Las Vegas, the place to be when it comes to sports because whenever there’s a big game happening, it’s always an exciting time. Visitors from coast to coast come to Vegas to add their voices to the collective cheering and rooting, to feed off the energy of the crowd. That electric party atmosphere – and myriad places to relish it – are why so many sports fans flock to The Greatest Arena on Earth™. Want in on that vibe? Here are some of the best spots to soak up the experience before, during and after a game.
PARTY BEFORE THE GAME!
Pregaming takes on a different meaning in Las Vegas, where most visitors are pregaming for something at all hours of the day. On the days of big sports events, however, some places are standouts for getting the party started.
The Fan District, located in the parking lot between Luxor Hotel and Casino and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, is an ideal place to pregame parties in town, with dozens of projection-screen televisions, betting windows and beverage service. It’s free and open to the public.
You’ll also want to check out the Overlook Lounge inside Wynn Las Vegas. The upscale bar on the casino floor is a great spot to sip craft cocktails and soak up the vibe before heading to the sportsbook.
Finally, to the west of the Las Vegas Valley, another pregame destination is Downtown Summerlin. Here, shops and open-air restaurants are a baseball’s throw from the Las Vegas Ballpark.
PARTY DURING THE GAME!
Once the game starts, it’s important to be tactical about where you post up. Excitement is at its peak inside the various sportsbooks around town; these are the spots where sports fans go to bet and watch. For those less interested in gambling, or for those who’d rather just bet on their mobile phones, other exciting options abound.
One of the prime spots inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is Black Tap, where, if you sit at the bar, you can enjoy your giant milkshake while looking out across the casino to follow games on the big-screen televisions in the sportsbook.
At the Dawg House Saloon & Sports Book inside Resorts World Las Vegas, there are betting windows; a full-service bar with food; and after games or concerts at the property, there’s live music, too. This venue doubles as the property’s sportsbook, and the largest big screens almost always are tuned to the contests on which guests have bet the most money.
And for bowl games and other college sports, Blondies Sports Bar & Grill inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino pulsates with the excitement generated by fans of just about every school. Go during a big contest and you’re bound to hear a few fight songs.
On the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, the HyperX Arena Las Vegas at Luxor Hotel and Casino typically hosts esports tournaments, but during football season and games in other sports, the space transforms into a viewing party with food and drink specials. The team-branded Raiders Tavern & Grill inside M Resort Spa & Casino is a draw, too. It’s the ultimate environment for Raiders fans and sports lovers alike. Grab a tour from the VEGAS ON team below.
PARTY AFTER THE GAME!
Whatever the outcome of the game you’re in town to watch, Las Vegas is jam-packed with unique and great places to visit and cheer for your team!
One of the liveliest options is to head to Downtown Las Vegas and stroll the bars of Fremont Street East, including the iconic Atomic Liquors (the oldest freestanding bar in Vegas, serving sports fans since 1952) and 1970s-infused Corduroy (known for its Moscow mules, made with ginger beer on tap). Lucky Day also is a fun option; the Mexican Candy shots with tequila, grapefruit liqueur and tajin are tasty but dangerous.
Re:Match inside The LINQ Hotel + Experience is cool for postgame fun for two reasons: 1) Though it’s inside the casino, it opens up onto Las Vegas Boulevard so you can revel in the action right off the Strip, and 2) It’s a hotbed for testing new technologies and games, so you can learn new tricks while you’re riding the postgame vibe.
Finally, for the ultimate in postgame beer, visit Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas near Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard. This beer hall and restaurant fires up an Oktoberfest celebration every day, no matter what month it is.
In Las Vegas, the game is just the beginning. Your home for the best in live sports is always ready to give you the best fan experience possible. For more ways to enhance your sports experience in The Greatest Arena on Earth, check out How to Bet on Sports in Vegas Like a Pro and the newest arrivals in Las Vegas.
Written by Matt Villano in partnership with ClutchPoints.