Game days in Las Vegas are a big deal; home dates for the Raiders (Allegiant Stadium) and the Golden Knights (T-Mobile Arena) turn the Strip into a fan corridor. Seats fill early, pre-game shows spill onto Las Vegas Boulevard, and travel time matters. If you’re deciding where to eat before the game in Las Vegas, the smart move is to stay on the Strip. From Caesars Palace, you’re minutes from both venues, with an outdoor sports bar setup on Cafe Americano, quick-landing burgers, sandwiches, and bowls, and a bar program built for speed. This guide covers what to order, when to arrive, and the simplest routes so you make puck drop or kickoff without rushing.
Why the Strip works on game day
On busy game nights, minimizing transfers matters. The Strip gives you multiple last mile options-walk, monorail segments to T-Mobile Arena, or a short ride share/bus hop for Allegiant Stadium—without detouring far from your table. Allegiant’s pedestrian access via the Mandalay area includes a dedicated bridge section, so the final approach is straightforward even with crowds.
Outdoor sports bar energy, right on Las Vegas Boulevard
Meet Cafe Americano at Caesars Palace: just off the main lobby, the restaurant includes an al-fresco patio set up for game viewing, with TV screens. It functions as an outdoor sports bar on the Strip: you can catch pre-game coverage, keep an eye on live action from your table, and order quick-landing plates before you head out. The venue is also open 24 hours, 365 days, which helps if your plan starts early or runs late on game days
Quick pre-game picks
Keep the order satisfying and simple so you can make warmups. From Las Vegas menu, lean into items that land fast and travel well if you’re heading out on foot: the Cuban Club with roasted mojo pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard pressed on Cuban bread; the Double Smash Burger with American cheese, caramelized onions, and special sauce. If you prefer something lighter, go bowl-forward with the Chicken Brasa (cilantro rice, black beans, avocado, jalapeño ranch), Honey-Glazed Salmon (arugula, romaine, quinoa, mango, honey-dijon), or Garlicky Shrimp (cilantro rice, slaw, roasted tomatoes, corn). If you want a little heat, the Baja Chicken Tacos or the crispy Mahi Tacos both hold up well en route and come with Mexican street corn.
For drinks, think draft lagers, simple highballs, or quick cocktails the bar can turn fast; during brunch hours, even a Mimosa keeps things moving so you can watch the pre-game and head out on time.
How close are you really?
From Cafe Americano at the Caesars Palace T-Mobile Arena is about 2 miles away, roughly 20–25 minutes on foot, 15–20 minutes by bus/tram, or 10–15 minutes by car/ride share depending on traffic. Allegiant Stadium is about 3 miles, planned on 45–55 minutes walking, 20–30 minutes by bus, or 10–15 minutes by car (a bit longer right before and after the game). Either way, starting on the Strip puts you close enough to make the anthem without rushing.
NFL & NHL Game Essentials in Las Vegas
Before heading over to the stadium, here are some things you need to know: T-Mobile Arena (Vegas Golden Knights, NHL) door times vary by event, but listings commonly show doors opening about 75–90 minutes before puck drop. If you’re carrying a bag, use the Bag Check on Toshiba Plaza; it opens when doors open and closes 45 minutes after the event. It’s cashless, priced from $20, and there’s no re-entry once inside, so plan accordingly.
The Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders, NFL) enforces a clear-bag policy: transparent bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″; a small clutch up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″ is allowed in addition to the clear bag. Allegiant is cashless across parking, retail, and concessions (cash-to-card kiosks available).
Watch the game without leaving the Strip
Not going to the stadium? Cafe Americano is an easy place to watch the game on the Strip. Its location at Caesars Palace welcomes you with multiple TVs, clear sightlines, and climate control so you can stay comfortable from pre-game to the final whistle. Inside, the dining room carries the broadcast as well, and service is paced for game days—quick pours and fast-landing plates like pressed sandwiches, burgers, and shareables— so you won’t miss a key play.
Check the Las Vegas menu to choose your pre-game order, then make your Reservations for a patio or indoor table. Eat on the Strip at an outdoor sports bar, watch the pre-game on screen, and head out on time—minutes from T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Stadium.