No known, credible threats to Super Bowl, Mayorkas says
- It will be the first Super Bowl held in Las Vegas
- More than 330,000 visitors are expected to descend on Sin City
- Game tickets have topped $12,000 apiece
LAS VEGAS (NewsNation) — NFL officials and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday said there were no “known, credible” threats ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
It’s the city’s first time hosting the event and officials expect it to draw more than 330,000 visitors and generate $600 million in revenue. New records are predicted for hotel room rates, ticket prices and sports betting.
Tickets for the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs have topped $12,000 apiece and are still climbing. As of Tuesday, the average weekend room rate at some casinos, including the Bellagio and Aria, had surpassed $1,400 a night for Friday through Sunday. All 37,000 rooms at 12 MGM Resorts International properties were sold out for Saturday night.
Officials in Nevada began planning for their first Super Bowl before construction on Allegiant Stadium was even complete. Unlike other host cities, Las Vegas sited the stadium very close to the city center. The futuristic-looking facility, affectionately nicknamed the “Death Star” by Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, is a 10-minute drive from the airport and sits within walking distance of the Strip. It’s accessible by a massive pedestrian-only bridge.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.