Stadium board chairman finalizes deal with consultant for UNLV proposal

Chairman of the UNLV stadium board Don Snyder said he’s finalized negotiations with a Dallas-area consulting company, meaning the firm can start advising the 11-member panel next month on the need, size, cost and possible funding for an on-campus stadium.

The company is Conventions Sports & Leisure — or CSL. The contract still needs approval from the state Board of Examiners on Jan. 14. Once approved, CSL can start work for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas stadium project.

CSL has worked in the Las Vegas market before. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has paid the company more than $500,000 since 2002 on projects and the firm did arena consulting in Las Vegas in 2006.

The UNLV stadium panel, made up of Regents, casino industry representatives and public officials, is required to submit a report on the feasibility, price and funding of an on-campus venue to the state legislature by Sept. 30.

CSL will help the stadium board on issues including whether the stadium is needed; whether it should have a roof; various cost and funding options; and how many seats it should have.

Nine companies submitted bids for the job. CSL will be paid a maximum of $325,000 for the work.

CSL chief Bill Rhoda signed the deal Tuesday, then Snyder signed off on it Thursday. Snyder forwarded the deal to State Purchasing in Carson City for final processing before it goes before the Board of Examiners for final approval.

“We feel that we have complied with all of the requirements for the BOE approval and are hopeful that it will be approved at their meeting on January 14,” Snyder said.