Operator News
US – Circa’s grand opening doesn’t disappoint with world’s largest sportsbook
By Phil - 28 October 2020
Opening a brand new resort casino during a pandemic in a city dependent on tourism is no mean feat, but Circa Resort & Casino, Downtown Las Vegas’ first resort-casino built from the ground up in four decades, smashed it out of the park when it opened its doors on October 28.
Whilst the 1.25 million square-foot, adults-only property pays homage to Vegas’ Golden Era through vintage design, old-school hospitality and nods to the city’s history, sports betting will be the beating heart of the new property, now the tallest Downtown, with some high-tech advancements and world titles of its own.
Boldly flashing the message ‘the new era of Vegas starts now,’ the property attracted crowds of socially-distanced, masked visitors to long-awaited opening night.
Conceived by developer and CEO Derek Stevens, Circa’s opening marks a series of firsts and achievements for Las Vegas. It is one of the most ambitious projects in Downtown Las Vegas’ 115-year history, housing the world’s largest sportsbook with a 78-million-pixel screen viewable to up to 1,000 people and Nevada’s longest indoor bar spanning 165 feet. It lays claim to being Las Vegas’ first adults-only resort with the country’s largest destination pool experience for sports fans, open 365 days a year with a 14-million-pixel screen. It is offering new-to-Vegas food & beverage concepts by renowned chefs and restaurateurs from across the country. It is also the first Las Vegas resort with a fully integrated rideshare hub.
Hours before the official opening, Stevens hosted an intimate black-tie gala at the property. Las Vegas founding families and current casino operators gathered for the first roll of the dice on Circa’s casino floor, including Ryan Growney, General Manager of South Point Hotel & Casino; Jonathan Jossel, CEO of The Plaza Las Vegas; Scott Sibella, President of Resorts World Las Vegas; Andy Abboud, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Community Development for the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and the Las Vegas Sands Corporation; Chris Latil, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino; Terry Caudill, owner of TLC Casino Enterprises, Inc.; Mike Nolan, General Manager and COO of El Cortez Hotel and Casino; and Brendan Gaughan, grandson of Jackie Gaughan.
“For the past five years, the Circa team and our partners have been devoted to introducing a resort and casino experience that brings something totally new to Vegas, and in some cases, the country,” said Stevens. “I will be the first to admit that 2020 has not been easy, but this talented group persevered and has delivered on this vision, 8 weeks early. I’m incredibly proud to be putting 1,500 people to work and that our doors are finally open for all to visit Circa.”
Circa Sports is the resort’s centerpiece, boasting a 78-million-pixel high-definition screen capable of playing up to 19 games at once. The three-story, stadium-style venue is helmed by the country’s top betting experts delivering Vegas’ most diverse wagering menu. With a viewing capacity of up to 1,000, fans can reserve plush accommodations such as reclining seats or booths for large groups; all are equipped with power outlets, Wi-Fi and tables. VSiN, The Sports Betting Network (VSiN), has an on-site studio within the sportsbook, giving bettors in-depth expert analysis daily from broadcasters, athletes and industry professionals. A Circa Sports satellite location is positioned next to the entrance of Garage Mahal, offering one of the most accessible betting locations in Las Vegas. When it’s time for a bite, guests can have food from a selection of Circa’s restaurants delivered directly to their seat.
The country’s largest pool destination for sports lovers brings the party 365 days a year. Featuring six temperature-controlled pools, two swim-up bars and a 143 x 40 foot, 14-million-megapixel LED screen, the pool amphitheater plays the day’s hottest games and televised events. Guests can enjoy live music from DJs and other special guests in one of 30 cabanas, or a super cabana hosting up to 50. During colder weather, Stadium Swim’s pools will be heated to up to 104 degrees for an après-ski style experience. Designed with one of the country’s most high-tech cleaning systems, Stadium Swim features advanced Ultraviolet Light sanitation, the city’s fastest water-recirculation patterns, and sophisticated and real-time chemical monitoring controllers that destroy pathogens, bacteria, viruses, organic and inorganic contaminants, while greatly reducing chlorine use.
Circa’s 777-room hotel tower and rooftop lounge, Legacy Club, will open on December 28, 2020, marking the completion of the project. For more information, visit circalasvegas.com.
