Grand Opening for the Palazzo Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman Sheldon G. Adelson's ceremonial flip of a switch this evening launched a spectacular music, light, and firework display that officially opened the company's
Palazzo Las Vegas  new $1.9 billion resort -- The Palazzo Las Vegas -- and kicked off a star-studded weekend of special events.

As the first hotel to open on the Las Vegas Strip in nearly three years, The Palazzo features modern European ambience and design reminiscent of Italian affluent living with a unique combination of premium amenities -- including all-suite accommodations, celebrity chef restaurants, and an upscale retail offering. It also provides guests with three levels of access to the amenities of The Venetian, sister property to The Palazzo.

"As we began the design and development of The Venetian in 1995, we always envisioned a second property that would complement and work in unison with the Sands Expo Center to provide the most unique and varied destination resort experience anywhere in the world," said Mr. Adelson. "In many ways, the opening of The Palazzo represents for us the completion of a vision that started with the construction of The Venetian. For our guests, it provides a new experience and opportunity to savor some of the world's best dining, shopping, accommodations and entertainment all under one roof."

Set in a stunning atrium and anchored by an 85,000-square-foot Barneys New York, The Shoppes at The Palazzo ranks among the most luxurious shopping destinations. It features a mall esplanade under a glass walkway, generous amounts of natural light, and a two-story waterfall. In addition to Barneys New York, a remarkable 20 stores and luxury brands are making their Las Vegas debuts at The Palazzo. They include Chloe, Tory Burch, Christian Louboutin, Diane Von Furstenberg, Van Cleef & Arpels, Anya Hindmarch, Poleci, Lambertson Truex, Phillipe Charriol, Edidi, Piaget and Michael Kors. Numerous stores will open their doors to the public for the first time on Friday with the remaining stores opening over the course of the next several weeks.

Celebrity chefs are not new to Las Vegas, but the collection of award-winning ones at The Palazzo are not to be missed. Mario Batali and his Carnevino restaurant are already wowing guests, as is Morels French Steakhouse and Bistro and Jade. Within weeks, they will be joined by Wolfgang Puck's CUT, Table 10 by Emeril Lagasse, and Restaurant Charlie by Charlie Trotter, as well as Dos Caminos, Mainland, SUSHISAMBA, and Woo. The Palazzo is also home to the Las Vegas version of the dynamic 40/40 Club sports bar and lounge, the brainchild of music mogul Jay-Z, as well as the all-day, all-night Grand Lux Cafe.

A new 65,000-square-foot Canyon Ranch SpaClub and a unique Lamborghini showroom, gift store and cafe, will open shortly and two new exciting night club venues should be ready by Spring.

"The Palazzo will clearly set a new standard for luxury in Las Vegas," said Rob Goldstein, president of The Palazzo and The Venetian. "Its sophisticated design and decor work in tandem with the property's shopping, dining and entertainment amenities to provide a unique resort experience that will be appreciated by the world's most discerning travelers."

The Grand Opening events include an impressive reception taking place this evening for VIPs and celebrities, and a private party at the 40/40 Club featuring a live performance from Pat Monahan of Train. More celebrations will take place throughout the weekend and will culminate with a collection of internationally renowned stars performing at the Luminaries and Legends concert. The event will be hosted by Wayne Brady and feature performances by the cast of the smash-hit Broadway musical JERSEY BOYS -- which debuts at The Palazzo this Spring, Andy Garcia and the Cineson All-Stars, Grammy-award winner performer Seal, and starring Diana Ross.