Las Vegas is gearing up for a thrilling new attraction that promises to elevate its status as a premier destination for immersive entertainment.
In 2028, the Top Gun Experience, inspired by Paramount’s iconic film franchise, is set to open at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, marking a significant development in the city’s tourism landscape.
Developed in collaboration with Paramount Global and Advent Allen Entertainment, the Top Gun Experience aims to immerse guests in the adrenaline-fueled world of the Top Gun universe through cutting-edge ride technology and interactive storytelling.
Positioned on an undeveloped plot within The STRAT property, the attraction will feature state-of-the-art fighter jet simulators that will allow guests to experience high-speed flights, alongside motion-based thrill rides designed to mimic the high stakes of aerial combat.
Additionally, a themed restaurant modeled after the beloved Hard Deck bar from Top Gun: Maverick will offer live entertainment and a uniquely immersive dining experience.
This venture is a direct response to the evolving demands of Las Vegas tourists, who are increasingly seeking interactive and emotionally engaging experiences rather than traditional gaming and shows.
The announcement of the Top Gun Experience aligns with a broader trend within Las Vegas to transform the northern Strip into a vibrant hub of interactive attractions.
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), more than 38.8 million visitors flocked to Las Vegas in 2024, with non-gaming entertainment comprising a growing segment of tourist expenditures.
By leveraging the nostalgia and widespread appeal of Top Gun, this attraction is expected to resonate deeply with guests and attract a diverse audience, including families and international tourists.
The partnership between Advent Allen Entertainment and Paramount Global is noteworthy, particularly given the former’s history in creating high-profile destination experiences.
Mark Advent, co-founder of Advent Allen Entertainment, has a track record of developing successful themed resort attractions, including New York-New York Hotel & Casino, which helped usher in a new era of themed entertainment in Las Vegas.
Pam Kaufman, President and CEO of International Markets and Consumer Products at Paramount, has reiterated the company’s commitment to bringing Hollywood stories to life in immersive settings, making the Top Gun Experience a natural extension of their growing portfolio of themed attractions.
Paramount has been active in expanding its reach within the tourism industry, with recent initiatives including Nickelodeon-themed all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Punta Cana, along with an upcoming Nickelodeon resort in Orlando set to open in 2026.
The Top Gun Experience highlights how branded attractions can serve as powerful economic engines, generating significant visitor traffic to the north Strip, which is undergoing its own revitalization.
The project is anticipated to create a multitude of new employment opportunities within operations, food and beverage services, and entertainment, further strengthening Las Vegas’ position as a key player in the global attraction landscape.
This attraction is expected to encourage multi-day visits, particularly among out-of-state visitors, while simultaneously enhancing foot traffic to The STRAT and its surrounding retail and dining ecosystems.
In an increasingly competitive global tourism market, which includes formidable rivals like Orlando, Dubai, and Singapore, the launch of the Top Gun Experience provides Las Vegas with a compelling draw that is deeply rooted in American pop culture.
The focus of the Top Gun Experience aligns with evolving trends in tourism that emphasize immersive, personal experiences.
Today’s travelers are looking for opportunities to engage with their favorite stories and franchises in a hands-on manner, whether it’s exploring iconic settings or participating in interactive experiences.
Industry experts, including the Global Association for the Attractions Industry, note that attractions based on established intellectual properties tend to generate 28 to 40 percent higher visitation rates compared to original concepts.
By 2028, visitors to the Top Gun Experience can expect fully themed environments that replicate the feel of a Top Gun training academy, complete with interactive elements and dynamic design.
The Hard Deck-inspired restaurant is poised to be a highlight, featuring memorabilia from the films, interactive dining tables, and live piano performances that capture the essence of the franchise.
The attraction will also offer thrilling high-speed simulators simulating dogfights, alongside behind-the-scenes content sharing aviation trivia, film insights, and rich Top Gun lore.
A dedicated retail zone will provide guests with exclusive Top Gun merchandise, ensuring that visitors can take a piece of the experience home with them.
As Las Vegas continues to redefine itself as a leader in experiential tourism, the Top Gun Experience is a testament to the city’s ability to blend Hollywood charm with next-generation technology.
With its grand opening on the horizon and expectations high, this attraction is set to deliver unforgettable memories that resonate on both cinematic and personal levels, affirming Las Vegas’s status as a pioneering destination for immersive entertainment.
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