Las Vegas is set to make waves in the world of college basketball with the announcement of Circa Resort & Casino as the Founding Partner and Official Host Hotel for the inaugural College Basketball Crown, marking another chapter for sports and hospitality convergence.
The College Basketball Crown will take place from March 31 to April 6, 2025, at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena. This tournament is expected to feature 16 elite teams from prominent conferences such as Big Ten, Big 12, and BIG EAST, along with several at-large participants. The partnership was struck through AEG Global Partnerships, emphasizing the luxury and innovative aspects of Circa.
According to Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of Circa Resort & Casino, “Being part of the inaugural College Basketball Crown is an incredible opportunity to showcase our best-in-class amenities and one-of-a-kind experiences to a national audience.” This sentiment echoes the high hopes for the tournament, which plans to draw attention to the spectacular offerings of Las Vegas.
Circa Resort & Casino, located strategically in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, boasts 1.25 million square feet of innovative amenities, including the largest sportsbook in Las Vegas, a multi-tiered rooftop pool and amphitheater called Stadium Swim, and various dining experiences. This state-of-the-art venue aligns seamlessly with the vision of the College Basketball Crown, promising to enrich the overall experience for players, fans, and executives alike.
Notably, the tournament is set to not only showcase athletic talent but also provide unique social experiences with events scheduled for fans and participants. Circa's role includes hosting the "Crown Town Fan Fest at Stadium Swim" on April 4, featuring all-day activities aligned with the excitement of the tournament. Stevens added, “We look forward to bringing the vibrant energy of downtown Las Vegas to life for fans, athletes, and all attendees joining us from around the world.”
The partnership is not just about providing accommodations for tournament officials but serves as an opportunity for Circa to highlight its hospitality prowess. It will create memorable experiences through exclusive events, including nights dedicated to tournament executives and university representatives. Nick Baker, COO of AEG Global Partnerships, pointed out, "Circa Resort & Casino exemplifies innovation and excellence, making them the ideal Founding Partner for the College Basketball Crown."
This partnership is poised to attract enormous attention, not only from avid sports fans but also from betting enthusiasts, thereby intertwining the worlds of sports and gambling even more deeply within Las Vegas’s renowned culture. Leading up to the tournament’s semifinals and championship games, there is excitement about how the vibrant atmosphere at Circa will permeate the overall championship experience.
Brand exposure for Circa throughout the tournament will be significant, with visibility via courtside rotational signage and features on the main videoboard. There are also plans for collaboration with Vivid Seats, the Official Ticketing Provider of the College Basketball Crown, which will offer exclusive travel packages to fans seeking luxurious experiences during the tournament.
Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President of FOX Sports and board member of the College Basketball Crown, encapsulated the essence of this exciting development: "Circa Resort & Casino’s world-class amenities and vibrant downtown location will provide an incredible foundation for the inaugural College Basketball Crown." This partnership not only elevates the prestige of the tournament but reinforces Circa's role as a key player in supporting marquee events within Las Vegas.
With its all-new integrated resort concept reflecting the essence of Las Vegas, Circa Resort & Casino stands at the forefront of innovative hospitality and sports partnerships. Offering upscale rooms and suites, cutting-edge technology, and multiple dining options, it caters perfectly to the expectations of participants and fans alike, ensuring memorable interactions and experiences throughout the tournament.
Overall, with the synergy between Circa Resort & Casino and the College Basketball Crown, the upcoming tournament is not just about basketball; it's about crafting unforgettable experiences set against the flashy backdrop of Las Vegas. This powerful partnership signals exciting times for sports enthusiasts and gamblers alike, as the city continues to solidify its reputation as the ultimate destination for entertainment.