The moment I entered the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas’s energy enveloped me. Neon lights shimmered, and the crowd’s buzz was unlike anything I’d felt before. Just off the famous Strip, this isn’t just a stadium—it’s the heart of Vegas entertainment. Home to thrilling UNLV games and iconic concerts, its legacy since 1983 is unforgettable. If you’re seeking the true Vegas experience, Thomas & Mack is a must-visit.

History

Nestled on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, the Thomas & Mack Center isn’t just another building – it’s an icon. Built in 1983 with a cool $30 million budget, this state-of-the-art facility boasts a rich history. Ever wonder about the name? It’s a nod to two generous Las Vegas bankers, E. Parry Thomas and Jerome Mack. They not only gave the land but chipped in $500,000 to turn this dream into reality.

Initially, the idea was simple: create a home for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. But as the plans took shape, the vision grew. Today, it’s a multipurpose gem in the West, hosting everything from sports to concerts. And talk about highlights! The center has been the go-to spot for the National Finals Rodeo, NBA All-Star Game, and even the World Music Awards.

For over three decades, the Thomas & Mack Center has been the heart of entertainment for UNLV and Las Vegas. And guess what? Its charm isn’t fading anytime soon. It remains a modern, versatile venue, a testament to its legacy and an integral part of the UNLV scene.

Major Events Hosted

In the heart of Las Vegas sits the Thomas & Mack Center, a buzzing arena that wears many hats. From thrilling sports matches to foot-tapping concerts, this venue has seen it all. Curious about what it hosts? Here’s a peek based on some quick searches:

Sport Events

Right on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, the Thomas & Mack Center stands out as a sports lover’s paradise. From the moment it opened its doors in 1983, it’s been the proud home of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball team. But that’s not all!

Besides the home team’s heart-pounding games, this arena has been a stage for diverse events. Ever heard of the Air Force Falcons or Akron Zips Basketball? They’ve played here! It’s also been the go-to spot for massive events like the National Finals Rodeo and the electrifying NBA All-Star Game. Horse lovers? It’s got the Budweiser World Cup Horse Jumping. And for boxing enthusiasts, who can forget the legendary Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight in 2015?

In short, if you’re looking for sports action in Las Vegas, the Thomas & Mack Center is where the magic happens.

Concerts

The Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas isn’t just another venue – it’s where music comes alive! Over the years, this center has welcomed a myriad of concerts and music events, offering something for every music aficionado. Based on recent searches, here are some musical acts that have rocked its stage:

• The Grey Day Tour 2023: Featuring $uicideboy$ with GHOSTEMANE, CITY MORGUE
• $UICIDEBOY$ Mega Concert: With special guests Ghostemane, City Morgue, Freddie Dredd, Ramirez, and Sematary
• Rod Wave
• r.e.m.
• Rezz

(And a delightful surprise)

• The Harlem Globetrotters (Yes, they’re known for basketball, but their shows are a musical treat!)

The Thomas & Mack Center promises unforgettable musical nights in Las Vegas!

Here are some of the other music events that have taken place at the center:

• The Rolling Stones
• U2
• Elton John
• Fleetwood Mac
• Metallica
• Guns N’ Roses
• The Eagles
• Pink Floyd
• The Who
• Bruce Springsteen
• Madonna
• Janet Jackson
• Britney Spears
• Lady Gaga
• Justin Timberlake
• Beyonce
• Taylor Swift
• Ariana Grande
• Mariah Carey
• Celine Dion
• Andrea Bocelli
• The Harlem Globetrotters (known for basketball, but their shows are a musical treat!)

Other Entertainment Events

• Major industrial shows
• Fun and exciting family productions
• Democratic Presidential candidate, John Kerry, and his running mate, John Edwards, speak
• President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney speak

Upcoming Events

Here are some of the upcoming events at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada:

• October 7, 2023: suicideboy with GHOSTEMANE, CITY MORGUE, FREDDIE DRED, SEMATARY, and RAMIREZ
• December 7-16, 2023: National Finals Rodeo

Facilities & Amenities

Located right on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, the Thomas & Mack Center isn’t just another venue. It’s a complete package for sports, entertainment, and so much more. Let’s dive into what makes it stand out:

Facilities

• Multi-Purpose Arena: Perfect for sports, cultural events, and pretty much everything in between.
• Luxury Lounging: 30 upscale suites with a whopping 450 seats up for grabs yearly.
• VIP Treatment: Suites with top-notch amenities and that personal touch for a real posh experience.
• Parking: Because, let’s face it, that’s always a big plus!
• Tech-Savvy: Modern audio/visual gear for that perfect viewing pleasure.
• Meeting Rooms: Complete with high-tech A/V for those important briefings and video reviews.
• Pro Hosting: A team ready to tackle international event logistics.
• Prime Spot: Right in the heart of Las Vegas.

Amenities

• Tasty Bites: A variety of food and beverage spots.
• Shop Away: Merchandise stores to snag a memory or two.
• Capture the Moment: Professional photography services on deck.
• Top-Notch Service: A staff that’s all about making your experience perfect.
• Renting Out: Need the venue? They’ve got rental services ready to go.

In essence, the Thomas & Mack Center wraps up everything you’d want in a venue – and then some. Be it sports, music, or any event, they’re all set to roll out the red carpet for you!

Location

Thomas & Mack Center

How to Get There

• By Car 

Drive on over! There’s parking right near the center.

(Pro Tip: Use Waze for real-time directions. It’ll keep you updated with traffic and the quickest routes.)

• Public Transportation 

Bus it to the venue! Hop off at the corner of Tropicana and University Center Drive (used to be Swenson Street).

• Shuttle Services 

Here for the National Finals Rodeo event? Lucky you! There’s a free NFR Express shuttle bus. They’ll pick you up and drop you off from about 20 hotels on the strip and downtown.

So, whether you’re driving, busing, or shuttling, reaching the Thomas & Mack Center is a breeze!

Opening Hours

• Box Office Timing

Open: Monday-Friday from 10 am to 5 pm (PT).

Taking a break: Saturday and Sunday.

• When to Arrive 

Eager to get in? Doors swing open for the public an hour before showtime!

• Event Schedule

Not always the usual timing: Hours can change based on what’s happening.

Plan smart and enjoy every moment at the Thomas & Mack Center!

Hotels Nearby

Here are some hotels near the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas:

• Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton – Fashionable hotel offering multiple bars & restaurants, plus an outdoor pool, a spa & a gym.
• Hyatt Place Las Vegas – Relaxed lodging with an outdoor pool, a bar & a gym, plus free Wi-Fi & parking.
• Serene Vegas Boutique Hotel – Polished lodging with a sleek lobby lounge & a restaurant, plus 2 outdoor pools with cabanas.
• Best Western Mccarran Inn – Informal airport hotel with free breakfast & airport shuttle service, plus a fitness room & a pool.
• Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino – Casual casino hotel featuring low-key rooms, plus a free airport shuttle, 2 restaurants & a bar.

Famous Places Around

Here are some famous places around Thomas & Mack Center:

• Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck – 46th-floor viewing deck atop the Eiffel Tower replica in Paris Las Vegas. It is 460 feet (140 meters) tall and provides panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
• Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park – Built in 1855, this park includes the historic remains of an adobe fort along with a visitor center. The fort was built by Mormon settlers and was used as a trading post and a stopover for travelers on the way to California.
• Springs Preserve – Nature-focused complex with a preserve, botanical gardens & walking paths, plus museums & events. Springs Preserve features a variety of exhibits and attractions, including a butterfly house, a botanical garden, and a museum.
• Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art – Art museum with a native plant garden located on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus. Among the exhibits at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art are Native American art, a collection of contemporary art, and a collection of art from the American Southwest.
• Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign – Iconic 1950s neon sign & popular photo op marking the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. It is a 40-foot-tall (12-meter-tall) neon sign that was erected in 1959. It is a popular tourist attraction and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

Stadium’s Future

•  Bright Days Ahead: Located in the heart of Las Vegas, the Thomas & Mack Center stands as a beacon of modern facilities and is poised to offer even more to the city and state of Nevada.
• Flexibility in Use: Its multi-purpose design allows for a mix of events, from sports to concerts, ensuring its lively aura is ever-present.
•  Big Events on the Horizon: With a history of hosting giants like the NBA All-Star Game and National Finals Rodeo, expect more headline events gracing its premises.
• Innovations in Programming: The center isn’t resting on its laurels. Upcoming attractions might range from community events to groundbreaking educational sessions.
• 5. Going Green: Sustainability is key. Anticipate initiatives like solar power, smart water management, and initiatives to reduce waste.

Tech and Innovation

• Virtual Reality (VR) Delight: Think about relishing a concert from the front row or feeling the basketball court vibes – all from the comfort of a VR headset.
• Augmented Reality (AR) Magic: Ever wanted player stats as they dribble by? AR could soon overlay such data, enhancing your live experience.
• Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI): From suggesting that perfect snack to easy navigation, AI might just make visits smoother.

Some Fun Facts

• Size Matters: Standing proud as Nevada’s largest indoor arena, it can host up to 18,776 basketball fans and a whopping 19,522 for boxing bouts.
• Prestigious Host: This isn’t just any arena. It’s been the backdrop for massive events like the National Finals Rodeo, NBA All-Star Game, and the World Music Awards.
• Basketball Central: Rooting for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels or the Lady Rebels? This is their home turf!
• Not Just Sports: From rocking concerts to captivating family shows, the center is always buzzing with entertainment.

Digging Deeper: Some Trivia for You

• Namesakes: Ever wondered about the name? It’s a nod to two influential Las Vegas bankers, E. Parry Thomas and Jerome Mack.
• Evolution: Born as a home for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, its role quickly expanded to cater to diverse events.
• Music to the Ears: Making history, it was the first arena to house a sound system crafted especially for concerts. Talk about a treat for the ears!
• Go Big or Go Home: Keeping guests entertained is a gigantic indoor video board, the largest of its kind in the world.
• Star-studded: Hollywood loves it here! It’s made appearances in movies like “Ocean’s Eleven” and “The Hangover,” and TV shows such as “CSI” and “Las Vegas.”

As the neon lights of Thomas & Mack Center fade in your rearview, you’ll carry with you more than just memories—it’s the essence of Vegas itself. A cornerstone of entertainment since the ’80s, the center stands as a symbol of the city’s vibrant pulse. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, the allure of Thomas & Mack never dims. Here’s to many more nights under its glowing canopy!

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