Las Vegas headliners: Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz coming to MGM Grand Garden Arena in 2023

Since opening on the Las Vegas Strip in December 1993, the MGM Grand Garden Arena has staged performances of all kinds.

But from a pair of meetings between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson—including the dubbed “The Bite Fight”—to the billed “Fight Of The Century” pitting Floyd Mayweather Jr. against Manny Pacquio, it's perhaps most widely recognized for putting on iconic bouts inside the ring.

On March 5, 2023, a more friendly duel will commence when the current Top 2 on the ATP Tour come together. Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal will headline the THE SLAM: Nadal vs. Alcaraz,” hosted by MGM Resorts International as they clash for the Lion’s Cup.

The one-night event has extra meaning for Nadal, as it brings the 22-time major champion to a city he’s yet to experience.

“I’m very excited for my first visit to Las Vegas, one of the most iconic and entertaining cities in the world,” the 36-year-old said.

Added reigning US Open champion Alcaraz, “I’m honored and so happy to be sharing the court with Rafa in Las Vegas. Rafa also is one of the nicest guys on tour and I look forward to our match.”

Officially, Nadal leads Alcaraz 2-1 in their head-to-head series. This year, the left-hander took their semifinal in three sets at Indian Wells, before Alcaraz struck back with a three-set quarterfinal win in Madrid en route to the title.

Tickets for the exhibition go on sale to the public on December 9. Pre-event highlights include a 90-minute VIP clinic and a celebrity doubles match featuring Bob and Mike Bryan.

After Nadal and Alcaraz battle it out, Rivea and Skyfall at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino will hold THE SLAM Gala benefiting the Rafa Nadal Foundation, MGM Resorts Foundation and National Tennis Foundation.