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- 🌐 Las Vegas NYE 2025: Fireworks, Music, and Spectacle at The Sphere and Beyond
🌐 Las Vegas NYE 2025: Fireworks, Music, and Spectacle at The Sphere and Beyond
Issue #387 - December 28 2024
John Wu
28 Dec
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
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📆 Weekly Local Events for December 2024
Regular weekly events in or near Summerlin, Las Vegas are listed below.
Visit here to lookup specific venue information or for upcoming and/or non-weekly events on Meetup.
Monday
Monday Classes At Latin Blendz: (Every week on Monday @ 10AM)
Socially Vegas - Monday Night Bowling @ The Orleans Bowling Center: Must arrive/check-in before 7pm; 7 - 10pm (Every week on Monday); COST (CASH Only) $10 for 2 games (includes shoes) COST: $12 for 3 games (includes shoes)
Monday Night TRIVIA at ReBAR, 1225 S Main St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW), Cheyenne & Buffalo, 7550 Sauer St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8 PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 7PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
Wednesday
Business Leads Group - Networking Breakfast @ Summit Restaurant, Eagle Crest Golf Course, 2215 Thomas W Ryan Blvd, Las Vegas: Cost $20 cash, 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Early Risers Toastmasters Meeting (In-Person - Summerlin Egg Works / Online Event: 7 - 8 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Wednesday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Speakers & Leaders of Summerlin Toastmasters Meeting, Summerlin Egg Works, 2025 Village Center Cir, Las Vegas: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Thursday
Abundance Business Networking Group Online Event: 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Thursday). Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for networking. Steps to access our BNI Online™ Virtual Chapter Meeting, visit website.
Las Vegas Real Estate Investors Association - Weekly Power Lunch For Real Estate Investors: 11 AM - 1 PM (Every week on Thursday). Request to join here.
Free Salsa Classes @ Feel The Music Dance Studio: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Thursday). Visit the website to register online.
Summerlin Bitcoin Happy Hour, SG Bar, 9580 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas: 6:30 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Friday
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Flow & Yin W / Noé Hilyard @ Yoga Sanctuary: 6 - 7:15 PM (Every week on Friday) View Yoga Sanctuary's full schedule.
Swing Dancing in Las Vegas Vintage and Modern Swing Dances @ The Mint Tavern: 7:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Friday)
Saturday
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Saturday Morning Meditation with Practitioner Selina Kelly @ Yoga Kandy, LLC. Cost: Love Donation $5-$10 suggested. 11 - 11:45 AM (Every week on Saturday)
Sunday
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Sunday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Sunday)
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
⛽ Las Vegas Gas Prices
🌐 Las Vegas NYE 2025: Fireworks, Music, and Spectacle at The Sphere and Beyond
The Sphere in Las Vegas is preparing to host a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, both inside and out. The venue will showcase a custom “Sphere New Year’s Eve Celebration” on its Exosphere, the world’s largest LED screen, as part of the citywide festivities.
A Global Celebration on the Exosphere
The Exosphere’s dazzling display will begin at 5 a.m. Pacific Time on December 31, as Sydney ushers in 2025. The LED screen will feature culturally themed imagery and countdowns from major cities worldwide, including Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, London, Buenos Aires, New York, Chicago, and Denver, marking each time zone’s entrance into the new year.
The celebration will culminate in the final countdown in Las Vegas, serving as the official lead-in to “Making Vegas Memories,” the theme of this year’s “America’s Party 2025.” The citywide pyrotechnic show will launch fireworks from nine resort rooftops along the Strip, making for an unforgettable spectacle.
Sphere’s NYE Events and EDM Extravaganza
Inside the Sphere, the venue will host a half-dozen performances of “The End of Genesys,” featuring EDM pioneer Anyma, from December 29 through New Year’s Day, with additional shows on January 10 and 11. Anyma, the solo project of Matteo Milleri, will be joined by an array of renowned electronic artists, including Tiesto, Charlotte De Witte, Camelphat, and Dixon, among others.
This immersive experience combines electronic music and state-of-the-art visual effects, making the Sphere a key destination for New Year’s celebrations in Las Vegas.
A Weekend of Entertainment in Vegas
Beyond the Sphere, Las Vegas offers a variety of entertainment options for the holiday weekend. At Ellis Island’s Front Yard, David Perrico and the Raiders House Band will cap off their 2024 schedule with a free live performance from 10 p.m. to midnight on December 29. The show will feature guest appearances by guitar legend Steve Stevens, known for his work with Billy Idol, as well as local Vegas performers Carlos David-Perez, Steph Payne, and others. The Raiderettes are also set to make a special appearance.
With an array of options, from the Sphere’s cutting-edge displays to live music and performances throughout the city, Las Vegas promises a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other.
🏒 Golden Knights Rally with Two Short-Handed Goals to Defeat San Jose
The Golden Knights' penalty kill, traditionally a reliable part of their game, struggled during the early part of the season but stepped up in a big way during a critical moment Friday night. The team scored two short-handed goals within 23 seconds in the third period, securing a 6-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center. The win marked the Knights' fifth consecutive victory and pushed them to the top of the NHL standings with a .729 points percentage.
Defenseman Brayden McNabb got the short-handed scoring started just 13 seconds into a Sharks power play, just over a minute into the third period. His goal was followed swiftly by center Jack Eichel’s short-handed tally, turning a 3-2 deficit into a 4-3 lead in less than a minute. The momentum swing occurred right after the Knights’ power play was neutralized by a tripping penalty on Alexander Holtz.
Left wing Pavel Dorofeyev snapped an 11-game goal drought later in the third period, scoring just over four minutes after Eichel’s goal. Brett Howden capped the scoring with an empty-net goal in the final moments of the game. Captain Mark Stone and defenseman Noah Hanifin also contributed goals, while goaltender Adin Hill made 22 saves.
The victory was the Knights' ninth in 10 games and their 14th comeback win of the season, solidifying their reputation as the league’s most resilient team. It also marked an impressive turnaround for their penalty kill, which went 3-for-3 during the game. Since November 25, the Knights' penalty kill has successfully stopped 27 of 31 power plays after struggling in their first 21 games.
The Knights started strong, taking the lead early in the first period on a goal by Hanifin. San Jose tied the game later in the period on a fortunate bounce off Shakir Mukhamadullin’s shot. The second period saw more back-and-forth action, with Stone regaining the lead for the Knights before the Sharks scored twice to take a 3-2 advantage into the final intermission.
San Jose's Tyler Toffoli and rookie center Macklin Celebrini were pivotal for the Sharks, with Toffoli scoring on an unconventional play and Celebrini setting up a key second-period goal. However, the Knights' short-handed surge in the third period erased those efforts and highlighted the team’s ability to respond under pressure.
Key Takeaways:
1. Tomas Hertl’s Return to San Jose
Former Sharks forward Tomas Hertl played his first game back in San Jose since being traded to the Knights in March. Hertl, who spent 11 seasons with the Sharks, was welcomed with a tribute video and applause from the crowd. Playing on a line with William Karlsson and Keegan Kolesar, Hertl logged 18:26 on the ice, contributing to the Knights’ strong offensive pressure.
2. McNabb’s Breakthrough
Brayden McNabb showcased his skill by toe-dragging past the defense and beating Sharks goaltender Alexander Georgiev for his second goal of the season. His timely short-handed goal energized the team and set the tone for the third-period comeback.
3. Dorofeyev’s Redemption
Pavel Dorofeyev faced a challenging start to the game, being on the ice for all three of San Jose’s goals. However, he turned things around with a crucial goal in the third period, deking around Georgiev to score his first goal since November 27. The redemption moment was a confidence booster for the 24-year-old winger.
The Knights improved their record to 24-8-3 and demonstrated once again why they are among the league’s elite teams, thriving under pressure and consistently finding ways to win in challenging situations. Their next challenge will be to maintain this momentum as they continue their push for the postseason.
🎰 Average Nevadan to Wager $1,815 on Sports in 2024, Study Finds
A recent report from a European bitcoin casino has identified Nevada as the projected leader in per-capita sports wagering for 2024 among U.S. states. While Nevada trails several states in overall sports-betting revenue, it stands out for the volume of wagers placed by the average resident.
The study, conducted by France-based Gamdom Casino, estimates that the average Nevadan will wager $1,815 on sports in 2024. This figure is 198% higher than the projected U.S. average of $609. The company also predicts that $5.8 billion will be wagered on sports in Nevada during the year, solidifying its status as a leader in sports betting enthusiasm.
Although Nevada tops the list on a per-capita basis, New York is expected to dominate in total sports handle, with a projected $21.3 billion in wagers. Following New York are New Jersey at $13 billion, Illinois at $11 billion, Massachusetts at $7.3 billion, and Arizona at $6.9 billion. These states rank among the top revenue generators, but their per-capita figures trail behind Nevada. New Jersey is projected at $1,398 per resident, and New York at $1,087. Massachusetts and Arizona follow with $1,041 and $929, respectively.
The report highlights the rapid growth of sports betting across the United States since its legalization in various jurisdictions. Among the 32 states (plus the District of Columbia) where sports betting is legal, the per-capita figures vary widely. For instance, Maryland ranks sixth with $919 per resident, while Illinois follows with $873. Other top 10 states by per-capita wagering include Colorado, Kansas, and Iowa. Pennsylvania, a growing gaming market, is projected to rank 19th, with $484 per resident.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, South Dakota is expected to record the lowest handle, with only $7 million in total wagers and a per-capita figure of $7.63.
Despite its standing as a significant player in the sports betting industry, Gamdom Casino, which published the report, is not licensed to operate in the United States. Its analysis nonetheless offers a glimpse into the trends shaping the sports betting market as it continues to expand nationwide.
🏩 Southern Nevada Faces Hotel Shortfall with Tropicana, Mirage Closures
Southern Nevada experienced significant changes in its hotel and tourism landscape in 2024, losing over 4,500 hotel rooms with the closures of the Tropicana and Mirage resorts. The region is not expected to fully recover these losses until the spring 2027 opening of the Hard Rock Las Vegas, according to a recent report from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
The Tropicana closed in April, and its towers were imploded in October to clear space for a $1.75 billion Major League Baseball stadium for the Oakland Athletics and an adjacent Bally’s Corp. resort. Meanwhile, the Mirage ceased operations in July to make way for the $1.5 billion Hard Rock Las Vegas, which will feature a 3,640-room guitar-shaped hotel tower on the former site of the iconic Mirage volcano. The baseball stadium is projected to open in 2028.
Net Losses in 2024
The closure of the Tropicana and Mirage resulted in a net loss of 4,195 hotel rooms for the year, factoring in the openings of two smaller nongaming hotels and an expansion at Circa Resort in downtown Las Vegas. The region also lost 271,959 square feet of convention space due to the closures. New additions included the Atwood Suites Henderson, a $20 million 90-room property, and the Homewood Suites by Hilton North Las Vegas, a 123-room hotel. Circa added 106 rooms with a $22 million renovation completed in December.
Hotel Projects for 2025
Las Vegas is set to regain some of its lost hotel inventory in 2025, with six new projects contributing 1,276 rooms. Among the highlights is a $206 million, 384-room expansion at the M Resort in Henderson, which will also add 40,000 square feet of convention space. Another standout project is the $85 million Otonomus Hotel, billed as the world’s first AI-powered hotel, which will open in March near Allegiant Stadium.
Other new hotel developments include:
Spark by Hilton Las Vegas Airport: 150 rooms, opening January.
Element Las Vegas Airport: 119 rooms, opening March.
Element by Westin Symphony Park: 119 rooms, opening September.
AC Hotel by Marriott Symphony Park: 322 rooms and 18,025 square feet of convention space, opening September.
Investments and Renovations in 2024
The LVCVA reported $757 million invested in Las Vegas tourism in 2024, encompassing new attractions, hotel upgrades, and entertainment venues. Major highlights included:
Ole Red Las Vegas music club ($30 million, Horseshoe Las Vegas).
Atomic Golf entertainment complex ($75 million, Strat).
PopStroke miniature golf course (Tiger Woods-owned, Town Square Las Vegas).
Swingers Las Vegas ($50 million “crazy golf” attraction, Mandalay Bay).
Bellagio Spa Tower renovation ($130 million, completed March).
Rio Ipanema Tower renovation ($340 million).
The Vegas Loop transit station at Westgate Las Vegas also launched as part of the city’s transportation upgrades.
2025 and Beyond
The city anticipates over $2.65 billion in tourism investments in 2025, with key projects including:
The Venetian’s $1.3 billion renovation of rooms and propertywide upgrades.
Green Valley Ranch’s $150 million room renovation.
Las Vegas Convention Center’s $600 million legacy hall renovations.
Further ahead, nearly $15 billion in developments are planned for 2026 and beyond, including the Brightline West high-speed rail system linking Las Vegas to Southern California, and two proposed NBA-ready arenas. These projects position Las Vegas to remain a leader in tourism, entertainment, and major events for decades to come.
❎ TikTok Ban Deadline Looms: Trump Urges Pause for Negotiated Resolution
President-elect Donald Trump has requested that the Supreme Court delay implementing a potential TikTok ban, allowing his incoming administration to seek a political resolution to the ongoing dispute. The platform faces a January 19, 2025, deadline to divest from its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or risk being banned under a law signed by President Joe Biden earlier this year.
The Trump administration’s amicus brief to the Supreme Court does not take a side in the legal dispute between TikTok and the Biden administration but urges the Court to pause the law's enforcement until the merits of the case can be fully addressed. This move highlights Trump’s involvement in high-profile national matters even before officially taking office.
Ongoing Legal Battle
TikTok and ByteDance have challenged the law, arguing that it violates the First Amendment by restricting free speech. The federal government, however, maintains that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its ties to China, where ByteDance is headquartered. U.S. officials contend that Chinese authorities could compel ByteDance to share user data or manipulate content on the platform. TikTok disputes these claims, stating there is no evidence of such actions and that concerns are based solely on hypothetical risks.
Earlier this month, a panel of federal judges upheld the law, prompting TikTok to appeal to the Supreme Court. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 10, 2025.
Trump’s Shifting Stance
Trump, who previously sought to ban TikTok during his first term over similar national security concerns, has shifted his position in recent years. During his 2024 presidential campaign, he joined TikTok and used the platform to engage younger voters. Despite maintaining that TikTok’s ties to China are concerning, Trump has publicly opposed a ban, instead favoring a negotiated solution.
Trump has already been active in shaping policy and engaging in international and business matters during his transition. He has held meetings with foreign leaders and TikTok CEO Shou Chew at his Mar-a-Lago estate as part of his efforts to address the issue.
What’s Next?
The law at the center of the case, passed with bipartisan support, seeks to mitigate potential national security risks by requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations. The Supreme Court’s decision on the requested delay will determine whether the platform faces immediate action or whether Trump’s administration can pursue alternative resolutions after his inauguration.
This high-stakes legal and political battle underscores the ongoing debate over privacy, security, and free speech in the digital age, with TikTok’s future in the United States hanging in the balance.
💹 Fed’s Slower Rate Cuts in 2025: Challenges for Borrowers, Wins for Savers
Many consumers with debt may find the Federal Reserve’s recent forecast discouraging, as it signals a slower pace of interest rate cuts than previously anticipated. However, those with money in high-yield savings accounts or similar investments are poised to benefit from the "higher for longer" interest rate environment, which could make 2025 another strong year for savers.
Fed Interest Rate Forecast for 2025
Returns on cash holdings tend to follow the Fed’s benchmark interest rate. As the Fed raised rates aggressively in 2022 and 2023 to combat inflation, borrowing costs climbed to their highest levels in over two decades. This also led to increased interest rates for high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and money market funds. While the Fed began scaling back rate hikes in late 2024, it now projects only two rate cuts in 2025, compared to the four anticipated just three months earlier. This adjustment reflects updated inflation forecasts for the coming year.
Implications for Consumers
Higher interest rates present mixed outcomes. Borrowing costs for loans and credit cards remain elevated, which can be challenging for individuals carrying debt. On the other hand, savers can take advantage of strong returns on high-yield savings accounts and other cash investments. Many of these accounts currently offer interest rates between 4% and 5%, a significant improvement from the near-zero rates of 2020 and 2021.
Similarly, money market funds are delivering competitive returns, with top yields also in the 4% to 5% range. However, not all financial institutions offer these high rates. Online banks typically lead with the most competitive returns, while traditional brick-and-mortar banks may lag significantly, often offering as little as 0.1%.
Choosing the Right Savings Vehicle
For those deciding between high-yield savings accounts and CDs, the choice often comes down to liquidity and fixed rates. High-yield accounts provide greater access to funds but come with variable interest rates. CDs, on the other hand, offer fixed rates but require funds to be locked in for a specified period, limiting accessibility.
Additionally, some accounts may have minimum deposit requirements to qualify for advertised rates. It’s important to verify whether an institution is FDIC-insured, ensuring deposits are protected up to $250,000 in the event of a bank failure. Experts caution against using fintech intermediaries without direct FDIC protection, as recent cases, such as the bankruptcy of Synapse, have left customers unable to access their savings.
Savers’ Opportunities in 2025
The continued "higher for longer" interest rate environment provides savers with opportunities to grow their funds more effectively than in previous years. By strategically selecting accounts offering the best yields, consumers can maximize returns and strengthen their financial preparedness.
Summerlin South, NV Demographics
What is the population of Summerlin South?
What are the employment statistics in Summerlin South?
How many households are there in Summerlin South?
What are the median and average incomes in Summerlin South?
How many homeowners and renters are there in Summerlin South?
What is the level of education in Summerlin South?
What is the marital status of Summerlin South residents?
What are the most common means of transportation in Summerlin South?
Methodology & Disclaimers
Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release, the 2022 American Community Survey. The information is updated yearly, as soon as new data is made available by the US Census Bureau.
No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information modified or aggregated for specific neighborhoods and/or zip codes.
Zip codes included in this demographic data: 89135
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: December 13, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌 🏠 Summerlin South - November 2024
*Median Sold Price By Bedroom Count
This is the middle price for which all homes in the area were sold based on the number of bedrooms. Half of all the homes sold were below this price, and half were above.
Visit here to see the entire report.
📌 ✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
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We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "SummerSouth Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Summerlin South together!
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