The heartbeat of our community lies in providing valuable and reliable transportation. The dedication and expertise of the FAST team at the RTC does a lot to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve the fan experience for millions of people attending special events.

Las Vegas is renowned for hosting large-scale events, averaging around 300 major events annually, including NFL and NHL games, NASCAR races, UFC events, celebrity residencies, and major festivals, altogether attracting over 40 million+ visitors each year. Additionally, Las Vegas hosts over 20,000 conventions, including 60 of the world's largest.

With the iconic Las Vegas Strip, large venues and arenas, an international airport, major interstate access, and an advanced traffic management center, Las Vegas is well-equipped for high-profile events. We have has earned the title of “Sports Capital of the World,” a transformation that began in 2017 when the Vegas Golden Knights made a historic Stanley Cup run in its first year. Since then, the city has welcomed two-time WNBA Champions, the Las Vegas Aces; USFL's Las Vegas Lights; MiLB's Las Vegas Aviators; AHL's Henderson Silver Knights; and NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, with potential NBA and MLB teams on the horizon.

The influx of professional sports has added complexity to event management, requiring a coordinated response from both private business and government agencies. FAST works with local venues, event promoters, sports teams, private traffic control companies, and law enforcement to prepare for the regional impact of major events.

Here’s a peek into the role each team within the FAST department plays in special event coordination and management:

The Maintenance Team works tirelessly to keep the transportation network in top condition, collaborating closely with local jurisdictions to upgrade and expand infrastructure.

The Signal Team coordinates with local agencies, permitting departments, major venues, and law enforcement to create and implement traffic signal timing plans. These plans are essential for managing visitors and the workforce to keep traffic flowing, all while balancing ongoing roadway construction projects.

The Traffic Management Center manages detailed planning that includes traffic control plans and potential impacts. High-traffic events trigger the development of a “Run of Show” document, outlining responsibilities and details for road closures, message signs, parking lot and venue opening times, and what happens when the event is over. They monitor traffic conditions and use electronic freeway signs, social media, and third-party apps like Waze to inform the public about traffic conditions in real time.

Personal experience from the Signal Team: “As a traffic systems technician at FAST, I’ve seen our role in special events change significantly. The progression of our partnerships has been extraordinary. We are welcomed and majorly involved in the planning stages of major events. This is a testament to the hard work of our technicians and our Fiber, Communications, IT and Operations teams.”