For the first time in recent memory, Nevada’s top high school basketball teams will compete for state championships in high school gyms rather than arenas. The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) has moved the Class 5A boys and girls semifinals and finals to Valley High School in Las Vegas and high school venues in northern Nevada, citing costs that can exceed $100,000 for arena rentals.
“What it boils down to is it’s very expensive to play in (arenas),” said Tim Jackson, executive director of the NIAA. “What we need takes a lot of days. Just in the north we’ll have 32 games. Finding a venue we need to use over the days we need to use it is very difficult.”
The decision stems from a combination of high rental fees and scheduling conflicts. UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center and the Pavilion were unavailable because of men’s and women’s basketball games. UNR’s Lawlor Events Center also had conflicts. Jackson noted that locker room limitations at the Pavilion—locker rooms are in the basement, making quick halftime adjustments difficult—further complicated arena use.
“We want to provide the best experience for the kids, but we also have to be fiscally responsible doing so,” Jackson said. “I’m not angry with anyone. It’s business. I understand. I equate it to this: Would I like to drive a Lamborghini? Yes. I sure would. My budget doesn’t allow me to do that. So I drive my Jeep, and I’m very happy with it.”
State football and flag football games remain at Allegiant Stadium, sponsored by the Raiders. “We are on the hook for nothing,” Jackson said. “I don’t have enough gratitude in my heart to thank the Raiders enough.”
Coronado boys coach Jeff Kaufman, who led the Cougars to a state final matchup against Liberty, said the high school setting has advantages. “When we were at the Thomas & Mack for this, it was rushed. You had to get there, leave, there was no day in between the (semifinal and final). This way, the kids have a day to prepare, rest, have a final practice together. I have no issue being at a high school. Listen, we just want the trophy.”
Bishop Gorman girls coach Sheryl Krmpotich, whose team faces Democracy Prep for the title, expressed mild disappointment but focused on the goal. “Women’s sports are up and coming. I call it, ‘We’re all the show, the women,’ so it’s disappointing we’re playing in a high school for a state championship game. Maybe next year the Aces can donate, and we can play at their facility like the Raiders have done (for football). But it really doesn’t matter where we’re playing. The hoop and the ball are all the same. At the end of the day, the most important thing is the hardware.”
Coronado junior guard Munir Greig echoed the sentiment: “We’ll play outside if we have to. It doesn’t matter. I just want to come out and get the win Friday.”
