Sin City is working hard on becoming even bigger and even better than ever, with a whole host of new attractions set to open for the first time this year.
The huge MSG Sphere is the most dramatic change to the Las Vegas skyline, a massive 336-ft dome just off the Strip by the Venetian hotel and casino. The dome has been under construction for five years, since before the pandemic, at a cost of almost $2bn. Once it is completed this year it will be the largest spherical structure in the world, covered in hundreds of electronic panels broadcasting 16K video. The Sphere will be an events and entertainment venue, with a capacity of up to 20,000. Inside, shows will make use of ‘4D’ features such as adjustable smells and temperatures to create immersive experiences. Although it had an original opening date of 2021, delays mean that the venue will finally open in September of this year. Currently, the first confirmed act to perform at the Sphere is U2, however the structure’s creators plan to host up to 6 residencies for top artists each year.
The biggest racing event in the world will be coming to Las Vegas in 2023 after more than 40 years, specifically the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Grand Prix. The racetrack is currently still being built on The Strip itself in preparation for the event which will take place from November 16-18 this year, making it comparable to destinations like Monaco for being the most spectacular race location on earth. Each of the races on the 4-mile track will take place at night, surrounded by the most famous hotels and casinos in Las Vegas. Already, the city anticipates up to 200,000 visitors on the race weekend with general admission tickets starting at $500, although visitors will also need to factor in hotel costs. Resorts such as The Bellagio and MGM are already offering luxury packages for the entire three-day weekend beginning at around $11,000. For those without tickets, fan zones have been set up for the public to watch races on the big screen.
The Fontainebleau has been sitting on the Las Vegas Strip close to the famous Stratosphere since 2009, a sister hotel to the popular Fontainebleau Miami Beach. However, after over a decade of being half-finished, the hotel will finally open its doors to the public as one of the largest hotels in the city. With 3,700 hotel rooms, swimming pools, large casino, shopping centre and numerous as-yet-unannounced dining options, it will also be one of the tallest hotels in Vegas. The 25-acre resort plans to open at the end of 2023 after 16 years of on-and-off construction. The original Fontainebleau in Miami was acquired in 2005 and the 1950’s structure is one of the most loved luxury hotels situated in the centre of Millionaire’s Row, containing notable restaurants such as Hakkasan and Scarpetta. There are also two nightlife venues, two-story spa, pool and private beach. The Las Vegas property hopes to match this on a bigger scale by the end of the year.
Las Vegas is already famous for having some of the world’s most revered restaurants and chefs such as the Michelin-starred Joel Robuchon, Wing Lei and Nobu, however even more plan to open this year. Some of the biggest hotels on the Strip will be adding new restaurants to their in-house portfolio, including two new Mediterranean themed eateries at The Venetian and two new steakhouses at Caesar’s Palace. In Southwest Las Vegas’s new UnCommon district, which will comprise brand new office, dining and outdoor spaces, the Sundry Food Hall will be opening, comprising stalls serving everything from fried chicken to fresh sushi. Renowned American restauranteur and personality Guy Fieri will also be opening yet another outlet in Las Vegas within Caesar’s Palace called Chicken Guy, while The Plaza on Main Street has recently unveiled a brand-new rooftop patio which is home to Oscar’s Steakhouse.
The first museum of its kind in Las Vegas, the Museum of Punk Rock officially opened on March 10. According to creators, it contains the most comprehensive collection of display of punk rock artifacts and memorabilia, including flyers, photos and artwork. There is also a room filled with guitars used by famous artists which visitors can play for themselves. The complex even has its own tattoo parlour, bar, wedding chapel and punk merchandise shop. While daily entrance tickets are already on sale, on April 1. the museum will also be launching tickets for guided tours led by punk rock musicians from bands such as NOFX and Sick Of It All. Visitors can buy packages for the museum at varying price levels, which offer perks like commemorative T-shirts or a photo of your own band framed on their wall of ‘Insignificant Punk Bands’.
