The 20,000-capacity AEG-MGM indoor arena in Las Vegas, US is set to open to the public on 6 April 2016.
Currently being built in the heart of the city, the US$375m (€247m, £342m) venue will become the region's largest indoor sports and entertainment venue and has been earmarked as the possible future home of teams in the National Hockey League and National Basketball Association.
Designed by sports architects Populous – in partnership with project manager ICON Venue Group – the arena has been funded entirely by private investment and is located between the New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts west of the Las Vegas Strip.
It is expected to host more than 100 events annually, including ice hockey, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events – as well as major music concerts, entertainment events and awards shows.
A joint venture by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) and MGM Resorts International (MGM), the arena will have a significant premium hospitality offer with 50 luxury suites, 30 private loge boxes and a range of other spaces aimed at corporate spectators.
As part of the arena's funding strategy, AEG and MGM have agreed deals with brands such as Coca-Cola, Schneider Electric and Toshiba, which will see the companies become the venue’s first "founding partners". The partners will introduce branded fan initiatives, displays and interactive spaces in and around the venue – including Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre entertainment space which will feature a performance stage, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas.
As well as having an emphasis on economic sustainability, the arena is also environmentally friendly and meets the US Green Building Council’s standards for LEED Gold Certification.
According to designers Populous, the architecture of the building will tell a story about the city and its “contrasting influences through a dynamic design”.
“The design of the arena ensures we will create a truly striking entertainment venue for Las Vegas – representing the colour, drama and excitement the city exudes," said Brad Clark, Populous' senior principal and lead designer of the arena.
“The arena will be an extension of The Strip’s high energy – our job with the design was to stay authentic to that spirit.”
Dan Beckerman, president and CEO, AEG, added: “Just like the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, London’s The O2, Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai and others in the AEG Facilities portfolio, this new arena in Las Vegas is destined to be one of the most recognizable, respected and iconic venues in our industry.
“From the diverse collection of unique and custom-designed premium seating and hospitality options to the variety of programming that will be booked, there will be offerings to appeal to the widest audience; from casino operators and their guests to international travelers and local residents, this will be world-class in every sense.”
