Dozens of Elvis fans flocked to the Westgate’s International Theater on Thursday night for a nostalgic journey back to one of the King’s iconic performances.
The event, titled “1969 Live Concert: The King Returns,” recreated Elvis Presley’s opening show at the venue on August 31, 1969.
With two sold-out performances, the 1,600-seat theater buzzed with energy as ticket prices, reminiscent of the late ‘60s pricing from $10 to $45, drew in a crowd eager to relive the magic of Elvis.
Westgate and co-producers Doug and Jackie Miranda recognized the opportunity to generate business and excitement during a traditionally slow summer season by staging a unique Elvis show anchored in his legendary history.
Hotel guests and fans began arriving in droves throughout the day leading up to the performances, and the Westgate has announced plans for three additional Elvis-themed shows, all featuring tribute artist Travis Powell.
The upcoming events are set for 2026, beginning with “1973 Live! – Aloha From Westgate” on January 14, which will celebrate the groundbreaking satellite broadcast that reached over 1.5 billion viewers.
Following that, on July 31, will be “1969 Live! – The Return of the King,” echoing the recent show’s successful format, and finally, “1970 Live! – That’s The Way It Is: Westgate Edition” in October, which will recreate the concert documentary set list shot at the hotel.
Westgate embraces its connection to Elvis, cultivating a rich history that the hotel’s President and General Manager, Cami Christensen, proudly promotes.
In her words, “No place in the world is more connected to The King’s history than Westgate, and we’re proud to be the stage where it all comes back to life.”
The excitement of the fans lingered into Friday as they recalled the performance, described by Resort Senior Vice President of Marketing and Entertainment, Rawle, as a palpable high.
“It was like they are waiting on Christmas Day for what’s to come,” he mentioned regarding the fans’ eagerness.
Travis Powell, who has been an Elvis devotee since the age of four, delivered an impressive set that included hits from the original 1969 show such as “Suspicious Minds,” “Love Me Tender,” and “Jailhouse Rock.”
His performance adeptly showcased the passion and spirit of Elvis, further enhanced by the inclusion of iconic covers like The Beatles’ “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude.”
As is customary, the show had its humorous interruptions with costumed fans taking the stage to kiss the faux-King, reminiscent of the real Elvis’s own concerts, where he would oblige his attendees.
Elvis’s legacy reverberated throughout the Westgate property. Backstage tours, tribute shows featuring Elvis artists, and an impressive memorabilia display were all part of the festivities.
The hotel was adorned with a famous bronze statue of Elvis, although its reference suggesting 837 shows was corrected years ago to the verified figure of 636 performances.
Attendees dressed in late-1960s fashions, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of what could be described as a lively ‘Elvis happening.’
The celebration, flavored with the essence of “Viva Las Vegas,” seamlessly blended camp with spectacle, showcasing how Elvis can still captivate audiences today.
As the iconic announcement went, “Elvis has left the building,” fans visiting Westgate may feel otherwise.
image source from：neon
