Former Mayors Goodman Reflect on Vision for Las Vegas Sports

Couple championed city's sports expansion decades before it became a reality

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured, multi-perspective view of a sports stadium or arena, with sharp, overlapping planes in the official colors of the Las Vegas Raiders, Golden Knights, and Aces, conceptually representing the city's emergence as a major sports destination.The Goodmans' vision for Las Vegas as a sports hub has transformed the city's landscape and community identity.Las Vegas Today

Former Las Vegas mayors Oscar and Carolyn Goodman reflected on their decades-long vision to bring major professional sports teams to the city, which has now come to fruition with the arrival of the Raiders, Golden Knights, and soon-to-be Aces. The Goodmans were early advocates for building a stadium and arena to attract sports franchises, a goal that was met with skepticism at the time but has since transformed the city's landscape.

Why it matters

The Goodmans' foresight and persistence in pursuing a sports-focused vision for Las Vegas has paid off, helping to diversify the city's economy and entertainment offerings beyond just gaming and tourism. Their vision has also raised the city's national profile and brought a new sense of community pride.

The details

As mayor from 1999 to 2011, Oscar Goodman championed the idea of building a new stadium and arena to lure professional sports teams to Las Vegas. At the time, many doubted the viability of such a plan, but the Goodmans remained steadfast in their belief that it would transform the city. Their efforts eventually led to the construction of Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL's Raiders, and the T-Mobile Arena, home of the NHL's Golden Knights. The city is also set to welcome the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces in the coming years.

  • Oscar Goodman served as mayor of Las Vegas from 1999 to 2011.
  • Allegiant Stadium, home of the Raiders, opened in 2020.
  • T-Mobile Arena, home of the Golden Knights, opened in 2016.
  • The Las Vegas Aces are set to begin play in the city in 2023.

The players

Oscar Goodman

Former mayor of Las Vegas from 1999 to 2011, who championed the city's efforts to attract major professional sports teams.

Carolyn Goodman

Wife of Oscar Goodman and current mayor of Las Vegas, who has continued to support the city's sports initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“We always believed that Las Vegas could be a major sports town, and we worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality.”

— Oscar Goodman, Former Mayor of Las Vegas

“It's been incredible to see our city transform into a hub for professional sports, and we're proud to have played a role in that transformation.”

— Carolyn Goodman, Current Mayor of Las Vegas

What’s next

The city of Las Vegas is expected to continue its efforts to attract more professional sports teams, with the potential for an MLB franchise or even an NFL team's relocation to the city in the coming years.

The takeaway

The Goodmans' long-term vision for Las Vegas as a sports destination has come to fruition, transforming the city's economy and community identity. Their persistence and foresight have paved the way for Las Vegas to become a major player in the world of professional sports.