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Top 5 Biggest Sporting Events Hosted in Las Vegas

Biggest Events in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada: A spellbinding city and the casino Mecca. But this weekend, Caesars Palace steps aside. The Vegas Strip is about to witness a historic fusion of speed, glamour, and sportsmanship with the debut of the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix.

It might not all be about slots and table games this weekend, but Vegas has done its part to keep the race on trend, with the track’s kerbs decked out with brilliant playing card suit designs.

This electrifying event not only promises to redefine motorsport entertainment but also adds another chapter to the history of sport in a city that has seen it all.

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NBA and WNBA All-Star Weekend (2007, 2019)

The NBA All-Star Weekend is one of the biggest weekends in the American sporting calendar. 2007 saw some of the biggest names in basketball descend upon Vegas for a star-studded event.

LeBron James led the All-Star votes, joined by Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and Yao Ming. In the West, surprises like Tracy McGrady emerged. Controversies included Shaquille O’Neal’s 14th straight start over Dwight Howard. Gilbert Arenas won a close race for the East’s point guard, and Chris Bosh marked a milestone as the Raptors’ fan-voted starter.

The 2019 WNBA All-Star event was a dazzling showcase of the league’s top talent, featuring standout players like MVP Erica Wheeler and A’ja Wilson, who led Team Wilson to victory. The matchup was a thrilling display of skill and camaraderie, highlighting the competitiveness within the WNBA.

Fans were treated to exceptional plays and memorable moments, celebrating the athleticism and prowess of women’s basketball. The event not only honored the league’s stars but also underlined the continued growth and excitement surrounding the WNBA.

UFC 194 – Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo (2015)

Las Vegas has been a historic hub for UFC events, hosting some of the biggest and most memorable fights in the sport’s history. However, one stands out amongst the ferocious fight crowd. At UFC 194, Vegas witnessed the highly-anticipated clash between featherweight champion Jose Aldo and interim champion Conor McGregor.

In a stunning performance, McGregor’s swift left hook concluded the bout in a mere 13 seconds. As his left crashed into Aldo’s head, the Brazilian hall-of-famer went out cold and crashed to the canvas; bringing an end to his lengthy undefeated streak and crowning McGregor as the undisputed featherweight champion.

The fight stands as one of the most memorable moments in UFC history due to its impact on McGregor’s career.

WrestleMania IX (1993)

April 4th, 1993, WrestleMania IX transformed Caesars Palace in the vibrant heart of Las Vegas into the ultimate battleground for the ninth edition of this iconic event. This WrestleMania was not just a showdown; it was a groundbreaking moment as the first-ever held outdoors, adding an extra layer of excitement under the desert stars. One of the most significant moments was the return of Hulk Hogan to pro-wrestling.

Hogan, who wasn’t initially scheduled to compete, ended up winning the WWE Championship against Yokozuna in a surprising turn of events.

The main event saw Yokozuna defeating Bret Hart for the WWE Championship. However, the celebration was short-lived as Hulk Hogan came to the ring and challenged Yokozuna to an impromptu match. Hogan’s victory in this unscheduled bout marked the end of the night with him as the new WWE Champion.

Marvin Hagler vs Thomas Hearns (1985)

The legendary status of the clash between Hagler and Hearns on April 15th, 1985, took place within the iconic walls of Caesars Palace. This unforgettable encounter, now fondly referred to as “The War”, stands as a masterpiece of pugilistic drama, with its explosive first round etching an indelible mark in the sport’s lore.

With the bell’s toll, Marvin Hagler initiated a determined assault on Thomas Hearns, setting a relentless tone. Hearns countered, causing a deep cut on Hagler’s forehead, escalating the frenetic pace. As Hagler’s cut threatened a stoppage, his resilience shone.

A powerful overhand right staggered Hearns, followed by a decisive blow, leading to a canvas crash. Referee Richard Steele’s 10-count sealed Hagler’s triumph, solidifying “The War” as a boxing legend—a testament to ferocity, courage, and sports spectacle.

Stanley Cup Finals (2023)

The T-Mobile Arena played host to the grand spectacle of the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals, setting the stage for a riveting clash between hockey titans. For the Vegas Golden Knights, making their second Finals appearance since their inaugural season in 2017, this was a pivotal moment of redemption following their 2018 loss to the Washington Capitals.

Under Cassidy’s guidance, Vegas clinched the top spot in the Pacific Division and the Western Conference, amassing 111 points with a formidable 51–22–9 record. In a triumphant culmination to their six-year journey, the Vegas Golden Knights clinched the ultimate prize in the National Hockey League, dominating the Florida Panthers 9-3 to secure their first-ever Stanley Cup.

The Western Conference’s top-seeded team swiftly closed out the best-of-seven championship series 4-1, igniting jubilant celebrations that reverberated through the iconic Las Vegas Strip, where hotels and casinos joined in the revelry.

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