Rock in Rio, the world’s biggest music festival, has joined forces with entertainment giants MGM Resorts International, Cirque du Soleil and Ron Burkle (The Yucaipa Companies) for the festival’s U.S. debut in Las Vegas in May 2015.
“We are thrilled to welcome MGM Resorts, Cirque du Soleil and Ron Burkle as part of the Rock in Rio USA family,” said Roberto Medina, founder, Rock in Rio. “It’s a testament to the festival’s 30-year history and outstanding reputation to have these entertainment giants on board and, with added power from the partners, our first Rock in Rio USA will be unlike any festival anyone has ever experienced – on the biggest stage in the world in the heart of Las Vegas.”
The Las Vegas alliance, founded on a shared commitment to creating innovative entertainment, will present Rock in Rio in a custom-made “City of Rock.”
Building the City of Rock in Las Vegas
Building the City of Rock in Las Vegas
MGM Resorts’ expertise in developing world-class infrastructure will lay the groundwork to transform 33 acres of prime Las Vegas real estate into the magical City of Rock. The permanent open-air concert venue will be located on The Strip near the corner of Sahara Avenue and have the capacity for 80,000 people per day. The design and layout will be signature Rock in Rio, complete with five stages; themed streets boasting the sights, sounds, and foods of Brazil, the U.S. and the United Kingdom; rides including a zip line; food courts, shopping areas and other activities. After the festival, the incredible venue will remain for MGM Resorts to host other entertainment experiences.
Bill Hornbuckle, president of MGM Resorts International, said, “The entertainment scene has changed dramatically in recent years, as has the way consumers want to experience their entertainment. With our innovative new partners at Rock in Rio and the creative geniuses at Cirque du Soleil, we will introduce Las Vegas to an unprecedented music festival in a setting that will never be replicated.” Hornbuckle continued, “The event will serve as a major tourism driver for Las Vegas, expected to draw well over 300,000 people to our city over the four days of the concert."
Over the past 30 years, Rock in Rio festivals have brought more than 1,120 performances to 1 billion fans worldwide, and that number will grow next month at Rock in Rio Lisbon (Portugal) where The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Lorde, Arcade Fire and Ed Sheeran, among others, are scheduled to perform.
The countdown to Rock in Rio USA also is supported by media partners iHeartRadio and NCM Network. Together, a robust advertising and communications campaign will bring news and announcements to consumers nationwide over the next 12 months.
Tickets for Rock in Rio USA will go on sale to the general public in January 2015.