Las Vegas is a city like no other, known by many names. You might know it as The City of Lights, the Entertainment Capital of the World, the Marriage Capital of the World, the City of Second Chances, the Gambling Capital of the World, Desert Oasis, Lost Wages, and of course, Sin City.
Though Vegas is more famous for gambling, there’s more to this city than casinos. Boasting world-class restaurants, sporting events, music concerts, theatre plays, amusement parks, and much more, Las Vegas is one of America’s leading arts, tourism and entertainment destinations.
The Grandest Venues in Las Vegas
Events are significant in Sin City. In event hosting, few places can host an event like Las Vegas. Nothing is too big or small, loud or quiet, obnoxious or reserved – there’s something here for everyone. The city caters to its diverse clientele’s needs, preferences, and tastes. One look at the Vegas revenue statistics, and the importance of events is clear.
Bigger is always better, and whether it’s conventions, concerts, art exhibitions, installations, or sports, Vegas has hosted many of the most significant and memorable events of the recent past. Boasting some of America’s grandest event venues, here are five of the biggest Vegas has to offer.
The Venetian Las Vegas
It’s currently the world’s second-largest hotel with just over 7,100 rooms. The resort also contains four theatres, Grand Canal Shoppes, the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, and The Venetian Convention and Expo Center.
The MGM Grand Las Vegas
Formerly known as Mandalay Bay and currently the third-largest hotel globally, this site is known for the famous events that have taken place within its walls. In the sport of boxing, only Madison Square Garden beats the MGM Grand Garden Arena as the place for fights.
Built as a destination hotel, the MGM Grand has a massive entertainment and shopping complex with many themed restaurants, day and night clubs, and a comedy club. Additionally, the hotel has various theatres, hosting exclusive shows like the David Copperfield Theatre for the illusionist, the Jabbawockeez Theatre for the dance group, and the Kà Theatre, home to Cirque du Soleil.
The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
Built on a portion of what was once the legendary Sands hotel, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas was completed and opened in 2010. It features three separate resorts, including a luxury hotel, convention hall, and 3,000-seat theater. The Cosmopolitan is famous for its unique skyline views and residential-style suite design, apart from its restaurants and shows.
The Mirage Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
This 3,000-room Polynesian-themed resort was built originally as a small motel in 1946 by famous magician Danny “Cooke” Romanelli. Apart from its many restaurants, clubs, and event spaces, The Mirage is also popular for its artificial pina colada scented volcano that erupts nightly. It is one of the most well-known landmarks in Las Vegas.
The resort also houses Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, a unique rainforest-themed atrium, and a bespoke registration desk with an 8-foot tall, 50-foot-long aquarium backsplash. The Mirage is also famous for the number of big Hollywood movies shot inside the resort.
Wynn Las Vegas
The Wynn is a luxury resort and casino found on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. Built on what used to be the Desert Inn Hotel, the Wynn is currently the world’s seventh-largest hotel. It sits on 215 acres and contains a casino, convention center, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, shops, boutiques, and a golf and country club. It’s also known for its artificial mountain with its colossal curtain waterfall plunging into a massive three-acre lake.
Events Galore
While gambling is the largest revenue earner in Sin City, events today play a more prominent role in the overall Vegas experience. More and more visitors are coming here not just to try their luck, but for the arts, culture, entertainment, cuisine, shopping, and other amenities unique to Vegas.
