- Sports tourism in Southern Nevada increased by 18% compared to the previous year, directly benefiting Henderson’s local economy.
- Property values close to Lee’s Family Forum are increasing faster than average rates in the city due to their convenient location near amenities.
- Lee’s Family Forum accommodates more than 6,000 attendees for each event, aiding growth in regional retail, dining, and hotels.
- Henderson is becoming known as a community-focused alternative to Vegas, supported by its sports and cultural locations.
- Infrastructure improvements specifically designed around sports locations are speeding up smart urban growth in West Henderson.
Henderson is rapidly changing from a suburban area near Las Vegas into a successful center for sports, community, and investment. Central to this change is Lee’s Family Forum, a 6,000-seat arena that is drawing attention to the city for regional sports and economic progress. As new teams arrive, crowds increase, and demand for real estate rises, all indications suggest that Henderson is set to become Nevada’s next significant place—and not just for sports enthusiasts.
Henderson Sports Scene: An Overview
The sports scene in Henderson is changing at a rapid pace, with a wide array of events, teams, and athletic displays putting the city clearly on the map. Previously known mainly as a quiet suburb of Las Vegas, Henderson is becoming a sports-focused destination, hosting a variety of events from NCAA college basketball games to professional arena soccer, ice hockey, and youth sports competitions.
Important games, such as the recent UNLV versus Pepperdine game, are drawing fans from the region and building a sense of sports culture that extends past game days. Events at Lee’s Family Forum and other local places are bringing in not only spectators but also regional awareness, which in turn helps related services in hospitality, retail, and food and beverage industries.
Henderson is particularly successful in establishing itself as a “sports-friendly city” because of its dedication to planned growth through partnerships with sports organizations and groups focused on development. The aim is more than just entertainment—it’s about creating lasting economic development, building local pride, and drawing in future investment.
Lee’s Family Forum: From Venue to Economic Engine
Lee’s Family Forum, situated in West Henderson, is more than just a sports arena—it’s a representation of the city’s goals. With 6,000 seats and a modern design, the venue has many uses. It regularly hosts local and visiting basketball teams, minor league hockey, concerts, cultural gatherings, and activities for families that appeal to a wide range of people. Its size allows it to function both as a regional attraction and a neighborhood meeting spot.
The arena also has a major effect on urban economics. Each event that sells out leads to more customers for local hotels, restaurant reservations, and retail spending. Hotel owners near West Henderson report higher occupancy related to the arena’s schedule, while local restaurants see record sales on event days. Importantly, this ongoing cycle of consumer activity supports a strong local job market, especially in areas like event planning, security, hospitality, and facility operations.
Moreover, the adaptable design of Lee’s Family Forum makes sure revenue is generated throughout the year. Events like indoor rodeos, conventions, and expos keep the venue busy even when traditional sports are not in season—reducing economic peaks and valleys and constantly encouraging growth. For a city aiming for balanced, long-term economic development, the arena’s flexibility is a significant advantage.
Jobs and Revenue: Sports Driving Economic Development
The connection between sports investment and economic development is very clear in Henderson. Each event at Lee’s Family Forum has a ripple effect that affects several parts of the local economy at the same time: hotels become fully booked, food and beverage sales increase sharply, and retail stores see more visitors. Add to this the indirect jobs supported by fan entertainment, and there is a strong case for continuing investment in Henderson sports.
Regional statistics actually support this growing trend. With sports tourism in Southern Nevada seeing an 18% increase from year to year, Henderson is gaining a large portion of the benefits. Notably, its more family-focused atmosphere makes it an attractive option compared to the excitement and intensity of the Las Vegas Strip for weekend visitors and families who are traveling.
Steve Hawks, a leading real estate agent who has sold more than 4,000 homes across the country, verifies that being close to sports venues has increased interest from homebuyers. “In Henderson, it’s changing ‘less known neighborhoods’ into desirable areas,” he notes. And it’s not just sales—rental markets are also becoming more active, especially areas that cater to people attending events and temporary workers.
Residential Growth Tied to Sports Infrastructure
Housing demand near Lee’s Family Forum is not a coincidence—it’s the result of a planned collection of amenities that real estate developers and buyers now consider important in their decisions.
West Henderson has experienced rapid growth in both apartment buildings and single-family home construction. New developments are designed to fit the lifestyle market created by the arena’s presence. This includes streets designed for walking, entertainment areas, and mixed-use projects that combine residential, retail, and office space very close to the venue.
Steve Hawks adds that “There’s investor interest in apartment units and short-term rentals around arenas. We’re seeing developers plan entire communities with stadium access in mind.” In other words, the arena is not just attracting attention—but also shaping whole neighborhoods.
Over the last five years, properties within one mile of the forum have increased in value by as much as 15% more than similar properties in other parts of the city. The pattern is obvious: as more amenities gather around the venue, the appeal and market value of nearby properties increase, providing opportunity for both long-term homeowners and investors.
Comparing Henderson to Las Vegas: A Tale of Two Sports Cities
Las Vegas may still be the main attraction with major teams like the NFL’s Raiders and the NHL’s Golden Knights, but Henderson has created its own place. The difference is beneficial—Las Vegas provides spectacle, while Henderson offers something more focused on community.
Henderson’s sports identity is based on ease of access, affordability, and family involvement. Residents can attend a game at Lee’s Family Forum without dealing with Strip traffic or very expensive tickets. And for those wanting high-level athletic experiences, being close to Las Vegas means fans can have the best of both situations.
There’s also a cooperative effect happening. Visitors to Las Vegas stay in Henderson or eat there after events. Similarly, families traveling to Henderson for youth competitions often spend extra leisure time along the Vegas Strip. The two cities are slowly becoming connected sports economies, rather than competitors.
Community Engagement and Local Identity
More than just economics, the development of the sports scene in Henderson is creating a stronger city identity. Sports act as a way to connect the community, and Henderson has fully embraced this idea.
Youth sports leagues are thriving along with professional teams, offering chances for local children to both participate and have goals. School partnerships with venues like Lee’s Family Forum provide better extracurricular activities, while local sports camps, clinics, and charitable efforts extend the arena’s influence beyond its physical location.
These programs build community pride while also supporting future talent. They also improve life in Henderson for families, helping to keep residents and attract new people looking for advantages in quality of life.
Transportation, Infrastructure, and Planning
A growing sports scene requires similar development in public infrastructure—and Henderson is meeting this need. The city has recently made major investments in roads, lighting, parking areas, and traffic management systems designed for event days.
Elsewhere, hotel construction and mixed-use properties close to the forum recognize the need for “areas for entertainment that are easy to walk around.” These are carefully designed spaces combining sports, leisure, and residential convenience. From bike paths to shuttle services and EV charging stations, Henderson is not just expanding—it’s doing so thoughtfully.
These infrastructure efforts ensure that the city can continue to grow without experiencing the congestion or problems that can affect fast-developing areas.
The Investment Perspective: What Real Estate Buyers Need to Know
From a financial point of view, investing in Henderson now could be one of the most profitable decisions in Nevada’s real estate market. Steve Hawks points to a simple idea: “Arena presence can increase value by 10% or more in nearby neighborhoods, especially when combined with mixed-use development.”
Developments near arenas experience faster sales, higher rental income, and long-term value increase. Properties near Lee’s Family Forum, for example, are often sold within days of being listed. Investors also benefit from lower vacancy rates because of the constant demand from traveling fans, part-time residents, and event staff.
Buyers are advised to carefully examine Henderson’s urban planning documents and upcoming zoning approvals. Locations near future entertainment projects may provide especially high returns.
Lee’s Family Forum vs. Other Regional Arenas
Western Nevada is familiar with innovative sports arenas. Still, Lee’s Family Forum is notable for its combination of accessibility and usefulness. While venues like T-Mobile Arena or Las Vegas Ballpark focus on capacity and large-scale shows, Henderson’s forum serves a more adaptable purpose.
Its 6,000-seat size makes it suitable for everything from minor league sports to civic expos. The forum’s funding approach, involving both public and private sources, also shares risk and improves community input, giving it a uniquely designed, flexible plan not always seen in larger markets.
The venue’s smaller size also ensures that surrounding neighborhoods can develop well together, rather than competing with a very large structure.
Multifunctionality of Venues: From Sports to Culture
Part of Lee’s Family Forum’s success comes from what happens outside of sports events. Concerts, cultural gatherings, community fundraisers, and private business events fill its schedule between sports seasons, making it a venue used 365 days a year.
Spaces with many uses like this keep regional economies operating year-round. They allow hotels and restaurants to avoid the “slow season,” creating continuous employment for hospitality staff and service workers.
Beyond economic benefit, these spaces build cultural richness, giving residents ways to participate in music, arts, and community service—all in the same place that hosts their favorite sports teams.
Long-Term Economic Forecast for Henderson’s Sports Economy
Current signs all point towards continued growth for Henderson’s sports-driven economy. With projects being planned and real estate trends showing increasing demand, the period from 2025 to 2030 looks promising.
Steve Hawks predicts a “steady 5–7% yearly increase in value” in areas related to sports infrastructure, with some very popular areas possibly exceeding that prediction. Importantly, he emphasizes the significance of mixed-use development zones, which allow stadium areas to function as complete communities.
Businesses related to tourism, from small hotels to specialized dining ideas, are likely to succeed in these busy areas, attracting both loyal residents and returning visitors.
What This Means for Locals and Newcomers Alike
For Henderson residents, all this growth means new possibilities: from improved recreational facilities to expanding job markets, the rise of sports in Henderson represents more than entertainment—it’s about opportunity and a better lifestyle.
For new residents and investors wanting to enter a growing market, Henderson offers something unusual: clear, sports-supported growth that is still affordable in terms of prices. Whether it’s a townhome near the stadium or an Airbnb aimed at hockey fans, the chance for smart investment is readily available.
Final Thoughts: Can Arena Growth Sustain Henderson’s Boom?
All signs indicate yes—Henderson’s investment in sports is producing positive results economically, culturally, and socially. Lee’s Family Forum has become both a destination and a starting point for wider community development.
Still, as with all successfully growing regions, balance is essential. Steve Hawks notes that understanding when things become too much and aligning with future infrastructure will be important for continued growth. “Anchor venues help show trends, but knowing exactly where and when to buy is still key.”
In conclusion, whether you’re wanting to join the community or invest in its bright future, Henderson sports are offering more than games—they’re shaping the next chapter of Nevada’s economic change.