Year-Round Horror Experience from Universal Set to Open in AREA15

First permanent experience outside of traditional theme parks

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor

The hosts of Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Parks & Resorts, will be opening a year-round horror experience in the AREA15 entertainment district. This experience will feature characters from classic Universal films, like Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy and the Wolf Man. 

“Las Vegas is a vibrant community and increasingly known internationally for the creative arts experiences that we offer,” City of Las Vegas Councilwoman Olivia Diaz said in a Universal press release. “Universal’s decision to anchor their next innovative creation in the city is exciting news for my residents and visitors alike. The job opportunities will be invaluable for our community, especially for those interested in the entertainment industry.” 

Universal is also introducing new concepts, described as “high energy food and beverage spaces by day turned haunting bars and eateries by night.” 

“Universal is known for our ability to deliver original, highly-themed and terrifying horror entertainment experiences for millions of fans every year,” Page Thompson, president, New Ventures, Universal Parks & Resorts said. “We are excited to give our global fan base yet another way to get scared and have fun with fear in the heart of Las Vegas, the perfect place for this type of unique concept.” 

Las Vegas will be the first to house a permanent horror experience beyond Universal’s theme parks, alongside AREA15 and Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. This experience adds to the collection of horror-themed attractions already open in Las Vegas, like Zak Bagan’s Haunted Museum and the SAW and Blair Witch Escape Rooms. Previously, Eli Roth’s The Goretorium was open in 2012 but closed after a year.

“I’m excited that it’ll be so close to me since I haven’t gotten the chance to go [to Horror Nights], but now that it’ll be in Vegas I can go and have fun,” senior Paulina Cortez said. “I would like to invite my family from California since AREA15 is such a big tourist attraction. I hope it becomes a big thing, and it’ll be great for the city.” 

This experience will occupy a 110,000 square-foot space, however, details regarding an opening date have not yet been announced. 

“It’s going to be so much easier than going all the way to California, and I look forward to it being accessible to go with friends,” senior Maha Chaudry said. “I don’t think it’ll live up to the hype that California parks have since they’ve been there for so long with way more attractions. It’ll fit really well [in AREA15] though, considering they already have similar attractions.”