By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
Team sports return to Las Vegas in August as the Las Vegas Lights FC, the downtown-based soccer team, hits the Cashman pitch for its home-opener. We asked Lights owner Brett Lashbrook about the Lights playing during these pandemic times.
LVSportsBiz.com: When is the Lights first home game and can fans buy cardboard pictures of themselves to put in Cashman Field seats?
Brett Lashbrook: Our home opener is scheduled for Saturday, August 1 at Cashman Field against “that team up north.” Fans can “attend” via cardboard cutouts available at LightsFC.com/CutOuts. (Cutouts will be given to fans to keep at future matches.)
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LVSB: How many workers (non players) are left on the team? Is it just you and Jim Lambright?
BL: We currently have active staff members in all non-revenue generating departments — e.g., marketing/communications, finance, operations, soccer ops, etc. We also will be making an exciting announcement in the coming weeks regarding the restructuring of our revenue-generating departments (e.g., ticket sales & sponsorship).
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LVSB: Will the first game be on TV? Will media be allowed to be at first home game to cover it live?
BL: All of our matches will air live via ESPN+. Select members of the local media will be allowed to attend our closed door matches in coordination with the Governor’s guidelines and USL’s Return to Play Protocols.
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LVSB: Are players being tested daily? How often are players being tested?
BL: Players are being tested on a regular basis in-line with the USL’s Return to Play Protocols which have been agreed upon by USL Board of Governors and the USL Players Association, with input from multiple medical professionals.
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LVSB: How much money do you think you’ll lose this season with no ticket revenue?
BL: As a club policy, we don’t publicly discuss team finances. With that said, we are incredibly grateful to each of our corporate partners and season ticket members for all of their support — they are the backbone of our organization.
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