A rendering released by AEG and MGM Resorts International shows the west side of the companies' arena, which reflects the surrounding mountains.
AEG and MGM Resorts International released renderings of their $350 million arena off the Las Vegas Strip.
Executives of AEG and MGM Resorts International have released renderings of their $350 million, 20,000-seat arena.
The renderings came packaged with the companies’ latest project update, showing exterior images of the arena with a buzzing Las Vegas Strip in the background.
The arena is expected to be the centerpiece of MGM’s $100 million project to freshen up a cluttered pathway between Monte Carlo and New York-New York. Set behind the two resorts, the area will extend from Las Vegas Boulevard to Frank Sinatra Drive, running adjacent to the I-15 corridor.
No stranger to gigantic stadium projects, AEG has spearheaded such arenas as Staples Center in Los Angeles, London’s The O2 and the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai.
Officials from both companies plan to break ground on the arena in summer 2014 and open in spring 2016. The area would host NBA and NHL games, boxing and mixed martial arts events and awards ceremonies.
The Populous architectural firm, based in Kansas City, Mo., designed the arena and focused on complementing the stark contrasts between the Strip and the desert that surrounds it.
A giant glass facade on the arena’s eastern edge will be equipped with an LED overlay to evoke the neon glow from the Strip.
Below the facade is a balcony and concert stage. The arena is 145 feet tall.
The design of the arena’s western side will mimic the color and shadows of the mountains surrounding the Las Vegas Valley, using metal bands.
Inside the arena, past the 85-foot-tall atrium, there will be premium seating, VIP zones and club areas for private events.
“The design of the arena ensures that we will create a truly striking entertainment venue for Las Vegas — representing the color, drama and excitement the city exudes,” Brad Clark, senior principal at Populous and a lead designer of the arena, said in a statement. “The arena will be an extension of The Strip’s high energy — our job with the design was to stay authentic to that spirit.”