Pac-12 football title game could be headed to Las Vegas

The Pac-12 Conference opted out of the 2020 option at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, possibly paving the way to move its football championship game to Las Vegas.

Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott released a statement that touted the championship game and its relationship with Levi’s Stadium, but also with a nod to wherever future games are played.

”As we look to the future of the Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium in 2019 and to 2020 and beyond, we are excited about the opportunities to build on the success to date and to continue to take the Pac-12 Football Championship Game to new heights,” he said. “In doing so, we will explore all opportunities, included Levi’s Stadium, and set a course that our membership believes is best for the future of the Pac-12.”

If the conference moves its title game to Las Vegas in 2020, it would be played at the new Raiders’ stadium, which is scheduled to open next year.

The Pac-12 already has a strong presence in Las Vegas, with its men’s basketball tournament having taken place here since 2013, beginning at the MGM Grand Garden. The success of the tournament at the site prompted its move across Las Vegas Boulevard to T-Mobile Arena four years later.

The Pac-12 women’s basketball tournament will be at the Grand Garden this year and Mandalay Bay Events Center in 2020. It was in Seattle the past six years.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.