As Las Vegas Strip casinos work to reverse declining gambling revenues experienced from July through November 2024, venues are implementing new strategies to attract visitors in 2025, including restaurant launches and an impressive lineup of entertainment residencies.
Several major casino properties are refreshing their dining options. MGM Resorts International plans to revamp its former Avenue Café at MGM Grand and add new dining establishments at its rebranded W Hotel. Meanwhile, Wynn Las Vegas is transforming its former Lakeside Grill into Fiola Mare, an upscale Mediterranean seafood concept by award-winning chef Fabio Trabocchi, set to open in early 2025.
The entertainment calendar is particularly robust, with over 10 new headliner residencies scheduled through August 2025. Country music star Blake Shelton will make his Las Vegas Strip debut with six shows at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum from February 5-15, 2025. Rock legend Bryan Adams brings his “Roll With The Punches 2025” series to Wynn Las Vegas’ Encore Theater for six dates in March, while Rod Stewart returns to the Colosseum for twelve performances across March, May, and June 2025.
The musical offerings span various genres. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform five shows at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues in June, while Motley Crue takes over Dolby Live at Park MGM for eleven shows in March and April. Sammy Hagar follows with nine performances at the same venue from April 30 through May 17. The Scorpions will celebrate their 60th anniversary with five shows at Planet Hollywood’s PH Live in February and March.
Pop music fans can look forward to Josh Groban’s five-show stint at the Colosseum in May, while New Kids On The Block has committed to 24 shows at Dolby Live spanning June 2025 through February 2026. For those seeking musical comedy, “Weird Al” Yankovic will perform six shows at the Venetian Theatre in June.
Adding to the diverse lineup, hip-hop icon Nelly has signed on for a six-show residency at Resorts World Las Vegas, with performances split between Zouk Nightclub and Ayu Dayclub. The series begins January 25 at Zouk Nightclub, with additional dates scheduled through August 31 at both venues. More dates are expected to be announced, with tickets currently available through zoukgrouplv.com/nelly.
Nelly’s career skyrocketed with his 2000 debut solo album “Country Grammar,” featuring the hit single “Ride Wit Me.” His 2002 follow-up “Nellyville” produced chart-topping tracks “Hot In Herre” and “Dilemma.” The artist’s business ventures include launching the energy drink “Pimp Juice” in 2003 and acquiring a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) basketball team in 2004.
These entertainment offerings, combined with the dining innovations, represent a concerted effort by Las Vegas Strip properties to boost visitor numbers and reverse recent gambling revenue declines. The diverse roster of performers aims to appeal to various musical tastes and demographics, while new restaurant concepts seek to enhance the overall guest experience at multiple properties along the Strip.