NBA Summer League in Vegas

So you love the NBA but All Star Weekend is a bit out of the budget? I have two words for you: Summer League. The NBA just announced the 2024 dates, July 12-22. Summer League is held at Thomas & Mack Center and the Cox Pavilion at UNLV. You buy a daily ticket and get to watch any and all of the games you want.

Summer League is a showcase of the newly-drafted rookies and other young players trying to break into the league. NBA legends and current stars are on hand to support the young guys, and it’s such a fun atmosphere. The clubs on the strip have top notch entertainment to cater to the crowds. Last year the WNBA hosted its All-Star weekend during Summer League, so it was wall to wall hoops.

This past year the NBA had its first-ever NBA Con event and it was underwhelming, to say the least. I’m a huge NBA fan but it was not well executed at all. NBA, holla at me. Let’s work this thing out, because it’s a great concept and it could be huge. I fully expect NBA Con to be much improved this year, but we’ll see.

For Summer League, you’re likely going to have to Uber or Lyft, as Thomas & Mack is a bit too far to walk from the strip. Just be patient.

I always love to alternate pool days and basketball days during Summer League. Some of my favorite pools include:

• Mandalay Bay Beach - Mandalay Bay has a huge pool complex with a full beach and wave pool, several other pools, and a large lazy river.

• Stadium Swim at Circa - Not on the strip but 100% worth a visit. If you're in Vegas during a big sporting event, Stadium Swim is the best seat in the house.

• Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesar’s Palace - They have swim up blackjack tables. Need I say more?

• Flamingo Pools - Fun, vibrant spot, and Pinky’s by Vanderpump is opening this summer. Get there early to find an open chair.

• MGM Grand Pool Complex - It has several pools, from adults-only to a lazy river.

• ARIA Pools - They have three pools at the ARIA from chill and laid-back to a more fun, party vibe at Liquid Pool. Oh, and don’t miss the boozy Dole Whip.

• Park MGM Pools - Several pools with a French Riviera vibe. Super chill spot and they have an excellent cabana setup.

• Resorts World - One of the newer resorts in Vegas, Resorts World has a large pool complex with something for everyone.

Food

• Best Friend-Park MGM - A Korean-BBQ fusion spot with an innovative, delicious selection.

• Retro by Voltaggio-Mandalay Bay - Super fun menu of nostalgic items from your 1980s youth.

• Pink’s Doughnuts-Plaza - At one end of Fremont Street, indulge your sweet tooth. You’ll recognize the Plaza, as it is the casino that inspired Biff’s Pleasure Paradise in Back to the Future II.

• In-N-Out Burger - There are several outposts around town, but I love the one on the Paradise Promenade on the Strip.

• Peppermill - Old-school diner on the Strip. Bills itself “as Vegas as Vegas gets.”

• Battiste’s Hole in the Wall - Right off the Strip behind the Cromwell/Flamingo. Classic Italian spot with large portions of delicious food.

Drink

• Alibi-Aria - Speakeasy, upscale lounge in the middle of the Aria. They have private parties for several sporting events, so its hours vary.

• Parasol Bar-Wynn - Maybe my new favorite spot to have a cocktail. It’s a small, beautifully appointed bar tucked away in a quiet alcove.

• Tom’s Urban-New York, New York - Perfect outdoor bar on the Strip in front of New York, New York. The drinks are good, and the people-watching elite.

• Fat Tuesday - I know, I know. It’s a New Orleans frozen daiquiri chain bar. But having a frozen fruity drink in hand while walking the Strip in the summer heat? Absolutely delightful. One day I made it my mission to hit every Fat Tuesday on the Strip, and can confirm that my mission was accomplished.