Big league baseball, soccer games coming to Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors on Tuesday approved two measures that will bring professional sports teams to Las Vegas for exhibition games.

The board also agreed to sponsor a special event to bring visitors to Mesquite.

The issue: Big League Weekend series March 16-17 and Major League Soccer Challenge and International Classic, Feb. 15-17.

Vote: Both approved 14-0.

What it means: Las Vegans will get to see two Major League Baseball spring training games at Cashman Field. The Chicago Cubs and the Texas Rangers will play in games that have become an annual spring tradition in Las Vegas. The board authorized spending $300,000 for the event and expects revenue of $100,000, plus media exposure in the Chicago and Dallas markets.

The Soccer Challenge is being developed by organizers of the USA Sevens rugby tournament and will bring the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer to Sam Boyd Stadium. The board authorized $50,000 for the event.

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The issue: The Mesquite Great American Off-Road Weekend is scheduled Feb. 21-24, and the board authorized a sponsorship.

Vote: Approved 13-0-1, with Mesquite Councilman George Rapson, a casino representative in Mesquite, abstaining.

What it means: More than 500 all-terrain and utility vehicle enthusiasts are expected to attend. Nitro Circus, a group of professional drivers, will perform on the final night. The event is expected to generate an economic impact of $52,530 for Mesquite.

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