LAS VEGAS – Larry Scott took the podium to announce that the Pac-12 has reached an agreement with T-Mobile Arena and Las Vegas Events to keep the conference tournament in Las Vegas as part of a new three-year deal. The current deal with the MGM Grand Garden Arena expires this year.
T-Mobile Arena, Vegas’ newest sports venue, is set to open April 6.
The Pac-12 first made the move to host its conference tournament in Las Vegas back in 2012.
“Ultimately, we were convinced that the move to T-Mobile Arena would be an exciting and natural next step and progression for this event,” Scott said.
Scott and the Pac-12 partners are looking to expand not only seating, but also its fan experience via a brand new, state-of-the-art venue that hopes to provide a more integrated experience inside and out of the arena.
“Moving to this new 18,500-seat, state-of-the-art venue will allow more fans to have the opportunity to experience the Pac-12 basketball tournament, as well as take advantage of really state-of-the-art amenities and exciting opportunities for fans to participate in,” Scott said.
Scott was quick to point out the great year that the Pac-12 has experienced and even suggested 2015-2016 might have been its best yet. Specifically for men’s basketball, the Pac-12 has the possibility of sending up to six teams to the upcoming NCAA tournament, a feat Scott doesn’t take lightly.
“I believe we’re on the verge of the most successful basketball season that we’ve had,” Scott said. “I don’t think we’ve ever been as strong top to bottom as the conference is right now. The most we’ve ever had is six teams make the NCAA Tournament, and we very well may set a record and exceed that when selections are done on Sunday.”
The Pac-12 has been promoting and celebrating its 100th year of existence. With this move that took many months to settle on, the conference will be taking another calculated leap of faith.
Scott is confident this is another major move that will build on the successful fan experience that brought the first basketball game to the MGM Garden Arena four years ago.
“As you look at this year, it’s bursting at the seams,” President and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) Dan Beckman said. “All of the events are sold out, and it really is overwhelming what’s happening at the Grand Garden Arena. It’s not just the larger capacity that makes this a compelling move. The arena’s going to feature state-of-the-art technology, first-class amenities and hospitality opportunities that I think make T-Mobile Arena the ideal site to showcase the great tournament that this is for the Pac-12’s fans and corporate partners.”
Tomorrow afternoon, media members will take a tour of T-Mobile Arena.
Follow @HayDayKim for a first look at the next home of the Pac-12 tournament.