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Dec 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Shaquille O’Neal arrives on the red carpet before the Emirates NBA Cup semifinal game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Imago
Dec 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Shaquille O’Neal arrives on the red carpet before the Emirates NBA Cup semifinal game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Shaquille O’Neal has big plans for Las Vegas. But why did he choose Sin City? He has had a deeper connection with the place where he has been a part of for nearly 3 decades. The first Big Chicken was launched in Las Vegas. And his wishes aren’t just limited to business. It’s also his wish to open a youth facility for the community kids. But, along with the delay in his one business plan, the project work awaits approval.
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The O’Neal Foundation is under the works with the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada for this new project. The planned 31,123-square-foot facility, which is to be named the Shaquille O’Neal Youth Development Complex, is located between Lamb and Lake Mead boulevards.
However, the Clark County commissioners have yet to approve it. The final decision will be made on February 19. As per reports, $24 million is required to build the space. And this will also be for the alumni center for student-support group Communities In Schools of Nevada as per project manager Chase Wheeler.
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And the facility situated in east Las Vegas will be close to three public elementary schools. Ruben P. Diaz Elementary School, Lomie G. Heard Elementary School, and Manuel Cortez Elementary School.
It’s a big decision for the county. Just a few months back, the county approved the decision to donate nearly 4.81 acres of vacant land situated at the northeast corner of Lamb Boulevard and Kell Lane in Las Vegas to O’Neal’s foundation.
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Jun 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Shaquille O’Neal looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
As per the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the construction will likely begin in March-April. Apart from his other endeavors, O’Neal is also eyeing an NBA team in Las Vegas.
Shaquille O’Neal dreams NBA team for Las Vegas
O’Neal has long dreamt of owning an NBA team. With rumors of Las Vegas getting an NBA expansion team, it wasn’t surprising to see O’Neal show his interest. He has been a part of the community for a long time.
Speaking to The Messenger at a Las Vegas-based charity event, the 4x NBA champion made his thoughts clear. “I would like to have my own group,” O’Neal said.
He added, “I know Vegas hasn’t been awarded an NBA team yet, but if they ever get to a point where they are awarded a team, I would like to be a part of that. I don’t want to partner up with nobody. I want it all for myself.”
After his retirement, he became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings in 2013. However, that was until 2022. While the Los Angeles Lakers legend will have to wait a little longer his NBA team dream, the county’s results will soon be revealed.
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Edited by
Jacob Gijy