Las Vegas’ new Allegiant Stadium has been awarded hosting rights to this year’s 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
The championship match in the region’s flagship men’s international competition on August 1 will crown the best national team in the CONCACAF zone, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean.
The 65,000-capacity arena, which opened in September 2020, is home to the National Football League’s (NFL) Las Vegas Raiders. However, the $1.9bn venue did not host any fans during the 2020 season and will stage its first major event for spectators when a rearranged Garth Brooks concert takes place on July 10.
CONCACAF said details about attendance and ticketing will be announced closer to the date of the game.
“We’re thrilled that the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup is coming to the sports capital of the world,” said Steve Hill, chief executive of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to host an event of this calibre, and with world-class entertainment, dining, outdoor adventure and sports facilities, we’re confident the teams and their fans will find an unforgettable, Only Vegas experience.”
The 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup begins with preliminary and group stage matches in July. The preliminary round will be played at DRV PNK Stadium, home of Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, between July 2-6.
The Gold Cup Group Stage will begin on July 10 and will feature 16 national teams, including defending champions Mexico, the US, Canada, Costa Rica and guest nation Qatar.
“At CONCACAF we are very excited about this summer’s Gold Cup and we know that Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium will provide a great host city and venue for the final,” said CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani.
“2021 is CONCACAF’s 60th anniversary year making this edition extra special for players and fans. The federations and their teams are looking forward to this tournament with great anticipation and it is fitting that the regional champion will be crowned in such an outstanding venue and famous city.”
The Raiders opened Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020 with a 34-24 win over the New Orleans Saints. Allegiant Stadium was originally budgeted at $1.8bn, but this grew to $1.9bn through the addition of upgrades including the end zone club space and additional suites.
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