Arizona: Sahara, Grand Sierra owner Meruelo loses arena vote

Photo: Alex Meruelo, founder of the Meruelo Group and owner of SLS Las Vegas, during the unveiling event announcing rebranding the resort name back to Sahara Hotel on Thursday, June 27, 2019. (Jeff Scheid/Nevada Independent)

Arizona: Sahara, Grand Sierra owner Meruelo loses arena vote

Article brief provided by Nevada Independent
  • Howard Stutz, Nevada Independent
May 25, 2023 3:23 PM
  • Howard Stutz, Nevada Independent
  • Arizona
  • Commercial Casinos
  • Amenities
  • Meruelo Group

The NHL’s Arizona Coyotes lost a vote in the Phoenix-area city of Tempe last week for a $2.1 billion arena and entertainment district.

Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo also owns the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno and the Sahara Las Vegas.

While his arena vote was being considered, Meruelo was one of several North Strip casino owners trying to bring the Oakland A’s stadium project to the 39-acre Las Vegas Festival Grounds, directly across from the Sahara. The site is owned by Circus Circus owner Phil Ruffin, and Meruelo discussed the A’s with the billionaire.

“Alex has always thought the Festival Grounds makes the most sense for the stadium,” said Andrew Diss, vice president of government affairs for Meruelo Gaming.