"Give us an overview. Las Vegas locals have been calling the brand-new Allegiant Stadium—home of the relocated Oakland Raiders (now the Las Vegas Raiders)—the Death Star. When you drive past the massive, 65,000-seat, domed, glossy-black stadium, you'll understand why. This $2 billion stadium is as high-tech as they come, and looms over the Strip in an impressive (if somewhat ominous) way. What kinds of events can we see here? The football stadium is the official home of the Las Vegas Raiders but beginning in 2020, it's also joining forces with the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12 and will feature a team from the Pac-12 Conference against a team from either the SEC or Big Ten conference in a six-year deal. Boxing and concerts have become big draws in this stadium. Plus: Get your tickets soon, because Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LVIII here in 2024. How are the seats? This stadium has a seating capacity of 65,000, with 127 private suites, 8,000 club seats, and all sorts of high-tech extras like cashless concession stands, and a 95-foot-high torch with sliding lanai doors behind it that open to the Las Vegas Strip. There are even sensory pods for people who need to get away from the excitement. The views on the field are unrivaled, but there are also tons of additional spaces from which to take in the action. Good for kids? Kids will love it here. There’s every kind of food vendor known to man, a retractable real grass turf, high-tech everything, and, of course, the merch. Anything in particular that makes this place special, from the programming to a unique feature it has? Las Vegas excels at over-the-top spaces, and Allegiant Stadium tops nearly every public space so far—it's definitely going to become a must-do in the city. Nearly 10 miles of wire rope suspend the domed roof; there are gorgeous grass fields; cool Vegas-inspired artwork (think the Rat pack, Elvis, Evel Knievel, an Area 51 alien wearing a Raiders shirt). Party areas and lounges dot the north end zone. If we’re going to be in town, what—and who—do you think this is best for? The awards shows have begun (American Country Music Awards), as have the massive concerts (Billy Joel, Metallica). But since this is Las Vegas’ debut in the NFL arena, local superfans and NFL fanatics are coming here in droves not just for the games, but also to see the inside of the stadium. In short, Allegiant is for everyone." - Andrea Bennett
