DVA Member Profiles – Brett Lashbrook – January 2018

1/05/18
Founded by Las Vegas resident Brett Lashbrook, CEO & Owner, and his family, Las Vegas Soccer LLC was formed with the goal of bringing pro soccer to Southern Nevada. Lashbrook’s ties to professional soccer in this country run deep. He held numerous roles within the business operations of the sport across numerous markets. This includes Chief Operating Officer for former United Soccer League and current Major League Soccer Club Orlando City, as well as Special Assistant to the Commissioner’s Office & Legal Counsel at Major League Soccer’s headquarters in New York City. Lashbrook also served as a consultant on multiple soccer projects across North America and Europe involving ownership transactions, new stadium developments and professional sports expansion club launches.
Lashbrook answers a few questions about why downtown is a good fit for USL:
Q: Where are you from and how did you land in Las Vegas?
A: I’m originally from Kansas City, but my mother moved to Las Vegas almost 20 years ago. My sister soon followed. And after living in multiple cities for work, I decided to make the move to Las Vegas permanently in 2015. Best decision I’ve ever made.
Q: Why were you drawn to Downtown Las Vegas / why is downtown a good fit for USL?
A: As Mayor Goodman likes to say, “Downtown Vegas is the center of the universe.” And soccer is the world’s most popular sport. I think Lights FC is a perfect match for the right city, and it’s the right sport with the right stadium location. Best of all, it’s the right time.
Q: Why did you join the Downtown Vegas Alliance?
A: I sincerely believe that sports teams (when operated correctly) can truly create positive change in a community. As such, I wanted to be aligned with other like-minded organizations that share our desire to continue growing DTLV.
Q: What are some of your favorite spots downtown and why?
A: Cashman Field is our new home. And we couldn’t be more excited. I believe we are going to convince everyone outside of DTLV that it has been completely overlooked (and under-appreciated) for years.
Q: What’s your vision for the future of Downtown Las Vegas and for the Las Vegas Lights? How are they intertwined?
A: Our success is DTLV’s success — and vice versa. Our vision is, for many years to come, to bring soccer fans from around the Valley — and the globe — to DTLV, filling Cashman Field for matches. Along the way, our fans will fill downtown bars, restaurants and casinos before and after each match!
Photo: Brett Lashbrook by Idris Erba / Las Vegas Lights FC.