Economists weigh impact of Vegas’ NFL stadium

the importance of infrastructure and parking, having enough money for the project and what details need be included in the operating agreement, he said.

Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee projections show the stadium is expected to cost between $19.2 million and $25.3 million to operate, with net operating income between $9.3 million and $33.9 million.

For years, economists have argued over the pros and cons of new stadiums built in the name of economic development. The few number of NFL games that bring people to the stadiums makes them less useful than a new manufacturing plant or shopping center.

NFL teams play 16 games a season, half of which are typically at home.

The stadium is expected to host between 30 and 62 events a year, which will come from the likes of UNLV, concerts, soccer and motorsports, according to the projections.

The Raiders and the stadium must prove they add to the overall money spent in the valley by tourists, said Steve Miller, UNLV professor and director of the Center for Business and Economic Research.

“Most supporters would say Las Vegas is different,” Miller said. “We’ll have to see how that plays out.” Contact Wade Tyler Millward at wmillward@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4602. Follow @ wademillward on Twitter.