The More Things Change In Las Vegas, The More They Remain The Same

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Entertainment as always been a major attraction in Las Vegas. This isn’t anything new. Back the 1960’s the Rat Pack was one of the main attractions in Las Vegas. Back then gambling was the main draw to Las Vegas but everyone enjoyed the chance to see Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and others performing on the Vegas Strip.

Today, things seem to have flipped in Las Vegas. Big shows and entertainers seem to be the main attraction while the gambling is secondary. Gambling doesn’t generate the majority of the revenue that it used to. However, gambling is still a part of Las Vegas for almost 3 of every 4 people who visit. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 73% of the people who visited Las Vegas in 2015, spent some time and money gambling (see page 9 of the study).

Major events are a major reason people visit Las Vegas today. In fact, MGM Resorts International says that they will have 5 times the number of events in 2016 as they did in 2015 (disclosure: this includes non-Vegas events). The Park Theater, at Monte Carlo, opens in December and has already announced Bruno Mars, Cher and Ricky Martin residencies for 2017. There are rumors that at least one more pop star (Lady Gaga?) will be joining them for a residency.

T-Mobile Arena, behind New York-New York, brought many major events to Las Vegas in 2016 and will bring even more in 2017. One of the most popular concert series in Las Vegas this year was George Strait. His shows at T-Mobile Arena sold out in minutes. He recently announced that he’ll be playing even more concerts at T-Mobile Arena next year. Shows will take place April 7-8, July 28-29, September 1-2 and December 8-9, 2017.

Additionally, T-Mobile Arena will be home to the Las Vegas NHL team next season. The puck will drop in less than a year and games will take place every few days. I know people from around the country ready to book their annual Vegas vacation based on when their favorite hockey team is in town. Nothing like using sports as an excuse to visit Las Vegas.

The Park and T-Mobile Arena aren’t the only new venues that you’ll find entertainment in Las Vegas. SLS Las Vegas renovated their nightclub into a concert venue this year. The new venue called the Foundry has hosted various concerts throughout the year. Next year it will be home to regular concerts and also the first residency for comedians Jon Lovitz and Dana Carvey.

Axis Theater at Planet Hollywood isn’t a new venue but they continue to add artist concert events. Caesars Entertainment recently announced that the Backstreet Boys would be joining Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Lionel Richie for a residency at Planet Hollywood in 2017.

There was a time when people visit Las Vegas to gamble and maybe see a show. Today, it seems to be the other way around. Whether someone is visiting for a sporting event or a concert they’re also inclined to gamble. There’s always been something for everyone in Las Vegas, and that tradition continues.