Following is an inside look at the business of Nevada sport showcasing the news and features of this vibrant industry.
In this issue, Game On covers the business sports highlights from recent months. In addition, read on for an exclusive interview with Power Slap’s President, Frank Lamicella, who shares a new sport concept and how he overcomes controversy.
Super Bowl Reality Likely Exceeds Expectations
As of press time, not all the numbers were in on how Las Vegas did on Super Bowl weekend. However, tourism officials indicated that the real economic impact of the event will likely exceed expectations. Around 330,000 people were expected to visit for the game and surrounding activities. However, that number is now estimated as high as 450,000 people having visited. Spending over the long weekend may reach as high as $1.1 billion. In addition, Nevada sportsbooks took in a record $185.6 million in bets and CBS Sports had record-breaking viewership with an average 123.4 million tuning for the game.
National Football Foundation Hosts Inaugural Event in Nevada
For the first time, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame has announced a Nevada event showcase to help high school seniors earn divisional grants or scholarships. One of five nationwide events, the NFF will be in Henderson this year and is designed to connect over 1,200 high school seniors with coaches from over 100 colleges and universities from the NCAA Division II, III and NAIA levels. The 2024 events are expected to result in over 250 scholarships and, since the program’s inception in 2009, have led to millions in scholarships for high school seniors. The Henderson NFF event will be on March 9th.
March Madness Begins
Starting on March 17th, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) annual college basketball tournament leading to the championship, known as March Madness, begins. The tournament will run from that Sunday to the championship game on April 8th. Las Vegas has played host to over 3 million visitors in March, many of whom participate in events surrounding the tournament. In 2023, the city hosted the NCAA Division I West Regional at T-Mobile stadium.
