be there if years ago Wellington Mara owner of the Football NYG did not put that in place in the NFL. You have to remember back than College football was the big draw. In baseball Kansas city is another good example. Many of the established pro teams have a dedicated fan base and the season tickets are willed in families from one generation to another. The states back east are much smaller than out here so they draw from the surrounding areas. TV market has a big say in it and usually has the final say. The small market teams can not keep their players because they can not pay the big salaries or endorsements for their players. Las Vegas should look at building a large stadium that can host things like the super bowl,or college bowl games and All star games and NCAA final four and etc. One other thing many states have gambling but they do not have sports betting there is a big difference!!!!!!!!

[MetalLord]

Originally Posted by Gatsby1925

but it can't be with public money.

Why not?

It's not just the locals who would benefit. It could function as a massive tourist draw from all over the country. Someone from MA flies in with his buddies on Friday evening, parties, watches the Celtics on Saturday afternoon, parties some more, then flies back home on Sunday after leaving a suitcase full of cash behind. Sports fans would fly all the way out to see their team... in frickin' Vegas!