The Las Vegas Aces have one of the most unusual histories in professional basketball. Although the Aces did not arrive in Las Vegas until 2018, the franchise itself dates to the very first season of the WNBA in 1997. The organization began as the Utah Starzz, moved to San Antonio in 2003 and became the San Antonio Silver Stars, later shortened to the San Antonio Stars. In 2018, the franchise moved to Las Vegas and became the Aces. The move to Nevada transformed the franchise. After several decades of searching for sustained success, the Aces developed into one of the WNBA’s premier organizations, winning championships in 2022, 2023 and 2025. The 2022 championship was especially historic because it was the first major professional sports championship won by a team representing the state of Nevada. At the center of the modern Aces has been A’ja Wilson, who became the first player in WNBA history to win four regular-season MVP awards and has played a central role in all three Las Vegas championships. The Beginning: Utah Starzz, 1997-2002 The franchise was one of the WNBA’s original eight teams, beginning play in 1997 as the Utah Starzz. The original owner was Utah businessman Larry H. Miller, who also owned the NBA’s Utah Jazz. The Starzz played their home games in Salt Lake City, Utah The Jazz. struggled during their first several seasons, but eventually became a playoff team. The franchise’s first major draft success came in 1998 when Utah selected Margo Dydek with the No. 1 overall pick. At 7-foot-2, Dydek became the tallest player in WNBA history. The Starzz finally reached the playoffs in 2001. In 2002, they won their first playoff series, defeating the Houston Comets before losing to the eventual champion Los Angeles Sparks in the Western Conference Finals. The San Antonio Years, 2003-2017 After the 2002 season, the franchise moved to San Antonio and became the San Antonio Silver Stars. The team was owned by Spurs Sports & Entertainment, the organization associated with the San Antonio Spurs. The franchise later shortened its name to the San Antonio Stars in 2014. San Antonio produced some of the most important players in franchise history, including: Becky Hammon, Sophia Young, Kayla McBride, Danile Robinson, Margo Dydek, Kelsey Plum, Moriah Jefferson, Dearica Hamby, Danile Robinson, Margo Dydek, Kelsey Plum, Moriah Jefferson, Dearica Hamby The high point of the San Antonio era came in 2008, when the Silver Stars finished 24-10, the best record in the WNBA, and reached the WNBA Finals. They ultimately lost to the Detroit Shock. Becky Hammon became the face of the franchise during this period. She was a multiple-time All-Star and All-WNBA selection and eventually had her No. 25 retired by the organization. The Las Vegas Move In October 2017, the WNBA announced that MGM Resorts International had purchased the San Antonio Stars and would move the franchise to Las Vegas. The organization was renamed the Las Vegas Aces, and Bill Laimbeer became president of basketball operations and head coach. The Aces immediately received a major opportunity. They won the 2018 WNBA Draft Lottery and selected A’ja Wilson No. 1 overall. Wilson averaged 20.7 points and 8.0 rebounds as a rookie and won the 2018 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. The following year, Las Vegas won the draft lottery again and selected Jackie Young No. 1 overall, giving the franchise three consecutive No. 1 overall selections dating back to the San Antonio era. That decision became one of the foundations of the championship team. Aces Ownership History Because this is a franchise history rather than simply a Las Vegas history, the ownership timeline includes the organization’s previous cities. Years Owner 1997-2002 Larry H. Miller — Utah Starzz 2003-2017 Spurs Sports & Entertainment / Peter Holt ownership — San Antonio Silver Stars/Stars 2017-2021 MGM Resorts International — San Antonio Stars/Las Vegas Aces 2021-present Mark Davis — Las Vegas Aces MGM purchased the franchise in 2017 and moved it to Las Vegas. Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, purchased the Aces in 2021, with the transaction approved by the WNBA and NBA in February 2021. Davis’s ownership coincided with the beginning of the franchise’s championship era. Home Arenas Through the Years The Aces franchise has played in several different buildings. Utah Starzz Delta Center — Salt Lake City, Utah The Starzz played their home games in the same arena that housed the Utah Jazz. San Antonio Silver Stars/Stars AT&T Center — San Antonio, Texas The team played most of its San Antonio history at the arena that was also home to the Spurs. Freman Coliseum — San Antonio, Texas The Stars temporarily played their 2015 home games at Freeman Coliseum while renovations were taking place at AT&T Center. Las Vegas Aces Mandalay Bay Events Center — 2018-2021 The Aces began their Las Vegas existence playing at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Michelob ULTRA Arena — 2021-present The building was renamed Michelob ULTRA Arena in 2021. It remains the home of the Aces and is located at Mandalay Bay. The arena has a capacity of approximately 12,000 for basketball. The Aces have developed an especially strong home-court following in Las Vegas, including a long series of sellouts in recent seasons. Major Award Winners as Members of the Aces The modern Aces have produced an extraordinary collection of individual award winners. A’ja Wilson Wilson has won: 2018 Rookie of the Year 2020 MVP 2022 MVP 2022 Defensive Player of the Year 2023 Defensive Player of the Year 2023… Continue reading Las Vegas Aces History: From the Utah Starzz to a WNBA Dynasty
Tag: Nevada
A Look Inside Allegiant Stadium, the Home of the Las Vegas Raiders
[adrotate group=”1″] [wpcdt-countdown id=”15138″] if you are a fan of the NFL, you might have heard of Allegiant Stadium, the new home of the Las Vegas RAIDERS. This stadium is not only a state-of-the-art venue for football games, but also a multi-purpose facility that can host concerts, events, and private functions. In this blog post, we will explore the history and amenities of Allegiant Stadium, and why it is one of the most impressive stadiums in the world. History of Allegiant Stadium The idea of bringing an NFL team to Las Vegas has been around for a long time, but it was not until 2016 that the RAIDERS announced their intention to relocate from Oakland to Las Vegas. The team owner, Mark Davis, wanted a new stadium that would reflect the Raiders’ brand and identity, and also provide a world-class experience for the fans and the community. To make this vision a reality, Davis hired MANICA Architecture, the same firm that designed the Carson Stadium near Los Angeles, to create a futuristic and sleek design for the stadium. The stadium would feature a domed roof, a silver and black exterior, a large video screen facing the highway, and retractable windows overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. The stadium would also have a massive torch in honor of Al Davis, the late longtime owner of the RAIDERS. The construction of the stadium began in November 2017, on a 62-acre site west of Mandalay Bay. The project cost $1.9 billion, making it the second-most expensive stadium in the world. The funding came from a mix of private and public sources, including a $750 million contribution from the state of Nevada through a hotel tax increase. The stadium was completed in July 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and opened for the Raiders’ first home game in September 2020. Amenities of Allegiant Stadium Allegiant Stadium is not just a place to watch football, but also a destination for entertainment and leisure. The stadium has a capacity of 65,000 seats, which can be expanded to 71,835 for special events. The seats are designed to provide optimal views of the field and the surrounding scenery, and are equipped with cup holders, phone chargers, and Wi-Fi access. The stadium also has 128 luxury suites, ranging from 8 to 30 seats, that offer premium amenities such as private entrances, elevators, restrooms, catering, and concierge services. The suites are located on different levels of the stadium, and have different themes and features. For example, the Twitch Lounge is a gaming-themed suite that allows fans to interact with streamers and play video games, while the Modelo Cantina Club is a Mexican-themed suite that offers a festive atmosphere and authentic cuisine. One of the most unique features of Allegiant Stadium is the Field Club, a 9,500-square-foot lounge that is located on the field level, behind the RAIDERS bench. The Field Club gives fans a chance to get close to the action, and even high-five the players as they enter and exit the field. The club has a bar, a DJ booth, and a large video wall that shows live and replay footage of the game. Another notable feature of Allegiant Stadium is the Coors Light Landing, a 55,000-square-foot outdoor deck that is located on the north end of the stadium, above the Al Davis torch. The landing offers panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline, and has a bar, a stage, and a 93-foot-long waterfall. The landing is also a prime spot for watching the pre-game and halftime shows, which often feature famous performers and celebrities. In addition to the seating and entertainment options, Allegiant Stadium also has a variety of food and beverage options, ranging from traditional stadium fare to gourmet dishes. The stadium has over 50 concession stands, 10 bars, and 6 full-service restaurants, that cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of the highlights include the Rollin Smoke BBQ, the Shake Shack, the Wahoo’s Fish Taco, and the Raiders Tavern & Grill, the first-ever Raiders-themed restaurant. Conclusion Allegiant Stadium is more than just a stadium, it is a landmark and a symbol of Las Vegas. It is a place where fans can enjoy the thrill of football, the excitement of entertainment, and the comfort of luxury. It is a place where history and innovation meet, and where the RAIDERS and the community can celebrate together. Allegiant Stadium is truly a remarkable stadium, and one that deserves a visit. Views: 187
NCAA MARCH MADNESS 2017
You will see scores here when I am away from the computer Gonzaga 65 NORTH CAROLINA 71 North Carolina came from behind with a 9-2 run. To become your 2017 NCAA MENS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS !! This is number 6 for the Tarheels. And number 3 under Coach Roy Williams. Congratulations to the LADIES of South Carolina on becoming the 2017 NCAA Womens Basketball CHAMPIONS !!! The table is set. Two number One Seeds will face off tor the 2017 version of the NCCA 2017 Campionship Jump ball set to begin at 9pm (EST), Monday April 3rd, On CBS As I pointed out earlier; this will be GONZAGA’S 19th,consecutive tournament appearance. (It will be their 20th appearance counting their one and done, in 1995). Could this be their year? As I previously pointed out If they could score more than 62 points in that crucial (for them), 4th game. They would have a really good chance of winning their FIRST EVER Men’s NCAA BASKETBAL TITLE. I must admit the Gonzaga Bulldogs, if not considered a Cinderella team ; THEY have to be a SENTIMENTAL favorite. Good luck to both teams. Although I will be rooting for my sentimental favorite and SPIKES Favorite, GONZAGA. (For those of you who didn’t know, SPIKE is the name of Gonzaga’s mascot). North Carolina ended Oregon’s run, edging them out by a single point 77-76. Gonzaga, (a mid major college), withstood a 16-0 charge by South Carolina to eliminate South by 4 points. 77-73 Does it say anything that both finalist scored the same (77), number of points. In their respective Semi-Final games, Wouldn’t it be a great game if after 40 minutes the two teams were tied 77-77. WOW! USA Today appeared a mite bias today. I counted four headlines regarding the North Carolina game and zero regarding Gonzagas game. If they had any I missed them. HOW about those Musketeers! From an eleven seed to Elite Eight berth. Of course I will still root for my TEAM, or any of its fellow conference members, as long as they last. It would be nice to see an eleven seed win it all. Gonzaga is a sentimental favorite. Having made the tournament EVERY year sine 1999. Amassing 25 wins in the prior 17 year span. Their best years were 1999 and 2015 with 3 wins advancing to to the Regional Final. In 1999 they were ousted 67-62 by UCONN. 2015 saw the Zags Return to the regional final only to be defeated 66-62 by Duke. Seems if they reach the Regional Final again and can score more than 62 points, They just might win their region. I really hate to add this item at this time. But I Think it is relevant. The Biggest Tourney the NCAA has. is now going on. The NCAA is trying to exert their power of FINANCIAL GAIN to the CITIES, and STATES. Example is the threat to North Carolina. Change your STATE LAW: regarding restroom use OR…ELSE !! No hosting of NCAA Events. They did this with College mascots…and got by with it. NOW! They are pressuring States to… DO AS WE TELL YOU. NOT WHAT YOUR RESIDENTS WANT. It seems to me the NCAA has outgrown their britches and either needs to be ousted or NEW leadership that does what the organization was set up to do, and not overstep their bounds. I don’t know how to fight this. We could boycott all NCAA events. But that would also hurt the Schools, its Athlete, and punish the FAN BASE. The only real answer is for the colleges,and universities to withdraw from the NCAA and set up a new organization to oversee the SPORTS, and leave it at that. But that will never happen. They apparently can not see where the NCAA is leading them. It appears North Carolinians have bowed to the almighty dollar. NCAA money apparently speaks louder than the citizens voice. North Carolina ceded to the GIANT NCAA to repeal their bathroom bill. While I am on my stump. There is all this talk of “Student Athletes” being paid to play. THEY ARE BEING PAID, They are getting an education, for all intents and purposes FREE. ONE other thing I will inject here, (like it or not). Enough of these athletes going to school, (basically free), then abandoning their education, for the big bucks of PROFESSIONAL SPORTS. I have no problem with them jumping for the big money they are offered. BUT!!! They have taken scholarship money from students who really need it to get an education. I PROPOSE. Any student athlete, not completing school, (to go pro), should REPAY the scholarship money. OR The Professional Team/Organization, employing them should Repay the scholarship. These Professional teams USE College/Universities as a “MINOR LEAGUE” to develop players. Not so much Baseball, Hockey, or other sports, HOWEVER, it seems FOOTBALL, and Basketball are the big offenders of this use. As always this is just my opinion. That Is The Way I See It. NORTHWESTERN WINS FIRST NCAA MARCH MADNESS GAME EVER. Defeating Vanderbilt 68 to 66. Congratulations NORTHWESTERN WELCOME TO OUR 2017 MARCH MADNESS. I am not sure How many years we have been doing this. I will have to look it up. I do know all totaled I have been having this same POOL since, 1991. Just not sure how many years I have posted on this blog. Two years in a row I had a female player win my pool. When I asked her method that made this result possible , her reply was, “I just pick the team with the best looking coach”. So everybody has their own way and reasoning of picking the winner. This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. I will have these… “MASTER BRACKET”, “What if you chose all HIGH PICKS” for each game. An “UPSET BRACKET” (if the favored team wins it will be in Green, if it is an… Continue reading NCAA MARCH MADNESS 2017
