UNLV Unveils Plans for Expansive North Campus

Proposed 2,000-acre site aims to spur innovation and support growing student population.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:06am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of an iconic UNLV campus building, such as the Student Union, rendered in a high-contrast, pop art style with vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the university's plans for an expansive new North campus.UNLV's proposed North campus aims to expand the university's footprint and drive innovation through public-private partnerships.Las Vegas Today

UNLV Interim President Dr. Chris Heavey announced plans for a proposed UNLV North campus during his State of the University address. The new 2,000-acre site, six times the size of the main campus, is intended to expand UNLV's footprint in the Las Vegas Valley and create public-private partnerships to drive innovation and economic growth. The land is currently owned by the federal government but is expected to be transferred to the university between 2027 and 2029.

Why it matters

As UNLV's student population continues to grow, the proposed North campus would provide additional space and resources to accommodate the university's expansion. The plan to develop an "innovation zone" on the site could also help strengthen UNLV's role as a driver of economic development in Southern Nevada.

The details

The UNLV North campus would be located on 2,000 acres of land bordered by Pecos Road, Lamb Boulevard, and the 215 beltway. Heavey emphasized that the new campus would not replace the main Maryland Parkway location, but rather serve as a hub for public-private partnerships and innovative programs. The land is currently being remediated and is expected to be transferred to UNLV between 2027 and 2029.

  • UNLV Interim President Dr. Chris Heavey announced the proposed North campus during his State of the University address on April 9, 2026.
  • The land for the North campus is expected to be transferred to UNLV between 2027 and 2029.

The players

Dr. Chris Heavey

UNLV Interim President who announced the plans for the proposed North campus during his State of the University address.

UNLV

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which is planning to develop a new 2,000-acre North campus to expand its footprint and drive innovation in the Las Vegas Valley.

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What they’re saying

“So not that we would move the entire campus to the North Las Vegas site, but that we would try to use that land to create public-private partnerships that would spur additional innovation that would help the whole Southern Nevada economy.”

— Dr. Chris Heavey, UNLV Interim President

“That seems very exciting. The fact that there's so much space up there as well.”

— Krystka Mariano, UNLV Senior

“It would be a great addition, since I know many students have to travel long distances to get to campus. So having one in North Las Vegas, where many students are from, would be great for them when it comes to traveling.”

— Daisy Lugo, UNLV Freshman

What’s next

The land for the proposed UNLV North campus is currently being remediated and is expected to be transferred to the university between 2027 and 2029. UNLV will continue to work with the city of North Las Vegas and potential private partners to develop plans for the new campus.

The takeaway

UNLV's proposed North campus represents a significant expansion of the university's footprint in the Las Vegas Valley, with the potential to drive innovation, economic growth, and better serve the needs of a growing student population. The plan to create an "innovation zone" on the site could further cement UNLV's role as a key contributor to the region's development.