LAS VEGAS – When the Pac-12 Tournament relocated here from Los Angeles four years ago, Larry Scott, the conference commissioner, stressed a desire for a more rabid atmosphere.
Since the conference tournament was re-introduced in 2002, it had been played at Staples Center and the crowds had dwindled, dropping below 60,000 over the four days for the first time in 2011. In the last season at the downtown venue, it rose above the 60,000 mark, though only slightly. The arena often remained half empty.
The solution? A new location after a decade-plus, offering fans a reason to travel to the host site, along with a smaller venue.