REPORT: Big Ten Exploring Options For Championship Game In Vegas

The annual Big Ten Championship game has been played in Indianapolis since its inception in 2011, but significant changes to the conference has the Big Ten exploring other options.

Since 2011, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis has been home to the Big Ten Championship game - and it appears as though that could change in the near future. Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the Big Ten conference was in early discussions with Las Vegas officials about hosting the championship game at Allegiant Stadium. 

Big Ten and Las Vegas officials are in discussions about hosting the power conference’s championship football game at Allegiant Stadium. https://t.co/DCB448LK3m

— Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) August 12, 2023

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Steve Hill confirmed the discussions to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

“The Big 10 has asked us to submit proposals,” Hill said. “I’m sure they have asked a number of cities. We are certainly interested, will put our best foot forward and know there is no better place for their football championship.”

There are multiple factors at play for why the Big Ten is currently exploring other options for the annual conference championship game. The leading factor is that the conference is set to expand from 14 to 18 teams in 2024, with the addition of former Pac-12 programs USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington. A west coast presence means that the conference will need to find ways to accommodate the newcomers in 2024 and beyond, and one way to do that is by making it easier for those folks to attend the championship game. In addition to conference realignment, the Big Ten's current contract with Lucas Oil Stadium is set to expire following the 2024 season. 

Allegiant Stadium opened in 2020 and is the current home for the Las Vegas Raiders. The stadium has hosted the Pac-12 championship game for the last two seasons and has a capacity of over 70,000 fans.