This was just posted on Zarkana’s Facebook page – Zarkana is Closing!
We have been informed of the new plans for the theater space at ARIA. We have informed our Artists and Staff (today) that Zarkana will end its fantastic journey on the 30th of April (2016). We will of course use our best efforts to redeploy as many employees as possible. As MGM Resorts International’s preferred creative content provider we remain in discussions with them for any future possibilities on property. More than 3 million people have enjoyed Zarkana in nearly 5 years since its début at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Since its opening at ARIA on November 9th, 2012, Zarkana has played over 1,400 times.
You can see the original post for yourself here.
WHY IS ZARKANA CLOSING?
That’s a good question. The answer is… The Aria needs more convention space:
Cementing its position as one of North America’s premier destinations for large-scale meetings and events, ARIA Resort & Casino announced today a major expansion of its award-winning LEED Gold-certified convention center. The $154-million project will deliver an additional 200,000 square feet of technologically advanced, flexible meeting space across four stories, highlighted by stunning indoor/open-air spaces and a glass-enclosed venue with dramatic views of The Park and spectacular new Las Vegas Arena. With the completion of the expansion, ARIA will feature more than 500,000 square feet of superior meeting space for its luxury clientele.
Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2016 with anticipated completion in February 2018.
“Convention business at ARIA is booming, and demand is currently exceeding the space we have available,” said Bobby Baldwin, ARIA’s president & COO. “Hosting large meetings and conventions is a core part of our business; as our clients’ needs grow, we are committed to grow with them.”
ARIA’s new convention space will maintain MGM Resorts International’s commitment to build all new venues to LEED Gold standards or better, creating one of the most expansive high-end, environmentally friendly meeting facilities in the world. Already an established leader in this area, ARIA has integrated environmentally responsible practices and services for all meetings, conventions and events, earning it a prestigious five keys from Green Key Global’s Eco-Rating Program.
Tony Yousfi, ARIA’s vice president of sales, said, “Our guests expect luxurious offerings and will be wowed by the new convention space. With the addition of this elite 200,000-square-foot venue, ARIA exponentially increases the spectrum of events and services that can be hosted at our AAA Five Diamond resort.”
The first level will feature an open ballroom with ample pre-function spaces, and access to an exclusive loading dock for events that require sizable displays. Versatile indoor-outdoor breakout rooms which provide meetings flexibility to enjoy the Las Vegas weather while conducting business will highlight the second level, while the third level will offer a large ballroom as well as naturally lit pre-function spaces connecting to ARIA’s existing convention center. The facility’s top floor is set to become one of Las Vegas’ most unique meeting venues as it complements a vast ballroom with a striking outdoor patio that can accommodate receptions for up to 2,000 guests. The top-floor patio will feature stunning views overlooking The Park and Las Vegas Arena, both of which are slated to open in April 2016.
The new convention space will take the place of the location currently occupied by Cirque du Soleil’s production of Zarkana, so it has to close.
{ SOURCES: Cirque du Soleil, ARIA | http://goo.gl/oZOqmE }
