October Guide to Live Sports in Las Vegas: Football, Hockey, NASCAR, UFC and More

^{Golden Knights fans are ready for the return of hockey this month, which is just one highlight of Las Vegas’ jam-packed October sports calendar. (Photo: Peter McCabe / AP)}

After a relatively slow summer, live sports in Las Vegas will heat up in October. Like with the city's entertainment offerings, there’s something for everyone. 

The lineup includes major league games, combat sports, and unique special events — a combination unmatched anywhere else in the country. Football fans in particular will find plenty of entertainment this month, with both NFL and college football taking the stage at Allegiant Stadium, including a special college football showcase later in the month.

Vegas Golden Knight Season Begins 

T-Mobile Arena turns back into "The Fortress" in October as the Golden Knights close out their exhibition hockey games leading into the NHL’s regular season. 

The Vegas Golden Knights wrap up their preseason play with a couple of games against regional rivals before their quest for the Stanley Cup begins later this month at T-Mobile Arena.

Preseason Games

• Oct. 1 vs. Colorado Avalanche
• Oct. 3 vs. San Jose Sharks

Regular Season Games

• Oct. 8 vs. Los Angeles Kings
• Oct. 16 vs. Boston Bruins
• Oct. 18 vs. Calgary Flames
• Oct. 20 vs. Carolina Hurricanes
• Oct. 31 vs. Colorado Avalanche

Football Season is in Full Swing

The NFL and college football seasons are in full swing, and the local teams each have only one game in Las Vegas. Coincidentally, both take place the same weekend at Allegiant Stadium. The UNLV Rebels will face off against Air Force on Oct. 11, followed by the Las Vegas Raiders going head-to-head with the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 12.

Fans visiting for Raiders games should keep an eye on the nearby Luxor and Mandalay Bay on social media, as they often announce special appearances from former players along with food and drink specials a few days before games.

Later in the month, Allegiant will host the HBCU Classic on Oct. 25. The game pits two historically Black colleges and universities from outside the city in a neutral-field matchup.

Tickets to college football games are much cheaper than pro games or concerts, making them a budget-friendly way to experience Allegiant. Tickets are also cheaper than a guided tour offered by the venue and a nice extra perk - you can watch a football game while you're at it.

NASCAR Returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway

 NASCAR is about to crown a champion for the 2025 season, but first the racing organization will hold its second race weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Only two more Cup Series races remain after the South Point 400. 

• Oct. 11: NASCAR Xfinity Series: Focus Health 302
• Oct. 12:  NASCAR Cup Series: South Point 400

The races draw huge crowds even though the track is about 30 minutes from the heart of the Strip. These are family-friendly events with affordable and even free tickets for kids. Kids under 12 get in free to Saturday’s race with a ticketed adult, and tickets for Sunday’s race start at just $10 for children.

Even More Live Sports in October

Football and hockey may dominate the sporting world in Vegas, but there are some other sports worth checking out this October. 

Combat sports return to the T-Mobile Arena on Oct. 4, with UFC 320 featuring a rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. Each year, Las Vegas hosts one NBA preseason game. This year, the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Dallas Mavericks at T-Mobile Arena on Oct. 15. 

While many see Sin City as a vacation destination of glitz, glamour and debauchery, it’s still a Western town at heart. We’re entering rodeo season, and plenty of cowboys and cowgirls will descend to the Strip to watch the PBR Team Series Championship at the end of this month.  From October 24-26, ten professional bull riding teams will compete over two nights for the league title at T-Mobile Arena.

Once October winds down, Formula 1 will return to Las Vegas for another year in November. The event brings in big spenders and an international down, but locals know the headaches it brings to commuting around the Strip. Signs of the street circuit setup are already visible around the Sphere, Wynn, and the Palazzo. Despite the challenges it presents, it will be one of the biggest sports spectacles of the year as we look to the conclusion of 2025.