New renderings and details have been released on the 20,000-seat indoor arena set to anchor the ongoing revitalization of the Las Vegas Strip between New York-New York and the Monte Carlo, and early visuals suggest that fans of live events are in for a treat.
Developed in a joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International and designed by Populous (the firm behind other landmark arena projects such as London’s O2 Arena and Kansas City’s Sprint Center), the $350 million Las Vegas Arena aims to connect the contrasting influences of the city, from the desert and Spring Mountains to the west to the pulsating vitality of Las Vegas Boulevard to the east. “The arena will be an extension of the Strip’s high energy—our job with the design was to stay authentic to that spirit,” said Brad Clark, senior principal at Populous and a lead designer on the project.
The proposed design will include an expansive glass façade with an LED overlay, an exterior stage, and sweeping balconies providing dramatic views of the Strip. The building will also incorporate an innovative solid skin on its south and west sides in an effort to defuse the intense rays of the desert sun. The skin wraps tightly to the building’s elliptical shape, and is expressed in undulating bands of metal which evoke the color and sedimentary layering of the surrounding mountains.
As with most modern arenas, this one will also be designed to attract corporate and high-end clients with a variety of premium seats and hospitality areas for private events. Multiple bunker clubs, bunker suites, in-bowl sponsor zones, VIP drop-off zones with private lobbies, and an 85-foot tall atrium promise to recreate the Las Vegas experience inside.
The arena is being built with flexibility in mind, considering that there is no professional team waiting to fill it; according to Populous, the facility will be suitable for NBA and NHL events, concerts, boxing, mixed martial arts, award shots, and other major events. It is expected to host 100 events annually upon its completion in the spring of 2016.
