Ninth Island Connection would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! As one year comes to an end and another begins, the only sure bet in Vegas is that there’s going to be something new. The constant in Las Vegas is change, particularly out with the old and in with the new. Some of the farewells include some popular places and shows.
As of December 19th, The Mirage is officially Hard Rock. While no changes have begun, as of yet, future plans include a major overhaul, in which the property will close (date TBD); however, Hard Rock does have up to 3 years to keep the Mirage name and the official opening isn’t likely to happen until 2025. The Dolphin Habitat is officially gone, but Cirque Du Soleil’s LOVE is staying along with the Aces of Comedy. Sadly, the Volcano, which debuted to the Strip back in 1989, changing the Strip forever, is going away soon. Construction is rumored to begin after March Madness. Be sure to catch this free hourly show before it is gone forever!
We also said bye-bye to Bally’s Hotel & Casino. Bally’s is officially Horseshoe; however, the construction inside and out is still in progress. Don’t be fooled by all of those rendered photos floating around, it is still a work in progress and outside construction, painting and signage is still happening. They have redone the carpet, painted inside and remodeled the WSOP area; however, it still feels like Bally’s.
Along with the casinos, some shows ended 2022 with their final performances. The short-lived show, Bat Out of Hell-The Musical, is leaving the Paris Theater. This is very sad, since it was such a great show and a unique addition to Las Vegas. Next door to Paris, Extravaganza at Bally’s is also coming to an end after just over two years. Reckless in Vegas, who performed at Sahara Hotel & Casino, have ended their residency there. Particle Ink, an immersive art experience in the Arts District has closed its doors, but may open at a new location.
It’s not all sad news. Several new exciting things are on their way! Formula 1, which won’t kick off until November 2023, has construction on their new site, just off of the Strip, in progress. Several properties have announced tickets and packages that are up for sale.
The Wynn has a million-dollar package and Nobu inside of Caesars has announced a $5 million package that includes a menu designed and prepared by Chef Nobu himself.
For the Foodies, tons of restaurants have plans to open in Las Vegas this year! Fremont Hotel & Casino will celebrate the grand opening of their new food hall on January 12th. Aria’s former buffet is now Proper Eats Food Hall. This food hall is now home to popular venues that originated outside of Vegas, including Wexler’s Deli (Los Angeles), Judy Joo’s Seoul Bird (London), Egghead (New York) and Shalom Y’all (Portland), as well as Tamaki, Laughing Buddha, Lola’s Burgers, and Steve Aoki’s Pizzaoki.
California’s popular Randy’s Donuts opened their 2nd location at Resorts World Las Vegas.
Visitors to the Las Vegas Strip should expect construction. Major makeovers are on the way or already in progress. The Venetian has started their $1 million upgrade. M Resort, just off of The Strip, has started a $206 Million expansion. Fontainebleu should be wrapping up their long-awaited project this year. Two new Strip casinos will begin construction this year. These new casinos will be located in the former Hawaiian Market space across from Aria and down near the Harley Davidson Store by the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. The Sphere is also scheduled to open this fall with U2 as the first concert. Not to be outdone, Allegiant Stadium will begin a $7.5 Million upgrade. While the opening of the world’s first Punk Rock Museum was delayed, it has announced plans to open March 10th
January is typically the busiest time for conventions. Some coming to Vegas once again include CES Las Vegas (1/5-8), Bridal Spectacular Wedding Expo (1/13), Fancy Food Show (1/15-1/17), SHOT Show (1/17-20), World of Concrete (1/17-19), 2023 Winter Las Vegas Market (1/29-2/2), 2023 National Association of Home Builders Show (1/31-2/2), and Creation Las Vegas (1/12-15).
Of course, the Entertainment Capital of the World has quite the lineup for concerts, shows and events for 2023. Some of the residencies announced for 2023 include Donny Osmond at Harrah’s, Santana at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, Maroon 5 and Bruno Mars at Dolby Theater at Park MGM, Barry Manilow at Westgate, and Katy Perry and Luke Bryan returning to Resorts World Las Vegas. Of course, in Vegas, things can change at the last minute, so be sure to stay up-to-date on any events that you plan on attending on the Ninth Island, Las Vegas, and check the venues website for the policies of what can and cannot come into stadiums, arenas and theaters. For more information on entertainment and events in January and February, check out the link for our Winter 2023 update on our Ninth Island Connection YouTube channel.
Whether you’re a Las Vegas Local, or just visiting the Ninth Island, be sure to get out and explore this beautiful state! For more information on each of these destinations, check out this video, or tune into Ninth Island Connection on YouTube or YurView (Channel 14) Wednesdays @ 9 PM
