Thomas & Mack Center
UNLV Campus · Capacity 18,776 · Est. 1983
4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154
A multi-purpose arena on the UNLV campus, home to UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball and host of the NBA Summer League, National Finals Rodeo, and major concerts.
About the Venue
Thomas & Mack Center — Las Vegas's Premier Arena
Thomas & Mack Center opened in 1983 on the UNLV campus, named after businessmen Tark Thomas and Jerome Mack whose private donations helped fund construction. The 18,776-seat arena has served as the home of UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball for more than four decades — the same program that produced the legendary 1990 national championship team under coach Jerry Tarkanian. Architecturally distinctive with its curved concrete exterior, Thomas & Mack has become an iconic fixture of the UNLV campus and the broader Las Vegas sports landscape.
Beyond Runnin' Rebels basketball, Thomas & Mack Center hosts the NBA Summer League every July — a month-long event that draws all 30 NBA teams, thousands of scouts, coaches, and media, and tens of thousands of basketball fans from across the country. The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) descends on Thomas & Mack every December for 10 consecutive nights, drawing 170,000+ attendees and making it one of the most anticipated annual events in Las Vegas. Major touring concerts, WWE events, and college basketball conference tournaments round out the arena's annual calendar.
Thomas & Mack Center occupies a unique position in the Las Vegas entertainment landscape — it is the only major arena that sits off-Strip, on an active university campus. Located at 4505 S Maryland Pkwy in the East Las Vegas neighborhood, the arena is approximately 2 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip. This off-Strip location means a more local crowd, more affordable parking, and a distinctly different atmosphere than the tourist-heavy Strip venues. For visitors, a rideshare from any Strip hotel takes 10–15 minutes. Post-event, the Strip's nightlife is a quick rideshare away — making a Runnin' Rebels game or NBA Summer League session an excellent kickoff to a Las Vegas nightlife evening.
Directions & Parking
Getting to Thomas & Mack Center
Parking
Thomas & Mack Center offers free surface parking in campus lots surrounding the arena — one of the most significant advantages of this off-Strip venue. Lots E2, E3, and the Tropicana & Swenson Street lots are the closest to the arena entrance. For major events like the National Finals Rodeo and NBA Summer League, additional parking is available at the Thomas & Mack/Cox Pavilion parking structure and the UNLV Student Union garage. Arrive 30–45 minutes early during NFR, as parking fills extremely fast for that event.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft drop-off for Thomas & Mack Center is on Gym Road, the service road directly in front of the main arena entrance. Pick-up after events is also on Gym Road or at designated rideshare zones on Maryland Pkwy. From the Las Vegas Strip, rideshare takes approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Post-event rideshare is efficient given the campus setting — demand surges briefly but clears faster than Strip venues.
Tips
Thomas & Mack Center is located at 4505 S Maryland Pkwy on the UNLV campus — east of the Strip and south of UNLV's main academic buildings. Take Flamingo Road east to Maryland Pkwy and turn south, or Tropicana Avenue east to the campus entrance on Maryland. For Strip visitors, the most direct route is east on Flamingo or Tropicana by rideshare. The arena entrance is clearly marked on Gym Road. Nearby off-campus dining is along Maryland Pkwy and Tropicana Avenue — Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas on Paradise Road is a popular pre-event option.
Attending a Show
What to Expect at Thomas & Mack Center
Seating & Layout
Thomas & Mack Center seats up to 18,776 in its basketball configuration — lower bowl (sections 101–126), upper deck (200s level), and suites. For concerts and special events, capacity may be reduced and floor seating added as general admission. Basketball games feature courtside seats, club-level suites, and general lower and upper bowl seating. NBA Summer League tickets are among the most affordable ways to see NBA talent in Las Vegas — upper deck seats offer solid views of the full court action at budget-friendly prices.
Buying Tickets
UNLV basketball tickets are sold through the UNLV Athletics box office and Ticketmaster. NBA Summer League tickets are sold through the NBA's official website and Ticketmaster, with multi-game packages available at a discount. National Finals Rodeo tickets sell out months in advance and are available through Ticketmaster. Concert and special event tickets are sold through Ticketmaster. The Thomas & Mack box office opens two hours before showtime on event days.
VIP & Premium Options
Suite rentals are available for UNLV and larger events — contact UNLV Athletics or the Thomas & Mack venue office for group and suite pricing. NBA Summer League VIP packages include premium courtside seating, access to team warm-ups, and league events. For the National Finals Rodeo, VIP packages include premium chute-side seating, backstage access, and NFR Cowboy Christmas expo passes.
Amenities & Policies
Thomas & Mack Center offers full concession service at all concourse levels, beer and cocktails at designated bars, ATMs, accessible seating in the lower bowl and suite level, hearing assistance, and event merchandise. The facility is non-smoking. Bag policy for UNLV athletics events and concerts follows a similar clear-bag standard — check event-specific rules on the UNLV Athletics website or Ticketmaster listing.
Dining
Pre-Show Dining Near Thomas & Mack Center
Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas
A massive German beer hall and restaurant on Paradise Road, 5 minutes from Thomas & Mack. Excellent bratwurst, pretzels, and steins — a Vegas institution for pre-event groups.
Ellis Island Casino & Brewery
A local favorite with house-brewed beers and a no-frills steakhouse just east of the Strip. Affordable, unpretentious, and reliably good — a 10-minute drive from Thomas & Mack.
Tokyo Station
Authentic Japanese ramen and sushi on Maryland Pkwy, walkable from the UNLV campus. A solid option for a quick and satisfying pre-game meal.
Yama Sushi
A highly rated local sushi spot near UNLV known for generous portions and quality fish. A neighborhood staple for post-game and pre-game dining.
Las Vegas has hundreds of dining options across every price range. Browse hotels near Thomas & Mack Center for full resort dining directories.
Nightlife
After the Show: Las Vegas Nightclubs Near Thomas & Mack Center
Las Vegas nightlife peaks right as concerts let out. These are the top clubs accessible from Thomas & Mack Center — add a free no-cover guest list before your trip to skip the line and walk straight in.
Hakkasan
Nightclub
The most accessible major club from Thomas & Mack — a 10-minute rideshare to MGM Grand. A 3,800-capacity mega-club with the best production setup on the mid-Strip.
OMNIA
Nightclub
15 minutes west by rideshare at Caesars Palace — the iconic EDM club with the kinetic chandelier main room. A top pick for after an NBA Summer League session or Rebels game.
Marquee
Nightclub
At The Cosmopolitan, 12 minutes west via rideshare. Rooftop and main room with strong DJ programming on weekends.
XS Nightclub
Nightclub
20 minutes northwest at Wynn Las Vegas — the world-ranked luxury club that consistently tops best-of lists. Worth the extra rideshare minutes on a big night out.
Browse all Las Vegas nightclubs → · Las Vegas pool parties →
FAQ
Thomas & Mack Center — Common Questions
What shows are playing at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas 2026?
Thomas & Mack Center hosts touring concerts and live events throughout 2026. Check the venue's official website for the current show schedule.
What is the seating capacity of Thomas & Mack Center?
Thomas & Mack Center holds up to 18,776 guests. It is one of Las Vegas's premier arenas for concerts and live events.
How do I get to Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas?
Thomas & Mack Center is located at 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is the most convenient option. Parking fills quickly on busy show nights — book in advance through the venue app.
What nightclubs are near Thomas & Mack Center after the show?
After the show at Thomas & Mack Center, head to Hakkasan, OMNIA, Marquee, XS Nightclub for late-night Las Vegas nightlife. Sign up for a free no-cover guest list on NoCoverVegas before your trip.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for Thomas & Mack Center?
Yes — booking ahead is strongly recommended for popular residencies and high-demand shows at Thomas & Mack Center. Tickets are available through the official box office and platforms like Ticketmaster. Last-minute resale options carry a premium.
When is NBA Summer League at Thomas & Mack Center?
NBA Summer League at Thomas & Mack Center runs every July, typically the first two to three weeks of the month. All 30 NBA teams participate, playing a five-game regular season format followed by a single-elimination tournament. Tickets are sold through the NBA's official website and Ticketmaster. Multi-game packages offer significant discounts over single-game tickets and are the recommended purchase for fans planning multiple days.
Does Thomas & Mack Center host the National Finals Rodeo?
Yes — Thomas & Mack Center is the permanent home of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), held every December for 10 consecutive nights. The NFR is the championship event of professional rodeo, attracting 170,000+ fans from across the country. Hotel rooms across Las Vegas sell out months in advance for NFR week. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster but sell out early — set a Ticketmaster alert and buy as soon as single-game tickets go on sale.
Is there parking near Thomas & Mack Center?
Yes — and free parking is one of the biggest advantages of Thomas & Mack Center over Strip venues. Surface lots E2 and E3 on the UNLV campus are closest to the main entrance and are free for most events. During the National Finals Rodeo and NBA Summer League, additional overflow lots open nearby. Arrive 30–45 minutes early during NFR — the lots fill fast. For off-campus paid parking, the UNLV Student Union garage and Thomas & Mack parking structure are your best options.
How far is Thomas & Mack Center from the Las Vegas Strip?
Thomas & Mack Center is approximately 2 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip. By rideshare (Uber/Lyft), the trip from most Strip hotels takes 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. There is no direct monorail or transit connection, so rideshare or personal vehicle are the most practical options. Post-event rideshare from the UNLV campus is generally efficient — the university setting disperses crowds faster than the dense Strip parking structures.
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