Going to Sin City for a Golden Knights or Raiders game? Here’s how to do it right.
If you’ve always viewed Las Vegas as only a gambling and nightlife hub, it’s time to rethink that notion. This desert oasis is known for its casinos and resorts, of course. But with the addition of the NHL Vegas Golden Knights and the NFL Las Vegas Raiders in recent years — and with increasing speculation about a MLB team possibly headed that way — there’s no question that this town is now a bona fide sports mecca.
From the Consumer Electronics Show in January, which brings 180,000 attendees into town, to the National Finals Rodeo in December Vegas is frequently jam-packed, which means hotel rates will jump. The same basic room at one of the resort hotels on Las Vegas Boulevard, aka the Strip, can cost as little as US $50 a night — or as much as US $600-plus when hotels are at capacity. Begin your vacation research at vegasmeansbusiness.com, which has a comprehensive convention calendar.
When it comes to the Raiders I tend not to stay near Allegiant Stadium, where they play. The site is at the south end of the Strip — too isolated for me — and I’d rather choose a hotel that’s more central on the Strip and then walk to the game. On our most recent trip we stayed at Paris Las Vegas, about four kilometres from Allegiant Stadium. If you want to stay near the stadium, however, Mandalay Bay is the closest major hotel.
Keep in mind that surge pricing can greatly affect Lyft and Uber prices. After the Raiders game we attended, the four-km ride from Allegiant Stadium to our hotel would have cost US $40, not including the tip. Another transportation option is the Las Vegas Monorail, which runs along the Strip from the MGM Grand to the Sahara.
Post-game, there’s no shortage of things to do. Many activities are free or low-cost and I’ve listed my Top 5 below. At the opposite end of the price spectrum, my pick would be a splurgey Grand Canyon helicopter tour; yes, it’s expensive but it’s also spectacular. For an option in between, consider a ride on the High Roller observation wheel for the best aerial views of the city and beyond.