UNLV is all set to co-host a G2E of sports business next year. It is tentatively slated to happen from July 16 to July 18 at Virgin Hotels (Las Vegas). The event will bring together a number of people hailing from their respective fields. For instance, innovation labs and exhibitors will be present for the event. It will have a line-up of activities like roundtable discussions and breakout sessions, along with daily-wrap events.
Keith Whitfield, the 11th President of UNLV, is optimistic about the development. They took over the position in August 2020 and have realized that there is a lot of potential in Las Vegas. The landscape has indeed changed for everyone to realize that Las Vegas encompasses a decent sports fraternity. Making this evident is the fact that the Las Vegas Golden Knights just won a championship, and the region is now hosting two major events from November 2023 to February 2024.
These are the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII. Moreover, Allegiant Stadium has been confirmed to host the Final Four Championship, which could happen in 2028.
Whitfield said that Las Vegas is not just the entertainment capital but also the sports center across the country. As a matter of fact, they have expressed their confidence that the capital status could actually be applicable across the world. Meaning Las Vegas leads the charge when it comes to entertainment and sports.
Entertainment never took a back seat in Las Vegas; however, the region claiming to be a sports center is something that everyone is looking forward to. It may have the potential to become one, and signs are obvious too. It just needs time to prove the statement that Las Vegas is leading the charge in entertainment and sports.
While sports are obvious, the entertainment factor in Las Vegas is largely credited to the presence of gambling and betting either through traditional venues or online casinos. One segment gaining traction in recent times is sports betting, and Las Vegas has tapped into it.
Back to the event, Keith has said that the conference will emphasize getting started with the sports segment and contribute to the growing economy. They have said that sports entertainment is going to have a huge impact on economic growth & general economy, and this is only undeniable.
UNLV has created UNLV Sports Innovation specifically to integrate the business and science of sports. It is an education and research hub that will now collaborate on the conference along with David B. Falk College of Sport & Human Dynamics.
The announcement is significant as it came amid the NBA Summer League between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Las Angeles Clippers. The event was happening at Thomas & Mack Center.
Jay Vickers from Sports Innovation has said that the conference will help participants claim opportunities for collaboration and education. Jay is currently chairing the position of Chief Operating Officer of UNLV Sports Innovation.
