Grand Sierra Resort Reno Arena

Reno, Nevada

A New Entertainment District Aims to Revitalize Reno

Gensler collaborated with Meruelo Group to transform the Grand Sierra Resort into a destination where community, sports, and entertainment come together, expanding the resort into a vibrant, 24/7 entertainment district.

A large building with a parking lot and people walking around.

Largest Private Capital Investment in Reno’s History
140-Acre Property
10,000-Seat Arena
Luxury Suites
Fan Zone
Community Ice Rink
800-Key Hotel Tower (Future Phase)

A building with a pool in front of it and a sunset in the background.

As people seek out more shared, in-person experiences, sports and entertainment districts are growing exponentially, and these developments are playing a key role in reviving underutilized areas and restoring community vibrancy in urban cores. In order to thrive, these venues must create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for visitors year-round, crafting experiences that invite communities to gather and connect, feel joy, and make memorable, lasting connections.

The Grand Sierra Resort Arena and Casino & Meruelo Group sought a comprehensive master plan that would transform an underutilized 140-acre property into a premiere sports and entertainment destination. Gensler collaborated with Meruelo Group, Grand Sierra Resort, and the University of Nevada to design a 10,000-seat arena, set to become a premier destination for concerts, Nevada Men’s basketball games, and other Northern Nevada sports events. The state-of-the-art facility will feature modern amenity spaces, including luxury suites, hospitality clubs, and an immersive fan experience zone.

The Grand Sierra Resort Arena and Casino expansion will be the largest private capital investment in the city’s history, with a phased project timeline over the next decade. The owner’s substantial infrastructure investments signal Reno’s revitalization, injecting new life into the city. By activating previously unused areas of the resort campus and integrating these spaces into the existing casino complex, the resort will provide a vibrant, 24/7 entertainment lifestyle district, driving economic growth and setting the stage for future developments.

A group of people walking in a large building.

“

We are making tremendous progress on the design of the arena and amenities and continue to work closely with Gensler and the University of Nevada on all aspects of the arena.

—Shannon Keel, General Manager of Grand Sierra Resort

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Cincinnati Open

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A city with a large park and a large body of water.

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Phoenix Mercury training facility basketball court

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Research

Voice of the Fan

As part of Gensler’s research exploring what drives a world-class sports experience, we’re listening to conversations in and the around the venues and host cities of FIFA World Cup 26™. We’re sifting through millions of posts from social platforms to identify the elements that people love the most.

Blog

You Had to Be There: What the World Cup Taught Us About How Fandom Shapes Cities

Gensler’s fan urbanism research reveals what six months of World Cup data tells us about design, belonging, and the future of sports districts.

A group of people holding up their hands.

Press Release

Gensler’s Latest Research With ROAR and Oxford Economics Finds Public Space Around Stadiums Is Where Crowds Become Communities

A three-part study of the 2026 FIFA World Cup finds fans used collective language 70% more often when posting from the plazas and streets outside stadiums, underscoring the opportunity design has to foster collective effervescence.