Las Vegas is back and finally welcoming conventions! But while the city was closed during the pandemic, it wasn’t asleep. Though headline performers are still coming back to the stage cautiously, Magic attendees will have some new sights to see and places to dine.
West Hall at LVCC
The conference venue itself has under- gone changes. Earlier this year, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) debuted the Las Vegas Convention Center’s (LVCC) $1 billion, 1.4 million square foot West Hall expansion. The addition of the West Hall brings the total square feet of meeting space to 14 million and makes the LVCC the second largest facility in the country. Features include 600,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 10,000-square-foot digital screen and a 14,000-square-foot terrace. In addition, the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop, the underground tunnel developed by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company to shuttle convention attendees throughout the 200-acre campus in all-electric Tesla vehicles, also became fully-operational.
300 Convention Center Drive
vegasmeansbusiness.com
Circa Resort & Casino
The city’s first adults-only resort (and the first resort-casino to be built from the ground up in downtown in four decades) debuted in October. Blending high tech with a nod to the city’s history, the resort features the world’s largest sports book, Nevada’s longest indoor bar (at 165 feet) and Stadium Swim, a destination pool that boasts a 14-million-pixel screen for sports fans. Dining options include Saginaw’sDelicatessen;Barry’sDowntown Prime, from Vegas’ own Chef Barry S. Dakake; 8 East, a Pan-Asian restaurant from Chef Dan Coughlin; Victory Burg- er & Wings Co. sports bar and Project BBQ, serving up authentic Carolina barbecue with a Vegas twist.
8 Fremont Street Experience
circalasvegas.com
Resorts World Las Vegas
The first ground-up resort to be built on the Strip in more than a decade, Resorts World offers the largest Con- rad Hotels & Resorts property in the world, Crockfords LXR Hotels & Re- sorts, and a marquee Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel, each with its own lobby and entrance. More than 40 food and beverage options are available, as are 70,000 square feet of retail space and Zouk Nightclub and AYU Dayclub. The complex also boasts the largest pool deck in Las Vegas and the only infinity-edge pool on the Strip. Of particular interest to Magic attendees, Resorts World Las Vegas features the first passenger station and tunnel to connect to the LVCC by way of an underground transportation system. Convention-goers will swiftly be transported between the resort and the LVCC via all-electric vehicles in minutes. Sadly, the headliners (including Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan) won’t begin performing until November at the 5,000-seat theater.
3000 South Las Vegas Boulevard
rwlasvegas.com
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Formerly the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, the re-imagined and rebranded Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (a Curio Collection by Hilton) features 1,504 rooms, over five acres of luxury poolside spaces and outdoor event venues amidst a modern desert landscape; a portfolio of dining options, including the Italian-themed Kassi Beach House, Casa Calaveria’s traditional Mexican cuisine and, of course, mainstay Nobu Las Vegas.
4455 Paradise Road
hilton.com/en/hotels/lasvgqq-virgin-hotels-las-vegas.
Dining
Siegel’s Bagelmania
Finally, someplace for lunch at the LVCC! The 10,000-square-foot deli next to the convention hall (the largest Jewish delicatessen and bakery counter in Las Vegas) is the latest outpost from the beloved local institution that offers from-scratch and house-made bagels, breads and pastries. Judge for yourself how they compare to New York’s best.
252 Convention Center Drive
bagelmanialv.com
Amalfi by Bobby Flay
Iron Chef Bobby Flay’s first Italian concept is a casual visit to the Mediterranean, emphasizing seafood and produce with fresh, bright flavors.
Caesars Palace
3570 S Las Vegas Blvd
Soulbelly BBQ
James Beard-nominated and Bravo Top Chef favorite Chef Bruce Kalman comes to the city’s booming Downtown Artist District with Texas barbecue specialties including salt and pepper bris- ket, Carolina pulled pork, chipotle cider glazed drumsticks, pork spare ribs, housemate hatch chile and cheddar hot links and Texas sausages, as well as beer and cocktail selections and live music.
1327 South Main St.
soulbellybbq.com
Estiatorio Milos
At Estiatorio Milos, guests are treated to an experience that’s the next best option to jet-setting to a Greek island. Founded by chef Costas Spiliadis and located in Restaurant Row of The Venetian tower, dine on fresh seafood flown in daily from the Mediterranean. The signature fish market is on full display for guests to choose what they want and how it’s prepared. Complementing the iconic fresh seafood is a produce market, where patrons are able to select from the array of fresh fruits and vegetables to accompany their meals.
3355 South Las Vegas Boulevard
venetian.com
Bang Bar
Missing New York a bit? David Chang has recreated his Time Warner Center Bang Bar, a counter service concept featuring filled flatbreads, sandwiches and bowls with spit-roasted meats, at the Cosmopolitan.
3708 South Las Vegas Blvd
cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/restaurants/bang-bar
To Do
Leather Throwers
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Celebrate boxing by viewing works from major and contemporary artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Gary Simmons and Jeffrey Simpson, as well as photos and other items from the sport’s history in Las Vegas. Tickets are $16.
3600 South Las Vegas Boulevard
bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/gallery-of-fine-art.html
The Museum of Selfies
Now permanently open at the The Linq Promenade, the family-friendly, interactive exhibition provides guests premium selfie opportunities featuring works by global artists. Immersive installations include an upside-down room, emoji pool and an optical illusion bathroom. Tickets are $30.
3545 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Selfielasvegas.com
Please note that not all shows are back, and those that are (which include Michael Jackson One, O and Mystère from Cirque du Soleil, David Copperfield, Criss Angel, Blue Man Group and Penn & Teller) sell out quickly. Check with vegas.com or a hotel concierge for availability and tickets.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas is thrilled to welcome everyone back!
