Sin City has big plans in 2014 when its streets will glow even brighter with new attractions and hotels. December left us giddy with anticipation, already premiering multiple powerhouse acts that rock expectations of Vegas entertainment. (We now have Britney and Bruno. Mind blown.) And with so much variety headed our way, you can bet we’re buzzed on the prospects. Take a look into our neon crystal ball to see what’s coming in 2014.
New attractions
Mind-blowing entertainment was unveiled in late 2013. Since they barely made residency before the ball dropped, we felt it only fair to share them with you now (just in case you got stuck under a rock). We know these will make your 2014 Vegas trip bucket list.
Beacher’s Madhouse at MGM Grand
With their soft opening hosted by longtime fan and infamous twerker Miley Cyrus, the only thing you can count on is this show being outrageous. The vaudeville-inspired production features raunchy acts, comedy and a cast of little people including mini Britney Spears, mini Miley Cyrus, and mini Robin Thicke. It’s a mad mad world, and this one comes with a literal elephant in the room.
Tickets start at $75 plus taxes and fees. Early shows will run Wednesdays-Sundays (starting January 17) from 8 to 10 p.m. Additional late show performances will be available Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (starting January 3) from 10:30 p.m. to close. Special New Year’s week performances will be available at 10:30 p.m. Must be 21 or older. Purchase tickets online.
Britney Spears at Planet Hollywood
By now you’ve heard Britney’s back. The pop princess kicked off her first Las Vegas residency on December 27. Shows run select nights over the next two years at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $59 plus tax and fees. Purchase tickets online.
Bruno Mars at Cosmopolitan
Bruno Mars christened Cosmopolitan’s new venue The Chelsea on New Year’s Eve to kick off his latest residency. Performances begin December 29 at 9 p.m. Performances are also scheduled for December 31, February 15, February 16, May 23, May 24, August 22 and August 23 at varying show times. Starting ticket prices vary per show date. All ages welcome. Reserve your tickets online.
Coming in 2014
You may not recognize these coming attractions by their current stages of construction on the Strip, but here’s what you can look forward to experiencing on your next trip.
El Loco at Adventuredome
Only the second of its kind in the United States, the El Loco roller coaster will offer daredevils the 72-second thrill of a lifetime. Riders will experience negative G-drops and gravity suspending turns in open-carriage cars. Each car only accommodates four riders, allowing the ride to maneuver faster. Due to its uniqueness and tight turns, it must pass 2,000 safety test rides before opening. Get your scream on in late January 2014.
The High Roller at LINQ Development
Billed as the tallest observation wheel in the world at 550 feet, The High Roller is America’s response to the London Eye and Singapore Flyer. The 28 glass spherical cabins will hold up to 40 passengers each, taking tourists on a 30-minute scenic viewing of the Strip. The wheel is considered the focal point of the Caesars Entertainment’s LINQ project, a 300,000-square-foot, open-air entertainment, retail and dining district. While no official opening date has been given, gossip columns and Las Vegas buzz feeds estimate the wheel will be rolling by February.
Voodoo Zipline at Rio
Voodoo Zipline promises to send riders flying 490 feet above ground, offering spectacular views of both the Red Rock mountains and the infamous Strip. Riders will travel from the Rio’s Voodoo Lounge to the Ipanema tower at speeds of 33 mph. Special seats allow pairs to experience the thrill together and then return passengers to their original platform. Family and friends can watch the excitement from the Voodoo Rooftop patio. Originally set to open in November of 2013, it now looks like we’ll be flying sky-high this spring.
Slotzilla at Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience traded its former zipline companion for a 12-story monster of a ride: SlotZilla. The two-level mega-sized slot machine is the world’s first powered-launch zipline attraction. Riders can choose to launch form the upper platform (the “Zoomline”) at 128 feet or from the lower platform at 70 feet. Those on the Zoomline will soar 1,700 feet beneath the Fremont Street canopy at 35 mph. Lower level riders will travel 800 feet to a mid-point landing platform. While the ride was set to open in December, no official date has been provided. So we’re still waiting… kind of patiently.
The Delano Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay
Taking over THEhotel at the Mandalay Bay, the new Delano Las Vegas will look to, “Evoke luxury with an unexpected touch of individuality.” Boasting 1,100 suites, state-of-the-art gym facilities and a palatial spa, get ready for South Beach style to hit the Strip in the fall.
New York-New York & Monte Carlo Outdoor Experience and Sports Arena
The streetscape between the New York-New York and Monte Carlo will soon host an elaborate urban park and entertainment district complete with bars, eateries and shops. Pedestrians will be able to experience “Hershey’s Happiness” at the new two-story Hershey’s Chocolate World flagship and sip on lattes at our favorite local coffee destination, Sambalatte.
Accompanying the hotel transformations will be a 20,000-seat sports and entertainment arena (in partnership with AEG). The state-of-the-art facility will host NHL and NBA teams, boxing, mixed martial arts, awards shows and concerts. Amenities will include a VIP drop-off zone, bunker suites and an 85-foot-tall atrium with exterior balconies. While the stadium isn’t set to host its first event until 2016, you can start strolling through the new plaza, park and shops in early 2014.
Cowabunga Bay Water Park
Surf’s up in this 1950s and 1960s-themed water park. After initially delaying their 2013 opening, Cowabunga Bay announced they would open their waves to water babes and surfer dudes this coming spring. The park will feature more than 25 water slides and attractions, including a 35,000-square-foot wave pool and a 75-foot horizontal looping water slide called the “Zuma-ZOOMa.” Season passes will be available for purchase in January.
Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s
Tourists will soon be able to experience an open-air market and dining venue reminiscent of famous worldwide markets. Over 150 shops will span two acres at the Bally’s entrance. Swarovski Crystal’s shop will feature a 4,000-pound Crystal Starburst tower, recreating a New Year’s Eve celebration nightly at midnight. Expected late 2014.
Retail Venue at TI
The Sirens of TI walked the plank in order to make room for an elaborate 48,000-square-foot retail venue to include restaurants, a pharmacy and retail shops. Now visiting pirates will have a modern three-story structure from which to drink and pillage. The center is slated to open in the fall.
SLS Hotel & Casino
The former Sahara Hotel is undergoing extensive reconstruction, turning empty and unlit space into an, “all encompassing, mixed-used resort and casino,” as declared on the hotel’s website, to learn more about casinos, check here the history of slots. The new SLS Hotel will feature 1,600 rooms and suites, 30,000-square-feet of meeting space, as well as chic shops and nightlife destinations. The hotel recently announced Danny Elmaleh’s contemporary Mediterranean restaurant, Cleo, will join their all-star cuisine line-up. The SLS is anticipated to open fall 2014.
