Reno Proposes Casino Complex Anchored by Unique Soccer Stadium

A Reno, Nevada proposal aims to land a professional soccer stadium, hotel, casino, and entertainment complex in the “Biggest Little City in the World.”

The Boulevard Reno would plop a 6,000-seat soccer stadium in the middle of a 28-acre site that also includes a casino with live-dealer table games, slot machines, and other amenities. This comes after the Grand Sierra Resort confirmed an expansion worth more than $1 billion to build a  300,000-square-foot, 10,000-seat arena that is set to become operational in 2027.

Application documents obtained by the Reno Gazette-Journal detailed the proposal.

Reno stadium and casino proposal

The Boulevard Reno proposal estimates the project would cost developers $350 million. The result would add Nevada’s first arena built exclusively for soccer, along with other attractions, to the growing region. 

Application documents stated that developers want to create an attractive and walkable destination that combines sports, dining, retail, entertainment, and hospitality.

“The Boulevard Reno is a thoughtful, community-oriented redevelopment of six parcels totaling approximately 27.95 acres at the northeast intersection of Kietzke Lane and Peckham Lane in Reno, Nevada,” a justification letter submitted to Reno Planning Manager Mike Railey by Douglas R. Thornley of Holland & Hart read. “These parcels, formerly occupied by the Jones West Ford dealership and an aging strip mall, will become a vibrant mixed-use destination that blends professional sports, retail, dining, entertainment and hospitality.”

According to the proposal, as many as eight buildings rising up to seven stories tall could be constructed. A public gathering space would also be included in the center of the retail segment of the complex.

While Nevada is known for gaming, the soccer stadium is the crown jewel of the project. The near-100,000-square-foot venue would house Reno Pro Soccer's USL Championship club, which will begin play in 2027. Season ticket deposits are already being accepted.

Plans for the casino and complex

Casino patrons at The Boulevard Reno would find 71,210 square feet of gaming space. The property is aiming to obtain a non-restricted license, which would mean that it wouldn’t be capped on the number of gaming machines with which it could fill its floor. 

The casino would also be connected to the soccer stadium, which would be surrounded by a team store and a large plaza known as “Electric Avenue.”

Overnight guests could stay in any of 301 available rooms. They and other visitors could also check out a theater and more than 55,000 square feet of retail and dining space, including two restaurants and three bars. 

Development on the project is expected to create 850-950 jobs and serve as another anchor in the community.

“In every respect, The Boulevard Reno transforms a site that had outlived its previous use into a dynamic community asset,” the justification letter read. “It will generate jobs, increase tax revenues and give Reno residents and visitors a new place to cheer for their hometown team, gather with friends and enjoy the city they love. We look forward to working closely with the city to bring this exciting vision to life.”

The proposal also details plans for the local environment. A variety of trees (323 in total) and 1,500 shrubs would be planted to enhance the greenery of the local area.