This year, Las Vegas proudly commemorates its one hundred twentieth anniversary, celebrating over a century of remarkable evolution, trailblazing innovation, and a vibrant cultural legacy that has made it the undisputed Sports and Entertainment Capital of the world.

Founded on May fifteenth, nineteen hundred five, Las Vegas began as a modest railroad junction in the Nevada desert. What seemed a quiet waypoint soon transformed dramatically. The legalization of gambling in nineteen thirty-one ignited a rapid surge in growth, establishing the city as a burgeoning hub for casinos and hospitality. This pivotal shift set the stage for the opening of the Flamingo Hotel in nineteen forty-six — Las Vegas’s first luxury resort — which introduced a new level of sophistication and excitement, attracting visitors from across the country.

By nineteen fifty-nine, the city unveiled what would become a globally recognized emblem: the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. Standing proudly at the southern gateway to the Strip, this vibrant landmark has since greeted millions of travelers eager to experience the city’s unique blend of glitz, glamour, and nonstop entertainment.

“Las Vegas’ story is one of bold vision, resilience and boundless imagination,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “As we celebrate 120 incredible years, we honor the people, partnerships and innovation that have made Las Vegas a place unlike anywhere else— and we’re just getting started.”

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, Las Vegas hosted a grand tribute centered around Sphere, the world’s largest exterior LED display. The festivities featured Orbi, a popular digital mascot that has come to symbolize the city’s spirited and playful energy. Throughout the celebrations, Orbi made appearances on marquees across the city, “blowing out” virtual birthday candles with heartfelt messages showcased at Resorts World Las Vegas and the Fremont Street The Viva Vision at Experience sparked a lively gathering, bringing locals and tourists together in spirited festivities.

The city’s intriguing history includes a fascinating period during the mid-twentieth century when it was widely known as a refuge for organized crime. Operating under minimal oversight, notorious personalities such as Bugsy Siegel, Moe Dalitz, Tony “The Ant” Spilotro, and Frank Rosenthal played pivotal roles in shaping early Las Vegas. Though this era cast a shadow, it also accelerated efforts toward regulation and modernization.

At the same time, the nearby Nevada Test Site gained notoriety for above-ground nuclear detonations, drawing curious observers and adding an unconventional allure to the region. This federal activity funneled substantial funding and created jobs, pumping more than one hundred seventy-six million dollars into the local economy and supporting Las Vegas’s rapid development.

Legendary performers such as Elvis Presley, dazzling showgirls, and the Rat Pack took center stage in Las Vegas during the sixties and seventies, firmly establishing the city as a top-tier destination for world-class performances and vibrant nightlife.

The opening of The Mirage in nineteen eighty-nine marked the beginning of the megaresort era, turning the Las Vegas Strip into a spectacular collection of themed luxury destinations. Resorts such as Luxor, Bellagio, New York-New York, Paris, and The Venetian followed, each offering immersive experiences that combined elegant lodging, fine dining, spectacular entertainment, and expansive gaming floors.

In recent decades, Las Vegas has expanded beyond gaming, embracing professional sports. The arrival of professional teams such as the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), and Las Vegas Aces (WNBA), combined with hosting major events like the Formula Events like the Grand Prix, Super Bowl LVIII, and WrestleMania 41 have broadened the city’s attraction, enhancing its wide-ranging entertainment offerings.

State-of-the-art venues like Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena anchor the city’s dynamic sports culture, while Sphere continues to redefine immersive entertainment. Looking forward, Las Vegas is preparing to host the College Football Playoff Championship in two thousand twenty-seven and the NCAA Men’s Final Four in two thousand twenty-eight. That same year will welcome Major League Baseball with the Athletics opening a new thirty-three-thousand-seat stadium, with construction set to begin soon.

Current developments such as the Mirage’s transformation into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, a six hundred million dollar expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the expansion of the Vegas Loop underground transit system will further solidify Las Vegas’s standing as a premier global destination.

From its origins as a quiet desert stop to its rise as a dazzling international entertainment capital, Las Vegas’s one hundred twenty-year journey exemplifies an enduring spirit of reinvention, vision, and resilience. As it moves boldly into the future, the city promises even more unforgettable experiences and iconic moments for generations to come.

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