News Summary
The Shaquille O’Neal Youth Complex has begun development in Las Vegas with a goal to provide resources for underserved youth. Featuring a large clubhouse and various amenities for academic and recreational growth, the facility is set to serve thousands of local students. The project has received funding support from community organizations and aims to foster education and personal development for youths in grades PK-12.
Las Vegas – Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA Hall of Famer, has marked a significant milestone in educational development with the groundbreaking of the Shaquille O’Neal Youth Complex on June 27, 2025. The new facility, set to cost an estimated $24 million, aims to provide vital resources and opportunities for underserved youth in Las Vegas.
The event included a press conference and a ceremonial shovel event attended by local leaders and dignitaries, who highlighted the importance of this project in fostering youth development in the community. The complex is designed to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada and Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada, both of which have been integral in supporting local youth initiatives.
The youth complex will feature a spacious 30,000 square-foot clubhouse that will house a variety of amenities designed for academic, social, emotional, recreational, and technological development. Key amenities will include an Early Childhood Learning Center, a gymnasium, dedicated mental wellness rooms, and state-of-the-art technology and innovation labs. Additionally, the complex will introduce the first-ever CIS Alumni Center, generously supported by the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation, catering specifically to former students of the Communities In Schools program.
Community Support and Funding
The successful funding of the complex has been bolstered by generous donations from local sports organizations. One of the standout features will be a 54,000 square-foot multi-sports field, sponsored by the Las Vegas Raiders, alongside a UFC-themed mixed-martial arts and boxing center. This collaborative effort underscores the community’s commitment to enhancing the well-being and opportunities for local youth.
This facility is targeted toward youths in grades PK-12, aiming to bolster their education and life skills. The comprehensive array of resources is designed to support academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development. Each year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada serve over 7,000 youth, while Communities In Schools of Nevada provides essential access to resources for over 100,000 students.
Previous Approvals and Future Prospects
The development of the Shaquille O’Neal Youth Complex follows the approval from Clark County commissioners, who previously agreed to donate a five-acre plot of land to The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation for this effort. The anticipated date for the completion of the complex is late 2026.
The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation is also offering donors the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by naming various rooms and spaces within the facility. The foundation actively works on creating pathways for underserved youth, supporting initiatives that include community holiday events and partnerships with both Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities In Schools.
Impact on Graduating Seniors
In recent years, the impact of Communities In Schools has been evidenced by a reported 97 percent graduation rate among case-managed high school seniors in Nevada during the 2023-2024 school year. This statistic speaks volumes about the organization’s efficacy in providing the necessary support for students to overcome obstacles in their educational journeys.
A Vision for the Future
Local community leaders have emphasized the significance of the Shaquille O’Neal Youth Complex, viewing it as a bold and necessary investment in future opportunities for children in the area. With a collaborative effort and a commitment to education, the complex is expected to serve as a transformative hub for youth in Las Vegas, paving the way for their success.
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HERE Resources
Shaquille O’Neal Youth Complex Breaks Ground in Las Vegas
Additional Resources
- Nevada Business: Shaquille O’Neal Youth Complex Groundbreaking
- Review Journal: Shaquille O’Neal Breaks Ground
- News 3 LV: Shaquille O’Neal Foundation Donation
- 8 News Now: Shaquille O’Neal Breaks Ground on Youth Sports Complex
- Wikipedia: Shaquille O’Neal
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
