TULSA, Okla. (Jan. 6, 2026)—The 2026 BMX season launches in high gear Jan. 9-11 as the Las Vegas Nationals return to the Orleans Arena, where the nation’s top riders will battle under the lights in a high-stakes opener that continues Las Vegas’ long-standing role as the traditional starting line of the BMX season.

Marking the 1st stop of the 2026 USA BMX National Series, the three-day biking competition will be held at Orleans Arena in The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W Tropicana Ave. in Las Vegas. Races begin at 1:00 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. 

 

"We’re thrilled to kick off the 2026 BMX season in Las Vegas," said B.A. Anderson, CEO of USA BMX. "Opening a new season never gets old, and the Las Vegas Nationals always deliver incredible energy, bright lights and world-class racing. This isn’t just a race – it’s the first chapter in the chase for the national title, and every rider knows anything can happen when the gates drop.”

 

Since the late 1970s, Las Vegas has been a proving ground for BMX where vacant lots evolved into organized tracks where riders push their limits on sunbaked tracks by day and chase adrenaline-fueled nights. Dedicated track volunteers have assisted in preparing the indoor track, from the staging lanes to spectator seating, to provide an unforgettable guest experience.

 

“BMX has deep roots in Las Vegas and kicking off the 2026 National Series here reaffirms that Vegas is where big moments in this sport are made,” said Will Hunter, vice president of events for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “From the energy inside Orleans Arena to the non-stop entertainment throughout the city, Las Vegas gives riders, teams and fans a one-of-a-kind race weekend they can’t experience anywhere else.”

 

Local tracks including Whitney Mesa BMX, Nellis BMX, Boulder City BMX and Ed Fountain Park BMX Raceway have been preparing for the nationals event by hosting numerous clinics focused on dialing in techniques and sharpening race‑day strategies. Many notable local riders from Vegas and across the United States will be competing and attending at the USA BMX Las Vegas Nationals this weekend, including Olympic BMX Gold Medalist and World Champion Connor Fields, who will be attending the first day of the competition to spectate and meet fans. 

 

“I grew up coming to this race, getting to line up in my hometown was always something special. There’s nothing like competing in front of friends and family and I know the local riders will be ready to shine,” said Fields. “And for everyone traveling in, Vegas is always an experience. This city has such a rich BMX legacy, we’re adding another unforgettable moment to that story.”

 

The venue located just ten minutes from the iconic Las Vegas Strip offers the full Vegas experience for attendees and riders. Amenities for guests include restaurants, a bowling alley, arcade and movie theater for family fun, a spa and pool to relax in and a full casino for adults to enjoy in between the BMX action. 

 

WHAT

USA BMX Las Vegas Nationals

 

WHEN

Friday - Sunday, January 9-11, 2026

• Friday: Racing begins at 1:00 p.m.

• Saturday: Racing begins at 9:30 a.m

• Sunday: Racing begins at 8:00 a.m.

 

WHERE

Orleans Arena - The Orleans Hotel and Casino

4500 W. Tropicana Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89103

 

COST               

• Free admission

• Parking is free

 

MEDIA

Interviews and visual opportunities are available with local BMX riders and/or a USA BMX representative. To secure, please contact Alayna Dalgleish at [email protected] or 360-703-8602. Photos from the 2025 Las Vegas Nationals can be found here. The full BMX image library can be found here. Please credit USA BMX if photos are published.

 

About USA BMX

Established as the American Bicycle Association in 1977 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ABA is the nation’s largest cycling organization with more than 70,000 members with combined racing and freestyle events at more than 300 sanctioned BMX tracks across the United States and Canada. ABA empowers and elevates the early stages of bicycle development by creating opportunities through facility development, programs, and national events. As a result, ABA has developed a structured blueprint. A cyclist can progress from humble beginnings on a balance bike to becoming a BMX Olympian by establishing these roots. 

Through STEAM, scholarships, freestyle amateur events, the national series, the Olympics and new facilities built across the United States, these four pillars under the USA BMX organization will impact young riders and families: USA BMX Foundation, USA BMX Freestyle, USA BMX Racing and ABA Ethos.