Nov 8, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Few venues capture the excitement of Las Vegas like the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Located inside the legendary MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, this world-famous indoor arena has hosted everything from championship boxing matches and UFC fights to sold-out concerts, award shows and special events. Whether you’re catching a superstar performer or a title bout, MGM Grand Garden Arena is one of the most iconic event destinations on the Strip.
About MGM Grand Garden Arena
Location: 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Opened: December 1993
Capacity: Up to 17,000 (varies by event)
Primary Uses: Boxing, MMA, concerts, award shows and special events
Part of the sprawling MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, the arena sits at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Its central location, luxurious amenities and unmatched atmosphere make it a cornerstone for live entertainment in Sin City.
A Look Back at MGM Grand Garden Arena’s History
When it opened in 1993, MGM Grand Garden Arena immediately became synonymous with world-class boxing. Some of the sport’s most famous fights have taken place here, including:
Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield II (1997): Known for the infamous “bite fight.”
Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao bouts: Each cemented the arena’s reputation as boxing’s biggest stage.
UFC Debut in 2001: The arena became a key venue for mixed martial arts’ rise in popularity.
Beyond combat sports, the venue has hosted:
Concerts: Everyone from The Rolling Stones and Madonna to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
Award Shows: Billboard Music Awards, Latin Grammy Awards and more.
Special Events: NHL hockey, NBA games and family shows.
Over the years, MGM Grand Garden Arena has transformed into a versatile venue capable of staging nearly any type of entertainment.
Getting to MGM Grand Garden Arena
By Car: Parking is available at MGM Grand, though event-day traffic can be busy. Self-parking and valet options are offered. Guests are encouraged to allow extra time for Strip congestion.
Public Transit: The Las Vegas Monorail stops directly at MGM Grand, providing a convenient option for those staying elsewhere along the Strip.
Walking: The arena is located inside MGM Grand, making it easily accessible from the hotel’s casino floor, restaurants and entertainment areas.
Rideshare: Designated Uber and Lyft drop-off zones are located near the hotel entrances.
Seating at MGM Grand Garden Arena
The arena’s flexible design allows for different seating configurations depending on the event:
Concerts: Stage setups range from end-stage to in-the-round. Floor seating brings fans closest to the performers, while lower bowl seats balance proximity and views.
Boxing & MMA: Ringside seating provides the most exclusive experience, while tiered lower-level sections ensure sharp sightlines. Upper-level seats are more affordable but still provide strong views.
Special Events: Award shows and conventions use custom layouts, with VIP seating and premium hospitality options.
With a capacity just under 17,000, MGM Grand Garden Arena feels intimate compared to larger stadiums, amplifying the energy at every event.
Food & drink at MGM Grand Garden Arena
The arena offers both traditional arena snacks and elevated dining reflective of Las Vegas’ food culture:
Classic Concessions: Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and popcorn.
Beverages: Full-service bars with beer, wine and cocktails.
Casino Dining Nearby: MGM Grand’s restaurants—including Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, Morimoto, and Joel Robuchon—are just steps away, making pre- or post-event dining an event in itself.
Atmosphere at MGM Grand Garden Arena
The energy at MGM Grand Garden Arena is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Boxing & MMA: The crowd buzz is electric, with celebrities often spotted ringside. The atmosphere builds with every round, creating legendary moments that resonate globally.
Concerts: World-famous artists love playing Vegas, and the arena’s acoustics make for powerful, immersive performances.
Award Shows: The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas are on full display, with red carpets, celebrity appearances and high production value.
Whether you’re there for a fight night or a sold-out concert, the atmosphere inside the arena is always larger than life.
Arena policies
Bag Policy: Small bags only; oversized bags and backpacks are prohibited.
Mobile Tickets: Most events use mobile entry. Download your tickets before arriving.
Cashless Venue: Concessions and merchandise stands primarily accept card or mobile payments.
Prohibited Items: Outside food/drinks, professional cameras, large signs and noisemakers.
Re-Entry: Not permitted once you leave the arena.
Nearby attractions
Being inside MGM Grand gives visitors access to endless options:
Restaurants & Bars: From fine dining to casual bites, everything is steps away.
Casino Floor: One of the largest casinos in Las Vegas, offering slots, table games and poker.
Nightlife: Hakkasan Nightclub and other lounges inside MGM Grand are iconic Vegas party spots.
Shows: In-house entertainment like KÀ by Cirque du Soleil.
The Strip: The arena’s central location makes it easy to explore nearby attractions like the Bellagio fountains, New York-New York and The Cosmopolitan.
Why MGM Grand Garden Arena stands out
MGM Grand Garden Arena isn’t just another venue—it’s a piece of Las Vegas history. Known globally for hosting some of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, it blends the city’s signature flair with an intimate, high-energy atmosphere. From legendary boxing nights to world-class concerts, the arena delivers unforgettable experiences you can only find in Vegas.
Plan your visit with SeatGeek
Whether you’re watching a championship fight, a chart-topping musician, or an awards show, MGM Grand Garden Arena is a must-visit stop on the Las Vegas Strip. Use SeatGeek to explore tickets, compare seating options and plan your perfect night at one of the most iconic venues in the world.
📁 Categories: Concerts, Sports, UFC
🏷️ Tags: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas