2022's Most Attended Sports Events in Las Vegas
It was a busy year for Las Vegas sports. The following matchups were the most attended Las Vegas sporting events in 2022.
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Source. YouTube[/caption]
The Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA Championship in 2022 and 10.135 people were there to witness the opening game. The matchup took place at Michelob Ultra Arena where the Aces beat the Suns 67-64 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. This marked the Aces' first Finals victory and gave them a lot of momentum heading into game two.
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Source. YouTube[/caption]
12,076 fans packed the MGM Grand Garden arena for Money in the Bank and they were not disappointed. Things kicked off with the women’s ladder match, where Liv Morgan retrieved the briefcase. This gave the fan favorite the right to challenge for a title at a time and place of her choosing.
Unfortunately for the SmackDown Women’s champion, Ronda Rousey, that turned out to be after her Championship match against Natalya. Morgan quickly capitalized on an injured Rousey to win her first Title. Then came the main event where Austin Theory became the youngest-ever Money in the Bank winner in WWE history. T-Mobile Arena was left in shock while Theory just grinned holding up his prize.
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Source. YouTube[/caption]
AEW Double or Nothing took place at T-Mobile arena and it actually performed better than WWE Money in the bank. The event was attended by 14,459 people, which is 2000 more than their rival, WWE.
The show started off with HookHausan (Danhuasen and Hook) versus Tony Neese and Smart Mark Sterling. The pace only picked up from there after MJF got destroyed by Wardlow in a seven-minute contest. The pay-per-view also featured an Owen Hart Memorial tournament for both rosters which was won by Adam Cole and Britt Baker.
The main event featured AEW Champion Hangman Page versus CM Punk for the big gold belt. Punk won the match but suffered an injury that left him sidelined for weeks. The night featured a lot of great pro wrestling that serves as a nice alternative to WWE.
Related: Ranking Las vegas sports coaches
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Source. YouTube[/caption]
The National Finals Rodeo took place at the Thomas and Mack Center at UNLV and attracted a crowd of over 17,788 people. Those fans saw a variety of great contests, including steer wrestling, team roping, barrel races, and bull riding. Kaycee Feild came out as the big winner in the bull riding contest, scoring a 92 with the judges!
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Source. YouTube[/caption]
The Golden Knights might have a disappointing home record, but that hasn’t stopped an average of 17,789 fans from cheering them on! Golden Knights fans seem to love packing the T-Mobile arena to see their team crush the competition.
There will also be a lot of interesting matchups to see at T-Mobile Arena in 2023 which are sure to pack in even larger crowds. Just imagine how many people will file into the arena if the Knights make the playoffs.
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Source. YouTube[/caption]
Everyone loves a good fight and that’s why 19.425 UFC fans piled into T-Mobile Arena to see UFC 272 on Saturday, March 5. The main event of the evening was Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal. Covington won the battle by decision after the two competitors traded blows for five rounds. These five rounds literally had everything.
While Masival outdid Covington in significant strikes 47.9% to 46.8% Covington dominated the takedown game with six during the fight. He also lapped Misvidal in total strikes with a whopping 64.5% to Masvdal’s 54.2 %.
The night also featured Rafael Dos Anjos Versus Ronaldo Moicano, which also ended in a decision with Anjos coming out as the winner.
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Source. YouTube[/caption]
The 2022 edition of the Las Vegas Bowl saw the Florida Gators take on the Oregon State Beavers in a very underwhelming matchup. The Beavers took control of the game from the word go and tacked on a 10-point lead by halftime. Oregon State would extend this lead in the second half, with 20 points in the second half.
The event took place at Allegiant Stadium and featured a crowd of 30,00 fans to witness the action. While it probably wasn’t the most competitive matchup of the Bowl series, it had to be a great time for Oregon State fans. The Gators seemed to be easy picking for the Beavers, who capitalized on every scoring opportunity possible.
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Source. YouTube[/caption]
What could be better than 38 cars going around the masterpiece that is Las Vegas Motor Speedway? 55,000 people attended that weekend and were treated to the annual schedule of playoff racing. Josh Berry took the checkered flag in the first race, earning himself a spot in the next round.
Then it was Joey Logano who punched his ticket to the semi-finals with a last-minute pass on Ross Chastain in the Cup Series. Kyle Busch finished third but was already eliminated from the playoffs. Kurt Busch wasn’t cleared to compete in the race, forcing him to sit out yet another week.
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Source YouTube[/caption]
55,000 fans witnessed the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium and it is a moment that will live on history. That's due to the fact that this game marked the last time the traditional game format would be used. In 2023, the NFL is planning to do a skills showcase throughout the week and finish things off with a flag football game.
As for the game, the AFC bested the NFC 41-35 in a pretty competitive matchup. The NFC was even on the verge of a comeback, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for them, they were down 41-21 with very little time left. The worst part was that the NFC could have won if they didn’t give up so many scores in the first half.
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Source. YouTube[/caption]
Las Vegas hosted a lot of high-profile events in 2022, including the Pac-12 Championship at Allegiant Stadium. This year’s edition of the game featured the #7 Utah Utes vs the #8 USC in a matchup that had absolutely everything. The game was essentially one of those you had to be there moments and for 61,195 fans, it truly was.
The Trojans got off to an early lead, putting up 14 points by the end of the first quarter. USC followed that up with a field goal in the second quarter to extend their lead. This is where things got interesting and The Utes would go on to score 17 unanswered points before the end of the half.
The third quarter got more interesting after Utah took the lead with a touchdown. They also prevented USC from getting into the endzone and tying the game. The fourth quarter is where all hell broke lose and the Utes scored 16 unanswered points to finish the game. USC only managed one score to end their season on a bittersweet note.
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Source. YouTube[/caption]
The Las Vegas Raiders might not be going to the playoffs but still had 60,000 fans on average at Allegiant Stadium. That’s the most attended event on this list and shows just how dedicated some Raiders fans are. Win, lose, or draw. Allegiant Stadium is the place to party on Sundays.
The Raiders also put on a good show at home, going 5-2 during the first 15 games of the season. These include a 38-20 victory over the Texans, a 27-20 victory over the Chargers, and a miracle against the Patriots. Just imagine getting to tell your kids you were there when they beat New England on a last-minute fumble recovery!
Next: Best Las Vegas sports moments of 2022
1. Las Vegas Aces opening championship game @ Michelob Ultra Arena: 10,135
[caption id="attachment_19763" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]The Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA Championship in 2022 and 10.135 people were there to witness the opening game. The matchup took place at Michelob Ultra Arena where the Aces beat the Suns 67-64 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. This marked the Aces' first Finals victory and gave them a lot of momentum heading into game two.
2. WWE Money in the Bank @ MGM Grand Garden Arena: 12,076
[caption id="attachment_23329" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]12,076 fans packed the MGM Grand Garden arena for Money in the Bank and they were not disappointed. Things kicked off with the women’s ladder match, where Liv Morgan retrieved the briefcase. This gave the fan favorite the right to challenge for a title at a time and place of her choosing.
Unfortunately for the SmackDown Women’s champion, Ronda Rousey, that turned out to be after her Championship match against Natalya. Morgan quickly capitalized on an injured Rousey to win her first Title. Then came the main event where Austin Theory became the youngest-ever Money in the Bank winner in WWE history. T-Mobile Arena was left in shock while Theory just grinned holding up his prize.
3. AEW Double or Nothing at T-Mobile Arena: 14,459
[caption id="attachment_23330" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]AEW Double or Nothing took place at T-Mobile arena and it actually performed better than WWE Money in the bank. The event was attended by 14,459 people, which is 2000 more than their rival, WWE.
The show started off with HookHausan (Danhuasen and Hook) versus Tony Neese and Smart Mark Sterling. The pace only picked up from there after MJF got destroyed by Wardlow in a seven-minute contest. The pay-per-view also featured an Owen Hart Memorial tournament for both rosters which was won by Adam Cole and Britt Baker.
The main event featured AEW Champion Hangman Page versus CM Punk for the big gold belt. Punk won the match but suffered an injury that left him sidelined for weeks. The night featured a lot of great pro wrestling that serves as a nice alternative to WWE.
Related: Ranking Las vegas sports coaches
4. National Finals Rodeo @ Thomas and Mack Center Center: 17,788
[caption id="attachment_23328" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]The National Finals Rodeo took place at the Thomas and Mack Center at UNLV and attracted a crowd of over 17,788 people. Those fans saw a variety of great contests, including steer wrestling, team roping, barrel races, and bull riding. Kaycee Feild came out as the big winner in the bull riding contest, scoring a 92 with the judges!
5. Average attendance for Golden Knights games @ T-Mobile Arena: 17,989
[caption id="attachment_20745" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]The Golden Knights might have a disappointing home record, but that hasn’t stopped an average of 17,789 fans from cheering them on! Golden Knights fans seem to love packing the T-Mobile arena to see their team crush the competition.
There will also be a lot of interesting matchups to see at T-Mobile Arena in 2023 which are sure to pack in even larger crowds. Just imagine how many people will file into the arena if the Knights make the playoffs.
6. UFC 272: Covington vs.Masvidal @ T-Mobile Arena: 19,425
[caption id="attachment_23326" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]Everyone loves a good fight and that’s why 19.425 UFC fans piled into T-Mobile Arena to see UFC 272 on Saturday, March 5. The main event of the evening was Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal. Covington won the battle by decision after the two competitors traded blows for five rounds. These five rounds literally had everything.
While Masival outdid Covington in significant strikes 47.9% to 46.8% Covington dominated the takedown game with six during the fight. He also lapped Misvidal in total strikes with a whopping 64.5% to Masvdal’s 54.2 %.
The night also featured Rafael Dos Anjos Versus Ronaldo Moicano, which also ended in a decision with Anjos coming out as the winner.
7. Las Vegas Bowl @ Allegiant Stadium: 30,00 fans
[caption id="attachment_23325" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]The 2022 edition of the Las Vegas Bowl saw the Florida Gators take on the Oregon State Beavers in a very underwhelming matchup. The Beavers took control of the game from the word go and tacked on a 10-point lead by halftime. Oregon State would extend this lead in the second half, with 20 points in the second half.
The event took place at Allegiant Stadium and featured a crowd of 30,00 fans to witness the action. While it probably wasn’t the most competitive matchup of the Bowl series, it had to be a great time for Oregon State fans. The Gators seemed to be easy picking for the Beavers, who capitalized on every scoring opportunity possible.
8. South Point 500 @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway: 55,000
[caption id="attachment_21464" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]What could be better than 38 cars going around the masterpiece that is Las Vegas Motor Speedway? 55,000 people attended that weekend and were treated to the annual schedule of playoff racing. Josh Berry took the checkered flag in the first race, earning himself a spot in the next round.
Then it was Joey Logano who punched his ticket to the semi-finals with a last-minute pass on Ross Chastain in the Cup Series. Kyle Busch finished third but was already eliminated from the playoffs. Kurt Busch wasn’t cleared to compete in the race, forcing him to sit out yet another week.
9. NFL Pro Bowl @ Allegiant Stadium: 56,206
[caption id="attachment_21662" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source YouTube[/caption]55,000 fans witnessed the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium and it is a moment that will live on history. That's due to the fact that this game marked the last time the traditional game format would be used. In 2023, the NFL is planning to do a skills showcase throughout the week and finish things off with a flag football game.
As for the game, the AFC bested the NFC 41-35 in a pretty competitive matchup. The NFC was even on the verge of a comeback, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for them, they were down 41-21 with very little time left. The worst part was that the NFC could have won if they didn’t give up so many scores in the first half.
10. PAC-12 Championship game @ Allegiant Stadium: 61,195
[caption id="attachment_23322" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]Las Vegas hosted a lot of high-profile events in 2022, including the Pac-12 Championship at Allegiant Stadium. This year’s edition of the game featured the #7 Utah Utes vs the #8 USC in a matchup that had absolutely everything. The game was essentially one of those you had to be there moments and for 61,195 fans, it truly was.
The Trojans got off to an early lead, putting up 14 points by the end of the first quarter. USC followed that up with a field goal in the second quarter to extend their lead. This is where things got interesting and The Utes would go on to score 17 unanswered points before the end of the half.
The third quarter got more interesting after Utah took the lead with a touchdown. They also prevented USC from getting into the endzone and tying the game. The fourth quarter is where all hell broke lose and the Utes scored 16 unanswered points to finish the game. USC only managed one score to end their season on a bittersweet note.
11. Average Las Vegas Raiders home game @ Allegiant Stadium: 61,976
[caption id="attachment_21570" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]The Las Vegas Raiders might not be going to the playoffs but still had 60,000 fans on average at Allegiant Stadium. That’s the most attended event on this list and shows just how dedicated some Raiders fans are. Win, lose, or draw. Allegiant Stadium is the place to party on Sundays.
The Raiders also put on a good show at home, going 5-2 during the first 15 games of the season. These include a 38-20 victory over the Texans, a 27-20 victory over the Chargers, and a miracle against the Patriots. Just imagine getting to tell your kids you were there when they beat New England on a last-minute fumble recovery!
Next: Best Las Vegas sports moments of 2022