History of Allegiant Stadium in Timeline

Allegiant Stadium, a domed stadium in Paradise, Nevada, opened in 2020. It serves as the home field for the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and the UNLV Rebels football team. The stadium is a venue for significant events like the Vegas Kickoff Classic and the Las Vegas Bowl. Notably, it hosted Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024 and is scheduled to host WrestleMania 41 in 2025 and the College Football Playoff National Championship game in 2027.

1964: Raiders Preseason Game in Las Vegas

In 1964, the Raiders played a preseason game against the Houston Oilers at Cashman Field in Las Vegas. At the time, owner Al Davis considered relocating the team to Las Vegas.

March 21, 2016: Davis Comments on Las Vegas Plan

On March 21, 2016, Mark Davis expressed his enthusiasm for the Las Vegas stadium plan, calling it "very intriguing and exciting." He also met with Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval to discuss the project.

April 1, 2016: Davis Tours Sam Boyd Stadium

On April 1, 2016, Mark Davis toured Sam Boyd Stadium with UNLV officials to assess its suitability as a temporary home for the Raiders.

April 28, 2016: Davis Pledges $500 Million for Stadium

On April 28, 2016, Mark Davis pledged $500 million towards the construction of the proposed $1.4 billion domed stadium, stating his desire to move the Raiders to Las Vegas.

June 2016: Southwest Airlines Objects to Tropicana Avenue Site

In June 2016, Southwest Airlines raised concerns about the proposed Tropicana Avenue site for the stadium due to its proximity to Harry Reid International Airport, potentially affecting air traffic safety and capacity.

August 25, 2016: Raiders File Trademark for "Las Vegas Raiders"

On August 25, 2016, the Raiders filed a trademark application for "Las Vegas Raiders" on the same day renderings of a proposed stadium design were released.

September 15, 2016: Committee Approves Funding for Las Vegas Stadium Plan

On September 15, 2016, the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee unanimously voted to recommend and approve $750 million in public funding for the Las Vegas stadium plan.

October 2016: Majestic Realty Withdraws From Stadium Project

In October 2016, Majestic Realty withdrew from the Allegiant Stadium project.

October 2016: Nevada Legislature Approves Stadium Funding Bill

In October 2016, the Nevada Legislature approved the funding bill for the stadium during a special session called by Governor Sandoval. The bill, which allowed Clark County to increase its hotel tax to raise $750 million, was signed into law on October 17.

January 26, 2017: Raiders Submit Proposed Lease Agreement

On January 26, 2017, the Raiders submitted a proposed lease agreement for Allegiant Stadium, indicating the team had selected the Russell Road site and would pay one dollar in rent. They would control naming rights and keep sponsorship revenue.

March 2017: Hotel Room Tax Takes Effect

In March 2017, a special tax on hotel rooms in the Las Vegas area took effect. This tax was used to back municipal bonds issued by Clark County to provide $750 million in public funding for the Allegiant Stadium project.

September 18, 2017: Construction Begins on Stadium Site

On September 18, 2017, site preparation began at the stadium construction site. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 13, featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Raiders owner Mark Davis, and various celebrities and politicians. A tribute to the victims of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting was included.

December 2017: Construction Worker Buries Chiefs Flag

During construction in December 2017, a construction worker buried a Kansas City Chiefs flag near the expected 50-yard line of the new stadium.

May 24, 2019: Additional Suites Added to Stadium

On May 24, 2019, it was announced that 20 additional suites would be added to Allegiant Stadium in the south end zone to enhance the stadium's appeal for hosting a Super Bowl.

August 5, 2019: Allegiant Air Naming Rights Agreement

On August 5, 2019, the Raiders announced an agreement with Allegiant Travel Company, the owner of Allegiant Air, for the naming rights of the stadium for the first 30 years, starting in 2020.

May 23, 2020: Additional Funding Approved for Truss Retrofitting

On May 23, 2020, Don Webb received an additional $40 million at the Stadium Authority Board meeting to cover the overages for retrofitting trusses on the stadium.

June 16, 2020: 2021 Pro Bowl Announcement

On June 16, 2020, the NFL announced that Allegiant Stadium would host the 2021 Pro Bowl.

July 31, 2020: Certificate of Occupancy Issued

On July 31, 2020, Allegiant Stadium received its certificate of occupancy, marking a significant milestone in the stadium's construction and allowing the Las Vegas Raiders to officially begin leasing the venue.

September 21, 2020: First Event at Allegiant Stadium: Raiders vs. Saints

The first event held at Allegiant Stadium was a Monday Night Football game on September 21, 2020, where the Raiders defeated the New Orleans Saints 34–24. Saints kicker Wil Lutz scored the first points, and Alvin Kamara scored the first touchdown. Derek Carr threw three touchdown passes for the Raiders.

October 2020: Project Closeout Scheduled

Clark County officials declared that the stadium met its substantial completion date on July 31, 2020, and the project closeout was scheduled for October 2020.

October 31, 2020: First UNLV Rebels Game with Fans in Attendance

On October 31, 2020, the first UNLV Rebels game at Allegiant Stadium was held. It was a loss to the Nevada Wolf Pack 37–19 in the Battle for Nevada, and was the first event in the stadium to have fans in attendance, with a maximum capacity of 2,000 spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions.

2020: Las Vegas Bowl Cancelled

In 2020, the inaugural Las Vegas Bowl game at Allegiant Stadium was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 2021: Vegas Kickoff Classic Announcement

In March 2021, the Vegas Kickoff Classic, an annual neutral site college football game, was announced.

July 2021: East-West Shrine Bowl Announcement

In July 2021, it was announced that Allegiant Stadium would host the East–West Shrine Bowl on February 3, 2022, as part of the NFL Pro Bowl week.

August 1, 2021: 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final

On August 1, 2021, Allegiant Stadium hosted the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

September 4, 2021: Inaugural Vegas Kickoff Classic

On September 4, 2021, the inaugural Vegas Kickoff Classic took place, with the BYU Cougars defeating the Arizona Wildcats 24–16. The official attendance was 54,541.

September 2021: Notre Dame vs BYU Announcement

In September 2021, it was announced that Allegiant Stadium would host a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the BYU Cougars on October 8, 2022.

November 18, 2021: Academy of Country Music Awards Announcement

On November 18, 2021, it was announced that Allegiant Stadium would host the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on March 7, 2022.

2021: 2021 Leagues Cup Final

In 2021, Allegiant Stadium hosted the final of the Leagues Cup between Major League Soccer and Liga MX teams.

2021: Pro Bowl Deferred

In 2021, the Pro Bowl game, originally scheduled to be held at Allegiant Stadium, was deferred to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Inaugural Las Vegas Bowl

In 2021, the inaugural edition of the Las Vegas Bowl was held at Allegiant Stadium, featuring Wisconsin defeating Arizona State 20–13.

February 3, 2022: East-West Shrine Bowl

On February 3, 2022, Allegiant Stadium hosted the East–West Shrine Bowl as part of the NFL Pro Bowl week.

March 7, 2022: 57th Academy of Country Music Awards

On March 7, 2022, Allegiant Stadium hosted the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards.

October 8, 2022: Notre Dame vs BYU Game

On October 8, 2022, Allegiant Stadium hosted a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the BYU Cougars as part of Notre Dame's Shamrock Series.

November 22, 2022: Final Four and National Championship Announcement

On November 22, 2022, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee selected Allegiant Stadium to host Las Vegas' first Final Four and National Championship games on April 1–3, 2028.

2022: 2022 Pro Bowl

In 2022, the Pro Bowl was held at Allegiant Stadium, featuring the American Football Conference defeating the National Football Conference by a score of 41–35.

January 27, 2023: Additional Suites Announced for 2023 Season

On January 27, 2023, the Raiders announced that additional suites would be added on the 100 level sidelines in advance of the 2023 season, in preparation for hosting Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.

February 5, 2023: 2023 Pro Bowl Games

On Sunday, February 5, 2023, the 2023 Pro Bowl Games were hosted at Allegiant Stadium, with the NFC defeating the AFC 35–33.

February 11, 2024: Super Bowl LVIII

On February 11, 2024, Allegiant Stadium hosted Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, featuring Usher's half time show.

February 2024: Host of Super Bowl LVIII

In February 2024, Allegiant Stadium hosted Super Bowl LVIII.

March 2, 2024: National Rugby League Season Games

On March 2, 2024, two matches in the first round of the National Rugby League season were played at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time a regular season game was played outside Australia and New Zealand.

September 2024: USC Trojans vs LSU at Vegas Kickoff Classic

In September 2024, the USC Trojans defeated LSU 27–20 at the Vegas Kickoff Classic. The attendance of 63,969 was a record for a college football game in Nevada.

2024: 2024 Copa América Matches

In 2024, Allegiant Stadium hosted three matches during the Copa América: two group stage matches and a quarterfinal.

2024: East-West Shrine Bowl Relocation

Starting with the 2024 edition, the East-West Shrine Bowl was moved to Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, after being hosted at Allegiant Stadium for two editions.

March 1, 2025: Future National Rugby League Games

On March 1, 2025, two more matches in the National Rugby League campaign's first round, as well as a women's test between England and Australia and the first regular season Super League match in North America, are scheduled to occur at Allegiant Stadium.