Getting There
Most traveling sports fans fly into Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), the closest major hub, which sits about 170 miles south of Cedar City via I-15. The drive takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and stops. Greyhound and Tufesa also run bus service from Las Vegas to Cedar City for roughly $32–$65 per person, though schedules are limited and arrival points are curbside stops rather than a central station.
Getting Around
Cedar City's local transit system, the Cedar Area Transportation Service (CATS), runs a single fixed bus route on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., with no Sunday service — making it unreliable for evening game-day travel. Rideshare options exist in town but availability can be thin, especially late at night. For a sports trip, renting a car at LAS and driving up I-15 is by far the most practical approach, as the city is small and parking near venues is generally easy.
Where to Stay
The area immediately surrounding Southern Utah University's campus, centered along Main Street and 100 West, is the best base for sports fans — you'll be within a short walk of the America First Events Center. Properties like the Hampton Inn & Suites (on South Main Street, roughly $106–$120/night), Abbey Inn (about 0.6 miles from campus, from ~$88/night), and Best Western Plus Cedar City (~$85/night) offer solid value within easy striking distance of game action. Budget-conscious fans can find options in the $45–$75 range along the I-15 corridor, though those require a short drive to campus. Book early for home football and rivalry basketball weekends, as Cedar City's limited hotel inventory fills quickly.
Sports Fan Notes
Cedar City is a compact, passionate college sports town built around Southern Utah University, where the Thunderbirds compete at the Division I level in the Big Sky Conference — giving visiting fans an authentic mid-major atmosphere without big-city crowds or prices. The America First Events Center hosts both the men's and women's basketball programs under one roof, making it easy to catch doubleheader or back-to-back game weekends in the same venue. The city's proximity to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Brian Head ski resort means you can pair a sports trip with serious outdoor activity, which sets Cedar City apart from most college sports destinations. Fan culture at SUU games is energetic and family-friendly, with students and locals packing in together for Big Sky matchups.
Venues in Cedar City
America First Events Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from LAS to downtown Cedar City?
The most practical option is renting a car at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and driving north on I-15 — the trip is about 170 miles and takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. Budget-minded fans can take a Greyhound or Tufesa bus from the South Strip Transit Terminal in Las Vegas to a curbside stop in Cedar City for approximately $32–$65, with the ride taking around 2.5 to nearly 4 hours depending on the service. There is no direct shuttle service between LAS and Cedar City.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Cedar City for a sports trip?
Stay in the area immediately around Southern Utah University's campus along Main Street and 100 West. Hotels like the Hampton Inn & Suites on South Main Street and Abbey Inn on 100 West put you within walking distance of the America First Events Center, meaning you can skip the car entirely on game day. This central corridor also has the best concentration of restaurants and bars for pre- and post-game activity.
Which sports teams play in Cedar City?
Cedar City is home to two Southern Utah University Thunderbirds programs that both play at the America First Events Center: the SUU men's basketball team (NCAAB) and the SUU women's basketball team (NCAAW), both competing in the Big Sky Conference. If you plan your visit around a basketball weekend, it's possible to catch both teams play on the same trip, making Cedar City a strong value destination for college hoops fans.
Is Cedar City a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Cedar City is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The tournament is held across host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest U.S. host city to Cedar City is Los Angeles, California, which is roughly 4 to 5 hours southwest by car.
Sports cities near Cedar City
Close enough to pair with a Cedar City trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.