The Diamond Arena Group is proposing a new intersection and roadway near Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, an area that has become a hub for major sports venues in Southern Nevada. The developer says the project would reduce congestion along Tropicana, though no cost estimate has been provided for either the arena or the street project. The group has indicated it would require state funding.

The proposal is being pitched by the Diamond Arena Group, which involves Las Vegas attorney Will Kemp, other local investors, and construction partner Chetak Development. The group initially packaged a proposed 21,000-plus-seat arena with the road improvements, but project spokesperson Tom Letizia said the plan has shifted.

“The real part that, I think, your viewers need to hear is that Chetak builds this road no matter where an NBA arena ends up,” Letizia said.

Letizia said state funding would help accelerate construction of what the project describes as the first new intersection on the Las Vegas Strip built in 60 years. He noted that state Senator Fabian Donate and Assemblymember Cecilia Gonzalez are backing state funding to get the project built faster. Involving the Legislature could put Nevada taxpayers on the hook for part of the cost. Letizia said there would be additional funding sources beyond Carson City, but the total cost remains unknown.

As for timing, Letizia said the goal is to have the road project completed in time for the Athletics’ stadium planned opening. “The goal is of having this working when the A’s open and, of course, that takes place in 2028,” he said. Letizia added that construction could mean about a year of work before the road opens and that the project is intended to reduce congestion near the A’s stadium as well. In a release, he said, “NDOT informally estimates the project would cut traffic at Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard by about 22 percent.”

When asked about confirming those estimates, the Nevada Department of Transportation said in part, “We don’t have any comments on private development.”

Longtime Las Vegas residents Richard Boyd and Ray Duran said they support the idea of an NBA arena but are wary of potential costs. “Yeah, I think it is a good idea,” Boyd said. “Nothing wrong with having an arena,” Duran added. Both said they like the proposal as long as costs are kept down. “As long as it makes it work, it is what it is,” Duran said. “If we can keep the costs down, I am for it,” Boyd said.

When asked whether he would support the project if it required tens or hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer money, Duran said, “I have to say no because it does not benefit me. I am not a one percenter.” Boyd said, “They should be able to keep us taxpayers from having to contribute too much. I do not think we should be totally relieved of it but not so much. Just keep it down.”

Clark County’s position on the proposal remains uncertain. A spokesperson, responding on behalf of the County regarding Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson’s stance, said, “Conversations related to the roadway concept proposed by Chetak are on pause until a determination has been made regarding the location of a potential NBA arena.” When asked again specifically about the road project, the county reiterated, “That is our official position at this time.”

The Diamond Arena proposal is one of several arena sites under consideration. Others include a Vici Properties parcel near The LINQ, a Starr Vegas proposal near Bali Hai Golf Club, a downtown Las Vegas arena near the Smith Center, and a new development near Area 15. The NBA has not indicated a frontrunner.

Potential ownership groups tied to an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas include a reported group formed by former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo and Golden Knights owner Bill Foley, former NBA owner Marc Lasry, and Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie. One of the frontrunner groups involving former Disney chief Bob Iger bought the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year.