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Sports association to spearhead development of multi-use youth sports complex in Reno

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RENO, Nev. (October 22, 2025)—Jacobs Entertainment  today announced the launch of a new traveling youth sports initiative, in affiliation with J Resort, to be known as the Downtown Reno Amateur Sports Association (DRASA).

Working with local and regional youth sports teams and clubs, DRASA will develop multi-sport flat fields in downtown Reno to host tournaments for both traveling and local youth teams. Officials plan to construct up to 12 fields over the next six years, with the first four expected to open next summer; as of now Jacobs Entertainment has secured land for three of four fields.

The proposal for these initial fields will be presented today to the Reno City Council by J Resort attorney Garrett Gordon and Richard Jacobs, assistant director of sales and special events at J Resort.

“Traveling youth sports is a rapidly growing segment of Nevada’s tourism industry, and we anticipate strong demand from both local families and visitors,” Gordon said. “These new fields will allow downtown Reno to host traveling youth soccer and lacrosse tournaments alike.”

DRASA’s long-term goal is to develop four flat fields each for 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 play, accommodating all youth age groups.

The fields will be compatible for multiple sports, including soccer and lacrosse, aiming to cater to the growing interest in the sport. High school lacrosse was recently approved by Nevada’s state legislature as an official Nevada high school sport.

All four fields will be within walking distance of J Resort and adjacent to ReDirect Athletics, a nonprofit organization Jacobs Entertainment assists. ReDirect Athletics provides mentorship and a healthy outlet to kids of all ages via sports and physical activity. DRASA’s establishment reflects Jacobs Entertainment’s ongoing investment in supporting growth-oriented activities for Northern Nevada’s youth.

“As the number of fields and visiting teams grows, we anticipate demand for downtown hotel rooms to exceed 1,000 rooms per tournament night,” Jacobs said. “This will provide opportunities for other downtown hotels to partner with us and help meet the needs of a new segment of Reno visitors. We’re confident that downtown Reno can accommodate 25 to 30 youth sports weekends per year.”

DRASA’s efforts will be ushered by seasoned youth sports leaders, including Randy Ritter, founder and president of Reno Apex Club, president of the Great Basin Youth Soccer League, and vice chair of the Reno Youth Sports Association; and Rob Range, executive director of Reno Apex Soccer Club and administrator of the Great Basin Youth Soccer League. DRASA’s lacrosse programming will be developed with assistance from Justin Cutler, president of High Sierra Lacrosse.

Jacobs added that J Resort’s first traveling youth soccer weekend is scheduled for June 5-6, 2026, with tournaments expected to continue throughout the year.

“We anticipate up to 25% of participating teams will come from the Reno area,” Jacobs said. “With the opening of J Resort’s expanded front entrance in the spring, featuring several dramatic new sculptures,  and a full concert season ahead, we’re proud to showcase the ‘play’ element of our vision to make downtown Reno a true regional live, work and play destination.”

About Jacobs Entertainment, Inc.

Led by Chief Executive Officer Jeff Jacobs, Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. (JEI) is a privately held company that develops, owns, and operates gaming, hospitality, and entertainment facilities across the United States. JEI is in the midst of an ambitious revitalization project in downtown Reno, Nevada, with a significant investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into J Resort’s Reno Neon Line. This arts-focused entertainment district blends gaming, hospitality, entertainment, food and beverage, and both affordable and market-rate housing. JEI continues to build one of the West Coast’s preeminent live, work, and play areas of urban renewal.

JEI’s diverse portfolio includes casinos, hotels, mixed-use developments, and entertainment venues in Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, and Ohio. In addition to the J Resort, notable properties include The Lodge Casino and The Gilpin Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado; Gold Dust West Casinos in Nevada; Cash Magic truck stop casinos in Louisiana; and the Nautica Waterfront District in Cleveland, Ohio. JEI is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences through strategic investments, community partnerships, and a dedication to ethical leadership and operational excellence.

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