LV Lights remain homeless following closure of Cashman Field

Las Vegas Lights FC is still looking for a venue ahead of the United Soccer League season starting in March after Cashman Field closed last month following the team's final game there in October. The decades-old downtown stadium is set to be demolished for a housing project by Lennar. The team, owned by former MLB star Jose Bautista, has been seeking a new home for several years.

Lights spokesman Gabriel Palacio said the club is in advanced discussions but declined to identify a specific site. "Our owner and chairman, José Bautista, is fully committed to continuing to build the best professional soccer team for Las Vegas, in Las Vegas," Palacio said in an email. "We're tremendously excited about the future of the sport in our city."

Earlier this year, the team held talks with the Three Affiliated Tribes about a temporary home on land near the under-construction Athletics ballpark at Las Vegas Boulevard and Mandalay Bay Road. Clark County spokeswoman Jennifer Cooper said the county has not heard more from the tribes in recent months. A request for comment from the tribes was not returned.

Cooper said there have been no discussions about using Sam Boyd Stadium, which the county purchased from UNLV last year. The Lights also approached UNLV about two years ago regarding Peter Johann Memorial Field, but university officials declined, concerned the field could not handle the additional wear on top of the school's soccer schedules.

City of Las Vegas spokesman Jace Radke said the city is assisting the team through the transition but declined specifics. "Las Vegas Lights FC has been a great partner with the city of Las Vegas and has developed a strong fan base," Radke said. "The city has been working with the Lights throughout this transition process and looks to continue partnering with the organization when it announces a new home." The only other logical venue may be Las Vegas Ballpark in Downtown Summerlin, which would require sharing with the Aviators, but inquiries to owner Seaport Entertainment Group were unsuccessful.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal