The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino has released new renderings of its planned upcoming $1 billion expansion. 

Plans include 10,000-seat state-of-the-art arena, satellite ice rink, fan zone and more.

The 2,000-room resort, located along U.S. Interstate 80 a couple miles from the main downtown casino drag, boasted the largest casino floor in North America when it opened as the MGM in 1978. It later flew under the banners of Bally's and the Reno Hilton. It's been the Grand Sierra Resort since 2006.

Video overview showing updates to Reno Arena project, including World Class Arena, State-of-the-Art Aqua Golf, Riverfront Workforce Housing, Hotel & Conference Center, Parking Garage and Community Ice Rink.

October 2023:

The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (GSR) has announced that Grand Adventure Land — known for its go-kart and mini golf courses — will close its doors on October 31 as part of their $1 billion expansion plan.

The GSR is celebrating the Grand Adventure Land's many years of service by offering a 20% discount to all guests and team members who visit before it closes on Tuesday.

Weather permitting, Grand Adventure Land will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

September 27, 2023: 

The University of Nevada’s basketball team could have a new off-campus home by 2026 under an ambitious 10-year expansion plan that Reno’s largest hotel-casino announced Wednesday.

The nearly $1 billion private capital investment will be the biggest in the city's history, according to officials of the Grand Sierra Resort.

In addition to the new 10,000-seat sports, concert and special events arena, the expansion plans for the 140-acre (57-hectare) property include 300 riverfront residential units to help address workforce housing shortages, Las Vegas-like water shows, and—if economic conditions allow it—a new 800-room hotel tower, the company said.

“The vision is to transform GSR into a destination where community, sports and entertainment come together,” resort owner Alex Mereulo said in a statement ahead of a news conference in Reno.

Mereulo and University of Nevada President Brian Sandoval say, “the exploration of a partnership with the Nevada men’s basketball team, which could make the arena their home beginning with the fall 2026 season.”

The new arena will cover approximately 300,000 square feet (27,871 square meters), including suites and premium hospitality clubs.

“The University of Nevada, Reno is excited to explore the opportunity to partner with Alex Mereulo and Grand Sierra Resort as they develop a state-of-the-art arena and entertainment district that is unprecedented in Northern Nevada," said Sandoval, a 1986 Nevada graduate who served two terms as governor before he was appointed university president in 2020.

The Wolf Pack of the Mountain West Conference has played its games on campus at the 11,500-seat Lawlor Events Center since it opened in 1983. Before that, the team played at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center south of downtown.

The 2,000-room resort, located along U.S. Interstate 80 a couple miles from the main downtown casino drag, boasted the largest casino floor in North America when it opened as the MGM in 1978. It later flew under the banners of Bally's and the Reno Hilton. It's been the Grand Sierra Resort since 2006.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve says the historic investment would be a "true game changer for our community.”

“It’s a massive win for our citizens, a win for the University of Nevada and a win for tourism," she said in a statement.

Last year, Las Vegas hosted Sweet 16 games for the NCAA basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on the Vegas Strip. But before that, the NCAA Tournament had avoided Nevada altogether because sports gambling is legal here. The governing body for collegiate athletics even had a policy prohibiting its championship events from being played in Nevada.

With legal sports betting spreading across the country, the NCAA now has no qualms about crowning its champions in Las Vegas. Others include hockey’s Frozen Four in 2026 and the Final Four in 2028.

Nevada Director of Athletics Stephanie Rempe

“We are beyond thrilled for this proposed plan which will help continue to elevate our basketball programs. From providing a state-of-the-art home for Nevada Men’s Basketball, to hosting top-level women’s multi-team events involving Nevada Women’s Basketball, this partnership will further solidify Nevada Athletics as a cornerstone of the Northern Nevada community.”

Nevada Men’s Basketball Head Coach Steve Alford

"This is a huge gamechanger for our program. I greatly appreciate Alex's bold vision and incredible support. This will be a state-of-the-art facility and I cannot be more excited for the future of Wolf Pack Basketball. Wow, Go Pack!"

Nevada Women’s Basketball Head Coach Amanda Levens

“Community partners like the Grand Sierra Resort are one of the things that makes Reno such a special place. This state-of-the-art arena will be an amazing venue to host preseason multi-team events and will help us attract top programs to travel to Reno. This will help elevate Northern Nevada nationally for Women’s Basketball.”

GSR Arena FAQs

Q: When will the new arena open? 

A: The new arena at the Grand Sierra Resort property is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2026. Nevada Men’s Basketball will play the 2026-27 or the 2027-2028 season in the new arena, pending Board of Regents approval.

Q: What amenities will be available at the new arena for fans? 

A: The over 10,000-seat arena will provide fans with convenient parking options, retail and merchandise outlets for Wolf Pack fans, and will include an array of food and beverage options for fans to enjoy while they’re at the game. Fans will also be able to watch the game in style while sitting in the exclusive club or suite accommodations.

Q: What will happen to my current season tickets?

A: Current season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets in the new arena. More information will be communicated at a later date to current season ticket holders as it relates to the new arena.

Q: How can I purchase tickets in the new arena?

A: Fans wanting to purchase tickets to Nevada Men’s Basketball games in the new arena are encouraged to purchase season tickets now. To purchase season tickets, call (775) 348-7225 or visit mynevadatickets.com.

Q: What does this mean for current or future students attending games?

A: Nevada Athletics is committed to ensuring that current and future students can still attend Men’s Basketball games at the new arena. Nevada students will have the ability to utilize a free shuttle service to and from campus for Nevada Men’s Basketball games.

Q: Where will the Women’s Basketball team play?

A: The Nevada Women’s Basketball team will continue to play in Lawlor Events Center. Nevada Athletics is excited to continue to make Lawlor the dedicated home for our Women’s Basketball program. Nevada Athletics will focus on continuing to create a great atmosphere for our Women’s Basketball team and our fans to ensure Lawlor provides a true home court advantage for our team.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)