2022.10.18

Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame Announces John Saccenti as the Organization’s New Chairman

Experienced executive and leader to bring expertise to the Hall

The Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame announced today that John Saccenti has been named the new chairman of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame, effective immediately. Saccenti succeeds Dale Eeles, who served in the position since 2015.

A native of Brooklyn and a UNLV graduate, Saccenti is now in his third decade as a member of the ever-expanding Las Vegas sports community. In 2014 he was named by ESPN to serve as executive director of the Las Vegas Bowl, an ESPN Events owned and operated bowl game.

Saccenti also serves as the executive director of the recently launched Vegas Kickoff Classic, an ESPN Events-owned early-season college football matchup that pits nationally known programs at Allegiant Stadium, including a much-anticipated meeting of USC and LSU slated for 2024. That is the same year that the veteran administrator is in line to serve as chair of the executive board of Bowl Season (formerly Football Bowl Association), a group he was named a member of in 2021 after previously heading its public relations committee.

In addition to his work on the SNSHF executive committee, he is a member of the board of directors for the UNLV Football Foundation. Saccenti will serve a two-year term, through the induction ceremony in 2024.

Eeles served an extended term as chairman due to the COVID-19 pandemic and his role in spearheading the development of the SNSHF’s permanent home at The Dollar Loan Center in Henderson. The new state-of-the-art display opened on March 9, 2022.

“John is an experienced leader and executive who brings a great understanding of the Las Vegas community to the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame,” said Eeles. “He will be a tremendous asset to the organization as we continue to honor our current and prospective inductees and build our profile within the Las Vegas community.”

“I am truly honored to be named the next chairman of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame,” said Saccenti. “As a long-time member of the executive committee, I look forward to working with our board members and sponsors to continue our mission within this community.”

The Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization committed to recognizing the outstanding achievements by Southern Nevada athletes, both in the world of sports and the local community.

Proceeds from its annual induction ceremony will be donated to organizations committed to the support and enhancement of Southern Nevada youth through active participation in programs designed to promote leadership, values and character through sports.