After a long and anticipated wait for the XFL’s new teams and logos, fans were treated to those reveals this past Monday. The XFL introduced the Vegas Vipers, hitting the gridiron with the rest of the league in February.
However, the team is facing a major issue. Currently, there is no football field for them to play on in the Las Vegas area. Every XFL franchise has a venue, except for the Vipers. While a few months still remain before kickoff, with each passing day, it becomes increasingly complicated.
Las Vegas’ XFL team to be named the Vegas Vipers. Still no word on where the team will play. #vegas #xfl #vegasvipers pic.twitter.com/tvJEgwD8fB
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) October 31, 2022
Let’s take a look at what stadiums can and cannot work, and what the future might hold for the Vegas Vipers.
Allegiant Stadium
First up – Allegiant Stadium; home of the Las Vegas Raiders. At first glance, one might assume that this is the obvious choice. This isn’t exactly the case, however. Allegiant is far too expensive – and – far too big, for spring football. It’s pretty clear at this point that the XFL is aware of this, and is not pursuing any type of deal with the stadium that we know of.
The problem that Allegiant would present is the capacity-to-crowd ratio. We saw what Metlife looked like in 2020 with the New York Guardians. If the XFL wants to put their best foot forward on TV, a smaller venue is certainly the way to go.
Sam Boyd Stadium
Without knowing the details, Sam Boyd seems like the perfect fit for the Vipers. The Las Vegas Outlaws (from the XFL in 2001) played at Sam Boyd, so the XFL already has connections there dating back a couple of decades.
Unfortunately, the stadium cannot be used in any capacity. A no-compete clause between UNLV and Allegiant Stadium prevents the venue from hosting events. As of right now, there doesn’t seem to be any workarounds the XFL could leverage. It would take a miracle to get the Vipers in Sam Boyd in 2023, and a miracle might just be what the league needs.
Las Vegas Ballpark
The lone baseball field in Las Vegas seems to be off limits, as well. According to Don Logan, President of the Las Vegas Aviators, the field cannot be transformed into a football stadium. Logan said that “It doesn’t fit here”. The ballpark has a capacity of 10,000 people. While being on the smaller side, it could potentially work for the XFL if they decide to push in that direction. However, Don recommended that the league go a completely different route: Cashman.
Cashman Field
The final opportunity for the Vipers resides in Cashman Field. The baseball-turned-soccer field is not ideal, but desperate times call for desperate measures. As of right now, the venue can hold over 12,000 people. That being said, the design makes for an interesting view on TV.
For more perspective for the rumor of Cashman Field for @XFLVipers this is what the Las Vegas Lights FC teams seating chart looks like for Soccer. Isn’t ideal imo but it could work, only other problem I could see is scheduling with their season starting in March pic.twitter.com/OqbZZv7d8W
— Brandon Anderson (@Branderson1987) November 1, 2022
With its L-shaped seating arrangement, there is room for awkwardness during broadcasts. There is a solution, though. If the XFL is able to renovate some extra seating to go fully around the stadium, the problem would be solved. On top of that, adding 5,000-8,000 seats would allow for larger crowds. The better the product is on TV, the more successful the XFL will be.
Another concern is the Las Vegas Lights FC team. The soccer organization uses Cashman beginning in March, which would obviously clash with the XFL’s schedule. This is another factor to keep an eye on as the league moves closer to making a decision.
Final Thoughts
Generally speaking, the XFL could be in some serious trouble, if this doesn’t get sorted out soon. Since they went ahead and released branding, the league has to stick with Vegas. It’s going to be tough sledding to figure out where to play, but we’re trusting that the XFL’s impressive leadership will get the job done in proper timing.
Where do you think the Vegas Vipers should play in 2023? Which venue offers the best assets to both the XFL and ESPN? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!