UNLV in talks to build stadium and entertainment complex

UNLV officials are in discussions to build a domed 40,000-seat stadium and entertainment complex on and around its campus while also upgrading the Thomas & Mack Center.

University president Neal Smatresk said in a statement Wednesday he has been in talks with Ed Roski and Craig Cavileer to form "a public-private partnership."

Roski owns Los Angeles-based Majestic Realty, one of the world's largest commercial builders. He also helped build L.A.'s Staples Center, and he has a stake in both the NBA's Lakers and NHL's Kings.

Cavileer, president of the Silverton Casino and a longtime business associate of Roski, said the development will be "much more" than just a stadium.

He would not discuss details but said he and Roski may make a formal announcement by week's end.

"We're not quite there yet," Cavileer said. "It's something that we've been working on for quite a while."

Smatresk was enthusiastic about the potential project.

"This is an attractive proposition. UNLV long has been interested in bringing UNLV football to the main campus and in updating the Thomas & Mack Center. This will allow us to build on our success, bring more visitors to Las Vegas, and retain the events that place the Thomas & Mack among the top grossing college arenas in the world."

Where exactly the new complex would be placed is uncertain, though Smatresk said it would be convenient to the Strip and McCarran International Airport.

Another source said most of it is expected to be on UNLV property.

Some available property near UNLV belongs to the Clark County Department of Aviation, but director Randy Walker said the parcels, a 44-acre piece and a parking lot, face "severe restrictions."

"I really can't speak to the viability of the concept, because I really don't know what it is," Walker said. "Probably about two-thirds, or maybe a little less than that, of the 44 acres really is not even usable, period. You can't even put a surface parking lot on it.

"Height would be an issue on any property we have. And then noise would be an issue depending on the types of uses that they're looking for."

Sources said the talks include building an indoor stadium similar in size to the Rebels' current football home at Sam Boyd Stadium. But Sam Boyd is 7 miles from campus, and many UNLV supporters have wished for an on-site venue. What would become of Sam Boyd, built in 1971 as the Silver Bowl, is uncertain.

Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak said a domed stadium near campus would be good for fans, players and UNLV athletics. The current stadium is too far away, he said, and fans must sit outside in the elements.

"I think it would be a huge shot in the arm for UNLV sports," Sisolak said.

The possible new stadium is expected to house more than UNLV football. It also could handle basketball games and special events such as the National Finals Rodeo -- a reliable sellout at the Thomas & Mack -- and potential Pac-12 Conference Championship should Las Vegas ever be awarded that football game.

A source said the university was approached about the project. It comes while the school and the athletic department face difficult financial times and are anticipating state budget cuts.

"During these challenging economic times, we are pursuing partnerships that help us retain or grow revenues," Smatresk said. "In any case, we are dedicated to improving the campus experience at UNLV and supporting efforts to create a premier tourist destination that is located near the international airport and the Las Vegas Strip."

Clark County commissioners last year expressed support for a new arena but opposed several plans that called for public funding. Sisolak said he liked the idea of a developer with a professional basketball arena on his resume who was willing to build a stadium with private money.

Commissioner Tom Collins said he would do everything in his power to help the stadium materialize but hopes it won't be another false start.

"It's all been talk," Collins said. "Show me the money."

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said he didn't know if a stadium near UNLV would hurt his plan of having a pro hockey or basketball team in a downtown arena. City officials have been negotiating with the Cordish Cos. since 2009 about building an arena, on the Symphony Park site, but haven't reached an agreement.

If a stadium is built at or near UNLV, Goodman said, that's fine.

"I am not unhappy about this. It's all great. It looks like the more activity, the closer we get to getting a professional sports team," he said.

"I personally believe the right site is downtown because it's a neutral site. It won't be associated with any casino operation and everybody will be able to buy the suites and the boxes without fear that they're helping a competitor."

Review-Journal reporter Scott Wyland contributed to this report. Contact reporters Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914 and Alan Choate at achoate@reviewjournal.com or 702-229-6435.