Las Vegas News Briefs January 2025

LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES THE NEW YEAR

LAS VEGAS RINGS IN 2025 WITH OFFICIAL COUNTDOWN BY SPHERE FOLLOWED BY CHOREOGRAPHED FIREWORKS SHOW SPANNING THE LAS VEGAS STRIP
Las Vegas ushered in 2025 in spectacular fashion with “America’s Party,” an eight-minute pyrotechnic display from the rooftops of nine resorts spanning the Las Vegas Strip: ARIA Resort & Casino; Caesars Palace; Fontainebleau Las Vegas; MGM Grand Hotel & Casino; Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino; Resorts World Las Vegas; The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower; TI – Treasure Island Hotel & Casino; and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.  For the first time, Sphere served as Las Vegas’ official countdown to the new year with a custom content show that counted down to midnight on the Exosphere, the world’s largest LED screen. New Year’s Eve visitation to Las Vegas was anticipated to be upward of 340,000 visitors. For more information, contact Molly Castano, LVCVA, mcastano@lvcva.com or Sphere Entertainment, spherepr@thesphere.com.
 

ENTERTAINMENT

ARTE MUSEUM LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
ARTE MUSEUM LAS VEGAS, the ultimate immersive art experience that has captivated 8 million guests worldwide, celebrates one year anniversary by debuting 8 new immersive experiences. These stunning new creations will transport guests through art and nature like never before. Nestled at the corner of Harmon Ave and Las Vegas Blvd at 63 CityCenter, ARTE MUSEUM LAS VEGAS is a stunning $25 million, two-story, 30,000 square-foot digital art venue. This state-of-the-art space is the brainchild of d’strict, a world-class Korean design and art company, marking ARTE MUSEUM’s first venture in the United States. For more information, contact Celena Haas-Stacey, CHS Communications, celena@chscomms.com.

KÀ AT MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO ANNOUNCES NEW WEEKEND MATINEE SHOWTIMES FOR 2025
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino will reintroduce Saturday and Sunday performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., extending through all of 2025. The earlier showtime will allow audiences more flexibility to experience the acclaimed production at a time that fits seamlessly into their schedules. Performances Monday through Wednesday will continue at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. For more information, contact Rylee Gomez, Kirvin Doak Communications, rgomez@kirvindoak.com.

DEAD & COMPANY: DEAD FOREVER – LIVE AT SPHERE SPRING 2025 RESIDENCY
Following their highly successful 30-show “Dead Forever – Live At Sphere” residency I 2024, Dead & Company are set to return to Sphere in Las Vegas this spring for an 18-show residency celebrating the band’s 10-year anniversary. Fans can look forward to another incredible series of performances, featuring updated visuals that, with the unparalleled immersive experience of Sphere, will offer fans a unique experience representing the latest chapter in Dead & Company’s musical and experiential journey. Show dates include March 20-22, 27-29; April 17-19, 24-26; May 9-11, 15-17, 2025. For more information, contact Sphere, spherepr@thesphere.com.

BARRY MANILOW ACCEPTS LIFETIME RESIDENCY AT WESTGATE LAS VEGAS RESORT & CASINO
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino has extended an unprecedented offer of a Lifetime Residency to legendary performer and current resident performing artist Barry Manilow. Adding this special honor to a storied career within Las Vegas and around the world, Manilow has accepted this extraordinary honor, further cementing his enduring legacy at the iconic International Theater. Barry Manilow’s unmatched tenure at the International Theater reached a new milestone earlier this year when he surpassed Elvis Presley’s record of 636 performances at the venue. For more information, contact Celena Haas-Stacey, CHS Communications, celena@chscomms.com.

KENDRICK LAMAR AND SZA BRINGING THE GRAND NATIONAL TOUR TO ALLEGIANT STADIUM IN MAY 2025
Kendrick Lamar and SZA will bring the Grand National Tour to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, May 31, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Ashley Trevizo, Allegiant Stadium, atrevizo@allegiantstadium.com.

WHITNEY CUMMINGS BRINGING HER “BIG BABY” TOUR TO THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS
Renowned comedian, writer, producer, and director Whitney Cummings has officially announced the second leg of her Big Baby stand-up comedy tour, featuring a stop in Las Vegas at The Palazzo Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on May 25, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, publicrelations@venetianlasvegas.com.

JOSH GROBAN BRINGS EXCLUSIVE LAS VEGAS ENGAGEMENT TO THE COLOSSEUM AT CAESARS PALACE MAY 2025
Tony, EMMY, and five-time GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist Josh Groban is heading to Las Vegas next May for a five-night run at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Performances of Josh Groban: Gems — Exclusive Las Vegas Engagement are scheduled for May 9, 10, 14, 16-17, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Robert Jarrett, Caesars Entertainment, rjarrett@caesars.com.

BY POPULAR DEMAND, PITBULL ADDS DATE FOR HIS RESIDENCY AT FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS
Due to overwhelming fan demand, GRAMMY-winning global superstar Pitbull has announced an additional performance for his residency, “Pitbull: Vegas After Dark The Residency,” at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, on March 12, in addition to the previously announced show dates, Jan. 24-25 and March 7-8, 14-15, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Fontainebleau Las Vegas, pr@fblasvegas.com.

JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE LAS VEGAS ENGAGEMENT AT HOUSE OF BLUES LAS VEGAS IN JUNE 2025
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icon Joan Jett & the Blackhearts have announced an exclusive, five-night Las Vegas engagement at House of Blues Las Vegas inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Performances will be held June 13, 14, 18, 20-21, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com.

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED “JOHN WICK EXPERIENCE” AT AREA15 IN LAS VEGAS TO OPEN FEBRUARY 2025
The doors to the JOHN WICK EXPERIENCE will open in February 2025, inviting you into the dangerous and captivating world inspired by the hit movie franchise where loyalty is tested, alliances are forged, and danger is just a breath away. Tickets are now available for this highly anticipated immersive attraction located in the heart of AREA15, an immersive art and entertainment district just moments from the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, contact Megan Fazio, Neon PR Studios, megan@neonprstudios.com.

COMEDIAN CHRIS TUCKER ANNOUNCES RETURN TO ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS WITH A TWO-NIGHT ENGAGEMENT IN MARCH 2025
Award-winning actor and comedian, Chris Tucker, will make his highly-awaited return to the stage at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for his latest headlining engagement, March 28-29, 2025. The Rush Hour star is a longtime crowd favorite and a must-see Las Vegas headliner. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, erica.benken@giantnoise.com.

MARY J. BLIGE TO BRING ‘THE FOR MY FANS TOUR’ TO T-MOBILE ARENA IN FEBRUARY 2025
GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated, “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” Mary J. Blige’s “The For My Fans Tour,” will feature a stop in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 with special guests NE-YO and Mario. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Katharine Sherrer, MGM Resorts International, ksherrer@mgmresorts.com.

AC/DC BRINGING POWER UP NORTH AMERICAN TOUR TO ALLEGIANT STADIUM IN APRIL 2025
AC/DC returns to the road in the United States for the first time in nine years on the 2025 Power Up North American Tour. The legendary GRAMMY Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band will perform in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on April 26, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Ashley Trevizo, Allegiant Stadium, atrevizo@allegiantstadium.com.

COMEDIAN NATE BARGATZE ANNOUNCES HIS 2025 “BIG DUMB EYES WORLD TOUR” WITH 16 PERFORMANCES AT ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS
Comedian Nate Bargatze has announced dates for his 2025 “BIG DUMB EYES WORLD TOUR,” including several performances at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with all-new material. Performance dates include Jan. 8, 10-11, 29, 31; Feb. 1; March 19, 21-22, 2025. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, erica.benken@giantnoise.com.

TOTO, MEN AT WORK AND CHRISTOPHER CROSS TO PERFORM AT FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS THIS SUMMER
TOTO, CHRISTOPHER CROSS and MEN AT WORK have announced plans to tour North America in the summer of 2025, with a featured stop in Las Vegas at BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Aug. 23, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Fontainebleau Las Vegas, pr@fblasvegas.com.

FELIX & PAUL STUDIOS BREAKS GROUND ON SPACE-THEMED EXPERIENCE AT AREA15
Emmy Award-winning Felix & Paul Studios, creators of Space Explorers, the largest immersive production ever filmed in space, is thrilled to announce its latest venture, Interstellar Arc, has broken ground at AREA15, an immersive arts and entertainment district in Las Vegas. Construction of Interstellar Arc’s Spaceport is officially underway. The futuristic space fiction experience, set to open in Fall 2025, will be housed in a custom-built, 20,000-square-foot venue. Combining over a decade of innovation in immersive storytelling with the excitement of space exploration, Felix & Paul Studios’ Interstellar Arc will take guests on an epic 26th-century deep space mission across the far reaches of the cosmos. For more information, contact Nicole Kerr, Jessie Cohen PR & Consulting, nicole@jcpr-c.com.

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS MAGIC IN THE STARS SKATES INTO THOMAS & MACK CENTER
Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars, an all-new production, brings the brightest Disney stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. Experience the dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air when Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars visits Thomas & Mack Center from Jan. 9-12, 2025. For more information, contact Hillary Smoot, SRO PR, hillary@sropr.com.
 

FOOD & BEVERAGE

AMAYA MODERN MEXICAN TO OPEN IN EARLY JANUARY AT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS
Amaya Modern Mexican will officially debut during the first week of January at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, setting a new tempo in the city’s dining scene. Fusing coastal Mexican cuisine with mesmerizing, pulse-elevating entertainment in a captivating setting, Amaya will resonate with the most discerning visitors and locals, who are always the main characters of their evening adventures. Dinner at Amaya will be an electrifying celebration. DJs will mix a live soundtrack of pulsating beats, while performers and entertainers will enchant and encourage guests to dance in their seats and become one with the beat. For more information, contact Taylor Goldberg, Wicked Creative, amaya@wickedcreative.com and Carma Connected, amaya@carmaconnected.com.

PINKY’S BY VANDERPUMP AT FLAMINGO LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES OPENING DAY
In early December, Pinky’s by Vanderpump, the newest restaurant and cocktail bar by Lisa Vanderpump, celebrated its grand opening at the Flamingo Las Vegas. With a nod to the Flamingo’s vibrant history, the 198-seat restaurant and bar combines Art Deco glamour with lavish and decadent Vanderpump flair. Spanning nearly 7,000 square feet and set against a palette of muted greens, brass accents and soft blush pink hues, the space boasts a dramatic 32-seat bar. Similar to Vanderpump’s other concepts, the design, lighting and fixtures are bespoke Vanderpump Alain creations designed specifically for the space. The VIP lounge can seat up to 40 guests. Dramatic oversized booths are surrounded by brass Art Deco trellises. A vintage-inspired statue spins behind the center of the bar, surrounded by gold chains and crystals. An oversized tree spans the glass ceiling of an epic conservatory looking out over the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, contact Brooke Kaplan, Caesars Entertainment, bkaplan@caesars.com.

CASPIAN’S COCKTAILS & CAVIAR NOW OPEN AT CAESARS PALACE
Caspian’s Cocktails & Caviar at Caesars Palace, Clique Hospitality’s highly anticipated caviar bar and live music speakeasy, has officially opened its doors. With its intimate, rebellious vibe, Caspian’s will be the home of ‘rock and roe’ with live rock music performances in the speakeasy Tuesday through Saturday and Caviar Karaoke on Thursday with a live band. For more information, contact Richard Robinson, Wicked Creative, caspians@wickedcreative.com.

GUY FIERI’S CHICKEN GUY! OPENS AT HARRAH’S LAS VEGAS IN SPRING 2025
Tasty chicken will soon cross the road into Harrah’s Las Vegas. Following the success of his first Las Vegas location at Caesars Palace, famed restaurateur, chef and TV personality Guy Fieri is set to bring Chicken Guy! across Las Vegas Boulevard to Harrah’s Las Vegas in the spring of 2025. The fast-casual dining concept will be the second location on The Strip and Guy Fieri’s fourth overall location with Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts. For more information, contact Sofia Jimenez, Caesars Entertainment, sjimenez@caesars.com.

HAVANA 1957 AND CORTADITO COFFEE HOUSE BRING A CUBAN AMERICAN AFFAIR TO FLAMINGO LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas visitors and locals can enjoy a Cuban American affair as Miami’s iconic Havana 1957 and Cortadito Coffee House from Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group opened at Flamingo Las Vegas on Dec. 28, 2024. Transporting guests to the glory of Havana in the glamourous 1950s, Havana 1957 is a celebration of Cuban classics, from breakfast bites to mojito nights. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night fare, the new restaurant celebrates the brand’s journey from Cuba to Miami, and now Las Vegas. For more information, contact Kathryn Palmer, Authentic Public Relations, kathryn@authenticpublicrelations.com.
 

RESORT UPDATES

W LAS VEGAS DEBUTS AT MANDALAY BAY  
MGM Resorts International and Marriott International, Inc. officially mark the debut of W Las Vegas, transitioning the iconic 1,117-suite tower on the Mandalay Bay campus into the globally recognized W Hotels brand. Marriott Bonvoy members can now book stays and earn and redeem points at this vibrant destination, now part of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. With the addition of W Las Vegas, MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy encompasses 12 destinations on the Las Vegas Strip, including Bellagio, a Luxury Collection Resort & Casino; ARIA Resort & Casino, Autograph Collection; The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection; and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, among others. For more information, contact Stacy Hamilton, MGM Resorts International, shamilton@mgmresorts.com.

FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES MOMENTOUS FIRST YEAR OF LUXURY HOSPITALITY ON THE STRIP
Since Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ global debut on December 13, 2023, the 67-story luxury resort has become a sought-after destination for world-class entertainment, nightlife, and dining on the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, contact Fontainebleau Las Vegas, pr@fblasvegas.com.