Fireworks Set Off Grand Opening Festivities At SLS Las Vegas Resort

Midnight fireworks set off the grand opening festivities at the SLS Las Vegas Resort. The $415 million dollar years-long renovation of the legendary Sahara, opened its doors today welcoming the public back to the North end of the iconic Las Vegas Strip.


SLS Las Vegas Grand Opening Fireworks

SLS Las Vegas Fireworks
SLS Las Vegas Grand Opening Fireworks Aug 23, 2014

“This is the beginning of a new era for The Strip,” said Sam Nazarian, Founder, Chairman and CEO, sbe. “We are thrilled to throw open our doors and show the world what we’ve been working on for the past several years. It feels good to be back in the former Sahara space, and we look forward to creating new, legendary memories as SLS Las Vegas.”


A fully-integrated, entertainment-driven resort and casino with more than 1,600 guest rooms and suites, SLS Las Vegas features a curated collection of hospitality industry trendsetter sbe’s most beloved brands, refined and reinvigorated for Las Vegas as well as original concepts all set in an atmosphere that’s both dynamic and approachable.

Destined to become one of the most energetic hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, SLS is high-style collaboration between Nazarian, James Beard award-winning chef José Andrés and design visionary Phillippe Starck in collaboration with globally acclaimed architectural firm Gensler.

As the clock struck midnight, amid a dazzling display of fireworks, the SLS team led by Sam Nazarian officially cut the ribbon and escorted the first guests to the gaming floor.

SLS Las Vegas Ribbon Cutting
SLS Las Vegas Executives, Led By sbe CEO Sam Nazarian, Center,
Ribbon Cutting At Midnight
SLS Las Vegas First Guests In Gaming Area
First Public Guests Enter SLS Las Vegas Resort On Aug 23, 2014

Highlights of the property include Andres’ Bazaar Meat, a twist on his hugely popular concept Bazaar; the second location of The Sayers Club, one of Los Angeles’ best-loved live music venues; celebrated restaurants Katsuya by Starck, Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book, Cleo and The Griddle Cafe; an exclusive partnership with retailer Fred Segal and The Strip’s most exhilarating nightclub, the 20,000 square-foot LiFE, a venue designed, with sbe’s myriad years creating superior nightlife venues, to maximize the club-going experience.

“We’re incredibly proud of our partners and our approachable mix of amenities,” added President and COO of SLS Las Vegas, Rob Oseland. “As a result, we have a property that speaks to everything that the 40 million tourists who find their way to Vegas every year expect while at the same time stays approachable and welcoming to the vibrant community of Southern Nevada.”

The resort celebrated its opening with a star-studded preview party with guests including, actors Aaron Paul, Emile Hirsch and Kellan Lutz, model Dita Von Teese, UFC star Chuck Liddell, and actress Brittany Snow.

Lenny Kravitz at SLS Las Vegas
Lenny Kravitz Perform At SLS Las Vegas Resort

Partygoers enjoyed tastes of the SLS Las Vegas’s signature food and beverage offerings and live performances from rock legend Lenny Kravitz, who designed a handful of the resort’s top tier suites, and rising star artists including Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora, JoJo and Jhené Aiko.

Iggy Azalea Performs At SLS Las Vegas
Iggy Azalea Perform At SLS Las Vegas Grand Opening Party

“This is a very exciting day for us,” said Nazarian. “SLS Las Vegas is the embodiment of a dream that began seven years ago when we purchased the Sahara. To see this legendary property come back to life in the vision that we created all those years ago is nothing short of incredible and I am grateful for all of our visionary partners and the incredible community support we have received during this transformation. We invite everyone to be legendary and join us at SLS Las Vegas.” Photo credit: Courtesy

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Bill Cody is an entertainment, technology and luxury travel reporter in Las Vegas. He reports on celebrities, events, tech, food, Las Vegas and luxury travel.

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