Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Fireworks return home to Boyd Stadium

Las Vegas firefighters, who feared that dwindling revenues would douse plans for their annual fireworks show, will be lighting up the skies this year after all.

Last year's Fourth of July fireworks show was moved from Sam Boyd Stadium to Freedom Park at Bonanza and Mojave roads. Organizers lost $30,000 because they said spectators didn't turn out at the park the way they had at stadium shows in the past.

The firefighters wanted to bring the Fourth of July display back to Sam Boyd Stadium, but Kim Phillips, president of the Las Vegas Firemen's Benefit Association, said they couldn't afford the $15,000 fee required for the stadium and its employees.

But stadium officials recently contacted organizers "and we worked it out," Phillips said.

"I feel we have a fair deal," Phillips said. "We're paying $12,500 for the use of the stadium and the employees we need."

Now that the 45th annual display is back at Sam Boyd, the firefighters association is looking for business people to contribute toward the show.

Firefighters are going door to door asking businesses for donations, Phillips said.

"We want people to know we're out there knocking on their doors, looking for sponsors," Phillips said.

Organizers are about $95,000 in the hole for this year's event, which includes the cost of the fireworks, sound and use of the stadium, "so we need donations," Phillips said.

They're asking businesses to donate $1,500, $2,500 or $5,000.

Ticket sales should also help cover the costs, Phillips said. Proceeds will go toward this year's show, with the remainder going toward next year's display, he said.

Ticket sales begin in June. The cost is $25 "per carload," Phillips said, noting that $4 will pay for parking and $21 will go to the firefighters association. Seating in the stadium will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee is tax deductible.

"As many people as you can get into your vehicles are all welcome to attend our festivities," Phillips said.

He said firefighters are hopeful this year will be a big success.

Entertainment will include parachuters, fire department demonstrations and musical acts, "and, of course, the fireworks display," Phillips said.

"It's against the law to have any fireworks in Clark County," he said. "If you spend $25 at the Silver Bowl, you're going to have the best time in the world."

A problem the firefighters faced in years past was an increasing number of people who watched the fireworks display -- at no charge -- from nearby high points, not from within the stadium.

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