UNLV Ensures Safety at 2025 NBA Summer League Amid Heat Risks

The 2025 NBA Summer League, hosted at the Thomas & Mack Center (TMC) in Las Vegas, has commenced, running from July 14 to July 20. This annual event draws over 150,000 fans to witness the next generation of basketball talent. However, as excitement builds, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is focused on a critical aspect: ensuring the safety and well-being of event staff amid soaring summer temperatures.

UNLV's Risk Management & Safety (RMS) department has collaborated with TMC operations staff to implement comprehensive heat illness prevention strategies. Julie Moos, Occupational Safety Program Manager at UNLV, emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, "RMS, particularly Occupational Safety & Health's role, is to support Thomas & Mack employees by providing resources and guidance to help keep them safe, with a particular focus on heat illness prevention planning."

The NBA Summer League has been hosted at UNLV since 2004, transforming the campus into a hub of basketball activity each July. Players from all 30 NBA teams compete, showcasing their skills in front of enthusiastic crowds. However, the extreme heat presents significant challenges for staff working both indoors and outdoors. Michael Newcomb, Executive Director of TMC, noted, "Summer League in July brings challenges with heat both inside on our systems and outside with our staff. Having the support from RMS is crucial for us and the staff."

Preparation for the event begins months in advance. Moos explained, "We start planning in April. Given the scale of the NBA Summer League and the number of Thomas & Mack staff required to work outdoors, we recognized their elevated risk of heat exposure. We must take additional precautions to help protect their health and safety during the event."

Training sessions for over 45 staff members focus on heat-related illness prevention. This includes educating security officers, ticket takers, parking staff, and custodians on proper hydration, rest breaks, and acclimatization to heat. Supervisors rotate teams through scheduled cooling breaks, and RMS teams are available on-site for support. Staff are encouraged to report safety concerns to foster a proactive safety culture during the event.

The collaboration extends beyond UNLV, as citywide efforts also play a crucial role in ensuring safety. Domonick Lovitz, Event Manager & Parking Services Manager, stated, "The Vegas Summer League meets months before the event starts, working with local law enforcement, federal agencies, and other interested parties to ensure a safe event."

The importance of these safety measures is underscored by alarming statistics from the previous year, which reported 294 heat-related deaths and over 2,200 emergency department visits in Southern Nevada. Moos remarked, "These numbers highlight the critical need for awareness, planning, and prevention to keep our workforce safe during extreme heat conditions."

The collaboration between RMS and TMC has evolved into a model of safety preparation, rooted in mutual trust and continuous improvement. Lovitz reflected on this partnership, stating, "Our partnership with RMS is essential."

As the Summer League unfolds, the commitment to safety remains paramount. The efforts of UNLV's RMS and TMC are a testament to the institution's dedication to protecting its staff and ensuring a safe environment for all participants and spectators. This proactive approach sets a gold standard for event safety, ensuring that while the players strive for excellence on the court, the behind-the-scenes team works tirelessly to secure their health and well-being in the sweltering Las Vegas heat.