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The Big XII is reportedly planning to move its media day event to Las Vegas, and the MSG Sphere is a possible host. The entertainment venue has been making headlines since its inception, and it could be expanding its reach even further.
Brett McMurphy posted on X about the media day news, saying that the conference is making its way out of Arlington.
Big 12 football media days in 2024 & 2025 is moving to Las Vegas, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ, because of scheduling conflicts at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Host sites being considered in Las Vegas are the Sphere, Allegiant Stadium or an MGM property, sources said
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 12, 2023
The change is reportedly due to a scheduling conflict, though it comes at an interesting time. Texas and Oklahoma are leaving the league after this season, and this could be seen as a way to rebrand.
A move to Las Vegas would certainly help incorporate the West Coast programs on their way into the Big XII, which include Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. Those additions come after the ’23 introductions of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF.
The media day stay in Sin City will last through at least the 2025 season.
Fans immediately reacted to the news on social media. Many want other events moved to the strip.
“Next they have to move the Championship game there.”
“Now move the conference basketball tournament there.”
“Corner schools already taking over.”
“Vegas is much better than Dallas anyway.”
Las Vegas has become a hoppin’ sports city of late, seeing the Raiders join the NHL’s Golden Knights. The Oakland A’s are soon to relocate to Sin City, and the NBA has interest, too.
As for the Sphere, it’s already added to the nightlife scene.
Concerts have been ongoing, with U2 kicking off its residency in the venue. A new band has already emerged as U2’s successor once that series ends.
It’s also been reported that the NHL Draft will be held at the Sphere, while UFC president Dana White has expressed his desire to get his sport involved, too.
Could college football be the next step in Sphere expansion? Time will tell, though Allegiant Stadium and an MGM property are also in the mix to host this particular event.
As for the Big XII, a new era will soon begin, and this media day move to Las Vegas will help kickstart it. It will be interesting to see if the conference returns to Arlington in future seasons.