Las Vegas News Briefs − March 2021

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas to Open with No Resort Fees, Complimentary Self-Parking & Wi-Fi
The reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, will make its long-anticipated arrival to Las Vegas on March 25, 2021. In an effort to dazzle guests even before their arrival, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will remove resort fees. Guests will also be able to enjoy complimentary self-parking and Wi-Fi at no charge, which will be available throughout the resort and in the over 1,500 Chambers. From the very beginning, Virgin Hotels has been proponents of upfront pricing. Their celebrated “championing of the customer,” means there are no resort fees at any of their properties. The brand-wide “No Nickel and Diming” policy also covers free Wi-Fi and “street priced” minibars, meaning drinks, snacks and goodies. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will welcome guests to enjoy the property to the fullest, including one of the most anticipated curation of culinary experiences under one roof, signature craft cocktails and entertainment in the Bar at Commons Club and Shag Room, gaming thrills throughout the interactive 60,000 sq. ft. Mohegan Sun Casino and much more.

• Award-Winning Chef David Werly Joins Virgin Hotels Las Vegas as Executive Chef: Bringing over 20 years of culinary acclaim to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Chef David Werly has been tapped as the executive chef for the reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort.
• Casa Calavera Las Vegas Now Accepting Reservations Ahead of March 25 Opening Date: Global hospitality company Hakkasan Group recently announced Casa Calavera, a Mexican culinary and cantina concept inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is now accepting reservations and will open to the public on Thursday, March 25, 2021. The Las Vegas outlet of Casa Calavera will feature a main dining room and full-service bar, outdoor patio overlooking Virgin Hotels Las Vegas’ resort pool, and a number of intricately-themed traditional altars curated as photo opportunities with each fabricated in Mexican tiles, reclaimed wood, calavera skulls, traditional Mexican furniture, authentic posters, and bright marigold flowers.

For more information, contact Terri Maruca, Kirvin Doak Communications, [email protected].

Vegas Golden Knights Welcome the Best Fans in NHL Back to the Fortress
Beginning Monday, March 1, the Golden Knights will welcome the best fans in the NHL back to the Fortress at 15% capacity. In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, there are several guidelines and protocols that have been communicated to season ticket members and fans who have purchased tickets. The number one priority is ensuring the health and safety of fans at Golden Knights home games. The organization is appreciative of everyone’s understanding of these protocols and look forward to welcoming the best fans in the NHL back to T-Mobile Arena. Please note these guidelines are subject to change based on updates, recommendations and guidance from local and state health officials. For more information, contact Sage Sammons, Vegas Golden Knights, [email protected].

Caesars Palace to Introduce Stadia Bar
Caesars Palace is proud to announce the all-new Stadia Bar, anticipated to debut spring of 2021. Stadia will offer a next-level sports viewing experience with lavish amenities, numerous large HD TVs, a menu overflowing with high-end and unique cocktail selections and more. Guests can casually hang out or catch the big game in style with Stadia’s rentable spaces to create an intimate viewing experience for small groups. The 120-seat bar and lounge will be a destination beyond game days, with its modern seating and craft cocktail menu. Stadia’s cocktail menu will feature an array of unique curated selections and an impressive list of highly allocated supreme spirits. These sought-after brands are so rare, they are only available for purchase once a year, with the entire state receiving less than a case. Some of these include Kentucky Owl 10 Year Rye, Pappy Van Winkle 13 Year Rye, Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute and more. Stadia will also carry signature blends of whiskey that are purchased by the barrel, providing guests a one-of-a-kind flavor profile that can only be tasted at Caesars Palace. Food items will also be available via mobile ordering. For more information, contact Gia Silvaggio, Caesars Entertainment, [email protected]

Entertainment Returns to MGM Resorts
In accordance with revised state guidelines, MGM Resorts will return David Copperfield, The Australian Bee Gees and Terry Fator’s shows to the stage this month. All other shows have returned.  

• David Copperfield – David Copperfield Theater – MGM Grand: Performances scheduled to begin Sunday, March 21. Emmy Award-winning illusionist David Copperfield wows audiences with his stage production Live The Impossible.
• Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club – Studio A & B Ballrooms – MGM Grand: Emmy Award-winning comedian and actor Brad Garrett brings his top-quality comedy to MGM Grand nightly. The club provides Garrett, as well as legendary comedians and the next generation of comics, a place to call home in Las Vegas. Guests must be 21 years of age or older.
• Carrot Top – Luxor Theater – LUXOR: With three decades of comedic performance in his rear-view mirror, Carrot Top is one of the most popular, recognizable and successful comedians in the nation. Utilizing a one-of-a-kind style, the resident show is ever evolving and has become a Las Vegas staple. Guests must be 16 years of age or older; anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older.
• FANTASY – Luxor Theater – LUXOR: All-time Best of Vegas (2020): Best Female Revue, FANTASY has remained one of The Strip’s top productions since its premiere 20 years ago. Popular among singles and couples alike, the always-evolving, sexy production showcases 15 high-energy numbers set to today’s top music. Guests must be 18 years of age or older.
• The Australian Bee Gees – Thunderland Showroom – EXCALIBUR: Performances scheduled to begin Monday, March 15. The Australian Bee Gees Show – A Tribute to the Bee Gees is a multi-media concert event with a contemporary perspective featuring state-of-the-art sound and superb lighting.
• Thunder From Down Under – Thunderland Showroom – EXCALIBUR: Australia’s Thunder From Down Under is the world’s No. 1 male revue show – not only performing in Las Vegas nightly, but also touring in dozens of countries worldwide. The longest-running and highest-grossing male revue in the history of Las Vegas provides a sensual adventure for guests, using state-of-the-art lighting, amazing costumes and perfected choreography. Guests must be 18 years of age or older.
• Terry Fator – New York-New York Theater – NEW YORK-NEW YORK: Performances scheduled to begin Thursday, March 18. Famed ventriloquist Terry Fator will perform his new show, “Terry Fator: Who’s the Dummy Now?,” for a limited engagement.

Details of MGM Resorts’ Entertainment Convene with Confidence program can be found here. For more information, contact Katharine Sherrer, MGM Resorts International, [email protected].

Emporium Arcade Bar + Venue Las Vegas Now Open at AREA15
Emporium Arcade Bar Las Vegas is now open for business. The lively new destination for drinks, games and live shows is located at AREA15, the new art and entertainment district located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Founded in Chicago in 2012, Emporium Arcade Bar has earned a reputation as a laid-back gathering place and destination for all types of games, including Killer Queen, classic arcade favorites, pool tables, pinball, foosball, basketball and many more. Its Las Vegas outpost will feature a passionately curated bar showcasing a superb local craft beer program, an innovative cocktail menu and expansive liquor list. In addition, Emporium Arcade Bar showcases an ongoing, robust calendar of live shows, DJs and game tournaments, and it will open for guests ages 21 and older. Emporium Arcade Bar Las Vegas houses 10,000 square feet of space on two levels with a typical capacity of 450 upstairs and 150 downstairs. For more information, contact Vanessa Thill, The Vox Agency, [email protected].

2021 Minor League Baseball Schedule Announced; Aviators Open Season at Round Rock (April 8)
Major League Baseball announced the 2021 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) schedule in full today, which begins with 20 Triple-A Clubs currently planned to play MiLB Opening Day presented by Stouffer’s on Tuesday, April 6th, with another 10 Triple-A Clubs starting two days later on Thursday, April 8th. The Las Vegas Aviators will open their 38th season in the Silver State on Thursday, April 8 at Round Rock, Texas; 2021 home opener is scheduled for Thursday, April 15 vs. Reno Aces at Las Vegas Ballpark. The Triple-A regular season will total 142 games. For more information, contact Jim Gemma, Las Vegas Aviators, [email protected].

Resorts World Las Vegas Partners with Fred Segal to Unveil New Retail Experience
Resorts World Las Vegas recently announced its partnership with iconic Los Angeles-based experiential retailer, Fred Segal, to bring a multi-store destination to the Strip’s newest integrated resort opening this summer. The new location will go beyond retail and bring LA style, food and pop-culture together for a truly interactive shopping experience. Two mini flagship Fred Segal locations, a women’s and men’s shop will be located in the heart of the resort’s 70,000-square-foot retail district. Fred Segal is a pioneer of the shop-in-shop concept so both stores will bring one-of-a-kind pieces and unique brand activations and feature a highly curated collection of fashion apparel, accessories, beauty, gifts and jewelry from brands including Libertine, MadeWorn, DANIELLE GUIZIO, John Elliott, On Running and more – some of which will feature exclusive offerings available only at Resorts World Las Vegas. The dynamic retail destinations will also feature a Sundry Shop, offering a handpicked selection of beverages and snacks inspired by the culture and lifestyle of Los Angeles. For more information, contact Allied Global Marketing (for Resorts World Las Vegas), [email protected].

MGM Resorts Resuming 24/7 Operations at Mandalay Bay, Park MGM and The Mirage on March 3
MGM Resorts International will resume 24/7 hotel operations at Mandalay Bay, Park MGM and The Mirage resorts effective March 3. The change comes as the Company sees increased interest in travel to Las Vegas. Previously, each property had implemented selective mid-week closures related to decreased business volumes due to COVID-19. Days and hours of operation at all venues will vary. For a full list of offerings, and to make reservations, please visit mgmresorts.com. For more information, contact Natalie Mounier, Kirvin Doak Communications,  [email protected].

ABSINTHE® is Back at Caesars Palace on March 17
ABSINTHE® returns on Wednesday, March 17, to its center-Strip stage at Caesars Palace where it will play at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The show is setting aside a limited number of VIP tables at every show. At $1,000 per table, a party of two will be able to sprawl out with comfort in the Impresario’s Reserve section and will receive a bottle of Dom Perignon. Spiegelworld remains committed to providing as safe an environment as possible for its guests, performers, and staff at ABSINTHE by maintaining extensive protocols, as outlined in its Health & Safety Plan. For more information, contact Thomas Judd, Kirvin Doak Communications, [email protected].

The Plaza Hotel & Casino celebrates 50th anniversary
The Plaza Hotel & Casino officially opened on July 2, 1971 in downtown Las Vegas as the largest hotel & casino in the world. It has enjoyed a storied history over the last five decades as an iconic destination that continues to evolve, elevate downtown culture, and enhance the guest experience. The Plaza will celebrate its 50th anniversary with exclusive promotions and special events throughout 2021. For more information, contact Amy E. S. Maier, The Warren Group, [email protected].

M Resort Spa Casino Announces First Official Raiders-Themed Restaurant:
M Resort Spa Casino today announced the official name of the highly anticipated Raiders-themed restaurant at the resort in Henderson. Raiders Tavern & Grill is scheduled to open its doors in the coming weeks and will feature more than 3,400 square feet of dining space as well as two bars, Raiders memorabilia and merchandise. The first of its kind, Raiders Tavern & Grill lends its design and atmosphere to the rich history of the Raiders and the enjoyment of watching sports. With more than 45 high-definition TVs, it will be the ultimate environment for fans year-round. For more information, contact Chandra Stepanovich, Dandelion PR, [email protected].

LVMS to Welcome Spectators for March 5-7 NASCAR Weekend
The March 5-7 NASCAR Weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be conducted with a limited number of fans in the speedway seating area. Race fans in attendance will be required to maintain proper social distancing, wear face coverings and be subject to temperature checks at the gate. There also will be no fan access to the pit or garage areas throughout the weekend. The weekend will kick off on Friday, March 5 with the Bucked Up 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event followed by the Alsco 300 NASCAR Xfinity race on Saturday, March 6. The weekend will conclude with the 24th annual Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube NASCAR Cup Series event on Sunday, March 7. For more information, contact Jeff Motley, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, [email protected].  

Maluma to Perform at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas September 4, 2021
Latin Global superstar Maluma will return to touring with his Papi Juancho 2021 World Tour, making a Las Vegas stop at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino’s Michelob ULTRA Arena at Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. In order to safely bring entertainment back to its resorts, MGM Resorts spent months developing and implementing its comprehensive Seven Point Safety Plan and its “Convene with Confidence” program, which outline the company’s approach to protecting the health and safety of guests and employees. The multi-layered plans look at everything from sanitation stations, masking and physical distancing to digital solutions that minimize touch points as well as enhanced cleaning protocol. Details around both programs can be found at MGM Resorts Entertainment Convene with Confidence. For more information, contact Katharine Sherrer, MGM Resorts International, [email protected].

Station Casinos Shines Up Culinary Program with Addition of Lucky Penny and Brass Fork Cafes
Station Casinos is upping its commitment to culinary excellence in 2021 with the conversion of its Grand Cafés to Lucky Penny at Red Rock Casino and Green Valley Ranch and to Brass Fork at Boulder Station, Santa Fe Station and Sunset Station. Each café will offer elevated dishes and feature a playful menu of modern American cuisine with a twist of worldly flavors and the traditional café classics for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The wildly popular Lucky Penny Café concept from Palms Casino brought great fortune to guests with its recent debuts at Red Rock Casino and Green Valley Ranch. Later this spring, Brass Fork will launch its comforting kitchen concept, currently open at Palace Station with an all new menu, at Boulder Station, Santa Fe Station and Sunset Station in early April. Grand Cafés will remain open until then. For more information, contact Alex Ladwig, Allied Global Marketing, [email protected].

Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play Hosted by Shadow Creek Added to 2021 LPGA Tour Schedule
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) today announced that the inaugural Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play Hosted by Shadow Creek will be held May 26-30, 2021. The tournament, which will feature 64 players competing head to head for a $1.5 million purse, will be conducted at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, the exclusive golf course owned by MGM Resorts International and available only to guests of the company’s resorts. The 64-player field for the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play Hosted by Shadow Creek will be divided into 16 groups of four players, with three days of round-robin matches deciding the final 16-player bracket. From there, the tournament will proceed in single-elimination matches to determine the two players who will face off in Sunday’s Championship Match. For more information, contact Scott Ghertner, MGM Resorts International, [email protected].

Henderson Silver Knights Name Leadership Group for Inaugural Season
The Henderson Silver Knights recently announced forward Patrick Brown will serve as the first captain in franchise history. Defensemen Ryan Murphy and Jake Bischoff will serve as assistant captains. Forward Danny O’Regan and defensemen Jimmy Schuldt and Carl Dahlstrom will round out the leadership group for Head Coach Manny Viveiros. For more information, contact Brian McCormack, Henderson Silver Knights, [email protected].

The Weeknd Bringing After Hours Tour to T-Mobile Arena in 2022
The Weeknd’s 104-date global After Hours World Tour will make a Las Vegas stop at T-Mobile Arena Saturday, April 23, 2022. Along with the addition of 39 new tour dates, The Weeknd also released The Highlights in early February. The Highlights is a way to present some of The Weeknd’s most notable works in one place. While this isn’t a “Greatest Hits” album it does provide a new listener a rich foray into some of the iconic artist’s best and favorite work. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, The Publicity Lab, [email protected].

Rail Explorers Announces Fireside Twilight Tours
Rail Explorers, the year-round, all-ages, outdoor-adventure attraction featuring pedal-powered rail bikes, offers guests new, after-dark Fireside Twilight Tours. The experience makes an appealing new addition to their existing tours, offering an enchanting atmosphere for date night or a family adventure. Guests pedal the Rail Explorers rail bikes four miles downhill from the Nevada State Railroad Museum to the Railroad Pass picnic area, where they may relax in the signature red Adirondack chairs situated around the fire pits. Plus, they are encouraged to bring their own marshmallows and sticks for roasting fireside or purchase a s’mores kit in the Rail Explorers gift shop. The experience concludes with a ride aboard a historic train back to the tour’s starting point. Available Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. For more information, contact Vanessa Thill, The Vox Agency, [email protected].