UNLV General Releases Jan. 29, 1998
LVCVA Appropriates $5 Million Grant for Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium
LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- The Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium were awarded a $5 million dollar grant by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority for specific renovation and improvement projects.
Artist renderings of the future Sam Boyd Stadium (top) and Thomas & Mack Center. (click images for larger versions) |
The $5 million dollar grant will be contingent upon an extended contract agreement with the National Finals Rodeo. This grant will allow the facilities to complete necessary improvements associated with the $27 million previously committed by the Legislature and the UNLV Board of Regents for maintenance and upgrades.
Of the $5 million dollars from the LVCVA, $3 million will go to the Thomas & Mack Center for the creation of a new tunnel on the east side of the facility. The new tunnel will allow for an expanded rodeo configuration, providing an additional 400 to 500 premium seats for the National Finals Rodeo. $2 million will be used to reconfigure and expand the Sam Boyd Stadium to 40,0000 seats.
Pat Christenson, Director for the Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium stated, "We are excited to have completed the funding for both facilities. We look forward to improving our facilities to meet the growing needs of Southern Nevada."
Management officials at the Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium have begun to outline the improvement and maintenance projects required at this time. As the Thomas & Mack Center approaches its 15-year anniversary and the Sam Boyd Stadium approaches 28 years old, many improvements must take place and others are simply necessary upgrades. A complete plan of projects and upgrades will be announced in May. The following represents a sampling of items being considered for the facilities.
Thomas & Mack Center Sam Boyd StadiumRoof Repair Expanded concourseUpgraded restrooms Upgraded and expanded restroomsPadded Seats Expanded StorageUpgraded concession stands Upgraded concession standsNew technical enhancements New Press BoxReconfiguration of main entries Repaving parking lotsADA access ADA accessOutdoor mall area New scoring systemUpgraded outdoor lighting New playing surface Upgrades of mechanical and electrical systems New traffic patterns (ingress & egress)
The Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium have hired Becket & Associates (a subsidiary of Elbee Becket - a premier sport facility architectural and engineering firm) to complete the initial phases of design development. Final plans are due in June. The intent of the $5 million from the LVCVA is to have the identified projects completed by December 1998.
