LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – We’ll see some more activity on the Las Vegas Strip soon as the entertainment options expand.
With the relaxation of capacity restrictions for COVID-19, some nightlife shows and options are returning. Experts say this is a good sign, especially as Las Vegas continues to be hit by the economic impact of the coronavirus.
According to analysts, the Strip Vegas closings cost tens of billions of dollars in the past year.
“I promise I’ll comb my hair on the night of the show,” said Las Vegas comedian and entertainer Carrot Top.
Carrot Top refines its funny bone. After being closed for almost a year due to COVID-19, its show at the Luxor returns this weekend. But there will be a smaller audience.
“I’m going to have more jokes than people,” said Carrot Top.
The updated guidelines limit Nevada public gatherings to 100 people or 35% capacity, whichever is lower.
In any case, Carrot Top cannot wait.
“Standing on stage is what we feed on,” he said. “The energy that the crowd gives you – I walk at the same height that the audience leaves every night.”
The illuminated casinos of the Las Vegas Strip.
MGM Resorts International also announced that Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, which was open to 50 people in a smaller location, is moving upstairs in the MGM Grand to the studio ballroom across from the Grand Garden Arena. It can accommodate 100 people. That starts on Thursday, February 18th.
Thunder Down Under in Excalibur will also be expanded from 50 to 100 seats. The “Fantasy” show will reopen on Friday February 19th at the Luxor and can seat 100 people.
In the social scene, the Hakkasan Group announced that it would reopen a handful of options. According to a press release, the OMNIA nightclub at Caesars Palace will “resume operation of the venue’s terrace area as a lounge” on March 5th. OMNIA Las Vegas is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 pm until late at night.
(Photo credit: Hakkansan Group)
The Hakkasan Group also says the Wet Republic Ultra Pool at MGM Grand and Liquid Pool Lounge at ARIA will reopen in March. Health and safety protocols are put in place, including touchless menu systems, social distancing, and strict cleaning schedules.
“I think it’s about rebuilding,” said Jeremy Aguero, principal analyst at Applied Analysis.
Aguero, a Las Vegas hospitality and tourism expert, says the Vegas economy will turn a corner with the resurgence of entertainment and nightlife.
But it will still be a process.

“It won’t be uniform,” said Aguero. “It won’t be symmetrical. Certain things will open up. There may even be some tries and failures, but what is crucial is that things open up. “
Aguero expects more people to visit Las Vegas in the summer, and he also expects some conventions to return in the fall. He notes that all of this ultimately depends on the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Carrot Top is happy to have a personal audience again and looks forward to entertaining even more people in the future. He remains confident that Vegas can beat this virus.
“We’ll tackle it; We’ll do it, ”Carrot Top encouraged.
On March 15th, capacity is expected to increase to 50% for most businesses and activities.
So that’s the big question: when will things get back to normal? Aguero says he still doesn’t expect this to take 12 to 18 months – and maybe even longer.