Clark County has finalized the purchase of Sam Boyd Stadium, a significant site in UNLV football history, for $5 million. The acquisition received unanimous approval from the county commissioners during their regular meeting today, according to News3LV. The funds are intended to reimburse UNLV for previous maintenance costs, with the money set aside for enhancements to student services.
After an unconventional appraisal process—where UNLV valued the stadium at $10.4 million and the county appraised it at $0—both parties agreed on a $5 million purchase price, as reported by Las Vegas Review Journal. This figure accounts for the $20 million in upgrades that UNLV has invested into the stadium over the years, as well as the ongoing annual maintenance costs of around $500,000 for a venue that has remained unused since the onset of the pandemic. The stadium's future has been uncertain since the UNLV football team moved to Allegiant Stadium in 2020, leaving Sam Boyd without a clear purpose.
Sam Boyd Stadium's history with Clark County dates back to 1971, where it began as county property until 1985 when ownership was transferred to UNLV at no charge. A purchase agreement stipulation enforced by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents last month supports the notion, with UNLV President Keith Whitfield explaining the transaction rationale: "Because of that, transferring the land back to Clark County was the best route to go," in a statement obtained by Las Vegas Review Journal.
Speculations on potential uses for the site are still on the table. Documents from the regents meeting last year hinted at possibilities for growth, such as expanding the adjacent Silver Bowl Park or addressing community infrastructure requirements. Meanwhile, UNLV has intentions for the proceeds from the sale, with Whitfield specifying the creation of a "quasi endowment," aiming to benefit a range of domains from women's sports to student support initiatives, as disclosed in a statement obtained by Las Vegas Review Journal.
The transaction reflects a change in the perspective on the land, which was previously a key asset for university athletics and may now be considered for community development. With Clark County assuming ownership, the future of the former stadium site is open to proposals that could redefine its use within the Las Vegas area.
