LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nearly a year after breaking ground, Shaquille O’Neal returned last week to the future Shaquille O’Neal Youth Complex in Las Vegas to check in on construction, and he brought some major sports names with him.
O’Neal toured the site alongside UFC President and CEO Dana White, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, and leaders from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada and Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada.
The $24 million, 87,000-square-foot complex is being developed by The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the two youth organizations. Construction began Aug. 1, 2025, and project leaders say it’s on track for late 2026 completion and an early 2027 opening.
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“I’m grateful to our dynamic board, the donors, and the partners who have stepped up to make this vision a reality for the young people of Las Vegas,” O’Neal said. “This project shows what can happen when a community comes together with purpose.”
Shaq O'Neal Foundation, Shaq O'Neal, Mark Davis, Dana White, Boys and Girls Club of Southern...
Shaq O'Neal Foundation, Shaq O'Neal, Mark Davis, Dana White, Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada in East Las Vegas, April 3, 2026.(Mona Shield Payne | Cherryl Kaopua at The Warren Group)
Designed by Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto and built by CORE Construction, the facility will include a 30,000-square-foot Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada clubhouse and what organizers call the nation’s first CIS Alumni Center, supported in part by the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation.
The complex will also feature a UFC-branded mixed martial arts and boxing center, a Raiders-themed 54,000-square-foot multi-sports field, and a Lakers-themed gymnasium and basketball court funded with support from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Organizers say the clubhouse is also expected to include an Early Childhood Learning center, mental wellness rooms, and technology and innovation labs for youth in grades PK-12.
Shaq O'Neal Foundation, Shaq O'Neal, Mark Davis, Dana White, Boys and Girls Club of Southern...
Shaq O'Neal Foundation, Shaq O'Neal, Mark Davis, Dana White, Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada in East Las Vegas, April 3, 2026.(Mona Shield Payne | Cherryl Kaopua at The Warren Group)
Communities In Schools leaders say the Alumni Center is meant to keep supporting students beyond graduation.
“The Shaquille O’Neal Youth Complex represents what’s possible when we invest in students not just during their time in school, but beyond graduation,” said Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and state director of Communities In Schools of Nevada.
Partners also shared several milestones: the exterior is substantially complete, crews are moving into the interior finishing phase, and the project’s Naming Campaign has reached 74% of its $5.4 million fundraising goal. The foundation says donors can help by naming rooms and spaces inside the facility, and a timelapse video showing construction progress is available from the project team.
The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation is offering donors and the community an opportunity to leave a legacy by naming various rooms and spaces within the facility. For more information click here.
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