Rendering of Grand Sierra Resort’s new entertainment district, featuring a new arena for Nevada Basketball. Courtesy of Grand Sierra Resort
The University and Nevada Athletics were part of the Grand Sierra Resort’s historic news in September: a plan to build a new entertainment district, which will include a cutting-edge arena for Nevada Basketball. GSR owner Alex Meruelo said plans are underway to infuse approximately $1 billion into the existing 140-acre property over the next decade, making it the largest private capital investment in the City of Reno’s history.
“We are beyond thrilled for this proposed plan, which will help continue to elevate our basketball programs. From providing a state-of-the-art home for Nevada Men’s Basketball, to hosting toplevel women’s multiteam events involving Nevada Women’s Basketball, this partnership will further solidify Nevada Athletics as a cornerstone of the northern Nevada community,” said Nevada Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe.
The new arena is scheduled to open in fall 2026. Nevada Men’s Basketball will play the 2026-27 or the 2027-28 season in the new arena, pending approval from the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents.
“This is a game changer for our program. I greatly appreciate Alex’s bold vision and incredible support. This will be a leading-edge facility and I cannot be more excited for the future of Wolf Pack Basketball,” said Nevada Men’s Basketball Head Coach Steve Alford.
“Community partners like the Grand Sierra Resort are one of the things that make Reno such a special place. This arena will be an amazing venue to host preseason multiteam events and will help us attract top programs to travel to Reno,” said Nevada Women’s Basketball Head Coach Amanda Levens ’07 M.A. (educational leadership). “This will help elevate northern Nevada nationally for women’s basketball.”
The facility is also designed to host special events such as concerts and other sports, with a capacity exceeding 10,000 seats.
To learn more about supporting Nevada Athletics, contact Douglas Stewart, assistant athletic director, development, at (775) 682-2028 or dougstewart@unr.edu.
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