March Madness kicks off on March 12 — and it’s coming to Las Vegas. Basketball fans are over the moon to welcome the West Regionals of the NCAA Tournament to the T-Mobile Arena on March 23 and 25. Come for the games and gambling; stay for the best shows in Vegas. Cirque du Soleil invites visitors to experience its extraordinary modern circus spectaculars, which have been enchanting audiences in the desert oasis for decades.
Las Vegas has so much to offer fans flocking to the arena for the college tournament. The T-Mobile Arena, which opened in 2016, is a multipurpose indoor amphitheater that’s home to the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights when it’s not hosting March Madness and also hosts concerts, boxing matches, wrestling events, and awards shows. And nearby, Cirque du Soleil is a can’t-miss attraction in Vegas. The collection of creative circus showcases blend incredible acrobatic artistry with spellbinding storytelling and music for a most memorable night of captivating entertainment.
Approximately 3 million people flock to Sin City during March to bet on the NCAA games. Whether those visitors want to wager on the basketball brackets or test their luck with roulette, there are plenty of great places to gamble. However, there are also great non-gambling amusements in Las Vegas. These are just a few of the hottest happenings in Las Vegas during March Madness.
See Why Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas Shows Rise Above the Rest
As far as Las Vegas performers are concerned, Cirque du Soleil’s talented acrobats and artists are among the most athletic. No matter which of the six electrifying performances you pick, it’s guaranteed to be one of the best shows in Vegas tonight.
Michael Jackson: One offers guests a unique, state-of-the-art surround sound experience. The King of Pop’s iconic music powers the sensational show, which features a talented cast of 63 dancers and performers. Guests are delighted by jaw-dropping aerial stunts and fantastic choreography that pays homage to the musical genius of Michael Jackson. The thrilling show is an excellent choice for anyone looking for last minute tickets in Las Vegas this weekend.
Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple awakens the magic and mystery of New York City in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Incredible acrobatics, fantastic choreography, catchy music, modern magic, and Harrison Greenbaum’s hilarious comedy rhapsodize the Big Apple throughout the thrilling show.
Mad Apple blurs the lines between sublime circus acts, live entertainment, and New York City’s nightlife culture. Experience the city that never sleeps in a whole new way, only at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.
Kà is a gravity-defying production sure to thrill sports fans and theater lovers alike. The adventure plays out on a colossal stage. Keep your eyes on the dazzling aerial acrobatics. Kà is a coming-of-age story revolving around imperial twins, a boy, and a girl, torn apart by war yet united by Kà, the essence and architect of the destiny of our lives. According to Cirque du Soleil, “The word Kà tracks back to an ancient Egyptian belief in a spiritual duplicate of the body: that which accompanies all of us throughout this life and into the next.”
Take a break from March Madness to watch the electrifying action play out on the ground and air inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. The 90-minute show comprises martial arts, puppets, pyrotechnics, and interactive video projections.
Mystère is the original must-see production in Sin City created by the marvelous modern circus troupe. It’s a fun, family-friendly event for all ages — perfect if you are looking for things to do in Las Vegas. Guests groove to the thundering rhythms of taïko drums, providing the soundtrack to the dramatic dances and acrobatic feats.
The skilled acrobats and performers bring the colorful, hilarious story to life at Treasure Island twice a day — at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. — Friday through Tuesday. The show’s awe-inspiring athleticism and unique imagery command the audience’s attention throughout the entire performance.
Things To Keep in Mind if Coming to Las Vegas in March
Las Vegas is famous for fostering a never-ending party scene vibe all year long. However, the casinos will be even more crowded during the tournament, so anticipate a lot of table action on the gambling floor. Throughout March Madness, Vegas is the place to be for basketball fans and anyone looking to have fun. If you want to place wagers on the game, visit one of the many sportsbooks in the city.
Nightclubs will be packed, and so will casino sportsbooks, so be sure to get there early to snag a seat. Expect hotel prices to increase due to the demand, so it’s a good idea to book those in advance and grab last minute tickets to Las Vegas shows like Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles: Love at the Mirage. While at the Mirage for the musical marvel inspired by the Fab Four’s popular songs, enjoy craft cocktails at the Center Bar or Parlor Cocktail Lounge, which offers live music nightly from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
For those looking to watch or bet on the action happening at the T-Mobile Arena, the Dawg House Saloon and Sports Book at Resorts World is a top pick. The comfortable couches and big-screen TVs can’t be beaten. Plus, it’s got the Mouse House, an in-house walk-up food truck window known for serving up classic comfort munchies like tater tots and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of tomato-basil soup.
The BetMGM Sportsbook inside the Aria Resorts & Casino has 90 high-definition screens to ensure visitors don’t miss a dunk. In addition, the Venetian Race & Sportsbook includes 118 luxurious betting stations. The sportsbook inside the MGM Grand can accommodate 104 people and offers 60 TVs, so no one misses a moment of the athletic action.
After working up an appetite cheering on your favorite team, check out the FoodieLand Night Market. It’s a food-lovers’ paradise coming to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 24-26. Thousands of people flock to the three-day event packed with food, drinks, shopping, live entertainment, and games.
Stadium Swim at Circa Resort and Casino on Fremont Street is hosting a Three Stories of Glory Viewing Party. Since it’s the world’s largest sportsbook, it features a 78 million-pixel, high-definition screen. However, those who prefer to have fun in the sun can watch the big game from Circa’s Stadium Swim.
It features six pools on three levels, with a great view of the 40-foot-tall high-definition screen. In addition, guests can pick from luxurious private cabanas, comfortable daybeds, and hundreds of chaise lounges. There’s even a swim-up bar so you won’t miss any of the action.
Cirque du Soleil is excited to welcome the March Madness crowds to Las Vegas and hopes this list will inspire visitors to explore all the things to do in Las Vegas.