In celebration of Super Bowl LVIII’s arrival in Las Vegas on Sunday, Feb. 11, we’re looking back at the events that have established the city as a major player in sports. Yes, the Entertainment Capital of the World is stepping into the spotlight in a whole new way.
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DEC. 31, 1967
While a crash landing sends daredevil Evel Knievel to the hospital after he attempts a high-flying jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace, his son Robbie Knievel successfully makes the 160-foot jump on April 14, 1989, to avenge his father’s legacy.
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FEB. 15, 1978
Olympic gold medalist Leon Spinks becomes the only man in history to steal a world title from the great Muhammad Ali. Spinks is named the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion at Las Vegas’ Hilton Hotel.
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OCT. 6, 1996
In true Las Vegas style, 20-year-old Tiger Woods poses with showgirls to celebrate winning his first professional golf tournament. Held at TPC Summerlin, the former PGA Las Vegas Invitational is now known as the Shriners Children’s Open.
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MARCH 1, 1998
Hall of Fame driver Mark Martin wins the inaugural NASCAR Las Vegas 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. On Oct. 16, 2022, he got behind the wheel of his winning 1998 car during the pace lap prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff South Point 400.
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OCT. 6, 2018
Seventeen years after Station Casinos executives Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta and business partner Dana White establish the Ultimate Fighting Championship in Las Vegas, UFC 229 takes place at T-Mobile Arena, featuring Khabib Nurmagomedov against the boisterous Conor McGregor. With over 20,000 fans in attendance, the event sets the record for the biggest MMA pay-per-view event with 2.4 million purchases in the United States alone. Nurmagomedov comes out on top, continuing his 27-0 winning streak as the UFC Lightweight champion.
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SEPT. 21, 2020
The Las Vegas Raiders make their local debut at Allegiant Stadium, claiming victory over the New Orleans Saints with a score of 34 to 24. Here, running back Jalen Richard scores a 20-yard rushing touchdown ahead of free safety Marcus Williams.
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JUNE 13, 2023
Six years after their debut season, the Vegas Golden Knights claim their first Stanley Cup after defeating the Florida Panthers, a dream come true for owner Bill Foley. Forward Jonathan Marchessault is named the playoff MVP for leading the team to victory.
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OCT. 18, 2023
The Las Vegas Aces become the first team in 21 years to claim the WNBA Championship two years in a row, a feat bolstered by Finals MVP A’ja Wilson.
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NOV. 18, 2023
Oracle Red Bull Racing star Max Verstappen celebrates his win at the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, a race that invited the world’s top drivers to zip down the Las Vegas Strip under its neon lights on a Saturday night.
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TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
By 2025, the Oakland Athletics are expected to be playing ball as Las Vegas’ first Major League Baseball team. Plans are in place to construct a $1.5 billion, 30,000-seat ballpark on the site of the Tropicana Las Vegas.
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