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Wednesday Buzz: How Could Pro Sports Shake Up Vegas?

The major convention hub, on the cusp of getting an NHL team, hits a crossroads. Also: what big donors are really thinking.

There’s no shortage of entertainment options in Las Vegas, but one thing that’s eluded the city for years is a major sports team. The leagues have resisted the idea because of Vegas’ other major industry: legalized gambling.

But that appears to be changing. Today, the National Hockey League is expected to announce that it’s bringing a team to the city—the first expansion that the NHL has allowed in more than 15 years. The league’s decision could lead to other major teams showing up, including an NFL team.

The American Gaming Association has been pushing for big-league sports in Vegas. “The placement of the first major professional sports franchise in Las Vegas reflects a rapidly evolving view of gaming as an important, mainstream segment of the broader economy that supports 1.7 million jobs and serves as a community partner in 40 states,” AGA stated last week, as word of the NHL expansion first leaked out.

In comments to The New York Times, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman argued that Vegas has room for both gambling and the major leagues. “Pro sports are a natural here,” she said. The Times noted that at least one prominent owner, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, has also suggested that pro sports would be a good fit for Vegas.

How the addition of pro sports will shake up the convention mecca remains to be seen.

Video of the Day

When a donor puts a lot of money on the table, it’s a big decision. You often don’t know the donor’s reasons, but it isn’t necessarily the mission that matters most, says Colleen Dilenschneider, chief market engagement officer for Impacts Research & Development. Check out her latest video and the accompanying blog post to get an idea of what givers of major gifts might have on their minds.

Other Links of Note

Awesome tool of the day. HubSpot’s Leadin is a free product that allows the quick creation of email conversion pop-ups.

It’s important that your website remain up to date, argues Association Executive Management’s David M. Patt. “Think of it as the front door to your association,” he says.

Is buying an AMS like building a house? Aptify Engagement Manager (and new homeowner) Eric McDonald suggests it is in his latest blog post.

The T-Mobile Arena, the sports venue that opened in Las Vegas in April. (Wikimedia Commons)

Ernie Smith

By Ernie Smith

Ernie Smith is a former senior editor for Associations Now. MORE

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