LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Downtown Las Vegas is seeing a boom with gaming revenue up, construction on a new resort underway, and a fixture popular with tourists getting a nice upgrade.
Viva Vision on the Fremont Street Experience is getting a $32 million makeover which will make it seven times brighter than the existing canopy with four times the resolution. The work starts at 2 a.m. on Monday.
Some tourists prefer Fremont over the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip.
"It's a bit more relaxed. It's a bit more easy going," said one tourist from England.
Smaller businesses are pleased with not only the upgrade but also the late 2020 arrival of Circa Hotel and Casino, the first major new build in downtown Las Vegas in four decades.
"I'm excited. I've been out here for many years, anytime they add something new we see a profit," said Junior with CYB Light Up Apparel.
"Circa is going to bring a wide variety of people, extra tourists, who want a different experience who get to see the new casino," said Jacob Wilder who works at Poker Face. The kiosk sells custom-made chips.
"I'm hoping it's going to bring business to us as well," he said.
With 12.5 million lights, the new Viva Vision will also be interactive with visitors with new digital content.
"The redevelopment of the iconic Viva Vision canopy is a major milestone for Fremont Street Experience and the City of Las Vegas," said Patrick Hughes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fremont Street Experience. "With Fremont Street Experience attracting more than 23 million visitors a year, we're really looking forward to seeing the new energy this brings to downtown Las Vegas and the positive impact it will have on the entire community," Hughes said in a statement.
