The Strip
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| The Strip | |
|---|---|
| Name | The Strip |
| Settlement type | Entertainment district |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| City | Las Vegas |
| Established title | Established |
| Established date | 1940s |
The Strip
The Strip is a renowned entertainment corridor in Clark County, Nevada, bordered by the Las Vegas Valley and centered near Las Vegas Boulevard. It is internationally recognized for its concentration of mega-resorts, casinos, live entertainment venues, and themed architecture that draw visitors from the United States, China, and United Kingdom. The area has shaped modern resort design and popular culture through associations with figures and institutions such as Howard Hughes, MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, and productions like Viva Las Vegas.
Etymology
The popular name emerged in mid-20th century usage tied to other famed strips such as the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood and the Las Vegas Boulevard (South) corridor itself. Early references appeared in journalism alongside mentions of Clark County development and the expansion of resorts like El Rancho Vegas and the Flamingo Hotel. The term evokes cinematic imagery used by studios including MGM and promoters associated with entrepreneurs like Bugsy Siegel and William F. Harrah.
History
Origins trace to the 1931 completion of the Hoover Dam and the 1940s construction of the first resort hotels, including El Rancho Vegas and McCarran Field era developments. Postwar growth accelerated with investments by mob figures and corporate chains, linking to events such as the formation of Harrah's Entertainment and the arrival of Howard Hughes in the 1960s, which shifted ownership models toward corporate consolidation. The 1980s and 1990s saw a themed-resort boom led by projects from Steve Wynn and corporations like Mirage Resorts and Circus Circus Enterprises, producing landmark openings such as The Mirage and Bellagio. The 21st century introduced mega-mergers involving MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment Corporation alongside developments influenced by international tourism from markets like China and investments tied to companies such as Las Vegas Sands.
Geography and Layout
The corridor sits along Las Vegas Boulevard between Near North Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada with nodal clusters around intersections like East Sahara Avenue and I-15. Built on desert terrain of the Mojave Desert, the district's linear layout concentrates resort complexes, convention venues, and entertainment plazas. Zoning and land parcels have produced contiguous blocks anchored by properties including Mandalay Bay, Luxor Las Vegas, Excalibur Hotel and Casino, Wynn Las Vegas, and Encore Las Vegas. The urban form accommodates stages, fountains, and outdoor promenades that reference projects elsewhere such as Bellagio Fountains and plaza designs by firms associated with Frank Gehry-era conceptual influence.
Attractions and Landmarks
Major resorts double as attractions: Caesars Palace houses performance spaces linked to artists booked by agencies such as Live Nation Entertainment; MGM Grand Las Vegas hosts boxing cards promoted by Top Rank and Premier Boxing Champions; The Venetian Las Vegas replicates Venetian canals and features productions like Phantom of the Opera transfers and residencies by artists represented by CAA. Iconic installations include the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, the choreographed Bellagio Fountains, and replicas such as the Eiffel Tower (Las Vegas) at Paris Las Vegas. Convention centers like the Las Vegas Convention Center and arenas such as T-Mobile Arena attract trade shows like CES and headline concerts by performers affiliated with labels such as Universal Music Group.
Economy and Development
The district's economy centers on hospitality, gaming regulation overseen historically by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and large-scale conventions driven by entities such as National Association of Broadcasters. Revenue streams derive from casino operations hosted by corporations including MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, and Wynn Resorts, as well as retail managed by firms like Simon Property Group in partnership with franchise operators. Real estate cycles have responded to national financial events including the 2008 financial crisis and global tourism shifts following events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Investment strategies emphasize integrated resort models, private-equity transactions, and international outreach involving markets such as Japan and Brazil.
Culture and Entertainment
The district is a locus for headliner residencies by artists such as Celine Dion, Elton John, Britney Spears, and entertainers represented by agencies like WME. It hosts stage productions, magic shows popularized by performers like David Copperfield, and boxing and mixed martial arts cards connected to organizations such as the UFC. Film and television settings include productions like Ocean's Eleven and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episodes, while nightlife and club culture intersect with promoters and DJs affiliated with labels such as Def Jam Recordings and venues run by hospitality groups like Hakkasan Group.
Transportation and Access
Primary access occurs via Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport), ground links on Interstate 15, and transit services including the RTC Transit bus network and private shuttles operated by hotel chains. Pedestrian infrastructure includes elevated walkways and the Las Vegas Monorail serving nodes around Sahara Avenue and the Las Vegas Convention Center. Parking, ride-hailing services tied to companies like Uber and Lyft, and ground transportation hubs coordinate arrivals for conventions such as CES and entertainment events at arenas like Allegiant Stadium.