(Allegiant Stadium, recognized as Billboard’s top U.S. stadium for live events in 2024, continues to host world-class performances and sports events, solidifying Las Vegas as a premier entertainment destination. Photo by James Marvin Phelps, used under CC BY-SA 2.0.)
From groundbreaking innovations to high-profile events, the city sets the stage for another dynamic year
by Exhibit City News Staff
Las Vegas begins 2025 with notable events, key developments, and major trade shows that reinforce its role as a center for business, entertainment, and innovation. With infrastructure expansions and industry-leading gatherings, the city is poised for another significant year.
Vegas Loop Adds Westgate Resort Station
The Vegas Loop, the underground Tesla tunnel system by Elon Musk’s Boring Company, has expanded with a new station at Westgate Resort. Since opening in 2021, the system has moved over 3 million riders, connecting key locations like the Las Vegas Convention Center and Resorts World.
Future expansions aim to connect the Loop to McCarran International Airport, Paradise Road, and the Las Vegas Strip, further easing congestion and improving mobility across the city. Visit LVCVA.com for more details.
Culinary Union Strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Ends After 69 Days
The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 ended their 69-day strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Jan. 22, 2025, after reaching a new 5-year collective bargaining agreement.
The agreement, ratified unanimously by union members, officially ended the strike that began on Nov. 15, 2024. Both sides released a joint statement committing to a collaborative working relationship moving forward.
Las Vegas to Host 2027 College Football Playoff National Championship
Las Vegas will host the 2027 College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship game at Allegiant Stadium on Jan. 25, 2027.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) recently approved up to $40 million to support hosting the event, covering expenses such as game management, marketing, security, and practice sites. This includes an initial $25 million commitment with an additional $15 million reserved for contingencies.
The CFP, which expanded to a 12-team format this year, continues its rotation of host cities, with Miami set to host the 2026 championship. Hosting the 2027 title game reinforces Las Vegas’ reputation as a premier sports destination, following events like Super Bowl 58 in 2024 and the upcoming NCAA Final Four in 2028.
Billboard Names Allegiant Stadium Top U.S. Venue for 2024
Billboard Magazine’s 2024 year-end report ranked Allegiant Stadium as the top stadium in the United States and #2 worldwide for live events.
The Las Vegas venue hosted iconic concerts in 2024, including The Rolling Stones, TWICE, Morgan Wallen, PINK, Billy Joel & Sting, and George Strait. It also featured major sporting events like CONMEBOL Copa América matches, the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic, the Las Vegas Bowl, and the first National Rugby League regular-season games in the U.S.
Allegiant Stadium continues to establish itself as a premier destination for global entertainment and sports.
Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) Returns to Las Vegas This February
The 2025 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), presented by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), will take place February 25–27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, co-locating with the National Home Builder Association’s International Builders Show (IBS) as part of Design and Construction Week.
Spanning the North, West, and South Halls, as well as outdoor exhibit spaces, this year’s show is set to be one of the largest yet, with over 100 first-time exhibitors and 200 international exhibitors expected. Last year’s KBIS welcomed more than 55,500 attendees.
Highlights include the 30 Under 30 Reception (Feb. 24), the Design and Construction Week Opening Ceremonies featuring David Spade (Feb. 25), and the Annual NKBA Meeting and State of the Industry Presentation (Feb. 26). The week concludes with the IBS Closing Concert starring Chris Janson (Feb. 27).
Upcoming Tradeshows in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is set to host several major tradeshows this February, showcasing a wide array of industries:
Manifest 2025
- Dates: 11–12, 2025
- Location: Caesars Forum
- Description: This cutting-edge logistics and supply chain tradeshow will highlight emerging technologies, automation, and sustainability in the industry.
CHAMPS Trade Show
- Dates: 12–15, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
- Description: The premier B2B event for counterculture retailers, featuring exhibitors showcasing glass art, CBD products, vape technologies, and more.
IBS (International Builders’ Show)
- Dates: 25–27, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
- Description: Co-located with other Design & Construction Week events, IBS is North America’s largest annual light construction show, drawing over 70,000 building professionals.
NGA Show (National Grocers Association)
- Dates: 24–25, 2025
- Location: Caesars Forum
- Description: Focused on independent grocers, this show features industry-leading innovations, product showcases, and educational sessions tailored for the grocery sector.
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center Unveils 2025 Lineup
The Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) has announced its 2025 schedule, featuring a variety of concerts and events:
- Ray Volpe (Feb. 1): Kicking off the year with a bass-heavy lineup.
- Biggest Big Game Bash (Feb. 9): A free, 21+ football viewing event.
- Dream Asia Food Fest (Feb. 14–16): Celebrating Asian cuisine with over 90 food vendors.
- Holo Holo Music Festival (April 26–27): Headlined by reggae icons UB40 and Steel Pulse.
For tickets and details, visit the DLVEC website.
Circus Circus Could Be Next Strip Property to Change Hands
Paul Ruffin, owner of Circus Circus since 2019, has expressed interest in selling the budget-friendly casino property on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. According to Forbes, Ruffin values the 102-acre site at approximately $5 billion.
Originally opened in 1968, Circus Circus has long catered to budget-conscious visitors and remains notable for its RV park and family-friendly focus. Ruffin acquired the property for $825 million from MGM Resorts, citing its vast land as a primary motivator for the purchase.
With land valuations in Las Vegas climbing—driven in part by professional sports franchises entering the city—Circus Circus could become a key piece of the next major land acquisition. Ruffin’s track record includes selling the New Frontier Hotel and Casino for $1.2 billion after a $165 million purchase, showcasing his skill at capitalizing on land value.
As Vegas continues its sports-driven expansion, including new stadiums and training facilities for major league teams, the prime location and acreage of Circus Circus could attract significant interest.
