The BattleBots Arena is alive with excitement as it celebrates its 500th performance with the thrilling event dubbed “BattleBots — Destruct-A-Thon.”
Packed with a lively, enthusiastic crowd, the atmosphere mirrors that of the WWE, though the dramatic clashes are entirely unscripted.
Renowned robots like Witch Doctor, Kraken, and Mammoth engage in intense battles, capturing the attention of fans without the distraction of post-competition nightclub gatherings that characterize other entertainment events.
On the hosting front, original BattleBots host Bil Dwyer joins former cast member of the Mayfair Supper Club, Steve Judkins, who has a background as part of the short-lived “Mamma Mia!” cast in 2016.
The show, produced in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, opened its doors in March 2023, though it faced challenges prior to its launch.
Last August and September, the show went on hiatus and underwent a significant cast reduction of 20 members.
Despite these obstacles, the format of the show has become more streamlined and focused, with less character-driven storytelling, while still delivering the thrilling battles that fans adore.
The FaceOff tournament returns, set for July 25-27, attracting audiences of all ages eager to witness extraordinary robot combat.
Looking ahead, there are discussions about introducing legal wagering on the matches, a proposition that may find support from prominent figures, including a former Las Vegas mayor.
The excitement in the arena is palpable, with one memorable moment where Bronco clinched a dramatic “arena-out” victory against Chopper.
As the saying goes, when sparks fly, robots die.
In a separate but equally thrilling spectacle, the Backstreet Boys made an unexpected appearance at their post-Sphere party at Voltaire, located at The Venetian.
AJ McLean was spotted enjoying himself along with club dancer Kristina “Koby” Hakobyan, showcasing an impromptu dance performance that thrilled onlookers.
The full Backstreet Boys lineup arrived at Voltaire around 12:45 a.m., led by Nick Carter, as the DJ played the catchy track “This Is How We Do It” by Montel Jordan.
Kevin Richardson raised a toast to the enthusiastic crowd, while Howie Dorough and Brian Littrell paused to interact with fans along the stage’s runway.
Following their performance, the group made their way to a VIP area, where they mingled with notable guests including hotel President and CEO Patrick Nichols, Voltaire founder Michael Gruber, and Live Nation Las Vegas overlord Kurt Melien.
The event served as excellent promotional material for Voltaire, The Venetian, and Palazzo.
However, it’s important for fans to understand that this gathering was not a formal meet-and-greet, as the environment became somewhat chaotic with the presence of the famous boy band.
The BSB members lingered until about 2:30 a.m., while I chose to leave at 1:30 a.m., having already enjoyed a doubleheader that began with a Kelly Clarkson concert at the Colosseum.
On another note, Jason Sudeikis made a return to the Strip on Saturday at Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails found in the Cosmopolitan.
The “Ted Lasso” star reunited with Brendan Hunt, known for his portrayal of Coach Beard on the show, delighting attendees with a round of karaoke alongside my friends in the house band, Radio Xx.
The band features well-known musicians including guitarist Ben Carey from Lifehouse and vocalist Toby Rand, with Sudeikis even picking up a tambourine during their set.
Sudeikis’s tenure in Las Vegas during the early 2000s with “Second City” and subsequent rise to fame through “SNL” and “Ted Lasso” remains part of his narrative.
In yet another entertainment offering, “A Tribute to Adele” is slated for 7 p.m. on Friday, with the doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m.
J.C. Brando, who has portrayed Adele in “Legends in Concert,” will be the star attraction.
This is a show that promises to captivate, and fans can find more information at iacvegas.com.
image source from:neon