Lights Seek New Venue as Cashman Field Demolition Begins
The Las Vegas Lights FC remains without a home venue for its upcoming United Soccer League season following the closure of Cashman Field last month. The team’s final game at the stadium was played in October, after which the facility closed and is set to be demolished to make way for a housing project by national homebuilder Lennar.
The USL season is scheduled to begin in March, leaving the club with little time to secure a permanent or temporary location. The team is owned by former Major League Baseball star Jose Bautista.
Lights spokesman Gabriel Palacio stated that the organization is in advanced discussions regarding its next step but declined to identify any specific sites under consideration. Palacio quoted Bautista as saying he is fully committed to continuing to build the best professional soccer team for Las Vegas.
Potential Sites and County Discussions
Clark County spokeswoman Jennifer Cooper reported that earlier this year, the Three Affiliated Tribes discussed bringing the Lights to their property located at Las Vegas Boulevard and Mandalay Bay Road. The tribes were reportedly assembling nearby parcels for a resort, casino, and arena project.
Cooper stated that the county has not heard much more from the Three Affiliated Tribes regarding this venture during the last few months. A request for comment from the Three Affiliated Tribes was not immediately returned.
Regarding other potential venues, Cooper noted there have been no discussions about moving the Lights to Sam Boyd Stadium, which Clark County purchased from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) last year.
Past Venue Attempts and City Support
The team has previously explored options at UNLV facilities. A person with knowledge of the situation told the Review-Journal that the Lights approached UNLV about two years ago regarding playing at Peter Johann Memorial Field. UNLV officials declined the proposal because they did not believe the field could withstand additional use alongside university soccer schedules.
City spokesman Jace Radke stated that the city is assisting the team but declined to provide specifics on those efforts. Radke said the Lights have been a great partner with the city and developed a strong fan base, adding that the city looks to continue partnering when a new home is announced.
The only other logical venue identified may be Las Vegas Ballpark in Downtown Summerlin, which would require sharing the facility with the Aviators. Attempts to reach Seaport Entertainment Group, which owns Las Vegas Ballpark, regarding its interest in hosting the Lights were unsuccessful.