I took heat for backing Allegiant Stadium — Five years later, it was the right call

By Nevada Assemblywoman Jill Dickman

When I voted yes on Senate Bill 1 to help fund Allegiant Stadium, I knew it wouldn’t win me any popularity contests.

Some folks said it was a “billionaire bailout.” Others said taxpayers would be left holding the bag. I heard it all.

But five years later, with the dust settled and the numbers in, I can say with confidence: it was the right decision for Las Vegas, for Nevada, and for our economy.

The Investment Paid Off

Let’s talk numbers.

Clark County contributed $750 million in public funds toward building Allegiant Stadium. That money came from a small hotel room tax — not from our schools, our roads, or your property taxes.

Since that tax started in 2017, it’s brought in more than $411 million. That’s 6 percent more than expected, according to the Las Vegas Stadium Authority.

And remember, that tax will continue through 2048 until the bonds are fully paid off.

Why is it working so well? Because people are coming. Millions of them.

So far, more than 6 million fans have walked through the gates of Allegiant.

They came for Raiders games, UNLV games, concerts, the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl, and even rugby. Nearly 800,000 of those visitors came just for events at the stadium.

They filled our hotels, ate at our restaurants, rode in our taxis, and shopped in our stores.

That’s not just tourism — that’s jobs.

What About the Critics?

Some critics still say it was too much public money for a private team. I get it.

Skepticism is healthy. But this wasn’t a blank check for billionaires. Senate Bill 1 put real requirements in place. The Raiders had to deliver more than football.

And they have.

Last year, the team participated in 87 community events. The Raiders Foundation donated $1.5 million to help 84 local schools. Their annual gala raised $3 million for youth mental health.

This stadium wasn’t just about football. It was about building something that serves the whole community.

A Boost for UNLV

Don’t forget UNLV.

Before Allegiant, the Rebels played in a stadium so far off campus you’d need a GPS to find it. Now, they share a state-of-the-art facility with an NFL team.

In the past two seasons, the UNLV football program made history. Back-to-back bowl games and a shot at the College Football Playoff.

That’s no accident. A winning program helps attract top athletes, boosts school pride, and brings in more students and revenue.

UNLV’s new head coach, Dan Mullen, has national name recognition. He didn’t come here by accident.

A Win for Nevada

From the beginning, we said Allegiant Stadium would put Las Vegas on the map for the biggest events in sports and entertainment.

In just five years, we’ve already hosted the Super Bowl, Pro Bowls, NFL Draft, Formula 1 events, and concerts from Beyoncé to George Strait.

When you build world-class infrastructure, the world shows up.

Back when we debated this bill, I said this was a long-term investment. Now, we’re seeing the returns.

It created jobs, boosted tourism, helped UNLV, and gave Southern Nevada a major league spotlight.

Was it a risk? Sure. But leadership means making tough calls based on facts, not fear.

Five years in, I’m proud of my vote. And I’d do it again.

The scoreboard doesn’t lie. Allegiant Stadium was a win for Nevada.

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Jill Dickman is the Republican representative for Assembly District 31 in Washoe County