Sin City – W.A.R. Agency

Over the summer, I wrote a couple of articles regarding the NFL and the NHL bringing teams to the city of Las Vegas. Since then, several things have taken place in the Sin City including a mass shooting. But I want to revisit the first article because I believe the first team has started to answer some of the questions and reservations I like so many others have about a team being in Vegas. Here’s the text of the article, Sin City:

For years, the professional sports leagues have avoided Las Vegas as a home for any of franchises. Now, the NHL introduced the Las Vegas Golden Knights. The NFL just approved the Oakland Raiders move to Vegas. And earlier today posted on the NBC Sports website was an article regarding a businessman, Dennis Hof, planning to open a brothel in honor of the Raiders.
So, what is the attraction to the golden desert town known as Sin City? Is it the legalized prostitution? Is it the legalized gambling and casinos? Is it the weather? Maybe, the question we should be considering is what are the drawbacks?
Most teams, especially coaches, and agents become concerned over distractions an athlete can face which could hurt their performance and marketability. Las Vegas is a city filled with those distractions . . . restaurants, brothels, casinos, wild parties, organized crime are all natural events in the Vegas.
But so are the opportunities to legitimize Vegas. With the exception of the crime, all of those events are legal in Vegas which allows the athlete the opportunity to avoid criminal activity he could face in other professional sports cities. But they are still distractions. Therefore, it will be up to those teams in Las Vegas to establish strong rules for their players to follow. And more importantly, it will be up to those teams to make sure to enforce those rules or lose control of their franchises quickly.
It may be wise for the Vegas teams to find athletes who are of strong character and even stronger discipline.

While there still are distractions in Las Vegas, the Golden Knights (NHL) has stepped up in many ways. When the city was reeling from the mass shooting, the Golden Knights visited the injured in hospitals, gave the city something to feel proud about and donated money. Speaking of giving the city something to be proud of, the Golden Knights have continued their work within the community with hospitals visits, marching in the Martin Luther King, Jr. parade this past Monday, and posting a winning season in their inaugural year.

It is still early, but it looks like Vegas is taking advantage of their city’s positives and putting the distractions in their rightful place.

Source: William Corder #VegasStrong

Yes, Sin City aka Las Vegas does have a lot of distractions. However, there are many opportunities in Las Vegas as well. As a matter of fact in a conversation I had last summer with a former resident, I learned Vegas is a beautiful and wholesome city once one moves beyond the strip.

For one thing, Las Vegas boasts some of the best chefs in the world. Famous chefs like Nobu, Bobby Flay, Batali, Giada and Emeril have graced Sin City with restaurants that offer everything from African cuisine to Asian to just good ole Southern fare. There is exposure to cuisine from all around the world. It is an American foodie’s dream without leaving the States.

One could try Guy Fieri’s Mexican joint at the Rio called El Burro Barracho or his Vegas Burgers & Fries at the Linq which is American food infused with lots of spice and liquor. Restaurant Guy Savoy offers exceptional French cuisine. Or, one could try one of José Andrés’ restaurants like the Jaelo which is known for its Spanish paella and tapas or his restaurant that blends Mexican with Chinese known as China Poblana. And if it is a family atmosphere one is looking for one could always try the Le Village Buffet.

Travel to California is an inexpensive and quick trip via plane or by car. It takes about an hour by plane to Los Angeles and only 4 hours by car. For those loving the water, there is the Pacific Ocean for kayaking, surfing or boating if their contracts allow for such activities. The closeness to California also allows one to continue their education at top notch schools as well as dip their toes into other areas of the entertainment business like art, acting, or broadcasting if their interests lie there.

The weather is gorgeous with an average temperature of 95 degrees during the warm months (April – September) and 66 degrees during the cooler months (October -March). The average rainfall is around .35 inches. So, a lush garden may take on extra effort unless one is willing to look outside the box with desert vegetation for one’s yard.

The biggest advantage for those teams seeking a home in Las Vegas is the opportunity to create a unique fan experience that no other city can offer. The residents of Vegas have been starving for professional sports teams for years. Vegas is also a market ripe with other well-established and entertainment avenues that most other cities do not have. There are ways to market the combination of those events in unique packages not only to draw locals but those who are wishing to come to Vegas to party or vacation. It is just a matter of allowing for those teams to do a SWOT analysis of the fans needs in the area. Amazing packages can be created for those for small, family or extravagant budgets.

And Vegas has a lot more strengths and can create more opportunities to help its fans and its community that can overcome its weaknesses and threats.