The Las Vegas Strip
A common question from coaches is "What is there for my players to do?" The answer...A LOT! The world-famous Las Vegas Strip offers up just about everything you can imagine.
First and foremost, the architecture alone is worth the trip. In Las Vegas, you can see the mythical sphinx, the Statue of Liberty, and the Eiffel Tower all in one day! In addition to the obvious landmark replicas, most casinos utilize vastly different decors. To say you can spend a day checking it all out would be an understatement.
In addition to the architecture and decor, several different resort properties have outside shows or attractions that are free to the public. Watching the fountains at the Bellagio can be mesmerizing and certainly worth the time. More than a thousand fountains at the Bellagio dance to music ranging from Pavarotti to Sinatra. Each performance is unique in its expression and interpretation and ranges from opera to classical to broadway tunes. Shows start every 15 or 30 minutes, depending on the time of day.
The Sirens of TI is the current attraction located outside of Treasure Island. It used to be a standard pirate show, but Treasure Island rebranded itself and added a twist to the show. The plot is that the sirens lure a band of renegade pirates into their cove with powerful and captivating melodies. Shows are every 90 minutes each night.
The Flamingo offers...what else...flamingos! The resort is home to a flock of live Chilean flamingos. These birds, along with a collection of other feathered creatures, hang out in the hotel's own wildlife habitat. There are also swans, ducks, koi, and turtles relaxing by the waterfalls and tropical foliage.
Located in downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience offers free nightly shows featuring 12.5 million lights and 550,000 watts of amazing sound. It's basically Las Vegas' version of a laser-light show. The show starts every hour on the hour from 7pm to midnight. The east end of the street features the outdoor Neon Museum, which hosts some of the old hotel's neon signs.
The MGM lion has been a part of the MGM heritage for many years, beginning with the legendary Leo, whose roars have welcomed generations of moviegoers to the silver screen. Now visitors to the MGM Grand casino can see several African lions and cubs. The lions live in custom accommodations on an 8.5-acre ranch 12 miles from the casino but are brought into the hotel's habitat where 35-foot glass walls allow guests to view the lions from all angles. The viewing area is open daily from 11am to 7pm.
And who could forget the freebie that really started it all - the Volcano at the Mirage. The volcano at the Mirage erupts at the top of each hour from 8pm to midnight, spewing smoke and fire 100 feet above the water. The show originally opened in 1989, but has undergone changes recently to create an all-new audio/visual spectacle.
If the architecture and free shows are not enough, there are plenty of things to do at a price. You can spend hours shopping at the Forum Shops at Caesars, the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood --- the list could go on forever.
Then there are the endless list of shows. Production shows are led by Cirque du Soleil. These shows feature dramatic sets and unbelievable acrobatics. Other production shows inclue the Blue Man Group, The Lion King, Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding, and more.
Las Vegas is home to many magicians, featuring shows by David Copperfield, Criss Angel, Nathan Burton, Dick Arthur, and others. Comedians have also found a place in Las Vegas. You can find shows by Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond), Carrot Top, George Wallace, Rita Rudner, etc.
If you want to relive the old times, you can check out any of the tribute shows. In Las Vegas, you can still experience the Bee Gees, the Beatles, the Rat Pack, and Prince! Of course, tribute shows are great, but there's nothing greater than actual, living, breathing, headliners!
The top headliner in Las Vegas continues to be Celine Dion. You can also take in shows by Barry Manilow, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Gladys Knight. Many other artists also make stops in Las Vegas for limited time engagements.
As if you needed anything more to do while in Las Vegas, you could always lounge by the pool, play a round of golf, or set up sightseeing tours to the Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon.
