UNLV could be building the next great American stadium

We've all seen the architectural marvels that have popped up in recent years (Cowboys Stadium, MetLife Stadium) and those still in the works (Farmers Field in Los Angeles, the 49ers' new stadium in Santa Clara). Now UNLV could be getting in the state-of-the-art stadium arms race.

The stadium, which was presented by UNLV and Majestic Realty to the Nevada System of Higher Education's Board of Regents on Friday, would seat 60,000 spectators with a 100-yard video screen (yes, 100 yards) with two clubs, six VIP suites that would hold up to 300 people and 50 traditional suites. An estimated price tag checks in the neighborhood of $800 million.

Artistic renderings show events like UFC, the Final Four and MLS Cup being played at what's being dubbed UNLV Now.

"This project is a game changer for UNLV and Las Vegas," Don Snyder, UNLV Now's project lead, told the Las Vegas Sun. "It's an important and significant project for the state as well. It's the next big thing."

"We will secure a lot more events if we have this stadium," Pat Christenson, the president of Las Vegas Events, also told the Sun . "Because this venue itself will become an attraction, it's going to help sell more tickets. With the event, the Las Vegas (Strip) and the venue, it's going to be a highly powerful marketing combination."

Of course, there's a long, long journey between an artist's renderings and actually putting a shovel in the ground. But, if UNLV Now becomes a reality, the Rebels could be next of a long line of jackpot winners in Las Vegas.