As Las Vegas grows as a global sports destination — home to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Las Vegas Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aces, Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, and soon the Athletics — UNLV is introducing the state’s first undergraduate degree in sport hospitality management to fulfill the increasing workforce demand. 

The new Bachelor of Science in Sport Hospitality Management was developed in collaboration with industry executives to prepare students for an exciting career in the sports world. Designed for students who are passionate about sports management, this degree grants front row access to dozens of professional sports organizations in a city that consistently hosts tournaments and championship games.  

The program, housed in the top-ranked William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, is now accepting applicants.

What Is a Sport Hospitality Management Degree?

The sport hospitality management degree at UNLV pulls back the curtain on the sport industry and teaches students the essentials of business operations and the guest experience behind sporting events and organizations.

Assistant Professor in Residence Michelle Coyner explains that the sport industry is broad and full of opportunities. “A lot of people love sport, have played sport, and are fans of sport, but may not think of it as a business, an entertainment product, an experience, or community engagement tool,” she says.

In her Introduction to Sport Management course, Coyner helps students explore career paths they may not have considered. While working for a major professional franchise may immediately come to mind, students can also build careers in minor league sports, intercollegiate athletics, venue management, events production, and other areas of the industry.

What Can You Do With a Sport Management Degree?

Students with a degree in Sport Hospitality Management can pursue careers in athletic operations and large-scale sporting events. A successful sporting event begins long before the coin toss, tip-off, or first pitch. Behind every game is a network of professionals responsible for ticket sales, sponsorships, marketing, facilities, guest services, logistics, and the overall fan experience.

The Harrah College of Hospitality offers courses like Sport Sales & Revenue Generation, Sport Event Management and Promotion, and Sport Policy & Governance to give students an understanding of that entire operation, from the business decisions made behind the scenes to the experience delivered on game day. 

Why Study Sport Management in Las Vegas?

As the sport and entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has elevated visitor experiences to some of its highest levels by combining sporting events with premium hospitality. In addition to being home to multiple professional sports organizations, the city hosts NASCAR races, National Finals Rodeo, and NBA Summer League every year as well as championship events like the Super Bowl and NCAA tournaments.

“Las Vegas has done [sport entertainment] bigger, better, and stronger than a lot of other places,” Coyner says. “Formula One is a really good example — some of the best hospitality you can ever imagine embedded into a sporting event. We’re excited to get our students involved with our local market.”

For students, that local market is an extension of the classroom. Field trips and guest lectures are a regular feature of classes, and the program includes a required internship, giving students an opportunity to apply what they learn while developing professional experience and industry connections.

What Makes UNLV’s Sport Hospitality Management Degree Unique?

UNLV’s program combines sport management education with the expertise of the world’s top hospitality school. Students benefit from the Harrah College of Hospitality’s longstanding relationships with the hospitality and entertainment industries.

“Sport is a big business in a small world. Everyone knows each other and supports each other in the industry,” Coyner says.

UNLV’s proximity to so many professional sport programs gives sport hospitality management majors the advantage of forming industry connections before they even graduate through internship and mentorship opportunities.

"The modern sport industry is all about the fan experience," says David Cárdenas, dean of the Hospitality College. "It combines sport with hospitality across game-day entertainment, food & beverage, experiential marketing, retail, and luxury suites. The college is preparing students to deliver world-class moments with this new degree."

As sporting events increasingly emphasize not only on what happens on the field, court, or track, but also on the experience surrounding it, students graduate with expertise in how to operate a sports enterprise and to create an experience that keeps fans coming back.

How Can Students Get Started in UNLV’s Sport Management Program?

Students interested in UNLV’s Bachelor of Science in Sport Hospitality Management can visit the degree information page to request more information, schedule a tour of the Harrah College of Hospitality, and apply to UNLV.