How to Get Tickets to the Las Vegas Desert Dogs Lacrosse in Las Vegas
How to Get Tickets to the Las Vegas Desert Dogs Lacrosse in Las Vegas The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are more than just a professional lacrosse team—they represent the growing popularity of indoor box lacrosse in one of the world’s most vibrant entertainment capitals. As a member of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), the Desert Dogs bring high-octane, fast-paced action to the Dollar Loan Center in Hen
How to Get Tickets to the Las Vegas Desert Dogs Lacrosse in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are more than just a professional lacrosse team—they represent the growing popularity of indoor box lacrosse in one of the world’s most vibrant entertainment capitals. As a member of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), the Desert Dogs bring high-octane, fast-paced action to the Dollar Loan Center in Henderson, Nevada, drawing fans from across the Southwest and beyond. For newcomers and longtime enthusiasts alike, securing tickets to a Desert Dogs game is a crucial first step in experiencing the energy, athleticism, and community spirit that define this unique sport. Unlike traditional ticketing systems, purchasing tickets for NLL games requires understanding specific release schedules, seating dynamics, and promotional opportunities unique to the league and venue. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you navigate the process efficiently, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize your chances of securing the best seats at the best price.
Step-by-Step Guide
Getting tickets to a Las Vegas Desert Dogs game is straightforward if you follow a structured approach. Below is a detailed, chronological breakdown of every action you need to take—from planning your visit to walking through the gates on game day.
1. Understand the Season Schedule
The NLL regular season typically runs from December through May, with the Desert Dogs playing a 14-game home schedule at the Dollar Loan Center. The team usually announces its full schedule in late September or early October for the upcoming season. Visit the official Las Vegas Desert Dogs website (lasvegasdesertdogs.com) and navigate to the “Schedule” section to view all home dates, opponents, and tip-off times. Note that weekend games—especially Friday and Saturday nights—are the most popular and tend to sell out fastest. Midweek games (Tuesday–Thursday) often have better availability and lower demand.
2. Create an Account on the Official Ticketing Portal
Before tickets go on sale, create a free account on the Desert Dogs’ official ticketing platform, which is powered by Ticketmaster. Go to lasvegasdesertdogs.com/tickets and click “Sign Up.” Use a dedicated email address to avoid missing critical notifications. Complete your profile with accurate personal details, including your shipping and billing information. Having this ready ahead of time eliminates delays during the ticket purchase process. Many fans miss out simply because they attempt to create an account during the initial sale window, which often causes page timeouts due to high traffic.
3. Join the Priority Access Waitlist
The Desert Dogs offer a Priority Access program for fans who want first dibs on tickets before the general public sale. This is not a paid membership—it’s a free opt-in list. Visit the “Tickets” page and look for the “Join Priority Access” button. By signing up, you’ll receive an exclusive email with a personalized link that grants you early access to tickets, typically 48–72 hours before the public sale. This is one of the most effective ways to secure seats in prime locations like the lower bowl near the 50-yard line or the corner pods with unobstructed views.
4. Set Up Alerts and Reminders
Mark your calendar for the official public on-sale date, which is usually announced via email and social media. Set multiple reminders: one for the date, another for the exact time (typically 10:00 AM Pacific Time). Use your phone’s alarm, calendar app, and even a secondary device to ensure you don’t miss the window. Ticket sales for popular games often sell out within minutes. Consider setting a browser bookmark to the ticket page and refreshing it five minutes before the sale begins.
5. Choose Your Seats Strategically
When tickets become available, use the interactive seating map on the ticketing site to select your preferred location. The Dollar Loan Center has a capacity of approximately 6,500 for lacrosse games, with seating divided into several zones:
- Lower Bowl (Sections 101–118): Closest to the action, ideal for fans who want to feel the intensity of the game. These seats offer the best sightlines for fast breaks and physical plays.
- Upper Bowl (Sections 201–218): More affordable, great for families and casual fans. The elevated angle provides a panoramic view of the entire floor.
- Corner Pods (105, 106, 113, 114): Highly sought-after locations where the action often clusters. These seats are popular among die-hard fans and offer a unique, immersive experience.
- Club Seats (119–122): Premium seating with padded chairs, in-seat food and beverage service, and access to exclusive lounges. Ideal for special occasions or corporate outings.
Pro tip: Avoid seats directly behind the goals if you’re unfamiliar with box lacrosse. The ball moves quickly, and the net can obstruct your view of plays developing along the walls.
6. Purchase Tickets with Multiple Payment Options
Have at least two payment methods ready—credit card and digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Some browsers may block certain payment types during high-traffic sales. Avoid using public Wi-Fi or shared devices; use a secure, private connection on your personal device. If you’re buying for a group, select all seats in one transaction to ensure you sit together. Splitting purchases increases the risk of being seated apart.
7. Confirm Your Purchase and Download Mobile Tickets
After completing your purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a PDF and a link to your mobile tickets. Download the Ticketmaster app and add your tickets to your digital wallet. Mobile tickets are the only accepted form of entry at the Dollar Loan Center—paper tickets are no longer issued. Test the app beforehand to ensure your barcode scans correctly. Save a screenshot of your tickets as a backup in case of connectivity issues on game day.
8. Plan Your Arrival and Transportation
The Dollar Loan Center is located at 3000 S. Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Traffic can be heavy on game nights, especially after 6:00 PM. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before puck drop to allow time for parking, security screening, and concessions. Parking is free in the venue’s main lots, but VIP and preferred spots require advance reservation. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft have designated drop-off zones near Gate 1. Public transit options are limited, so driving or ride-sharing is recommended.
9. Prepare for Game Day
Check the weather forecast—Henderson can be hot during the day but cool at night. Dress in layers. Bring a team jersey, face paint, or a foam finger to show your support. The Desert Dogs encourage fan engagement, and you’ll often see groups dressed in team colors. No outside food or beverages are permitted, but the venue offers a wide selection of local craft beers, gourmet concessions, and vegan options. Bring a portable phone charger—battery life drains quickly when taking photos and videos.
10. Enjoy the Experience
Arrive early to soak in the pre-game atmosphere. The Desert Dogs host live music, fan giveaways, and interactive zones with lacrosse stick skills challenges. Kids can participate in the “Lacrosse Kids Zone” with mini-sticks and face painting. Don’t miss the team’s signature “Dog Pound” fan section near Section 114, where chants and drumming create an electric environment. After the game, stay for the player autograph session near Gate 2—this is a rare opportunity to meet the athletes up close.
Best Practices
Maximizing your ticket-buying experience goes beyond simply clicking “Purchase.” These best practices ensure you avoid common mistakes and unlock the full value of your attendance.
Be First, Not Fast
Many fans believe that speed alone determines success during ticket sales. In reality, preparation matters more. Those who create accounts, join waitlists, and test their connections ahead of time consistently outperform those who rush in at the last second. Being ready is more important than being quick.
Buy Early, Even for Less Popular Games
Even games against lower-ranked teams can sell out if they fall on holidays or special events. For example, a game on New Year’s Eve or during Las Vegas’ annual Rock the Desert music festival weekend often sells out faster than playoff matchups. Don’t assume low-profile games are safe bets.
Use the Secondary Market Wisely
If tickets sell out on the official site, reputable secondary marketplaces like Ticketmaster’s Verified Resale or SeatGeek are your next best options. These platforms guarantee authentic tickets and offer buyer protection. Avoid third-party sites like StubHub unless you’re certain of the seller’s rating. Always compare prices across platforms—sometimes the official site will release additional inventory hours after the initial sale.
Consider Season Tickets or Partial Plans
If you plan to attend more than three games, a partial plan (select 6–8 games) or full season ticket package offers significant savings—up to 30% off single-game prices. These packages also include perks like priority access to playoff tickets, exclusive merchandise discounts, and invitations to team events. Season ticket holders are often the first notified of special promotions and last-minute seat upgrades.
Follow the Team on Social Media
The Desert Dogs actively use Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook to announce flash sales, student discounts, and group ticket deals. Follow @lasvegasdesertdogs and turn on notifications. Occasionally, they release a limited number of $10 tickets for students or military personnel through Instagram Stories—these disappear within minutes.
Group Discounts Are Available
Groups of 10 or more qualify for discounted ticket rates and complimentary tickets for group leaders. This is ideal for corporate outings, bachelor parties, or fan clubs. Contact the group sales team via the “Group Tickets” link on the website to customize your package. You can choose seating sections, add food vouchers, and even request a team representative to greet your group before the game.
Check for Promotional Nights
The Desert Dogs host themed nights throughout the season: “Military Appreciation Night,” “Latinx Heritage Night,” “Youth Lacrosse Night,” and “Bring a Friend Free.” These events often include discounted tickets, themed giveaways, and special entertainment. Check the “Events” section of the website monthly to align your visit with a promotion that matches your interests.
Don’t Forget About Accessibility
The Dollar Loan Center is fully ADA-compliant. If you require accessible seating, companion seating, or assistive listening devices, request accommodations during the ticket purchase process. The venue’s accessibility team is responsive and can help you select the best location based on your needs. Contact them directly through the website’s accessibility portal for personalized assistance.
Tools and Resources
Several digital tools and official resources streamline the ticket-buying process and enhance your overall experience as a Desert Dogs fan.
Official Resources
- Las Vegas Desert Dogs Website (lasvegasdesertdogs.com): The primary source for schedules, tickets, news, and team updates. Always verify information here before making decisions.
- Official Ticketing Portal (ticketmaster.com/lasvegasdesertdogs): The only authorized platform for purchasing tickets. All other sellers are third-party resellers.
- Mobile App (Las Vegas Desert Dogs App): Available on iOS and Android. Provides real-time score updates, push notifications for ticket sales, and digital loyalty rewards.
- NLL Website (nll.com): Offers league-wide standings, player stats, and broadcast schedules. Useful for understanding team performance before buying tickets.
Third-Party Tools
- SeatGeek: Aggregates ticket listings from multiple resellers and uses a “Deal Score” to rate value. Great for comparing prices and finding hidden deals.
- Google Alerts: Set up an alert for “Las Vegas Desert Dogs tickets on sale” to receive email notifications when new articles or announcements appear.
- Calendar Apps (Google Calendar, Apple Calendar): Sync all ticket sale dates and game times to your digital calendar with reminders 24 hours and 1 hour prior.
- Browser Extensions (Honey, Rakuten): These tools automatically apply discount codes at checkout. While not always applicable for live sports, they sometimes work on merchandise bundles.
- Reddit (r/LasVegasDesertDogs): A growing fan community where members share tips, ticket leads, and game-day experiences. A great place to ask questions and get real-time advice.
Local Resources
- Henderson Visitor Center: Located downtown, they provide maps, parking tips, and nearby dining recommendations for game attendees.
- Local Radio (92.3 The Game): Often broadcasts pre-game shows and interviews with players. Tune in for exclusive ticket giveaways.
- Las Vegas Review-Journal Sports Section: Publishes previews and recaps that often include ticket sale reminders and special promotions.
Real Examples
Real-world scenarios illustrate how fans successfully navigated the ticket-buying process—and where others went wrong.
Example 1: The Prepared Fan
Emily, a lacrosse enthusiast from Phoenix, learned about the Desert Dogs’ inaugural season in August. She created her Ticketmaster account, joined the Priority Access list, and set calendar reminders for the October 15 ticket sale. On the day of the sale, she logged in at 9:55 AM PST using her desktop computer with a wired connection. She selected two lower-bowl seats in Section 108 and completed the purchase in 47 seconds. The game sold out within 12 minutes. Emily later attended five games that season and upgraded to a partial season plan after her first experience.
Example 2: The Last-Minute Fan
Mark wanted to surprise his brother with a Desert Dogs game for his birthday. He waited until the day of the public sale to search for tickets. He opened the website at 10:00 AM, but his browser crashed twice due to high traffic. He tried again on his phone using public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, but his payment declined. By the time he resolved the issues, all seats in his preferred price range were gone. He ended up buying two upper-bowl tickets at 30% above face value on a third-party site. He enjoyed the game but regretted not preparing earlier.
Example 3: The Group Organizer
A local fraternity chapter of 15 members wanted to attend a home opener. They contacted the Desert Dogs’ group sales team two weeks before tickets went on sale. The team offered them a 20% discount on 12 tickets and included two complimentary tickets for the group leader. They reserved seats in Section 113, the “Dog Pound,” and arranged for a team mascot to appear at their table during the third quarter. The group posted photos on social media and became regular attendees the following season.
Example 4: The Student Discount Hunter
Jordan, a college student in Las Vegas, followed the team’s Instagram account. One day, they posted a Story offering $10 tickets to students with a valid ID. Jordan clicked the link, verified his status through the school portal, and purchased two tickets in 90 seconds. He brought a friend, and they both attended the game with a free team hat and a $5 food voucher. Jordan now attends every home game and encourages classmates to follow the team’s social media.
FAQs
Are tickets to Las Vegas Desert Dogs games expensive?
Ticket prices vary based on seating, opponent, and date. Single-game tickets range from $25 for upper-bowl seats to $125 for club seats. Midweek games and early-season matchups tend to be less expensive. Group discounts and promotions can reduce prices significantly.
Can I buy tickets at the box office on game day?
Yes, but availability is limited. The box office opens three hours before puck drop and sells remaining tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular games often sell out online before game day. It’s recommended to purchase in advance.
Do children need tickets?
Children under two years old may sit on a parent’s lap without a ticket. All other children require a ticket, regardless of age. Family sections are available and offer extra space and amenities.
Is there a refund policy if I can’t attend?
All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges are offered unless a game is canceled or postponed by the league. In such cases, tickets are automatically refunded or exchanged for a future date.
Can I resell my tickets if I can’t go?
Yes, you can resell your tickets through the official Ticketmaster resale platform. This ensures the buyer receives an authentic ticket and protects you from fraud. Do not sell tickets via social media or unverified platforms.
What time do doors open before the game?
Doors open 90 minutes before puck drop. This allows time for parking, security screening, and exploring the venue’s interactive zones.
Are there any VIP or luxury experiences available?
Yes. The Desert Dogs offer premium packages including club seats, private suites, and meet-and-greets with players. These are available through the team’s premium sales team and require advance booking.
Can I bring a camera or video equipment?
Personal cameras and smartphones are permitted for non-commercial use. Professional photography equipment, tripods, and external microphones are not allowed without prior approval from the team’s media department.
Is parking free?
Yes, general parking is free in all designated lots. Preferred and VIP parking is available for a fee and can be reserved in advance online.
How do I know if a game is sold out?
The official website updates in real time. If a game is sold out, the ticketing page will display “Sold Out” next to the game date. You can also sign up for waitlist notifications to be alerted if additional inventory becomes available.
Conclusion
Securing tickets to a Las Vegas Desert Dogs game is more than a transaction—it’s the gateway to an unforgettable experience that blends world-class athleticism with the electric energy of Las Vegas. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you position yourself to navigate the ticketing process with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize the value of your attendance. Whether you’re a first-time fan drawn in by the spectacle of box lacrosse or a longtime supporter looking to deepen your connection with the team, preparation is your greatest asset. Join the thousands of fans who fill the Dollar Loan Center each season, chant in the Dog Pound, and celebrate the unique spirit of the Desert Dogs. Don’t wait until the last minute. Create your account today, join the Priority Access list, and get ready to witness the fastest game on two feet live in person. The roar of the crowd, the speed of the ball, and the passion of the players await—your seat is just a few clicks away.