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- 🏟 Clark County Acquires Sam Boyd Stadium Site for $5 Million in Deal with UNLV
🏟 Clark County Acquires Sam Boyd Stadium Site for $5 Million in Deal with UNLV
Issue #396 - January 6 2025
John Wu
06 Jan
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
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📆 Weekly Local Events for January 2025
Regular weekly events in or near Summerlin, Las Vegas are listed below.
Visit here to lookup specific venue information or for upcoming and/or non-weekly events on Meetup.
Monday
Monday Classes At Latin Blendz: (Every week on Monday @ 10AM)
Socially Vegas - Monday Night Bowling @ The Orleans Bowling Center: Must arrive/check-in before 7pm; 7 - 10pm (Every week on Monday); COST (CASH Only) $10 for 2 games (includes shoes) COST: $12 for 3 games (includes shoes)
Monday Night TRIVIA at ReBAR, 1225 S Main St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW), Cheyenne & Buffalo, 7550 Sauer St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8 PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 7PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
Wednesday
Business Leads Group - Networking Breakfast @ Summit Restaurant, Eagle Crest Golf Course, 2215 Thomas W Ryan Blvd, Las Vegas: Cost $20 cash, 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Early Risers Toastmasters Meeting (In-Person - Summerlin Egg Works / Online Event: 7 - 8 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Wednesday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Speakers & Leaders of Summerlin Toastmasters Meeting, Summerlin Egg Works, 2025 Village Center Cir, Las Vegas: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Thursday
Abundance Business Networking Group Online Event: 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Thursday). Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for networking. Steps to access our BNI Online™ Virtual Chapter Meeting, visit website.
Las Vegas Real Estate Investors Association - Weekly Power Lunch For Real Estate Investors: 11 AM - 1 PM (Every week on Thursday). Request to join here.
Free Salsa Classes @ Feel The Music Dance Studio: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Thursday). Visit the website to register online.
Summerlin Bitcoin Happy Hour, SG Bar, 9580 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas: 6:30 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Friday
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Flow & Yin W / Noé Hilyard @ Yoga Sanctuary: 6 - 7:15 PM (Every week on Friday) View Yoga Sanctuary's full schedule.
Swing Dancing in Las Vegas Vintage and Modern Swing Dances @ The Mint Tavern: 7:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Friday)
Saturday
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Saturday Morning Meditation with Practitioner Selina Kelly @ Yoga Kandy, LLC. Cost: Love Donation $5-$10 suggested. 11 - 11:45 AM (Every week on Saturday)
Sunday
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Sunday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Sunday)
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
⛽ Las Vegas Gas Prices
🏟 Clark County Acquires Sam Boyd Stadium Site for $5 Million in Deal with UNLV
The Clark County Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of the 69-acre Sam Boyd Stadium site from UNLV for $5 million during a meeting on Monday. The deal, which was included on the consent agenda, was approved without discussion.
Background on the Site and Agreement
Sam Boyd Stadium, once home to UNLV football, became largely obsolete after the university began using Allegiant Stadium in 2020 under a joint-use agreement with the Raiders and the Las Vegas Stadium Authority. The agreement barred UNLV from utilizing Sam Boyd Stadium in exchange for access to the state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium.
The $5 million purchase price was negotiated after separate third-party appraisals conducted in 2023 produced drastically different valuations:
UNLV’s Appraisal: Valued the land at $10.4 million.
Clark County’s Appraisal: Valued the land at $0 due to public use restrictions on the site.
The agreed-upon price reflects a compromise to offset the $20 million UNLV invested in stadium upgrades over the years and the $500,000 annually spent by the university to maintain the now-abandoned facility since 2020.
History of Sam Boyd Stadium
The stadium, opened in 1971, was originally owned by Clark County. UNLV played there as a tenant until 1985, when ownership was transferred to the university at no cost. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which previously owned the property, still controls much of the surrounding land. A public use clause on the land limits potential development opportunities, making the transfer back to Clark County a logical move.
Planned Use of Funds by UNLV
UNLV plans to allocate the $5 million from the sale into a "quasi-endowment," allowing flexibility in its use. According to UNLV President Keith Whitfield, the funds will be directed toward several key areas, including:
Women’s Sports: Enhancing programs and facilities.
Infrastructure: Supporting campus upgrades.
Student Financial Aid: Expanding access to scholarships and aid.
Support Programs: Boosting resources for student success.
Future of the Stadium Site
Clark County has not announced definitive plans for the land, but documents presented to the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents last year outlined potential uses. These include:
Expansion of Silver Bowl Park, a recreational area adjacent to the stadium site.
Community Infrastructure Projects, which could benefit the growing local population.
A Longstanding Legacy
Sam Boyd Stadium played a significant role in the history of Las Vegas sports and entertainment, hosting UNLV football games, concerts, and large-scale events for decades. However, with the university's transition to Allegiant Stadium, the venue fell into disuse.
The sale of the land marks a new chapter for both Clark County and UNLV, as the university repositions its resources and the county explores ways to repurpose the property for public benefit.
🏈 Raiders Face Major Decision on Antonio Pierce After 4-13 Season
The Las Vegas Raiders are approaching another offseason of uncertainty, with head coach Antonio Pierce’s future at the center of critical decisions. After a challenging 4-13 season marked by a 10-game losing streak, Raiders owner Mark Davis must determine whether Pierce is the right leader to guide the franchise forward or if it’s time for a fresh start.
A Promising Start, but a Rocky Road
Pierce was initially hired as the Raiders’ interim coach midway through the 2023 season following the dismissal of Josh McDaniels. His ability to inspire players and maintain morale earned him the full-time position in January 2024. As interim head coach, he posted a respectable 5-4 record, giving fans and team leadership hope for a brighter future.
However, the 2024 season exposed cracks in the foundation. Injuries, an inconsistent roster, and challenges at quarterback combined to create a season of frustration. Despite Pierce’s motivational abilities and his success in keeping the locker room united, his struggles with in-game management decisions and the team’s overall lack of direction raised serious questions about his readiness for the role.
Bigger Problems Beyond Coaching
The Raiders’ issues extend far beyond the head coach. The team’s roster is one of the weakest in the NFL, and they remain far from being competitive in a loaded AFC West. Injuries have also been a recurring theme, and the quarterback position remains a glaring question mark. Second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell has already played under four different offensive coordinators, a level of instability that hinders development and progress.
Even Pierce’s strongest advocates acknowledge that the franchise needs a comprehensive overhaul. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers emphasized that the uncertainty isn’t limited to the head coach. “It’s not even just [Pierce],” Meyers said. “It’s everybody. We know that everybody is on the line. We’re all trying to show that we want to stick around, including [Pierce] in that bunch. We all want to be here.”
The Case for Change
Critics argue that keeping Pierce could risk a situation similar to what the Chicago Bears experienced with Matt Eberflus—retaining a coach in hopes of improvement, only to face a midseason firing. While Pierce has the respect of players and an undeniable ability to motivate, the Raiders need more than that to compete in a division led by some of the league’s most accomplished coaches, including Andy Reid, Jim Harbaugh, and Sean Payton.
Pierce’s challenges with game management have been a recurring issue since he stepped into the role. While players like cornerback Jack Jones praise his ability to connect with the locker room and inspire respect, those qualities alone are not enough to address the franchise’s deeper deficiencies.
Mark Davis’s Role in the Turnover
If Davis opts for a change, Pierce would become the Raiders’ fifth coach in four years, including interim appointments. This revolving door of leadership has hindered the team’s ability to build a cohesive identity. Davis’s previous decisions, including the hiring of McDaniels, have drawn criticism, and the team’s current state reflects a pattern of missteps.
Despite the turmoil, Davis has praised the team’s competitive spirit under Pierce, even as losses mounted. He previously stated that he would evaluate Pierce’s performance at the end of the season, emphasizing the importance of how the team competed down the stretch.
Reasons to Keep Pierce
Pierce’s supporters point to his unwavering connection with players as a reason to consider retaining him. No matter how difficult the season became, the team continued to play hard, a testament to Pierce’s leadership. He never lost the locker room—a rarity for a coach overseeing a team with such a poor record.
“He connects with the players,” Jones said. “He’s just someone you can respect, somebody you can look up to and has done it and been in your shoes. It’s an understanding about him throughout the building. I’ll go to bat for him every time.”
Looking Ahead
The Raiders must decide whether to give Pierce more time to develop as a head coach or move in a new direction. While some fans may argue for continuity, others see the team’s struggles as a clear sign that change is necessary.
The decision carries significant implications for the team’s future. The Raiders not only need a coach capable of navigating the complexities of the NFL but also one who can manage the challenges of rebuilding a roster and establishing a stable culture.
Regardless of what Davis decides, the Raiders face an uphill battle in returning to relevance. The 2024 season has shown that the team’s issues run deeper than the head coach. Whether Antonio Pierce remains at the helm or the Raiders bring in new leadership, a total organizational reset appears to be the only way forward.
❎ Congress Certifies Trump’s 2024 Victory, Marking a Stark Contrast to Jan. 6 Chaos
I
n a historic and orderly session, Congress certified President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory on Monday, an event that unfolded without challenge or unrest. This sharply contrasted with the violence and chaos of Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol after his defeat in the 2020 election.
A Peaceful Certification Amid Heavy Security
Lawmakers convened under strict security measures, including tall black fencing surrounding the Capitol, as memories of the 2021 siege loomed large. A snowstorm added to the day’s somber atmosphere. Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the session, announcing the results that included her own defeat. Trump secured 312 electoral votes to Harris’s 226, prompting applause from Republicans for Trump and from Democrats for Harris in a rare moment of bipartisan recognition.
The process, which in the past has been a ceremonial affirmation of the peaceful transfer of power, concluded swiftly within half an hour. However, the day underscored the extraordinary fact that Trump, who had attempted to overturn the previous election results, was now returning to power legitimately.
Echoes of Jan. 6, 2021
The legacy of the Jan. 6 attack was ever-present. In 2021, a mob incited by Trump breached the Capitol, resulting in widespread destruction, injuries to law enforcement, and five deaths. On that day, lawmakers scrambled to safety as rioters vandalized offices, attacked police officers, and roamed the halls in search of leaders. This year, the session occurred under unprecedented security, with the Capitol operating at its highest alert level.
The violence of Jan. 6 left a deep scar on the nation, but this week’s certification marked a return to order. Staff brought the same ceremonial mahogany boxes used to carry state electoral certificates in 2021—boxes that had been hastily protected during the riot.
Shifting Political Sentiments
Republicans, who largely rallied behind Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud in 2021, expressed greater trust in the electoral process this time. Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), who led the effort to challenge the results in 2021, said the decisive nature of Trump’s 2024 victory quelled most doubts.
Democrats, while disappointed by Trump’s win, accepted the outcome. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries highlighted the contrast between the parties, asserting, “There are no election deniers on our side of the aisle.”
Trump’s Shadow Looms Large
Despite the orderly certification, Trump’s return to power has raised concerns. He continues to deny his 2020 defeat and has hinted at remaining in office beyond the Constitution’s two-term limit. He has also promised to pardon many of the individuals convicted for their roles in the Jan. 6 riot, a move critics see as undermining accountability.
Ian Bassin, executive director of the nonprofit Protect Democracy, warned of the dangers of returning an emboldened Trump to power, calling it “an unprecedentedly dangerous move for a free country.”
Changes to the Electoral Count Act
New procedural safeguards were in place to prevent a repeat of the events of 2021. Under reforms to the Electoral Count Act, objections to state results now require the support of one-fifth of lawmakers in both chambers, up from the previous requirement of just one lawmaker per chamber.
This year, there were no objections, and the session proceeded without disruption.
Reflections on Democracy
Outgoing President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power, saying, “We’ve got to get back to the basic, normal transfer of power.” He also expressed hope that the country was moving beyond the threat to democracy posed by Jan. 6, though he acknowledged lingering divisions.
For many, the day was a testament to the resilience of American democracy, even as challenges remain. Congress once again fulfilled its constitutional duty, affirming the will of the voters.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s reelection signals a new chapter in U.S. politics, one likely to be marked by continued polarization. While his supporters celebrate his return, critics remain wary of his potential to erode democratic norms further.
As the nation reflects on its recent history, the question remains: Was the chaos of Jan. 6, 2021, a unique anomaly, or does it foreshadow a deeper instability in America’s democratic system?
🎰 Station Casinos Launches $116M Expansion of Durango Property
Station Casinos has announced the commencement of a $116 million expansion project at its newest property, Durango, located in southwest Las Vegas. The Phase II development, which began Monday, is expected to significantly enhance the property’s amenities and casino offerings by the time of its completion in early 2026.
Key Features of the Expansion
The expansion project includes:
Parking Upgrades: A new parking garage with nearly 2,000 spaces will be built south of the property’s south casino entrance, offering added convenience for guests.
Casino Growth: Over 25,000 square feet of additional casino space will be added, featuring a new high-limit slot and bar area. This expansion will accommodate 230 new slot machines, with 120 exclusively in the high-limit room.
Guest Experience: During construction, Station Casinos will ensure guest accessibility by maintaining complimentary valet services, surface parking, and use of the existing north garage.
The project aligns with the company’s strategy to elevate its gaming and hospitality offerings and is anticipated to take 12 months to complete.
Durango’s Initial Success
The expansion comes on the heels of Durango’s successful launch in December 2023, when it opened to glowing reviews. Over its first year of operation, the property significantly boosted gaming revenue in southwest Las Vegas, according to data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Its popularity and performance underscored the demand for expanded amenities, prompting the early announcement of the Phase II project in 2024.
Part of a Broader Development Strategy
The Durango expansion is one of several major projects Station Casinos has underway. The Las Vegas-based company, a subsidiary of Red Rock Resorts, is also investing in multimillion-dollar renovation projects at its Green Valley Ranch and Sunset Station properties in nearby Henderson. These efforts reflect Station’s commitment to reinvesting in its portfolio to attract locals and visitors alike.
What’s Next for Durango and Station Casinos?
With the new parking structure and expanded casino offerings, Durango is poised to further solidify its status as a premier gaming and entertainment destination in southwest Las Vegas. The property has already established itself as a cornerstone of the local gaming market, and the expansion is expected to draw even more guests while boosting revenues.
Station Casinos is not only focusing on physical enhancements but also on ensuring seamless guest experiences throughout the construction process. By maintaining access to essential services, the company aims to minimize disruptions and maintain the high standards that have contributed to Durango’s success.
As Las Vegas continues to grow, Station Casinos’ investments signal confidence in the city’s future as a hub for gaming, entertainment, and hospitality.
Summerlin South, NV Demographics
What is the population of Summerlin South?
What are the employment statistics in Summerlin South?
How many households are there in Summerlin South?
What are the median and average incomes in Summerlin South?
How many homeowners and renters are there in Summerlin South?
What is the level of education in Summerlin South?
What is the marital status of Summerlin South residents?
What are the most common means of transportation in Summerlin South?
Methodology & Disclaimers
Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release, the 2022 American Community Survey. The information is updated yearly, as soon as new data is made available by the US Census Bureau.
No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information modified or aggregated for specific neighborhoods and/or zip codes.
Zip codes included in this demographic data: 89135
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: December 27, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌 🏠 Summerlin South - December 2024
*Median Sold Price By Bedroom Count
This is the middle price for which all homes in the area were sold based on the number of bedrooms. Half of all the homes sold were below this price, and half were above.
Visit here to see the entire report.
📌 ✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
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