Paul Szydelko
The fact that NFL fans will not be able to pack the stands for the first regular season game of the Las Vegas (formerly Oakland) Raiders, or any game for that matter this season, is another of the city's long list of disappointments of 2020.
But the new Allegiant Stadium, the city's latest iconic structure, is still expected to spark curiosity, house large conventions, be a tour stop for the biggest entertainment acts and eventually host a Super Bowl -- yet another magnet for the pulse-racing excitement for which Las Vegas is known.
The Raiders will host the New Orleans Saints on Monday, Sept. 21, but the 65,000 seats in the almost-$2 billion venue will be empty.
Singer Garth Brooks was to have opened Allegiant Stadium in August (a concert now set for Feb. 27), and the Raiders were to have played two preseason games. Also in the fall, the football team at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas would have hosted opponents at the stadium.
Instead, a grand opening, large public gatherings and ticketed entertainment are still on hold in Nevada.
Operated by venue management and services company ASM Global, Allegiant Stadium will soon open its doors to the private event industry.
The stadium offers event spaces for as few as 25 people and eventually a full 65,000-person venue buy-out. The Coors Light Landing, with massive sliding lanai doors and views of the Strip, can accommodate up to 2,500 people.
"We are so excited to debut Allegiant Stadium to the private event industry," says Samantha Johnson, director of sales for Allegiant Stadium. "The unique variety of spaces within our venue allows us to host a wide range of events, which plays a crucial role in our ability to tailor the event experience to individual client needs. We have the incredible opportunity of introducing a venue to Las Vegas that the city has never had before,"
Event planners interested in availability and information on Allegiant Stadium's club spaces can submit an inquiry at www.allegiantstadium.com/host-an-event/private-events.
Modelo and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi recently announced partnerships with the Raiders and stadium for beer and wine service.
The Modelo Cantina Club is a 26,000-square-foot space overlooking the 50-yard line, and the Modelo Tailgate Zone is a dedicated location outside the stadium that will be home to Raider tailgates during the season. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi will have a winery bar inside the Modelo Cantina Club.