What to expect from a night at the new T-Mobile Arena
From the moment hometown heroes the Killers, Wayne Newton and Shamir first rocked the rafters of T-Mobile Arena with a thunderous opening-night concert, the venue has been the talk of the town. The $375 million, 20,000 person-capacity multipurpose arena — a partnership between event presenter AEG and MGM Resorts International — brings more major concert tours, bigger sporting events and maybe even a professional hockey team to a city that already explodes with entertainment offerings. If you are lucky to score a ticket for opening season, here’s how to tackle the evening from entry to exit.
Before
Show up early for food and drinks, as imbibing is part of the experience —the concession menu is five-star. Modern mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim and Levy Restaurants partnered to create a food and beverage program to rival any arena in the country. Take the elevator to the second floor and embark on a dine around that includes fresh poke, a pie made by Pizza Forte (from the same family behind Las Vegas dining institution Ferraro’s), a freshly carved bahn mi sandwich and a Shock Top brat. On draught find T-Mobile Arena’s signature libation, the Atomic Fizz, made in a lovely hue of magenta to match the brand’s colors. Taking a nod from the craft cocktail boom, find an artisanal ice program and hand-carved spheres, cubes, diamonds and blocks at the Goose Island Bar.
During
The best seat in the house is most likely yours. With multiple options for standard and premium experiences, it’s really all about personal preference. A unique offering is the Opera Box, which comes with in-seat drink service, access to the VIP Lounge located on the suite level and a 12-inch television display.
After
Head up to Hyde Lounge and keep the party going when the main event is over. Taking a cue from their successes with similar concepts at Staples Center and American Airlines Arena in Miami, hospitality gurus SBE are manning the red ropes at the spot inside T-Mobile Arena for those who love nightlife. Located on the top level, anyone with a ticket can access the space, provided it is not at capacity. Order one of Hyde’s specialty cocktails such as the Love Unit and a platter of mini-cheeseburgers while cozying up to your friends in a banquette with a bird’s-eye view of the action on the floor.
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
For many years casinos wanted to keep their guests inside playing, but The Park at the gateway to T-Mobile Arena reminds us that era is over. Offering a well-shaded rest stop for pedestrians on the Strip courtesy of lush mature trees and towering shade structures that resemble multicolored foliage, The Park invites you to grab a table, a drink and some food and stay for a while.
An outdoor dining and entertainment district that bustles whether there’s a show at the arena, or even on a relaxed Sunday afternoon, The Park’s attributes exceed its stunning good looks. Five restaurants punctuate the space: Shake Shack, Bruxie, Sake Rok, California Pizza Kitchen and Beerhaus.The lady of The Park is Bliss Dance, by artist Marco Cochrane, a 40-foot tall naked wire woman captured in the throes of movement made even more stunning at night when illuminated with 3,000 LEDs.
What you won’t see on The Park’s surface is the cutting-edge energy and conservation efforts and green building practices, such as an on-site well providing all irrigation water. Even the asphalt from the former site was salvaged, ground and recycled to create new paved surfaces. Amid all the sparking lights, The Park is an addition with substance.
— By Melinda Sheckells, LA Times Content Solutions
