LAS VEGAS (LVN) — As the final weeks of 2025 unfold, Las Vegas continues to project momentum and reinvention, even as broader economic uncertainty tempers the outlook. From Monday, Dec. 16, through Friday, Dec. 20, the city saw major entertainment announcements, notable development updates, and renewed focus on its professional sports teams — all against a backdrop of shifting tourism and business confidence.
Entertainment Spotlight: Jennifer Lopez Set for High-Profile Return
Las Vegas’ status as the world’s entertainment capital was reinforced this week as Jennifer Lopez prepares to launch her new residency, Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in Las Vegas, at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
The residency is scheduled to begin during New Year’s Eve week, with performances starting Dec. 30. Lopez has offered fans preview clips from rehearsals, including her hit “Do It Well,” building anticipation for the high-profile return. Her previous Strip residency, All I Have (2016–2018), was among the most successful in Las Vegas history, grossing more than $100 million.
The announcement adds to a strong 2025 residency lineup that has included The Eagles at Sphere and Bruno Mars at Dolby Live, underscoring the Strip’s continued reliance on marquee talent to drive visitation and global attention.
Development Watch: Bally’s Resort Plans and Durango Expansion
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Major development news also shaped the week. Bally’s Corporation detailed plans for a proposed $1.5 billion entertainment resort on the former Tropicana Las Vegas site. The project would include two hotel towers totaling approximately 3,000 rooms and would share a 35-acre campus with the planned Las Vegas Athletics Major League Baseball ballpark. Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2026.
Elsewhere in the valley, the Durango Casino and Resort announced continued expansion, opening a new high-limit slot room and an enlarged parking structure as part of its ongoing growth. The property, which debuted in December 2023, reflects the steady investment in off-Strip destinations catering to both locals and visitors.
These developments continue alongside large-scale transformations such as the Hard Rock Las Vegas project at the former Mirage site, which remains on track for a projected 2027 opening.
Sports Update: Golden Knights and Raiders Navigate Challenges
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Las Vegas’ professional sports scene delivered mixed results during the week. The Vegas Golden Knights dropped a 2–1 shootout decision to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The team is expected to face additional challenges on its upcoming Canadian road trip, with Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore sidelined due to injuries.
In the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders turned attention toward their Week 16 matchup against the Houston Texans, with injury reports closely monitored by fans. As Las Vegas continues to strengthen its identity as a major sports market, developments involving its teams remain a dominant topic of local conversation.
Economic Outlook: Caution Persists Despite Gaming Strength
Economic signals remained mixed. A report released in late October by UNLV indicated a sharp decline in business confidence, driven largely by national economic narratives and elevated uncertainty. The findings contrast with reports from some small businesses that consumer spending has begun returning to pre-inflation patterns during 2025.
Tourism volumes have declined for several months compared with prior years, raising concerns across the hospitality sector. However, optimism remains that marquee events — including the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix and the upcoming holiday season — could help stabilize demand.
Despite softer visitation, gaming revenue nationwide showed renewed strength. U.S. gaming revenue rose 7.2% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2025 to $18.96 billion, marking the strongest quarterly performance since 2022, with Las Vegas contributing to the rebound.
As 2025 draws to a close, Las Vegas continues to embody contrast — balancing ambitious development, elite entertainment, and sports prominence with economic caution and evolving tourism patterns. City leaders, businesses, and developers now look toward 2026 with a focus on resilience, diversification, and sustained growth.
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