The wait is over, we now know who will pop the cherry at the new Las Vegas Arena next year. The fine folks over at the MGM have released the line-up for the opening weekend festivities and it screams Las Vegas, baby! Just to be sure to make it a Las Vegas themed event, its musical acts are all Las Vegas and hits the old school Vegas tourists with the new baby boomers tourists alike. Hometown rockers “The Killers” will be top billing for the inaugural event with “Mr Las Vegas” Wayne Newton and Las Vegas artist Shamir to round out the night.
Rick Arpin, representative for Las Vegas Arena, said, “The opening act for the Las Vegas Arena has been subject to lots of speculation, but in our mind it always made sense to celebrate Las Vegas and its homegrown talent.
“We want Las Vegas to know this is ‘your house,’ and we look forward to making The Killers feel right at home.”
The Killers
The Killers are an American rock band formed in Las Vegas, by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning. The group has released four chart-topping studio albums: Hot Fuss (2004), Sam’s Town (2006), Day & Age (2008) and Battle Born (2012). They have also released a B-sides and rarities compilation, Sawdust (2007); a live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall (2009); and a greatest hits album Direct Hits (2013).
The Killers are seen as one of the biggest rock bands of the 21st century, and the most successful rock act to ever emerge from the state of Nevada, having sold an estimated 22 million albums worldwide.They have achieved worldwide success as a live band, performing in over fifty countries and on six continents, headlining venues such as Madison Square Garden and Wembley Stadium.(Wikipedia)
Wayne Newton
One of the best-known entertainers in Las Vegas, started here in 1958. When Wayne and his brother Jerry, were signed to a contract to play 6 shows a night at the Fremont Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas. In 1999, Newton signed a 10-year deal with the Stardust, calling for him to perform there 40 weeks out of the year for six shows a week in a showroom named after him. This “headliner-in-residence” deal was the first of its kind in Las Vegas.
Recently he has turned his Casa de Shenandoah Ranch into a kind of “Graceland west” tourist attraction. Where you can see a video on his life, then tour his private car collection, gaze at his awards and career highlights and memorabilia collection and the former main house. s as well as his prized Arabian horses.
Shamir
I get the Killers. I know it HAD to include Wayne Newton. But if you are like me, you may have wondered who is this Shamir? Turns out Shamir is Shamir Bailey, a 20-year-old Las Vegas native and musician who draws influence from soul, R&B, house, disco, rap and pop. He likes to fashion his music in the tradition of Prince, Grace Jones, David Bowie and Madonna. His debut EP “Northtown” was released in 2014, and his first album, “Ratchet,” was released in May. Ok. Now I know….
( Tickets to Las Vegas Arena Opening Night)
VIP Digs at the Arena
While people are grumbling about the lack of parking at the new facility, those who are in the VIP area will not have to worry. There is a private entrance to the VIP and Club seating area coming right from the 4th floor of the New York – New York Casino parking garage. No more having to deal with the long lines and mingling with the commoners.
They are also preparing the parking facility for access to the park area between The Monte Carlo, the Las Vegas Arena and New York-New York. With escalators and drop off areas for cabbies and Uber/Lyft riders. Parking is still going to be the thorn in their sides for getting the locals to come, visit and spend money.
Monte Carlo Concert Hall
That’s its current name, is currently coming along at a fast pace. When it’s done, some speculate the name of the resort it’s attached to will be changed as well as the name of the new 5,000 seat concert hall where the Blue Man Group’s theater used to sit. Expected to open late 2016, after the new arena is open.
- Tickets to Las Vegas Arena Opening Night
- Battle Born by The Killers (Amazon)
- Wayne Newton on Amazon
- Shamir on Amazon
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