A Thursday Afternoon Double Feature Of Las Vegas Baseball Experiences

Last week, I traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada for a week long work trip (ArcBest). On my radar, pre-trip to the west coast, was Bryce Harper’s High School Field (Las Vegas High School), Kris Bryant’s High School Field (Bonanza High School), UNLV’s Earl Wilson Stadium, and the Las Vegas Aviator’s ballpark known simply as Las Vegas Ballpark, just to name a few. I will tell you honestly that the following spots were not on my radar and I am so blessed to have taken part in these experiences, first hand. First, the Hoover Dam:

And then the Valley of Fire State Park:

Trust me, I am still trying to process all the amazing views and vibes from both the Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire treks. Walking through these National Parks was memorable and an experience on a whole different level than walking around a baseball stadium. For what it’s worth, these Nevada National Park visits are highly recommended, so bring a ton of water, and get ready to be absolutely blown away with the views!!!

Ok, back to baseball and my stops in the Las Vegas Baseball Experience. First stop, Thursday afternoon following the completion of my work campaign was Las Vegas Ballpark, home of the Las Vegas Aviators. The Aviators are the AAA Affiliate of the Athletics (no city affiliation in 2026). When I arrived at Las Vegas Ballpark, it was nearly 4pm CST, so I hustled up to and around the front of the stadium and found the Aviators Pro Shop. Why you ask? To potentially, maybe gain access to the field for a few photos of the stadium. The Pro Shop was open, but unfortunately my request was denied. No worries. I got one shot of the field from the doorway leading out to the Ballpark concourse, that was about it for the inside of the ballpark.

Outside the pro store, I walked across the parking lot and grabbed a few photos with the Las Vegas Ballpark sign and some palm trees. After taking one or two more on the way back to the rental car, I was satisfied that this was the best I could manage on this afternoon.

One of the team members I worked with on the Las Vegas training week had a Thursday night flight. So my other team member and I brought him to Harry Reid Airport, down the road from the famous Las Vegas strip of casinos, The Sphere, the fun and mayhem of LV, and got him to his terminal in plenty of time for his flight departing. With a few more hours of sunlight available, my co-worker and I took the short drive from the airport, passed the famous Thomas and Mack Center, and onto the campus of UNLV, the University of Las Vegas – Nevada. We found parking across from their baseball stadium, Earl Wilson Stadium, and I hopped out to take a few photos.

The University of Las Vegas – Nevada Rebels play in the Mountain West Division of the NCAA’s Division 1. Their famous basketball team is nicknamed the “Runnin’ Rebels” but the baseball team is simply the Rebels. The UNLV Rebels were idle Thursday afternoon and the baseball stadium was locked at every gate. No worries, I got some great photos at the front gate and along the first base side of the stadium.

This was pretty impressive to read. Take a look at this banner featuring UNLV All-American Baseball players. A few names that really stand out – Matt Williams, Bryson Stott, Donovan Osborne, and Xavier Scruggs.

I mentioned the short trip from Harry Reid Airport to UNLV. I photographed this plane on its way to the airport passing over Earl Wilson Stadium just as I was packing up to leave the baseball area.

My Las Vegas baseball experiences absolutely paled in comparison to my National Park experiences. With the guidance of one my fellow Las Vegas campaign co-workers, I was able to walk across the Hoover Dam, then walk across the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, and literally walk from Arizona to Nevada back to Arizona, then drive back to Nevada. I was able to hike parts of the Valley of Fire State Park and take in some breathtaking rock formations. As far as my LV baseball experiences, I sort of struck out with any views and photos inside of the two stadiums I visited. However, I was able to visit the exteriors of two very impressive stadiums. First, Las Vegas Ballpark, home of the Las Vegas Aviators. Then, Earl Wilson Stadium, home of the UNLV Rebels Baseball team. Two more impressive baseball stadiums to check off my list of national baseball treasures to visit. Overall, it was an incredible week of Las Vegas experiences, featuring National Parks, Minor League Baseball and NCAA D1 Baseball parks in historic and beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada.