Mayors Oscar and Carolyn Goodman emphasized the significance of sports in boosting Las Vegas tourism throughout their time in office.
Las Vegas: The tourism scene in Las Vegas has really taken off, thanks to the sports initiatives pushed by Mayors Oscar and Carolyn Goodman. They were both part of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board, and their efforts have paid off.
Oscar Goodman served as mayor for 12 years, while Carolyn followed for 13. From the start, Oscar had three big goals: create a cultural hub, improve medical facilities, and bring major-league sports to the city.
He believed that culture was essential, especially since both he and Carolyn came from backgrounds that valued it. They helped establish places like the Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the Mob Museum, which have added to the city’s cultural landscape.
But the real game-changer? Major-league sports. When Oscar took office, the biggest local team was UNLV’s Runnin’ Rebels basketball, which had its glory days in the ’90s. The Las Vegas Stars, a minor league baseball team, was also around but not quite the same.
It wasn’t until 2017 that the Vegas Golden Knights made their debut as the first major professional sports team in Southern Nevada. Before that, the city hosted boxing matches and NASCAR races but lacked a permanent franchise.
Oscar Goodman always believed that sports were vital to a community’s identity. He faced skepticism, with critics doubting that Las Vegas could ever attract major sports teams due to concerns about gambling influences.
Both Goodmans grew up in sports-loving families, which fueled their passion for bringing teams to Las Vegas. They knew that building relationships with sports executives was key to making it happen.
Carolyn recalled how Oscar’s first call was to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. They worked hard to connect with influential figures in sports, and their efforts eventually paid off.
They also had some fun moments, like sharing a ride with Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, which helped Carolyn get involved in MLB discussions.
Oscar’s unique style, often involving showgirls and oversized martini glasses, helped him make connections in the sports world. He even had a memorable encounter with NBA Commissioner David Stern, who initially dismissed the idea of a team in Las Vegas.
Over time, attitudes changed, and now Las Vegas is a strong contender for an NBA expansion team, with several venues ready to host games.
Looking back, the Goodmans are proud of their legacy. Carolyn, who just left office, is thrilled that Las Vegas now has teams in the NHL and NFL, and MLB is on the horizon with the Athletics moving in.
