Nevada State Veterans Memorial Moves to New Las Vegas Home, Halfway Built

The city of Las Vegas is raising $7.7 million to complete the project by Veterans Day, with 18 sculptures representing every American war.

Construction on the Nevada State Veterans Memorial's new home at the Thunderbird Family Sports Complex in Las Vegas is approximately halfway complete, with the city of Las Vegas working to raise $7.7 million to finish the project by Veterans Day this fall. The memorial is being relocated from the Grant Sawyer State Building, which is slated for redevelopment as market-rate workforce housing, according to Ward 4 Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske.

Memorial Leaves Grant Sawyer Building for New Permanent Home

The Nevada State Veterans Memorial, which previously stood at the Grant Sawyer State Building in downtown Las Vegas, is being relocated after the building was earmarked for redevelopment. The site is being converted into market-rate workforce housing intended for people who work in the downtown corridor and are seeking first-time housing opportunities, according to Allen-Palenske.

The 18 sculptures that make up the memorial represent every war in the nation's history, from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror. The statues did not have a permanent home for a period of time before plans were finalized to bring them to the Thunderbird Family Sports Complex.

What the $7.7 Million Will Fund

The city of Las Vegas is actively seeking donations to reach its $7.7 million fundraising goal for the project. Funds will go toward extending the parking lot, adding lighting, and lining the entire edge of the memorial with American flags.

The single largest expense is a covered amphitheater designed to keep the space cool and shaded for elderly veterans. Allen-Palenske described the structure's distinctive design, saying it looks like a stealth bomber when viewed from above. 'It looks like a stealth bomber from the sky. So if you ever fly into Vegas and fly over, you'll see everything has been done with so much forethought and care,' she said.

24/7 Access and Nighttime Lighting Mark a First for the Memorial

One of the most significant changes at the new location is that the memorial will be accessible around the clock. For the first time, the sculptures will also be illuminated after dark, lit from below. Allen-Palenske noted that this approach was actually the artist's original vision for how the statues should be experienced. 'The artist told us that's actually the way he intended these statues to be viewed. So it's going to be remarkable. For the first time, you're going to be able to see him at night,' she said.

The new site places the memorial adjacent to a playground and athletic fields, creating what Allen-Palenske described as a meaningful connection between the sacrifices of veterans and the daily lives of children. 'Our veterans that gave their lives for our freedom are the reason why these children are here playing and enjoying and laughing,' she said. 'So it's a very appropriate adjacency.'

Future Additions Envisioned for the Site

Allen-Palenske expressed hope that the memorial will eventually expand beyond its current scope. Plans under consideration include adding a Purple Heart memorial, a Gold Star Family memorial, and potentially a K-9 memorial honoring animals that served in past wars.

The land where the new memorial is being built is owned by the Bureau of Land Management and the federal government, meaning the city did not need to purchase the property. Donations to support the project can be made through the Mayor's Fund for Las Vegas LIFE. Allen-Palenske emphasized the importance of veterans having a dedicated, permanent space. 'Having this singular place to call home and have headquarters is so critically important,' she said. 'So we are grateful to be their hosts and to be the shepherd of this new memorial.'

What we know

• Construction on the Nevada State Veterans Memorial's new location is about halfway complete.
• The city of Las Vegas is raising $7.7 million for the project.
• The memorial is expected to be finished by Veterans Day this fall.
• The memorial is being relocated from the Grant Sawyer State Building to the Thunderbird Family Sports Complex.
• The Grant Sawyer State Building is being redeveloped for market-rate workforce housing.
• The memorial includes 18 sculptures representing every war in U.S. history, from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror.
• Funds will cover an extended parking lot, lighting, American flags along the memorial's edge, and a covered amphitheater.
• The land is owned by the Bureau of Land Management and the federal government, so the city did not have to purchase it.

Why it matters

The relocation of the Nevada State Veterans Memorial represents a significant shift in how Las Vegas honors its military community. Moving from a state office building slated for demolition to a publicly accessible sports complex ensures the memorial reaches a broader and more diverse audience, including families and children. The addition of 24/7 access and nighttime lighting dramatically increases visibility and usability of the site, while the adjacent playground creates an organic, everyday reminder of the sacrifices veterans have made — giving the memorial renewed civic relevance in the heart of the community.

What’s next

The Nevada State Veterans Memorial project is expected to be completed by Veterans Day this fall, according to Ward 4 Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske. The city of Las Vegas continues to solicit donations through the Mayor's Fund for Las Vegas LIFE to reach the $7.7 million fundraising goal. Future phases may include a Purple Heart memorial, a Gold Star Family memorial, and a K-9 memorial, though no timelines for those additions were specified.

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