Thousands of slot-machine enthusiasts, poker players, and thrill-seekers were on-sight in Las Vegas for the opening of the new Aria Resort and Casino.
The Aria Resort
The Aria Resort and Casino is a 61-story resort, and part of the most expensive destination on the Las Vegas Strip- CityCenter; costing $8.5 billion. The Aria is set to be the biggest part of Las Vegas’ new CityCenter. The Aria resort has nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. The resort also has a 2,000 seat theater that will be playing a permanent Elvis attraction put on by Cirque du Soleil. A three-story convention center hosts four large ballrooms. There is even a 70,000 square foot spa with a salon, barber shop, and fitness room. The salon also features several private and group rooms. There are three pools outside of the resorts hotel rooms as well.
The Aria Casino
The casino is taking on a new direction from traditional casinos by incorporating natural light in with fluorescent lighting. The casino is 150,000 square feet and features high-end slot machines and poker tables. Many of the high-end options at the casino are featured in private rooms and offer a high-tech level of gaming that is new for Las Vegas.
Opening Night Festivities
Opening night for the new casino was truly Las Vegas style. The grand opening started the evening before opening day with gala hosted for 5,000 guests. The gala served Perignon champagne and caviar among other high-quality food. Around midnight, guests were allowed to enter the Aria for the first time. They were greeted by models and executives, all cheering for the new casino. A fireworks show was held outside for guests who were still awaiting entrance.
Viva Elvis: Truly a Las Vegas Show
The Aria even put on a show for their grand opening. The resort hosted a preview of their soon-to-be permanent attraction; Viva Elvis. Viva Elvis is put on by Cirque du Soleil. The show includes 75 performers reliving the life of Elvis through his songs. The production is a mix of performance art, dance, and acrobatics.
The Aria Resort and Casino promises to be an excellent center attraction for Las Vegas’ highly anticipated CenterCity. Since it will be one of the biggest, and most expensive, project Las Vegas has ever under-took, the Aria may be the trick to turning around the recession slump in the city that never sleeps.
