Special Events

This year’s presidential election has been more than a little contentious.  The final 2016 presidential debate will be held on the UNLV campus on October 19th, putting Las Vegas in the national spotlight for the most highly anticipated debate of all: the final showdown between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton before the election.  

What does the 2016 Presidential Debate mean for Las Vegas?

As national news outlets are broadcasting from Vegas, the city is reflecting on what this kind of national attention could mean for the city, which has traditionally received attention for gaming, tourism, and entertainment.  This kind of attention will be entirely different, and it has a lot of people speculating about its future impact.

According to UNLV Magazine, securing the debate was all part of a strategy by top brass at the university to gain recognition as a Top Tier public university in research, education, and community impact.  This final debate will have some serious community impact, helping to propel UNLV towards its goal, which they hope to achieve by 2025.

What could having a top-tier university mean for Las Vegas?  Well, for one thing, the focus may shift a little from Rebel basketball to UNLV’s other achievements, attracting more top students from around the country, supplying Las Vegas with a strong workforce, which would, in turn, bring more innovation, industry, and professionals to the Las Vegas area.  UNLV Magazine predicts that top tier status for UNLV will lead to economic development efforts, fostering a climate of innovation, improvement of healthcare in the region, and enrichment of the cultural vitality of the community.

Vegas has become more locals-friendly of late, and creating new jobs and industries outside of the gaming industry could bring national recognition to Las Vegas, positioning it to bring even more conferences and conventions.  While it might initially shift the attention away from casinos and tourism, the additional influx of business travelers would, potentially, lead to more restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and transportation to serve them.

Who are the political players in Las Vegas?

While Las Vegas may be known more for partying than for politics, the city is no stranger to political attention, as the home to two major political movers and shakers: Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn.  

What is Sheldon Adelson’s involvement?

Sheldon Adelson, who owns the Venetian and the Sands Expo Convention Center—as well as other properties around the world, has been a major player in the Republican party for some time now.  After switching political parties—citing his beliefs that (1) Republicans support Israel more than Democrats, (2) Republicans are more charitable than Democrats, and (3) fiscal policy that was more in line with his economic views—Adelson has thrown himself whole-heartedly into his political efforts for the Republican party, even hosting one of the GOP debates at the Venetian earlier in the election.

The casino magnate and owner of The Las Vegas Review-Journal, endorsed Donald Trump earlier in the election.  As the 21st richest person in the world, he was the largest donor in the 2012 election, donating over $100 million.  When he endorsed Trump, he explained that he “felt strongly that someone with that level of CEO experience would be well-trained for the job of president.”  Since then, however, he has changed his tune and has not contributed money to the campaign, after his initial plans to donate $65 million to the campaign.

What is Steve Wynn’s involvement?

Steve Wynn—who has made sizable contributions to Nevada’s Republican State Leadership Committee, the Republican Governors Association, and other political groups in the past—has found himself in the position of choosing between friends during the 2016 election, as he is friends with both the Clintons and Trump.  He is not alone in his awkwardness, as former BFFs Ivanka Trump and Chelsea Clinton have had to cool down their previously very public friendship during the election.  Since he is close to both families, he will not reveal who he is backing for president.  Wynn told CNN that he has not even decided who he will vote for, as he is “waiting for someone to have a responsible conversation and discuss the issues that affect the American people.”  Wynn says that he will decide who to vote for after the debates.

The debate is one that is certain to keep the eyes of the nation on Las Vegas during what is, quite possibly, the most talked about election ever.  No matter what happens during the debate, hosting the debate is good news for Las Vegas.  While we may always be “Sin City”, this national attention has the potential to shift the future of the city.

Regular updates for the impact on parking, traffic, and other logistical information can be found at https://www.unlv.edu/2016debate/campus-impacts.

Las Vegas may have become more of an electronic dance music destination of late, but people still flock to Sin City for the rock-and-roll lifestyle that it embodies.  And nothing says rock and roll quite like Guns N’ Roses.

Guns N’ Roses is kicking off a historic tour with its original members for the first time in over 20 years.  After an A-List crowd that included Bradley Cooper, Lenny Kravitz, Jim Carrey, Nicholas Cage, and Michelle Rodriguez at their concert in West Hollywood, the legendary band will be making its way to Las Vegas for two sold-out shows in the new, state-of-the art T-Mobile Arena. The band will play a two-night engagement April 8^th and 9^th, before headlining Coachella and then heading out on tour.

Though Guns N’ Roses has been playing for many years with its original front man, Axl Rose, this tour is the first time the original members have reconvened since 1993. Rose, rejoined by Slash and Duff McKagan, are reuniting to perform a set list of their greatest hits in what will, undoubtedly, become the stuff of rock and roll legend.

The highly anticipated T-Mobile arena has been under construction on the Strip, and it will finally be opening its doors for Axl and the rest of the crew. While music may be what it is making headlines for, it is a multipurpose facility that can accommodate 20,000 guests for a variety of events, including sporting events and, of course, concerts.

Though it is not open yet, it has announced an impressive lineup for its first concerts and events, which will include everything from the Harlem Globetrotters to Nicki Minaj to George Strait to Billy Joel.  Janet Jackson will take the stage in May, Garth Brooks will be returning to Las Vegas in June and July to perform with Trisha Yearwood, and the arena will host UFC 200 in July.

According to T-Mobile chief operating officer Mike Sievert, the arena may be playing host to events like the 2016 Built Ford Tough World Finals of rodeo, but that doesn’t come at the expense of luxury.  In a recent statement, he described his vision for the arena, “T-Mobile Arena will have the biggest shows in a town known for big shows and T-Mobile customers will always be treated like VIPs with priority access and exclusive benefits.”

The arena is located west of the Strip, between New York-New York and Monte Carlo, making it far more accessible and convenient than some of Sin City’s other arenas. Best of all, unlike many of the big concerts that are hosted by casinos, the pricing for concert tickets is comparable to concert prices throughout the country, leaving concert-goers, boxing enthusiasts, and sports fans with enough money in their pocket to hit the roulette tables, their favorite club, and fully enjoy everything that Las Vegas has to offer.

Las Vegas is a city that is constantly changing, its storied history blending and shifting to accommodate new, thrilling attractions. The last several years have been no exception; from entertainment to dining to venues, hot attractions have sprung up and made a name for themselves in the city.

Here are some of those more recent additions which are Vegas musts for 2016. These are certain to add fun to your next Las Vegas trip:

Jennifer Lopez in residency:

Beginning January 20, Jennifer Lopez headlines her first residency, Jennifer Lopez: All I Have. Performances will take place in Planet Hollywood’s AXIS Theater, previously home to Britney Spears’ residency; Lopez is set to perform 100 shows over two years. Attendees can expect to hear Lopez’s hits, as well as a mix of ballads, high-energy Latin music, pop, and more. The Planet Hollywood sites boasts, “A live band, dancers, extravagant costumes and state-of-the-art technology in sets, lighting and effects intertwine for an unforgettable night.”

Fondue and unlimited wine at F. Pigalle:

This new downtown fondue spot takes inspiration from Paris’ Red Light District, yet it is perfectly Las Vegas. Decorated with French newspapers and a colorful mural, the eatery (and drinkery) boasts intimate booths, and outdoor bar area, and unlimited wine served in- wait for it- baby bottles. (The glassware choice is meant to hearken to an 1800s Parisian glass tax on stemmed glasses.) F. Pigalle also offers decadent fondue, both savory and sweet. In all, the new restaurant and bar encapsulates the fun and indulgence of Las Vegas, itself.

A Baz Lurhmann spectacle:

Inspired by the films of Baz Lurhmann, Baz: For the Record is performed inside the LIGHT Nightclub at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and features a live band. Billed as an “immersive concert mash-up,” featuring the iconic couples from Lurhmann’s films, the show is meant to be a cabaret-style crowd pleaser. Even better: full bar service is available throughout the 90-minute show.

Classic Italian cuisine:

A New York transplant recently arrived at the Aria, and it’s all about making your dining experience a true event. Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick’s Carbone hearkens back to the mid-20th century’s Italian-American restaurants while incorporating modern culinary techniques. The overall effect is one of glamour and sophistication, with with dishes like Octopus Pizzaiolo and Lobster Fra Diavolo matching the impressive table-side service.

Games, grill, and grass:

Full disclosure: this final entry to our list is still “coming soon.” Slated to open this month, Budweiser Beer Park will soon top the roof above Hexx Kitchen at Paris Las Vegas. The palatial, 10,000 square foot bar and grill will boast 36 beers on tap along with over 100 draft, can, and bottled beers. Craft beer cocktails, classic cocktails, and wine will also be available. Even better, the space- which will be able to accommodate roughly 500 guests- will be equipped with all the creature comforts you could want from a park-cum-sports bar: picnic tables, a grassy lawn, numerous TVs, and even games like pool and darts. While Budweiser Beer Park is forthcoming, it will certainly be a “must” in 2016.

These hot additions to Las Vegas are already adding to the unique allure of the city; be sure to incorporate them for optimum enjoyment for any 2016 trip!

The 20/20 Experience World Tour was epic, even by the standards of Justin Timberlake shows. The concert tour began in late 2013 in New York City and ran through the entire year of 2014 all the way to New Year Eve in Las Vegas. There is no better city to finish an amazing world concert tour than the Entertainment Capital of the World!

Justin Timberlake performed to sold-out audiences at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on New Years Eve then again on January 1st, 2015, the final performance of the 20/20 Experience. Being the professional showman that he is JT delivered a high-energy, crisp performance all the way to the encore!

There was no opening act or gimmicks to distract from the all out dance party and vocal performance that had the entire arena on their feet throughout the entire show. Wearing his suit & tie (by Tom Ford of course), Timberlake twirled and glided effortlessly across the stage with the help of his band, backup singers and dancers who he called the Tennessee kids.

Live performances on the piano and guitar showed the musical versatility of this legendary performer while his covers of Human Nature and Bell Biv Devoe’s Poison, complete with 1990’s hip-hop dance moves and all, made the experience even more memorable.

The Justin Timberlake Las Vegas show was one for the ages and a special way to ring in the new year of 2015. Look for The 20/20 Experience World Tour on DVD as the show was recorded for production so that the experience can live on through 2015 and beyond.