The Grand Sierra Resort Arena project is a planned sports and entertainment venue in Reno, Nevada, intended to host basketball games, concerts, community events, and ice-related activities. The arena forms part of a broader long-term development programme at Grand Sierra Resort.
Groundbreaking for the arena took place on September 30, 2025, marking the official start of construction. The venue is planned to serve as the future home court for Nevada men’s basketball while also accommodating a range of entertainment and community events.
Martin-Harris Construction was selected as the project’s general contractor. According to project information, the arena represents the first phase of a multi-billion-dollar development programme that also includes plans for a hotel tower, workforce housing, an ice rink, and a fan zone.
Site preparation activities began earlier in the year following approval of tax-increment financing by local authorities. Initial works included utility installations, sewer infrastructure, and site grading. Subsequent phases are expected to include construction of the arena structure and an adjacent eight-story parking garage.
As of 2026, the project is still undergoing a massive $1 billion redevelopment project. The ambitious, decade-long expansion centers around a new 10,000-seat arena, additional family and entertainment amenities, and a massive new 800-room hotel tower.
Other Projects
Another major hospitality development project that is taking shape is the proposed Omni hotel development in New Orleans. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno praised City Council for its unanimous approval of the Omni Hotel project. She noted the investment will “strengthen [the city’s] economy, create jobs and help drive continued growth in New Orleans.” However, locals were having none of it as a crowd packed the New Orleans City Council chambers. Many residents and hospitality workers are protesting against the hotel development near the convention center. Omni Hotels and Resorts wants to build a 1,000-room hotel across from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The $600-million project will include the demolition of the Sugar Mill site to make way for a 27-story hotel. The proposal is causing multiple lines of division in New Orleans.
The Arena
The $435 million project is designed as a 10,000-seat, cutting-edge arena. The project will be finished in no more than 20 months, with an estimated completion in late summer 2027. The University of Nevada men’s basketball team is set to play its first home games at the new arena that fall.
The arena is the signature piece in a broader $1 billion redevelopment plan revealed in late 2023 for the 140-acre resort campus. The master plan calls for a fan-zone plaza, a 45,000-square-foot community ice rink, additional retail and dining, a lakeside golf driving range and water show, an 800-room hotel tower addition, and about 300 affordable riverfront apartments.
Sports and entertainment venues across the U.S. are entering a new era of billion-dollar transformations. The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno is launching a sweeping, multi-phase redevelopment that will add a new arena, fan plaza, and other features to reimagine its entire campus as a premier entertainment destination. Meanwhile, in New York, the USTA is deep into its own $800 million overhaul of the US Open grounds, with the next phase now set to begin following the 2025 tournament.
Grand Sierra Resort Master Plan: Project Timeline & Milestones
September 2023 – The Grand Sierra Resort unveils a $1 billion master plan, highlighted by the creation of a new multi-purpose arena.
July 2024 – New plans are announced, including a new arena site, freestanding ice facility, parking garage, and fan plaza.
August 2024 – A formal application for Phase 1 of the project, including the arena and support facilities, is submitted to the city.
April 2025 – The Reno Planning Commission votes unanimously to approve the project, clearing the way for construction.
May 2025 – The City Council OKs a tax-increment financing deal to help with development costs. The milestone also comes with agreements to provide community benefits such as youth sports funding and land donations.
June 2025 – Preliminary site work begins, with grading and utility installations. Existing recreational areas are cleared to make way for construction.
July 2025 – Permits are filed for the arena and its supporting facilities. Later in the month, Martin-Harris Construction is revealed as the general contractor for phase one.
September 30, 2025 – A groundbreaking event was held for the GSR Arena, with site work already in progress.
Anticipated Completion: Summer 2027 – The arena is set to be constructed on a 20-month construction schedule, opening in time for the fall sports season that year.
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Financing Reno’s Future
Earlier this year, the Reno Redevelopment Agency voted 5-2 to approve a tax-increment financing (TIF) agreement for the arena’s first phase. TIF financing allows future increases in tax revenues to be funneled back to the developer, a model Nevada permits in designated redevelopment areas battling blight. Under this agreement, Grand Sierra Resort will receive reimbursement of 90% of its property tax over the life of the TIF. The remaining 10% retained by the redevelopment agency. As part of the deal, GSR owner Alex Meruelo agreed to hand over the lease for Fire Station 21 to the city. Additionally, it pledged an extra 5% of tax reimbursements to support youth sports facilities. Altogether, the resort expects to be reimbursed approximately $61.3 million, while the agency retains about $6.8 million until the agreement ends in 2035.
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A Long-Term Economic Boost
Once the TIF sunsets, the property tax revenue will be distributed among several stakeholders. Reno will receive 26%, Washoe County 38%, and the county’s schools 31%, with smaller shares allocated to Nevada. The Truckee Meadows Underground Water agency. Over the next 30 years, the arena is forecasted to generate $294M in property tax and more than $146M in sales tax. If all goes as planned, this ambitious project won’t just bring world-class entertainment to Reno, it will also deliver a lasting economic boost to the community.
Project Overview of the Grand Sierra Resort
Location: Reno, Nevada, at the Grand Sierra Resort site.
Total Estimated Cost: $1 billion.
Permit Filing Date: June 30.
Initial Phase Cost: $189 million.
Design Team: Gensler (Architect and design lead), Meruelo Group
Overall Phase One Estimate: $786 million.
GSR Arena Cost: $435 million
GSR Arena Capacity: 10,000-seat indoor arena.
Amenities: Community ice rink, food and beverage booths, 2,400-space parking garage, aqua golf driving range.
Financing Model: Tax-increment financing (TIF).
TIF Approval: Passed by the Reno Redevelopment Agency in May, with a 5-2 vote.
Tax Reimbursement: 90% of property taxes refunded to GSR through 2035; 10% retained by the agency.
Estimated Reimbursements: $61.3 million to GSR; $6.8 million retained by the agency.
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