In a milestone moment that blended celebration, advocacy, and history, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) presented its 2026 Barrier‑Free America Award to Allegiant Stadium, the Las Vegas Stadium Authority, and the Las Vegas Raiders. The honor — one of PVA’s highest — arrived during the organization’s 80th anniversary, underscoring eight decades of work to ensure that veterans with spinal cord injuries, and all people with disabilities, can fully participate in their communities.
For PVA National President and U.S. Army Veteran Robert Thomas, the award carries personal meaning. “As someone who has experienced both the frustration of barriers and the freedom of spaces built with accessibility in mind, I know what it means when an organization truly gets it right,” he said. “Allegiant Stadium got it right.”
The stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders, UNLV Football, and some of the world’s biggest entertainment events, was designed from the ground up with accessibility as a core principle — not an afterthought. Wide concourses, elevators, prominent accessible seating, and multiple adult changing tables are just a few of the features that earned the venue national recognition. From construction to daily operations, accessibility has remained a guiding priority.
Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan emphasized that commitment. “At the core of the Las Vegas Raiders, we believe football is for everyone,” she said. “Our goal is simple: when someone with a mobility disability comes through our doors, their experience should be as frictionless as anyone else’s.”
That philosophy aligns closely with PVA’s mission. For 80 years, the organization has worked to break down barriers for veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases such as MS and ALS. PVA’s architects help shape building codes, advise on accessible design, and educate communities nationwide — from small home remodels to major public venues.
The Las Vegas community echoed that sense of purpose. Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Chair of the Stadium Authority, noted that accessibility is both a moral and practical imperative. “When one in eight people in the U.S. have mobility challenges, accessibility is not just the right thing to do — it’s smart,” he said. “We believe in Vegas for All.”
Inside the stadium, that belief is lived out every day. David Harmon, Director of Safety and Risk for Allegiant Stadium, said the award reflects years of intentional work. “Accessibility was a core principle of this building, not a box to check,” he said. “What makes Allegiant Stadium truly great is not the bricks or the steel — it’s the people, and our frontline team understands that every interaction with every guest matters.”
As PVA marks its 80th year, the Barrier‑Free America Award serves as both recognition and reminder — a celebration of what’s possible when accessibility is built into the blueprint, and a call for other venues across the country to follow suit. Allegiant Stadium now stands as a model for the NFL and beyond, proving that world‑class experiences can and should be available to everyone.
