Las Vegas Nonprofit Launches $15M Campaign for Youth Sports Complex Amid Hockey Boom

Youth hockey participation in Las Vegas has skyrocketed since the arrival of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, leading to a pressing need for additional facilities. In response, a local nonprofit has initiated a $15 million fundraising campaign to construct the Las Vegas Community Sports Complex, a 130,000-square-foot facility designed to accommodate the growing demand.

 

The proposed complex will feature two NHL-sized ice rinks and a 200-by-85-foot indoor turf field, catering to sports such as soccer and lacrosse. Additional amenities include seating for over 1,500 spectators, a training facility, pro shop, concessions, and a rooftop restaurant and bar. The project is spearheaded by Jake Kielb’s Hockey Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making hockey accessible to children regardless of financial background.

 

Gina Usufzy, chairman and CEO of the foundation, emphasized the importance of the project: “With the growth of youth hockey and how much the numbers have exploded, our ice rinks are becoming overcrowded. So if I can have my nonprofit have another ice rink here, it’s just another way to be able to give them access.”

 

Since the Golden Knights' inaugural season, youth hockey registration in Nevada has increased by 268%, according to USA Hockey data. This surge has placed significant strain on existing facilities, making the development of new venues crucial. The foundation aims to raise the necessary funds within 12 to 18 months through community donations, sponsorships, and corporate partnerships.

 

The Las Vegas Community Sports Complex will not only provide much-needed ice time but also support other sports and community events, fostering a more inclusive environment for local athletes. Usufzy highlighted the project's mission: “My nonprofit is all about giving financial scholarships. So having a facility will be able to give us more financial backing into our scholarship… provide a much more higher scale of scholarships.”

 

The foundation's efforts align with broader initiatives to expand youth sports in the region. For instance, the Vegas Golden Knights have been actively involved in promoting hockey among local youth. In December 2024, they unveiled resurfaced ball hockey blacktops at 20 Title 1 Clark County School District schools as part of 'Operation Knight Courts,' aiming to introduce more young people to the sport. Additionally, the Golden Knights have hosted youth hockey clinics and supported the inaugural VGK High School Hockey League season, further contributing to the sport's growth in Southern Nevada.

 

As the Las Vegas Community Sports Complex campaign progresses, the foundation encourages community members to contribute and support the development of this vital facility. More information about the campaign, including opportunities to donate, is available at HelpVegasPlay.com.