Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

HEADLINER SHOWROOMS 259
Headliner Stadiums
Three arenas are worth a special mention since they often feature major
entertainers. Sam Boyd Stadium, the outdoor stadium at the University of
Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), has been host to such major acts as Paul McCartney,
U2, the Eagles, and Metallica. Thomas and Mack Center, the university’s
indoor arena, has a more comprehensive concert schedule, including such
names as Van Halen, Michael Bolton, and Celine Dion, as well as such shows
as Disney on Ice and Ringling Bros. Circus. Both are located on the UNLV
campus at Boulder Highway and Russell Road (& 702/895-3900). Ticketmaster
(& 702/474-4000) handles ticketing for both arenas.
the crowd (improving those sightlines), but at least protects one side of your
body from the crowd.
Showroom Policies: Smoking permitted for some shows; seating is either preassigned
or general, depending on the performer. Price: $20 to $250, depending on
the performer (tax and drinks extra). Show Times: 8:30pm (nights of performance
vary). Reservations: You can reserve up to 30 days in advance. In the Hard Rock Hotel
& Casino, 4455 Paradise Rd. & 800/693-7625 or 702/693-5000.
House of Blues With its entry into Las Vegas, the House of Blues is going
head-to-head with The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, and the prospects for
some great bookings due to competition are high. On its own merits, the House
of Blues is a good, intimate room with a cozy floor surrounded by a bar area,
and an upstairs balcony area that has actual theater seating. (The balcony might
actually be a better place to see a show since the sightlines are unobscured,
unlike down below, where posts and such can obstruct the view.) It’s probably
the most comfortable and user-friendly place to see a rock show in Vegas.
The heavy theme decor (a constant evocation of the Delta region and New
Orleans) is a bit too Disneyland-meets-Hearst-Castle, with corrugated-tin this
and weathered-wood that, plus walls covered in outsider/primitive/folk art from
various Southern artists. But it annoys us less in Vegas than it does in New
Orleans; here it’s sort of a welcome touch of the genuine amid the artificial,
while in the actual Big Easy, it comes off as pre-fab.
The House of Blues has rock and blues shows just about every night, and, as
mentioned, nationally recognized acts are already flocking to the place, starting
with Bob Dylan on opening night and continuing with shows by Seal, X,
Garbage, Taylor Dane, Al Green, James Brown, the Go-Go’s, the Neville Brothers,
and even spoken word by Henry Rollins.
Showroom Policies: Smoking permitted; seating is either preassigned or general,
depending on the performer (some shows are all general admission, with
everyone standing on the floor). Price: $18 to $250, depending on the performer.
Show Times: Vary, but usually 8pm. Reservations: You can buy tickets as soon as
shows are announced; lead time varies with each artist. In Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas
Blvd. S. & 877/632-7400 or 702/632-7600.
The other major headliner showrooms in Vegas include the following:
• Aladdin Center for the Performing Arts In the Aladdin Resort &
Casino, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (& 877/333-WISH [333-9474] or
702/785-5555)
• Las Vegas Hilton Showroom In the Las Vegas Hilton, 3000 Paradise Rd.
(& 800/222-5361 or 702/732-5755)