Three significant professional sporting events will be held this weekend in the Sports Capital of the World. Earlier today, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) joined forces with executives and athletes from the South Point 400 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race, Shriners Children’s Open PGA Tour Golf Tournament, and the PBR Camping World Team Series Championship to host a press event to kick off this signature sports weekend in Las Vegas.
While Las Vegas's title of Sports Capital of the World is relatively new, three sporting events have paved the way for many years. Chris Powell, President and General Manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Patrick Lindsey, Executive Director of Shriners Children’s Open, and Sean Gleason, CEO and Commissioner of PBR, explained their events' importance for the growing sports city.
"When I first came to town, many told me Las Vegas wouldn't work for major sports," said Chris Powell, President and General Manager of LVMS. "This city has not only accepted our fans but has also supported us in growing the sport by hosting two NASCAR Cup Series dates for the past couple of years."
The city is shifting gears to be known for more than just gambling. Brendan Gaughan, retired NASCAR Cup Series driver; Noah Gragson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver; Austin Dillon, NASCAR Cup Series driver and General Manager of the Carolina Cowboys in the PBR Teams League; Ezekiel Mitchell, rider with the Austin Gamblers in the PBR Teams League, and Taylor Montgomery PGA Tour player all spoke about what it's like being an athlete in Las Vegas and why their sports have profited in this city.
“What makes Las Vegas thrive is seeing how much the community has wrapped its arms around the goal of making it a sporting town,” said NASCAR Cup Series Driver Noah Gragson. “Where else can you get in an elevator and meet fans wearing different jerseys for hockey, basketball, football, wrestling, or even carrying race helmets and jackets.”
Gragson, a proud Las Vegas native, is focused on maintaining his momentum and making a statement in his hometown at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Finishing 31st at Charlotte Motor Speedway and 25th at Talladega, Gragson showcased his skills at LVMS earlier this year with a sixth-place finish in the Pennzoil 400 and is ready to put on a show once again.
Racing action at LVMS starts Friday with the zMax CARS Tour West Star Nursery Classic race. It continues Saturday with the Ambetter Health 302 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Race, and the weekend ends Sunday with the South Point 400.
Tickets are still available at www.lvms.com. Kids receive free admission on Friday and Saturday and are just $10 on Sunday with a ticketed adult. Military discounts are available for single-day tickets, and the $19 ticket offer for Sunday's race is available for college students and educators.
