Las Vegas Bowl economic impact helped by BYU
Tuesday night’s Las Vegas Bowl match-up between Brigham Young University and Oregon State could push the the annual football game’s economic impact on the city to more than $150 million over its 18-year history.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said the game has averaged about $8.3 million annually. But the last three years, in which BYU has participated, the game was worth $14.3 million, $15.2 million and $13.7 million.
“The Las Vegas Bowl has been a substantial benefit to Southern Nevada over the years,” Convention Authority President Rossi Ralenkotter said. “Having this event during a traditionally slow period for Las Vegas stimulates the economy and provides national television exposure for the destination.”
The game is a sellout and BYU’s participation helps grow the game’s interest.
BYU, from the Mountain West Conference, is ranked 14th in the nation going into the Las Vegas Bowl and will face the Pac 10’s 18th-ranked Oregon State.
It’s the first time two nationally ranked teams have played each other in the game, which will be broadcast live nationally by ESPN at 5 p.m.
