Hot August Nights will not be using the Grand Sierra Resort as a venue in 2025; instead it will be going back to its roots and using the University of Nevada Reno as a host this August.
Hot August Nights hasn't used the university as a venue since 1986, and the Wolf Pack is excited to have them back.
Denny Dotson, the Executive Director for Hot August Nights tells us, "In 1986 it was called 'Hamburger Haven' - we did our first show and shine for Hot August Nights, and who knew we'd be back 38 years later here to kick off that big event."
President Brian Sandoval of the University of Nevada, Reno says, "We are always a welcoming partner. We love this community. The university and northern Nevada are intertwined, so we think this is natural and we're very very excited."
President Sandoval explains how this change has been in the works for several months.
Dotson says one of the reasons this year they decided not to hold the event at the GSR is because of their expansion construction conflicting with the event.
He says they wanted to find another neutral spot, and the university was their first choice.
Dotson also mentions that, compared to the GSR, the university has more space for the event.
All of the details are still being ironed out, but President Sandoval says it will all work out come August 1st.
He mentions, "I have complete confidence in Hot August Nights, the Reno Police Department, the University Police Department - we will make it as easy as possible. As you know, school is not in session in August; so it is the ideal time to do this."
The university will also be making Lawlor Events Center available for registration.
Dotson says they'll be using the north parking lots heavily.
He goes on to explain, "We're focusing on tailgate, so we'll put the full stage, all of our sponsors, our partners, food and beverage - everything will be set up there just as it was at the Grand Sierra."
Dotson also mentions that parking for those participating or visiting for the even may be easier because of the UNR's parking structures, and with the space from the parking lots they're hoping to give people a better experience during the event at the university.
President Sandoval adds, "Parking lots will be available, facilities will be available - this is actually a really elegant, perfect fit."
As for the economic impact, Dotson says having this new venue might help.
He says, "We're going to be able to create an extra venue for folks where we can move those 6,000 participants around—create other experiences in other areas—whether in Sparks or South Virginia where folks can spread out, spread out that cruise and alleviate some of that congestion we've had in the past."
If you were wondering, Hot August Nights will still be held in Virginia City as a location. However, the opening weekend will be open to all venues and not just Virginia City, so that more cars can roam in and out to other locations as well.
