LAS VEGAS — The developers behind the proposed Diamond Arena are moving ahead with a plan to construct a new intersection and roadway at the busy Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard corridor, regardless of whether their 21,000‑plus‑seat arena wins the NBA’s site selection.
Project details and funding hopes
The proposal, presented by Las Vegas attorney Will Kemp and investors partnered with Chetak Development, pairs the arena concept with a major road improvement that would create the first new intersection on the Strip in six decades. Project spokesperson Tom Letizia said the road could cut traffic on Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard by roughly 22 percent, according to an informal estimate from the Nevada Department of Transportation.
While the group has not disclosed a cost estimate for either the arena or the roadway, Letizia indicated that state funding would help accelerate construction. He noted that Nevada Senator Fabian Donate and Assemblymember Cecilia Gonzalez have expressed backing for state assistance to speed the project.
Local reaction and taxpayer concerns
Longtime residents Richard Boyd and Ray Duran voiced cautious support. Both said they like the idea of an arena and a new road, provided costs stay low. Duran warned he would oppose the project if it required “tens or hundreds of millions of dollars” from taxpayers, emphasizing that he is not a “one‑per‑center.” Boyd echoed the sentiment, urging that any taxpayer contribution be kept modest.
Clark County officials remain neutral. A county spokesperson confirmed that discussions about the roadway are on hold until the NBA arena location is finalized, and reiterated that no official county position has been taken on the road project itself.
Timeline and broader context
Letizia said the goal is to have the road operational in time for the planned opening of the Athletics’ stadium in 2028, estimating about a year of construction once work begins. The Diamond Arena proposal is one of several potential sites under review, including parcels near The LINQ, Bali Hai Golf Club, the Smith Center downtown, and an area near Area 15. No NBA frontrunner has been announced, and ownership groups under consideration range from former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo and Golden Knights owner Bill Foley to Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie.
Should the road move forward, it would represent a significant infrastructure investment aimed at easing congestion for both locals and future visitors to the Strip, while also signaling confidence in Nevada’s ability to support major sports and entertainment projects.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
