Universal To Open Permanent Horror Themed Experience in Las Vegas Based On Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Parks & Resorts, the creators of Halloween Horror Nights, is planning an entirely new permanent entertainment experience in Las Vegas. Based on Halloween Horror Nights, this original concept will bring to life Universal’s vast library of classic horror films and today’s most terrifying tales.

With a variety of unique, immersive, horror-centric experiences that surround high energy food and beverage spaces by day turned haunting bars and eateries by night, the new concept marks the first time Universal has created a permanent horror experience beyond its theme parks. It will deliver on the thrills and frights its horror fans have come to love and excite anyone looking for a new level of experiential entertainment. The space will also feature a continuously updated experience, seasonal events, and one-of-a-kind merchandise.

Universal has long defined the horror genre with its classic films featuring iconic characters such as Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy and the Wolf Man – and redefined modern horror and suspense stories through collaborations with such high-profile filmmakers as Jason Blum, James Wan and Jordan Peele. Only Universal could ignite the thrill of and excitement of this genre in full scale and three dimensions.

Page Thompson, President, New Ventures, Universal Parks & Resorts said in a statement,

“Universal is known for our ability to deliver original, highly-themed and terrifying horror entertainment experiences for millions of fans every year. We are excited to give our global fanbase yet another way to get scared and have fun with fear in the heart of Las Vegas, the perfect place for this type of unique concept.”

Universal’s new horror experience will be the anchor tenant in a new 20-acre expansion of Las Vegas’ immersive AREA15 entertainment district that initially opened to the public in September 2020 and has attracted more than four million visitors since that time. Occupying a 110,000 square-foot space, the new Universal experience is an innovative, creative complement to AREA15’s roots in experiential art and entertainment.

The entire Las Vegas community is buzzing about this new, unique experience:

Winston Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of AREA15 said,

“AREA15 curates a constellation of best-in-class experiences. Universal’s never-been-done-before concept will be a perfect fit because our guests know they can expect fresh, exciting entertainment at AREA15. We are enormously gratified to have an extraordinary company like Universal as our partner as we embark on the next phase of growth for AREA15.” 

Las Vegas Mayor, Carolyn Goodman, said,

“Las Vegas is an entertainment destination unlike any other – and we are thrilled to welcome Universal to our city. The Universal experience will bring exactly the kind of high-quality, exciting entertainment our city, our visitors and our residents want.” 

City of Las Vegas Councilwoman, Olivia Diaz, said,

“Las Vegas is a vibrant community and increasingly known internationally for the creative arts experiences that we offer. Universal’s decision to anchor their next innovative creation in the city is exciting news for my residents and visitors alike. The job opportunities will be invaluable for our community, especially for those interested in the entertainment industry.”

The announcement was made simultaneously as Universal Parks and Resorts announced a new theme park set to open in Frisco, Texas. It’s an exciting period of growth for the company with the opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood slated for Feb. 17, 2023 and the upcoming Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort.

This isn’t the first time a year-round horror experience has operated in Las Vegas. Goretorium, a haunted house / bar and lounge fusion, led by horror movie icon Eli Roth, opened in 2012 but closed its doors less than a year later. The venue opened on September 27, 2012, but was plagued by various issues leading to Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2013. Some of the issues included location, parking, branding, and funding among others. While Goretorium didn’t survive, Universal’s approach at Area15 will provide a much better location along with the credibility of Halloween Horror Nights to become really successful.

An opening date for Universal’s year-round attraction hasn’t been announced yet, but in a press release, Winston Fisher, Area 15 CEO says he hopes to break ground on the next phase of the complex in the next six months.

For more info, visit the official Area15 website by clicking here.

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