A year of growth and major events in Las Vegas
Las Vegas ends 2024 with major entertainment milestones, economic activity, and citywide changes that shape its path into 2025. The year saw major concerts, construction updates, venue expansions, and labor disputes that influenced residents and visitors. This Las Vegas 2024 year in review highlights the moments that defined the city.
Spectators watch as drivers take to the track during the first night of Formula 1 practice at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Photo by Mark Hebert.
Duran Duran to headline Fontainebleau’s year-end celebration
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Duran Duran will perform a one-night-only show at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Dec. 30. The concert will take place at the BleauLive Theater. Tickets went on sale Nov. 1 at FontainebleauLasVegas.com. The show is expected to give visitors a strong start to New Year’s weekend.
Universal Horror Unleashed set for Area15 in 2025
Universal Destinations and Experiences confirmed that Universal Horror Unleashed will open at Area15 next year. The attraction will feature four themed haunted houses, horror-inspired dining, live entertainment, and updated experiences throughout the year. The project expands Las Vegas’ growing lineup of immersive venues.
In-N-Out prepares largest restaurant on the Strip
In-N-Out Burger will open a large rooftop location at the BLVD shopping complex near Park MGM. The 10,520-square-foot space includes a 2,500-square-foot patio. It may become the chain’s biggest restaurant to date. Its location near T-Mobile Arena positions it as a key stop for fans before games and concerts.
Russell wins 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix
George Russell led a Mercedes 1-2 finish at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton in second. Max Verstappen finished fifth, which secured his fourth straight Formula 1 world title. Weekend attendance reached 306,000 fans, which was slightly lower than last year’s inaugural race.
Race day sold out, and the weekend included performances from Boyz II Men, OneRepublic, and Ludacris. A Ferrari Challenge support race rounded out the schedule. The Grand Prix remains on the calendar through 2025.
Barry Manilow extends record Westgate residency
Barry Manilow will close out the year with six holiday shows at Westgate Las Vegas. “A Very Barry Christmas” runs Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14. The shows blend hits like “Mandy” with seasonal music. Manilow recently broke Elvis Presley’s record of 636 sold-out Westgate performances.
His residency continues in 2025 with 48 scheduled shows from Feb. 13 to Dec. 13. Tickets start at $58 and are available at Ticketmaster.com.
Sahara Las Vegas shuts down its poker room
Sahara Las Vegas closed its seven-table poker room on Nov. 16. The space will shift to an expanded slot floor with new gaming options. The closure makes it the seventh Strip poker room to shut down in five years.
Other recent closures include Excalibur, Harrah’s, Planet Hollywood, and Flamingo between 2020 and 2021. Both Mirage and Tropicana closed their poker rooms in 2024.
Strikes continue at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas remains in a labor dispute with Culinary Union workers. Strikes began Nov. 15. The union is seeking wage increases that match contracts at larger resorts. Hotel leadership cites ongoing financial challenges, including lower gaming revenue.
The property is owned by a multibillion-dollar investment group, but it maintains it cannot match on-Strip contracts. The strike remains the longest open-ended action in decades and shows no clear end.
FAA approves North Strip LVXP arena project
The Federal Aviation Administration approved the 752-foot LVXP project on the North Strip. Plans include a 2,605-unit hotel, an 18,000-seat NBA-ready arena, a 6,000-seat theater, and casino and retail spaces. The project is located between Fontainebleau and Sahara.
Developers received early support from the Winchester Town Advisory Board. A Clark County Commission hearing was set for Dec. 4 to address key entitlements. Outreach and traffic studies will continue into 2025.
Major tradeshows highlight a busy December
Las Vegas is set for a strong convention month with several notable events:
Digital Signage Experience (DSE)
Dec. 7-10, Las Vegas Convention Center
Attendees: 4,082, Exhibitors: 200
LDI – The Entertainment Technology Show
Dec. 8-10, Las Vegas Convention Center
Attendees: 12,060, Exhibitors: 279
e-Courts
Dec. 9-11, MGM Grand
Construction SuperConference (CSC)
Dec. 9-11, The Cosmopolitan
ICAS Annual Convention
Dec. 9-12, Paris Hotel
Cashman Center auction draws interest but no bids
The recent auction for the Cashman Center site ended with no official bids. The $33.9 million starting price and the absence of a 90- to 120-day entitlement clause discouraged buyers. Potential bidders wanted the ability to withdraw if land-use approvals failed.
City leaders will revisit the auction in January and may add the entitlement clause. The 50.25-acre site opened in 1948 and includes a 10,000-seat stadium. It was managed by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority before shifting to city ownership in 2017.
