Allegiant Stadium - Sports Tourist

Allegiant Stadium, situated adjacent to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, is a marvel of modern engineering and a flagship of global sports entertainment. Opened in 2020, this $1.9 billion “domed” stadium serves as the high-tech home of the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and the UNLV Rebels (NCAA). Known colloquially as “The Death Star” due to its sleek, black-glass exterior and imposing presence, the stadium is famous for its climate-controlled interior and a massive retractable natural grass field. As a focal point of the “Sports Capital of the World,” Allegiant Stadium provides a premium, high-energy environment where the spectacle of Las Vegas meets the intensity of professional football.

🏗️ History and Design

Established in 2020 after the Raiders’ historic move from Oakland, the stadium was designed by Manica Architecture to embody the luxury and drama of Las Vegas.

Futuristic Aesthetic: The stadium is wrapped in black glass and accented with ribbon lighting. Its translucent roof allows for natural light during the day while shielding spectators from the scorching Mojave Desert heat.
The Retractable Field: Unique in the world of sports, the stadium features a 9,500-ton natural grass tray that slides in and out of the venue on rails, ensuring the Raiders play on real grass while UNLV can utilize a permanent synthetic turf underneath.
The Lanai Doors: Behind the Al Davis Memorial Torch, massive retractable windows (Lanai doors) can open to provide a breathtaking panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip skyline.
The Torch: The Al Davis Memorial Torch stands 93 feet tall and is the largest 3D-printed object in the world, serving as the stadium’s focal point and a tribute to the Raiders’ legendary late owner.

📍 Key Information

Official Name: Allegiant Stadium
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA (Paradise)
Opened: 2020
Capacity: 65,000 (Expandable to 71,835)
Primary Tenants: Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), UNLV Rebels (NCAA)
Address: 3333 Al Davis Way, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA

Contents

🏆 Major Events Hosted

Allegiant Stadium has rapidly become one of the most sought-after venues for the planet’s biggest sporting and musical events. 🏆

Super Bowl LVIII: In 2024, the stadium hosted its first Super Bowl, where the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling overtime finish.
The Las Vegas Bowl: This annual post-season collegiate tradition moved to Allegiant Stadium in 2021, featuring high-stakes matchups between the Pac-12 and Big Ten (or SEC) conferences.
The Pro Bowl: The venue has become a regular site for the NFL’s Pro Bowl Games, showcasing the league’s top talent in a festive Las Vegas setting.
CONCACAF Gold Cup Final: In 2021, the stadium hosted the prestigious international soccer final between the United States and Mexico.
Record-Breaking Concerts: As a premier global tour stop, it has hosted massive sell-out performances by artists such as Taylor Swift, BTS, and The Rolling Stones.

🚆 Getting to Allegiant Stadium

The stadium is located just west of I-15, across from the Mandalay Bay Resort. Walking from the Strip is the most popular way for tourists to arrive. 🚆

By Foot (The Hacienda Bridge): On event days, the Hacienda Bridge is closed to vehicles, creating a massive pedestrian walkway that connects the Las Vegas Strip (at Mandalay Bay) directly to the stadium.
By Public Transport (RTC): The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada operates the “Game Day Express” bus service from various “Park & Ride” locations across the Las Vegas valley.
By Rideshare: Dedicated Uber and Lyft drop-off/pick-up zones are located on the stadium’s west side, though surge pricing and traffic can be significant post-event.
By Air: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is located less than 5 miles away. Many fans fly in for the day and take a short 10-minute taxi ride directly to the stadium area.
Parking: On-site parking is limited and extremely expensive. Most fans utilize the parking garages at nearby Strip resorts like Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur.

🎟️ Tickets & Tours at Allegiant Stadium

All ticketing at Allegiant Stadium is digital-only via the Raiders or Allegiant Stadium mobile apps; paper tickets are not accepted.

Game & Event Tickets

Las Vegas Raiders Tickets: These are among the highest-demand tickets in the NFL. Primary sales are via Ticketmaster, but most fans will find availability through secondary markets like StubHub or SeatGeek. Because the stadium is mostly sold out to season ticket holders, single-game tickets often command a premium price.
UNLV Rebels Tickets: College football tickets are generally much more affordable and accessible than NFL tickets. They can be purchased through UNLVTickets.com. While top-tier matchups may see high demand, fans can often find tickets available directly from the university box office.
Las Vegas Bowl Tickets: Tickets for this annual December bowl game typically go on sale in the fall. Demand depends heavily on the participating teams (usually from the Pac-12 and Big Ten/SEC). Tickets are available via the official Las Vegas Bowl website and major secondary ticket platforms.

Stadium Tours

The stadium offers the “Allegiant Stadium Tour,” a 75-minute guided experience that takes fans into the Raiders’ locker room, the Al Davis Memorial Torch area, and onto the field level. For a more premium experience, the “Guided Tour & Drink” includes a visit to the Coors Light Landing for a panoramic view of the Strip.

🏨 Where to Stay Near Allegiant Stadium

The stadium’s proximity to the South Strip makes it easy for fans to stay in world-class resorts.

Mandalay Bay & Delano: The closest properties to the stadium, connected directly by the Hacienda Bridge pedestrian walkway.
- Example: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino or Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas.
Luxor & Excalibur: Offering more budget-friendly options within a 15–20 minute walk to the stadium entrance.
South Strip Hotels: Any property south of Flamingo Road (like MGM Grand or New York-New York) provides easy access to the pedestrian route.

💡 Know Before You Go

Bag Policy: A strict Clear Bag Policy is in effect. Only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are permitted. No backpacks or large purses.
Cashless Venue: Allegiant Stadium is a 100% cashless venue. All food, beverage, and retail kiosks accept only credit/debit cards or mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
Climate Control: The stadium is permanently set to a comfortable 72°F (22°C). Even if it is 110°F outside in the Vegas sun, you may want a light layer inside the dome.
Arrival Time: Security lines can be long. It is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to explore the massive concourses and the Al Davis Memorial Torch area.