Where to Watch the Madness This March

March may mean sunnier days in Vegas and a downtown St. Patrick’s Day party but it also means basketball madness. College basketball fans nationally gear up to watch the biggest tournament of the year. 

March is one of the best times of year to watch college basketball as the best teams in the country compete in a winner-take-all extravaganza. After the big football game in February, the basketball mania this March offers a whole month of watch party events across the country.

What Is March Mania?

This basketball madness happens in March, also known as March Mania. The tournament is played by 68 teams and holds 67 games over 19 days. It’s a jam-packed season that basketball fans go crazy over. 

In 2019, Virginia won against Texas Tech with a final score of 85-77. Last year was the first NCAA Tournament Championship for the Cavaliers. The college basketball teams favored this year include the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Kansas Jayhawks, Baylor Bears, and Louisville Cardinals.

If you’re in Las Vegas for the March tournament, you’ll want to find somewhere with large TVs and great drink specials to watch all the games.

Where to Watch March Mania Downtown

The Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas is the place to go to watch the March Mania tournament. The viewing party will be held in The Plaza Event Center, which has 18 screens, 2 projectors, and plenty of seating space. Every TV will play the tournament so every seat will have a great view.

The March Mania Viewing Party takes place March 19 – 22 with doors opening at 8am. Drink specials include: 

  • Jameson shot $5
  • Guinness $5
  • Jameson Shot and a Domestic Beer $8

Pop Up Pizza will provide its world-class slices. 

To gain access to the March Mania Viewing Party, purchase tickets online today! A March Mania one-day pass is $20 and a four-day pass is $40. Each pass includes 1 koozie, 1 drink & 1 food item for each day.

March Mania 2020

Don’t another year of March Mania and get your tickets today. You could also enter to win the $24,000 March Mayhem drawing.

Stay the whole weekend at the Plaza by booking a hotel room downtown.

Las Vegas Demolition Derby March 2020: Get Down & Derby

It’s that time of year to get down and derby in Downtown Las Vegas. The Demolition Derby is back this March 2020, for the CASINO BATTLE ROYALE weekend event you don’t want to miss.

What is a Demolition Derby?

A demolition derby is a heated competition but with cars. This kind of competition includes an arena with usually five or more drivers. The last vehicle remaining on all four wheels his hence dubbed demolition king or queen of the derby. 

It’s important to note for the car lovers out there that the derby involves demolishing much older cars. Although originally from the United States, many other countries have adopted this raucous occasion of cars crashing into one another for sport.

What makes the derby especially entertaining is that it takes place not on a race track or road of any sort, but a muddy track, which acts more as an outdoor boxing ring. This tough terrain slows down the cars and makes it more difficult for them to ram into one another. It’s nonetheless a heart-stopping competition full of muddy mayhem.

History of the Demolition Derby

Demolition derbies started gaining popularity in the 1950s and became a standard event at fairs and festivals. In the 1970s, the sport’s popularity was at an all-time high and events were commonly held in large arenas and broadcasted on television. 

Nowadays, the derby has its subculture and is still popular in certain areas across the world. A demolition derby event will draw the attention of many fans, including drivers of all ages.

The Demolition Derby in March 2020

This 2020 Spring, The Plaza Hotel & Casino, with the help and expertise of Stirrin’ Dirt Racing, the largest demolition derby promoter in the west, is hosting the CASINO BATTLE ROYALE Demolition Derby March 26th through the 28th. Those purchasing single-day or three-day tickets can expect a full weekend of mud and cars. The family-friendly event will take place at the CORE Arena on the Plaza property.

What to Expect

The event will be open to children and a fun event for anyone looking to see some action! There will be two car classes, Mini Cars, which are 80s to 90s front-wheel-drive foreign and domestic cars, and Stock Class, which are stock built old Detroit iron cars.

You can also book a room and ticket combo to save on the tickets and stay close to all the action during the Demolition Derby this March.

Down and Derby Downtown

The Plaza Hotel & Casino is the place to be downtown. With a downtown hotel room at The Plaza, you’ll be able to go back to your room in between Demolition Derby March 2020 events to relax and refresh. 

You’ll also be close to all the entertainment that downtown Las Vegas has to offer, so you can keep on partying even after the demolition derby events. See all of our upcoming events and entertainment.

St. Patrick’s Day Party in Downtown Las Vegas

What better way is there to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day downtown than by drinking green beer, pinching people who aren’t wearing green, and catching a free fireworks show?

Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

St patricks day downtown las vegas

Downtown Las Vegas is a popular destination for locals and tourists to come and celebrate the day. People come together and celebrate with fun party games and a photo booth. 

Starting at 7 p.m., The Plaza Hotel & Casino will be celebrating the holiday under the green dome, which will be lit up with a St. Patrick’s Day theme.

RSVP today and bring your friends and family to enjoy live music and drink specials inspired by the holiday. Dance the night away under the dome and at 10:30 p.m. there will be a spectacularly green firework show.

If you’re looking for the best deal on drinks, The Plaza is offering drink specials starting with $5 Jameson or Guinness beer and an $8 Jameson shot with a domestic beer for the month of March.

About St. Patrick’s Day

Historically, the holiday was created in the early 17th century to celebrate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It is celebrated yearly on March 17th, the day that Saint Patrick died. St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the culture and heritage of the Irish and celebrations usually include parades, festivals, wearing green, and shamrocks. 

Traditionally, the restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted on St. Patrick’s Day, which has encouraged the tradition of consuming a lot of alcohol on the holiday.

Although St. Patrick’s Day isn’t directly an American holiday, we Americans just like the Irish, love any excuse to throw a parade and drink a lot of beer, so we adopted the tradition. If you’re looking for more activities to celebrate the holiday in downtown Vegas, you can see if you have the luck of the Irish and try your hand in the casino. 

This year, St. Patrick’s Day is on a Sunday, which makes it the perfect day to drink a lot, party downtown, and have a spectacular Sunday Funday.

The Place to Be Downtown 

If you plan on participating in the holiday shenanigans, book your downtown hotel room now. The holiday is widely celebrated in Las Vegas so be sure to book a room in advance to ensure that you can party on all night long. We have some of the best views and suites downtown. We’ll see you there in your best green outfit!

Where to Watch the Wrangler Nationals Finals Rodeo

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas is a must-see event that’s been happening yearly for over 30 years. The Las Vegas NFR 2019 takes place December 5-14 and marks the 35th year of the rodeo. 

Wrangler Nation Finals Rodeo: The Big Game of Rodeo

The event attracts rodeo fans from across the world in addition to locals and tourists looking for some fun. Each year the NFR has a way of transforming the look and feel of Las Vegas. You’ll see people walking around in jeans, cowboy boots, and big hats all over the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas.

About NFR

The main event takes place at the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV, but this year CORE Arena and Equestrian Center returns with its two outdoor arenas, the perfect place for roping practice and exercise. The Plaza is one of the most equine-friendly places to stay in Las Vegas during Las Vegas NFR 2019. 

What to Expect

There will be plenty of large stalls for rodeo participants to keep their horses with 24-hour security and veterinarian services provided by Outlaw Equine. Participants can rest easy knowing their horses will be safe and well cared for.

The 2019 NFR is so much more than just your typical rodeo. Event attendees will see plenty of roping, wrangling, riding, and enjoy entertainment and performances from large country music stars. There will be drinking, dancing, cheering, and plenty of excitement. Be sure to get your NFR tickets in advance if you’re planning to attend because the event does sell out!

Where to Saddle up and Cheer

In addition to the equine accommodations, The Plaza has great rooms to stay for rodeo participants too! There are rooms starting at just $32 per night and special packages when booking rooms and horse stalls. 

The Plaza is just steps away from all the excitement of downtown Las Vegas and provides guests with plenty of great food and drink options like Oscar’s Steakhouse, which serves some of the best steak and cocktails in Las Vegas.

The Place to Be and Wrangle Downtown

The Plaza Hotel & Casino is the place to be downtown. With a downtown hotel room at The Plaza, you’ll be able to go back to your room in between NFR and other entertaining events to relax and refresh.

Best Places to Watch the Big Game Bash Downtown Las Vegas

The Big Game will be here before you know it. Even if you don’t know who you’ll be rooting for yet, it’s never too early to start your game day watch party planning! It’s considered the biggest sporting event in North America and should be considered its own holiday. In 2020, the game is taking place in Miami, Florida on Sunday, February 2nd at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Where to Watch the Big Game?

If you aren’t able to make it in person to see and experience this massive event, then chances are you’re going to at least make plans to watch it. The Plaza Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas is hosting the Big Game Viewing Party where you will find frenzied fans, a delicious buffet, and of course, an open bar.

Plaza’s Big Game 2019 Viewing Party

To watch the big game, join The Plaza’s massive Big Game Viewing Party in the newly renovated Sierra Ballroom. Included in the ticket price, we will have a stadium food buffet, open bar, William Hill betting stations and sports memorabilia for purchase. 

The game will be broadcast on several large-screen televisions and projectors, so you’ll have a great view, no matter where you are. Every year, the Plaza’s Big Game Viewing Party offers both residents and tourists an exciting environment, complete with excellent food and drinks, for rooting on your favorite team!

Get a Room

deluxe plaza hotel room

Amid the Big Game festivities, commercials, and performances, it’s also worth noting that Big Game Sunday is one of the biggest drinking days of the year. Have you ever thought of a hotel room as an alternative to drinking and driving? 

The cost of a DUI can be $1,000’s of dollars and leave a permanent mark on your driving record. Taxis and ridesharing apps might be convenient, but they can also be expensive and time-consuming alternatives to drinking and driving. Drivers are also very cautious about accepting fares from intoxicated passengers. 

Our hotel rooms are oftentimes less expensive than a round-trip ride and are a short walk from all the action. Book your downtown hotel room at The Plaza Hotel early – rooms tend to run out fast for this special event.

The William Hill Race & Sportsbook Bar

Located on the casino floor of the Plaza Hotel is the William Hill Race & Sportsbook, the perfect place to watch the biggest game of the year. Place your bets and enjoy an array of beer, wine, and cocktail choices at this cozy sports bar. 

The best part is, you’re located near exciting casino gaming action — a perfect way to spend halftime if you don’t care to watch the show.

The Halftime Show

However, if you do want to watch the show you can enjoy watching this year’s performers from our viewing party. Grab yourself a drink, sit back, relax and be entertained.

After the Big Game

After the game, Downtown Las Vegas has several attractions to keep the party going well into the night.

Fremont Street Experience

fremont street experience

Enjoy the Fremont Street Experience with its many famous characters and attractions. Enjoy the free light shows on the world’s largest video screens with premium quality sound. Over 17 million people enjoy the Fremont Street Experience every year. 

SlotZilla Zip Line

slotzilla downtown las vegas

One of our favorite things to do in Downtown Las Vegas is to ride SlotZilla, which is a 12-story, slot machine-inspired zip line experience. Fly high above the crowded streets at speeds over 40 mph. Build amazing memories at one of the premier attractions in Downtown Las Vegas during one of the best weekends to be in Las Vegas.

Neon Museum

Need a light stroll after all that food and drinks? View The Neon Museum’s collection of historic and iconic signs from Las Vegas’ past. Listed as one of the top 20 things to do in Las Vegas by TripAdvisor, the Neon Museum is a short drive from the Plaza and a great way to learn more about the history of Las Vegas. 

Each sign in the Neon Museum’s collection offers a unique story about what inspired it, where it was made, and the role it played in Las Vegas’ distinctive history. We recommend experiencing the magic of the Neon Museum at night to view the iconic neon of their restored signs. 

The Place to Be Downtown

This is just a small piece of things to do during the Big Game weekend in Downtown Las Vegas. Book your room and purchase your tickets now for the best Big Game Viewing Party in Las Vegas.

 

What to Expect at the Life Is Beautiful Festival 2019

Downtown Las Vegas is a vibrant area full of art and culture that speaks to both a great past and promising future. The Life is Beautiful Festival, which returns to Downtown Las Vegas on Friday, September 20th, and runs through Sunday, September 22nd, is a testament to this unique culture. 

The festival will bring some of today’s most celebrated musicians, chefs, artists, comedians and speakers to the downtown art district for a three-day inspirational social platform and celebration of life.

The Plaza Hotel and the Life Is Beautiful Festival

The Plaza Hotel and Casino has been an integral part of Downtown Las Vegas throughout its historic past. Today, as the area continues to undergo substantial change and growth, we continue to create the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication while providing an old-school Vegas feel paired with modernism.

The effort put forth by the Life is Beautiful team is something we admire, and as a fellow Downtown Las Vegas business, we certainly appreciate the buzz it creates for our community and downtown culture. 

Adjacent to the arts district, The Plaza has been a hub for those who have attended previous Life is Beautiful festivals and will continue to be one this year as well. Whether you need a Luxe room to rest between days of the festival, something to eat and drink, or just some help with directions, we are here to help make your Life is Beautiful experience as enjoyable and empowering as possible. 

There are three free re-entries per day for all general admission festival guests, so come to enjoy a meal and drink with us at one of our many restaurants and bars and sit back and rest your feet. The Plaza Hotel and Casino will also offer event parking for the festival at a competitive price.

The Music at Life is Beautiful

There will be a large variety of artists playing at Life is Beautiful over the three days. With headliners like Chance the Rapper, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Vampire Weekend, and many more, there’s no doubt the festival will be packed with good vibes and great sounds. There are multiple stages where you and your group can enjoy the music, including one stage that is a dome with an electronic feel where most DJs will play. 

The first shows on the lineup will start around 2 or 3 p.m. and headliners will close out the festival around 11 p.m. or midnight. The festival provides music lovers with a variety of genres, and you’ll find everything from rap and hip hop to EDM and alternative.

The Art of Life is Beautiful

Life is Beautiful is a celebration of art and culture. There will be modern art exhibits, walk through art exhibitions like the “Art Motel,” and traditional art exhibits with photography and paintings. The whole festival can be thought of as a work of art, providing an opportunity at every corner to enthrall the senses of festival attendees. 

Outside festival grounds in the Downtown Las Vegas community there is also plenty of art to be seen. There are plenty of beautiful art pieces to take in and enjoy, and they also act as the perfect setting for photos.

Murals at Plaza Hotel Casino

The Plaza Hotel & Casino is adorned with murals by street artists Shepard Fairey and D*Face that scale the whole building from top to bottom. These murals were some of the most challenging murals they’ve ever created. Each artist had to overcome personal and unexpected challenges like changing weather patterns. 

Using scaffolding and the natural curvature of the Plaza Hotel, each artist transformed a side of the hotel into a living piece of art. Both murals will add color and life to an already vibrant downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street Experience. Come to see the murals today for yourself and explore the rest of the art downtown.


Above: Shepard Fairey’s piece “Cultivate Harmony”. Fairey, known for his iconic 2008 “Hope” poster of President Obama has transformed American pop culture with his modern art and now he’s transformed the Plaza into a living piece of artwork

Above: One of the latest pieces of art to join the Downtown Las Vegas area is a large mural created by D*Face, an English multimedia street artist known for his sold-out galleries and collaboration with the world’s top music artists

The Food

Over 70 local and regional eateries with a variety of cuisine will be present at Life Is Beautiful 2019. Attendees can enjoy food from different cultures such as Mexico, Asia, and India among others. There will be many places for festival-goers to enjoy food and learn about the art of cooking. If you’re looking for a bite to eat after the festival, you can come over to The Plaza to grab a late-night bite at Pop Up Pizza or Brightside Breakfast & Burgers.

The Drinks

For those over the age of 21, there are plenty of excellent alcoholic drink options like craft beers and artisanal cocktails. Drinks will be available from specific alcohol vendors as well as at full-service bars at the festival. There are also plenty of bars to enjoy outside festival grounds in the downtown Las Vegas area. Come and join us for a drink at The Plaza where we will have drink specials for festival-goers.

The Location

The downtown Las Vegas area has a lot to offer to festival-goers inside and outside of festival grounds. Just outside the official festival grounds, you’ll find the Fremont Street Experience which is an overhead lights display lined with bars and casinos on each side. 

At the end of the Fremont Street Experience, you’ll find The Plaza where you can enjoy casino games, great food, and refreshing drinks when you need a break from the festival. There is so much to see in downtown Las Vegas that you’ll want to set aside some extra time for exploring outside the festival grounds.

Tickets & Packages

There are several different ticket options for Life is Beautiful. Entrance to Life is Beautiful starts at $145 for one day General Admission and $315 for 3-day General Admission. If you’re looking to upgrade your festival experience, there are VIP, VIP+, and All-In options that start at $665 for the three days and include things like shaded lounge areas, concierge services, exclusive food and drink vendors, and private bathrooms. 

The All-In pass gets you everything at all the other levels, in addition, to access to the artist hospitality lounge, an exclusive culinary tasting experience, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

After Parties

Each night after the Life Is Beautiful festival ends; revelers can keep the partying going Unde the Dome at the Plaza. This Life Is Beautiful after-party features a live DJ set and complimentary entry to everyone that is looking to dance under our famous lights. Festival-goers over 21 and over can enjoy a refreshing drink from the bars opening up for the after-party.

Independence Day Pool Party at the Plaza Hotel & Casino

No other holiday brings out the patriotic spirit of our country more than 4th of July. On that day in 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England and Americans love to celebrate with a barbecue and cold beers. It’s a day that all Americans come together in the high heat of the summer and celebrate the independence of the United States of America.

Many people choose to celebrate with fireworks and some with meat on the grill, so we’re honoring that tradition at our annual Independence Day Pool Party!

Independence Day Pool Party at the Plaza

On July 4th, there will be fireworks above downtown Las Vegas and a hot dog eating contest where hotdog lovers can win a $200 cash prize, 2-night stay at The Plaza, $150 to Oscar’s Steakhouse, and a poolside cabana with $50 for food and beverages. There will also be a live DJ and drink specials so you can dance the night away.

Summer Fun All Summer Long

The fun doesn’t stop when the 4th of July is over. On July 5th, there will be a special pool day where you can get a flamingo drink holder and cool off from the Vegas sun by enjoying the pool.

On July 6th Beverage Olympics takes place when teams of five people will come together and participate in “Olympic Events” such as ice cube clear out, pitcher chug, flip cup, and beer pong. There will be cash prizes based upon how many teams and players are entered.

If you’re spending the 4th of July holiday weekend in Las Vegas, there’s plenty to do downtown like exploring the Fremont Street Experience and visiting top-rated bars and restaurants. Downtown Las Vegas is known for its retro feel and unique character, and there will be no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day.

Fun Things to Do on Father’s Day in Las Vegas

Father’s Day is the one time of year we get to show that special appreciation for our dads and truly show them how thankful we are to have them in our lives. It can be hard, however, to know what to do with dad on his special day.

Fun Things To Do On Father’s Day in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has so much to offer with great Father’s Day ideas to make him feel appreciated. We’ve put together a list of some of our best ideas to show dad a great time in Vegas.

Take Him Golfing

las vegas golf courses

There are plenty of excellent golf courses in Las Vegas. You can start the day off by taking him to play a round of golf and giving him the opportunity to relax and enjoy time out on the course.

Play Pickleball

Pickleball courts

A great alternative to golf is taking your father to play pickleball, which is a game similar to tennis. If Dad has never played pickleball before, this could be a fun and memorable experience for him. The Plaza Hotel & Casino offers unlimited pickleball play for Nevada locals for only $3/day.

Go to A Museum

Some dads aren’t the athletic type, and that’s all right! You can take dad to one of the many museums the city has to offer. Downtown Las Vegas has some exciting museums that dad will love. Some noteworthy mentions are the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum, and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.

Check Out a Brewery

If Dad is a fan of beer, taking him to a brewery for lunch could be a great choice. Downtown Las Vegas has many unique breweries such as Banger Brewing, Chicago Brewing Co, and Hop Nuts Brewing. Take a break from your activity-packed day to grab a brew and a bite.

Enjoy a Pool Day

A lot of our fathers work tiring endless work weeks. Give dad the chance to relax out by the pool. If you don’t have a pool of your own, the Pool at the Plaza allows Nevada locals over 21 to enter the pool for free. If you’re looking to give your dad some extra relaxation, look into booking a cabana suite for him.

A Steak Dinner

When it comes to dinner, most dads love a good steak. We know that a great meal is the way to any man’s heart, so Oscar’s Steakhouse is serving up a special meal for Father’s Day. There will be an appetizer of Sweet and Sour Pork Belly and tomahawk ribeye steak served with potatoes and asparagus for the entrée. Oscar’s has one of the best views of Fremont Street and a classic atmosphere for any dad to enjoy.

A Room

Book by June 17th at 11am for travel through October 3rd and save 20% off room rates!

Las Vegas Days Rodeo

Las Vegas Rodeo

When you think of Las Vegas, you might think of all the lights, clubs, and fantastic shows. While Las Vegas does have a lot to offer in the way of nighttime entertainment, the city knows how to party during the day too – especially with Las Vegas rodeos!

The city of Las Vegas got its start as part of the Wild West, and Las Vegas Days (formerly known as Helldorado Days) celebrates the spirit of the Wild West with a Las Vegas rodeo and cowboy themed event!

On May 10th and 11th you can grab your favorite pair of boots, blue jeans, and a cowboy hat and head to the all-new Core Arena where there will be:

  • Bull riding
  • Barrel racing
  • Team roping
  • Tie-down roping
  • Steer wrestling
  • Saddle bronc riding
  • And bareback riding

Admission to enjoy the event is free and there will be a parade held on Saturday, May 11th.

History of the Las Vegas Days

The Las Vegas Helldorado event began in 1934 when Arizona carnival barker Clyde Zerby saw an opportunity with the thousands of visitors to the Hoover Dam site.

The first Helldorado was a rowdy affair that took the flavor of the Old West to the next level, celebrating everything wild about the wild west.

In 1935, Las Vegas was a booming town, and Fremont Street was exploding with gambling halls, hotels, and restaurants. City leaders knew the boom could end and Las Vegas could wind up a ghost town.

In comes the Helldorado Days festival to provide a sense of community spirit that would entice Dam workers and their families to stay in Southern Nevada.

As Las Vegas grew, so did Helldorado Days. Several of the salacious events were replaced with family-friendly entertainment including:

  • Award-winning marching bands
  • Best Float awards
  • A rodeo that drew superstars and a national audience
  • A beauty contest
  • And more!

The festival inspired a sense of community among long-time residents and for newcomers, it renewed interest in our history and the spirit of our past.

Big Blues Bender Las Vegas: Packages & Schedule

Big Blues Bender 2017 Music moves the soul. It is a universal language that everyone can enjoy. And no other music genre can do it better than Blues. Blues music has been around since the end of the 19th century, and it incorporates spiritual sounds, folk music, and jazz. Call and response patterns characterize this genre, which roots come from African American history.  The individual notes used in this style of music give it a very individualized sound and makes Blues the perfect music to get you moving and dancing. big blues bender 2016 performer For four days in September, the soulful sound of Blues music will take over the Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas. The Big Blues Bender is starring over 50 artists for a total of over 100 performances on September 6-9. The event will be featuring artists like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, JJ Grey and Mofro, Elvin Bishop, Samantha Fish, and many more!

Schedule

The schedule will be released in early August. Please check back soon.

Big Blues Bender Packages

There are many different packages to choose from that include options for a four-night stay at The Plaza with a wide selection of hotel rooms. These hotel room packages also include music panels, access to the vendor village, and activities like yoga, photo booths, and even themed nights. It is possible to buy a wristband to the bender, but if you’re from out of town, the package packs a lot more bang for your buck. Back by popular demand, we will be offering “all you can drink” wristbands! We don’t want anyone to miss out on this great event, so payment packages are available so you can pay over time. pool-at-the-plaza-performance All the action will be happening in the heart of downtown Las Vegas right by the famous Fremont Street Experience. There is plenty to do, see, and eat in downtown Las Vegas so you can enjoy all that the city has to offer. Packages are selling out fast, so be sure to book now! Buy Big Blues Bender Tickets