Sure, your neighbor’s football-watching parties are fun and all, but do they have a 78-million-pixel screen or a swim-up bar in his backyard?

We’re guessing no.

These are just two of the spectating possibilities that make Las Vegas the best place on the planet to take in a big game or sporting event. Toss in luxe sportsbooks, the ability to bet every game from the mobile device in your pocket, and some of the country’s most epic bars and party spots, and it's clear why Las Vegas has become the Sports Capital of the World.

Still, the benefits of watching your favorite teams compete while whooping it up in Las Vegas go beyond sublime surroundings. The sheer variety of options for sports-related fun and revelry in this city is intoxicating, whether or not you’re imbibing.

The electricity in many of the city’s largest sportsbooks is palpable—not only are people cheering their wagers, but they’re cheering the game, together, as one. Then, of course, there’s the live-action. In the last five years, Las Vegas has added professional teams in football, hockey, and women’s basketball. The city has an AAA-affiliate of a major-league baseball team. It’s also become the go-to spot for league championship contests.

Las Vegas certainly deserves the top spot on every sports fan’s bucket list. Here are some excellent spots to experience big games—whether you’re looking to bet money on them or not.

If you’re all about high stakes…

Unsurprisingly, the best places in town to see live sports are the venues themselves: Watch your team play against Las Vegas home teams at T-Mobile Arena for the Golden Knights, Allegiant Stadium for the Raiders, Michelob Ultra Arena for the Aces, and the Las Vegas Ballpark for the AAA-affiliate Las Vegas Aviators.

Outside of these great experiences, there’s nothing like watching games in a sportsbook.

The Superbook at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino hosts the city’s largest free pro football party in Las Vegas, featuring food and drink specials and satellite betting stations, and all in a smoke-free environment. 

And off-Strip, locals love the cavernous sportsbook at Red Rock Casino, where the 96-foot viewing wall commands attention and just about everyone is wearing game-day jerseys on weekends.

 

If you just want to get your food and drink on…

Sports betting is always an option in Las Vegas, thanks to mobile apps that allow wagering based on geolocation technology. But for visitors who prefer to watch and cheer games instead of wager on them, there are plenty of rollicking options, as well.

One of the most popular on-Strip spots to experience game day: Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas. This open-air, second-story beer garden has more than 40 televisions and a menu full of dependably delicious classic bar food. During commercial breaks in the game, there’s still plenty of action to follow: Beer Park sits directly across Las Vegas Boulevard from The Fountains of Bellagio.

Another legendary Strip spot for watching live sports: Blondies. This sports bar in the back of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is particularly hopping during college football and basketball games. If you’re headed out to cheer on your alma mater, be prepared to sing school fight songs (since undoubtedly others at the bar will start).

For those who like to mix sports and shopping, check out Sickies Garage Burgers and Brews in Town Square, a dining and entertainment center on Las Vegas Boulevard. Sickies is an elevated sports bar with 30 televisions and a whole menu of punch-bowl cocktails perfect for sharing or keeping all for yourself.

And if game-day watching isn’t complete without a juicy burger and friends old and new, you’ll want to hit the outdoor patio at Beerhaus, inside The Park.

Finally, if all this spectating inspires you to ply your own craft, hit Topgolf’s flagship location, which boasts 108 climate-controlled hitting bays, as well as two pools, cabanas, five bars, and much, much more. Like everything in Las Vegas, it’s larger than life.

 

Your friends want to get away just as much as you do. Plan a bucket-list level sports lovers’ trip to The Greatest Arena on EarthTM right here.

 

This post was written by Matt Villano in partnership with BroBible.