Strip theater’s renaming a ‘new chapter’
BAKKT Theater has ended the Zappos Theater era at Planet Hollywood Resort. The venue’s renaming went into effect Friday, in time for Miranda Lambert’s return.
The theater has also been known as Axis and, originally, the iconic Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts, dating to 1976. Axis was the venue’s name from 2013 through February 2018, when Zappos Theater was adopted in partnership with the online apparel company.
The five-year marketing arrangement expired in February.
Over the past decade, the venue has hosted such residency superstars as Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Gwen Stefani, Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Shania Twain and Lionel Richie. Doobie Brothers, Scorpions, Def Leppard, Florida Georgia Line and Van Morrison have performed limited engagements in the room.
Bakkt (pronounced “backed”) is a cryptocurrency company founded five years ago. It is also in a loyalty program partnership with Caesars Entertainment and its Caesars Rewards.
From a news release outlining the new partnership: “The companies’ collaboration includes plans to allow Caesars Rewards members the ability to redeem their Rewards Credits through Bakkt Crypto Rewards, pending regulatory approval. Bakkt and Caesars will continue to explore and innovate around Bakkt’s existing suite of cryptocurrency solutions.”
Officials say the renaming is a “new chapter” in the venue’s rich history. Expect the theater to maintain its high standards of live entertainment. Caesars Entertainment and Live Nation are in an exclusive booking partnership at the theater dating to 2013.
“We remain committed to creating an unforgettable live entertainment environment for our guests along with the best experience we can provide the artists who grace our stage,” Jason Gastwirth, president of entertainment for Caesars Entertainment, said in a statement. “With worldclass talent and unrivaled guest moments in mind, we look forward to building upon the venue’s incredible legacy with our new brand partner and the exciting renovations that are underway.”
Hotel visitors will get to know the Bakkt brand even outside the venue affiliation.
“The Bakkt Theater is one of the many ways our brand will be visible to Caesars customers as we work together to offer new cryptocurrency options,” said Mark Elliot, Bakkt’s chief sales and marketing officer. “We are proud that the Bakkt name will be attached to a premier live entertainment destination for millions of fans moving forward.”
Caesars reps report the venue “has has been undergoing multimillion-dollar enhancements over the last year including fully redone artist dressing rooms and amenities and aesthetic improvements that will come along with the theater rebrand.”
The venue already boasts high-standard audio and visual technical elements and clear sightlines to the stage. It is justifiably considered a party venue, dating to Spears’ “Piece of Me” production.
After Lambert concludes her “Velvet Rodeo” run on April 9, The Chicks move in for five dates from May 3 to 13.
Tease this …
On the topic of headliners at Bakkt Theater, the new name arrives with rumblings that Kelly Clarkson is expected to headline the venue this year. Clarkson’s “Invincible” residency was announced in November 2019, before COVID-19 wiped out those plans. Clarkson’s initial series is expected to be this year.
This goes to 11 (million)
Gene Simmons has formally closed his brief Las Vegas residency.
Simmons sold his estate in Henderson for $11 million, according to public records. The sale went through Monday.
He listed the home for $14.95 million in October 2021, just five months after purchasing the property. The asking price was reported to be $13.5 million as recently as last month.
Through a rep, Simmons declined comment on the sale. He has been busy, as usual, otherwise. The 72-yearold rock icon and co-founder of Kiss hosts a VIP “takeover” of the Rio from May 5 to 7.
The resort is home to the Kiss by Monster Mini Golf and World Museum attraction.
Also, Simmons and Kiss bandmate Paul Stanley are set to open the Rock & Brews at The Strat this year. The 8,500-square-foot bar and restaurant is being planned for the space next to L.A. Comedy Club and will serve a wide selection of beer and wings, oversize burgers, salads and sandwiches.
The main residence of Simmons’ former property spans about 11,000 square feet, on nearly an acre. Simmons created a personal forest with 130 trees, at a cost of about $1 million. The mansion has a half-dozen bedrooms, eight bathrooms and (according to reports) a seven-car, underground garage along with the primary four-car garage.
A walkway over a koi pond, an elevator, an 11-seat theater, floor-to-ceiling windows and disappearing glass walls are also among the amenities. Great view of the valley, too.
Cool Hang Alert
Country favorite Tony Marques plays from 2 to
5 p.m. Sunday, followed by rock cover band Velvet Elvis from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday at the Fremont Street Experience’s Third Street Stage. Both acts, and many more, rock that promenade nightly. No cover. Enjoy the groove. Go to Vegasexperience.com for details.