Historic Sam Boyd Stadium Sold to Clark County for $5M, Future Uncertain
The Nevada Board of Regents has unanimously approved Clark County's $5 million purchase of the abandoned Sam Boyd Stadium from UNLV. The 36,800-seat venue, which served as Las Vegas's primary stadium from 1971 to 2019, is expected to be demolished or repurposed, likely into a public park.
Abandoned Sam Boyd Stadium aerial view
The sale price was determined by averaging two 2023 appraisals: UNLV's valuation of $10.4 million and the county's valuation of $0. The sale awaits final approval from the Clark County Commission, expected in mid-December or early January.
Humanoid robot with orange accents
Originally built in 1970 for $3.5 million, the stadium underwent several transformations:
- 1971: Opened as Las Vegas Stadium with 15,000 seats
- 1978: Renamed Las Vegas Silver Bowl, expanded to 32,000 seats
- 1984: Became Sam Boyd Silver Bowl
- 1994: Renamed Sam Boyd Stadium
- 1999: Expanded to current 36,800-seat capacity
Vintage aerial view of stadium
The stadium's decline began with Allegiant Stadium's 2020 opening, which offers 65,000 seats and Strip proximity. A 2021 agreement between UNLV and Allegiant Stadium sealed Sam Boyd's fate, requiring its permanent closure to eliminate competition for large events. Since May 2021, it has only served as a temporary COVID facility and firefighter training site.
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