World City Guide

Sport

Although Las Vegas prides itself as an entertainment hub, the city has no professional sports teams. That said, there are sporting events that attract thousands of fans. The Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand (tel: (702) 891 7777; website: www.mgmgrand.com) has become one of the venues of choice for boxing matches in America. The University of Nevada Las Vegas is home to the UNLV Rebels football team (website: www.unlvrebels.com), the local favourite in the exceedingly popular college (NCAA) football league. There is also a wide variety of sporting opportunities in Las Vegas for those who want to take part personally. As a resort destination, the city and region is brimming with golf courses. The vast hotel–casino complexes also offer superb fitness facilities (as luxurious and opulent as their restaurants and lounges) although, due to availability, these are sometimes limited to hotel guests.

Tickets to sporting events can be purchased through the concierge of most large hotels, such as the MGM Grand, Four Seasons, Caesars and Bellagio. Alternatively, the venue website can provide ticket information. Visitors are advised to order their tickets with as much advance notice as possible, as events commonly sell out, especially during peak sporting periods.

Fitness Centres: Most hotels in Las Vegas offer fitness facilities. The Mirage (tel: (702) 791 7111; website: www.mirage.com) offers fitness and spa facilities – steam sauna, whirlpool, weights, cardiovascular equipment, swimming pool, massages and facials – for US$20 a day. Caesars Palace (tel: (702) 731 7110; website: www.caesarspalace.com) is equipped with steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, rock climbing, aerobic/yoga studio, weights, cardiovascular equipment, massage therapy and a pool and charges US$24 per day.

Golf: With an average of 320 sunny days every year, it is hardly surprising that golf has achieved the popularity it has in Las Vegas. Visitors will find a nine-hole course right on the Strip, at the Callaway Golf Center, 6730 Las Vegas Boulevard South, at Sunset Road (tel: (702) 896 4100), charging US$25 for nine holes. Angel Park Golf Club, 100 Rampart Boulevard South (tel: (702) 254 4653; website: www.angelpark.com), offers three different courses, one at nine holes and two at 18 holes, charging US$65–140 for 18 holes. Both clubs are open to the public and do not require membership. A short distance from the city is the world-class Reflection Bay Golf Club, 1600 Lake Las Vegas Parkway, Henderson (tel: (702) 564 1600 or 877 698 4653; website: www.lakelasvegas.com/golf_reflection.asp) offers 18 holes in a spectacular setting designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. No membership is required but green fees are pricey, ranging from US$110.00 to US$270.00. Prices vary according to tee time and season.

Tennis: There is no lack of tennis courts in Las Vegas – many of the larger hotels have courts on site. In some cases, there is no charge for hotel guests to use the courts, while in others, a small fee is charged. The Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South (tel: (702) 734 5110; website: www.rivierahotel.com), provides tennis courts that are open to the public for a nominal fee of US$10. Guests play for free.