UNLV Might Be Using Sam Boyd Stadium In 2020

Allegiant Stadium might not host every UNLV football game in 2020 for the Rebels.

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UNLV Might Be Using Sam Boyd Stadium In 2020

Raiders are squeezing out Rebels for a few games.

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Non-conference games could be moved.

One of the benefits of UNLV being a tenant for the Las Vegas Raiders Allegiant Stadium was the chance to play in a world-class stadium and get out of Sam Boyd Stadium.

Well, being a tenant also means that you are of the mercy of the landlord and the Raiders are putting to use a clause it has in its contract to move UNLV non-conference football games.

There are two games in question that could be moved are Sept. 5 against Louisiana Tech and Sept. 12 against Arizona State.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Ed Graney has the details of what this means for Rebel football.

The school agreed to the stipulation that it would be guaranteed one nonconference game in the stadium’s first year and that any other such contests must be cleared by the primary tenant. That would be the Raiders. I think there is at least a chance UNLV gets one of the two games at Allegiant and plays the other at Sam Boyd Stadium.

The home opener on Aug.t 29 vs. Cal seems to be safe but the other two between Louisiana Tech and Arizona State could see just one of those at the Raiders home stadium.

The other events in the stadium that will all but certainly bump the Rebels are a potential high-profile international soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Those are just two of the biggest clubs in the world and Lionel Messi who is one of the best soccer players in the world plays for FC Barcelona.

So, it would make sense to have a sell out crowd over a game against Louisiana Tech and UNLV which might be lucky to draw 20,000 fans.

This is part of the deal and UNLV knows it. The reason the city agreed to a $750 million taxes to help fund the stadium was because the Rebels would have games there. However, the Raiders are the owners of the stadium and need to make money from holding events.

Sorry if this offends, but UNLV is not a big draw so if there is a chance to host a major international soccer game or a concert, then the choice is obvious and clear.

However, do not expect the Raiders to push the Rebels out as often as possible in favor of better events, but look for this to be a constant conversation over this partnership which could last a very long time.

Just keep Sam Boyd in good shape for when UNLV needs it to host a football game or two each year.

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