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LV W c ov e r s t o r y
4.23.20
A By Brock Radke
fter five weeks of total shutdown, the Las Vegas Strip remains the epicenter of uncertainty. The only thing that seems clear as casino resort officials make plans to slowly and carefully reopen the Entertainment Capital of the World is that the entertainment component will likely be the last piece added to the new Vegas puzzle. The venues that make Las Vegas one of the most dynamic destinations on the planet require big crowds, and bringing those back doesn’t appear to be in the cards here or anywhere else anytime soon. Concerts, production shows, nightclubs and other live entertainment events will present some of the most complicated challenges as the Strip finds a way forward through the COVID-19 pandemic. “I believe the biggest obstacle everyone will face in live entertainment, sports, etc., is [ensuring] that guests feel and are safe,” says Lou D’Angeli, Vice President of Marketing and PR for Cirque du Soleil. “Collectively, the live events industry needs to be clear about the precautions we are taking to [ensure] safety for our fans, artists, athletes, everyone. It’s truly a collective effort to bring everyone back in the best possible conditions.” The question on the public’s mind is when will Vegas resume being Vegas, but producers, promoters, performers and
Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ (Courtesy)