Although some minor details need to be ironed out, it’s almost a done deal that Las Vegas will be the new home to the NASCAR Sprint Cup banquet, awards ceremonies and postseason celebrations in the first week of December, most likely December 4.
The event honors the top 10 NASCAR drivers from the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.
A major event acquisition coup for Las Vegas, for the past 27 years the prestigious event was held in New York City.
Planning has been in the works for the past two years by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) president Rossi Ralenkotter and his team. Speedway Motorsports Inc., owner of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, has lobbied for the event.
The LVCVA would reportedly pay NASCAR between $500,000 and $1 million for each year of the contract, which may be for three to five years.
NASCAR would be the second major professional sport to shift its awards ceremony to Las Vegas this year. Ralenkotter negotiated a three-year deal to bring the NHL awards to the Palms Casino & Hotel on June 18.