By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Back in 2018, there was a palpable feel of excitement surrounding the launch of pro soccer’s Las Vegas Lights.
The Lights under then founder-owner Brett Lashbrook played at downtown Las Vegas’ Cashman Field and shared the venue with the minor league baseball Las Vegas 51s. At the time in 2018, the WNBA Las Vegas Aces also were rebranded from a team that relocated from San Antonio and the Aces landed in Mandalay Bay hotel-casino’s Michelob Ultra Arena.
While the Aces soared to win three WNBA titles in four years, the Lights struggled in the United Soccer League standings under Lashbrook and now will be saying goodbye to their venue that attracts less than 3,000 fans a game under the current owner.
Owner Jose Bautista’s Lights have only six remaining games left at Cashman Field, and the Lights plan a special ticket deal for the last game at the downtown facility. It’s a three-game mini deal for only $45 with the fourth and final game on Oct. 17 free. That’s four games for 45 bucks — a bargain in the Las Vegas market.
It appears the Lights will be in Las Vegas in 2027. It’s not clear where they will be playing. The team has general options like installing a modular venue or renting a field.
In January, the Las Vegas City Council changed the zoning of the Cashman site so that a developer, Lennar Homes, can build residential units at the site of the Cashman Center, which includes the 10,000-fan stadium, a small convention center and even a theater. Technically speaking, the Lights are still operating under their lease with the city until the last game.
The Lights season runs from March to October in the United Soccer League.
PSA
We are turning ten years old in 2027