What does UNLV have that no other program in the country - not Alabama, not Notre Dame, not Texas? It’s right there in the name. Vegas, baby! Vegas!
Anyway, the Rebels are looking to move on from 44-year-old Sam Boyd Stadium into something that’s A) newer and B) will generate more revenue year-round. You know what generates revenue year round at all hours of the day? The Strip.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, UNLV is looking to purchase a 42-acre lot adjacent to the infamous Strip for the low, low price of $50 million. Assuming that deal goes through, and UNLV would have to scramble a bit to find financing, the first plan would be to construct a 45,000 seat stadium that “could” cost $523 million.
“The agreement is, essentially, a purchase and sale agreement, but with an option until we clear all due diligence items. The terms of the purchase have been negotiated and are part of the agreement with Wells (Fargo),” UNLV vice president for finance and business Gerry Bomotti told the paper.
UNLV president Len Jessup told the paper the university wants the land even if a football stadium is not feasible, but the first order of business would be to bring Rebels football to the Strip.