T-Mobile Arena lives up to the hype — PHOTOS
April 7, 2016 - 2:37 pm
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Brandon Flowers of The Killers performs during the grand opening of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto
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People are seen through a door walking across Toshiba Plaza during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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The "Bliss Dance" scuplture is seen during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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People gather in Toshiba Plaza for the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren speaks during the grand opening of T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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Confetti is shot skyward during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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Part of the Hyde Lounge is seen during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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Las Vegas Events President Pat Christenson is seen during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren waves during the grand opening of T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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Clark County Commissioner Mary Beth Scow speaks during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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Clark County Commission Steve Sisolak hold the shovel he used for the arena ground breaking during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren speaks during the grand opening of T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren speaks during the grand opening of T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren speaks during the grand opening of T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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AEG President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Beckerman speaks during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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President and CEO of Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Scott Maccabe speaks during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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T-Mobile Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Sherrard speaks during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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MGM Resorts International President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Murren and T-Mobile Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Sherrard shake hands during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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The main entry is seen from the third floor during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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The arena is seen set up for its first concert during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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The arena is seen from one of the Hyde Lounge railings during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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Invited guests get a tour during the grand opening of MGM Resorts International's T-Mobile Arena Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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Ronnie Vannucci, left, and Brandon Flowers of The Killers performs during the grand opening of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto
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Brandon Flowers of The Killers performs during the grand opening of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto
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The interior at T-Mobile Arena is seen during a light check for The Killers concert on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Wayne Newton sings a medley during opening night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow@jlscheid
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Kaitlin De La Cruz, 9, dances on her birthday outside T-Mobile Arena during the opening night of the new Las Vegas entertainment venue, Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal
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Wayne Newton performs at T-Mobile Arena on opening night in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow@jlscheid
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Wayne Newton performs "Viva Las Vegas" on opening night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow@jlscheid
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Members of the media tour T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Balloons are suspended in a net at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Coca-Cola servers hold drinks for dignitaries and guests at Toshiba Plaza on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Jaime Henneman, from left, Dave Dirken and Mike and Shannon Reiter pose for a photo outside T-Mobile Arena during opening night of the new Las Vegas entertainment venue, Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal
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A woman walks in Hyde Lounge at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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A light check illuminates the stage at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Members of the media tour T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. (Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal) Follow @jlscheid
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Jonas Woolverton performs on the cyr wheel outside T-Mobile Arena during opening night of the new Las Vegas entertainment venue on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Highlights included performances by The Killers, Wayne Newton and Shamir. Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal
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Brandon Flowers, right, and Dave Keuning of The Killers perform during the grand opening of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto
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Olga Lagunsad works the free-form wheel during opening night of the new T-Mobile Arena, featuring performances by The Killers, Wayne Newton and Shamir, Wednesday, April 6, 2016, in Las Vegas. Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal
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A woman places The Killers t-shirts in a booth at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Men ride an escalator at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Souvenirs for The Killers are displayed for sale inside T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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A man walks pass sofas in the outdoor mezzanine at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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People walk inside T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Hyde Lounge inside T-Mobile Arena is seen on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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The Stella Artois bar inside Hyde Lounge at T-Mobile Arena is seen on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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People mingle around in The Park on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Michael Johnson and the A List perform outside T-Mobile Arena during opening night of the new Las Vegas entertainment venue, Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal
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The Stella Artois bar inside Hyde Lounge at T-Mobile Arena is seen on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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A woman walks through T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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A bar in the loge level at T-Mobile Arena is seen on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Public relations specialist Robert Flicker waits for an elevator at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Members of media take a tour of T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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The Killer fans wait in line for the opening of T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Some fans got in line as early as Tuesday morning. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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People are seen standing in the outdoor mezzanine at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Jim Murren, MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO, takes his jacket off during a press conference at Toshiba Plaza on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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A man protects himself from the sun during a press conference at Toshiba Plaza on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Clark County Commissioner Mary Beth Scow, right, presents the Key to the County to The Killers band members Ronnie Vannucci, left, and Brandon Flowers during a press conference at Toshiba Plaza on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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The Killers band members Ronnie Vannucci, left, raises his hand as lead singer Brandon Flowers looks on during a press conference at Toshiba Plaza on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak holds the shovel during a press conference at Toshiba Plaza on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. He received the shovel when the arena broke ground June 2014. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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A sign on T-Mobile Arena is seen on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid
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Brandon Flowers of The Killers performs during the grand opening of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto
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Fans cheer as The Killers perform during the grand opening of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto
Believe everything you’ve heard. While there was plenty of hype about tricked-out T-Mobile Arena leading up to Wednesday’s opening concert headlined by The Killers, fact is, the venue was designed with the fan experience in mind.
Those who arrived when the doors opened just after 6 p.m. were rewarded with easy access and entry (this wasn’t the TSA screening checkpoint at McCarran), ample amenities and beers priced between $10 and $13, depending upon your tastes.
And no lines. For anything — bathrooms, bars or food.
Granted, Las Vegans are notorious for taking their time getting to a show. Folks were streaming into T-Mobile Arena when Wayne Newton took the stage just before 9 p.m., but the Victims — as the die-hard members of The Killers’ fan club are known — were out in force early, including a married couple from Ventura, California, who made the trip to Las Vegas just to see their band.
Roxanna Martinez, 35, didn’t know why her husband Paul, two years her senior, had brought her to Las Vegas. She just assumed it was a couples getaway. Then he finally let her know what was in store for the evening. Paul Martinez had the whole thing planned out, even packing her “Victims” shirt without her knowing.
“She was surprised,” Paul said. “She didn’t know I got tickets. She was disappointed when she saw the billboard that they were in town. I was like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry. There’s nothing I can do about it.’ ”
The couple has been following the Las Vegas band since the beginning, since the radio station in her town started playing “Somebody Told Me.” Roxanna, proudly wearing her fandom on her sleeve, clad in a black T-shirt with the words “Victim” emblazoned on the front, remembers the exact moment when she first fell for The Killers. “‘I was like, ‘That’s such a cool hook,’ ” she related with a smile. “And I went home and told my husband, ‘Let me sing it for you.’ ”
“She started singing,” her husband, Paul, remembered with a laugh, “and I was like, ‘I don’t know what song you’re talking about.”
“I was like, ‘It’s a band I heard on the radio,’ ” she recalls. “ ‘It’s really cool.’ ”
And the two have been avid fans ever since, which is what prompted him to surprise her with tickets for this show. Combined, the couple have seen The Killers almost a dozen times, including frontman Brandon Flowers’ solo shows and the band’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s show in 2003. The band’s television debut also happened to be the day its record came out in the United States. “We were there waiting in line for them to let us in,” Roxanna recalls. “It was awesome!”
Another set of “Victims,” the Shumakers, came to town to see The Killers from Seattle. Larry, 46, says he first became a fan of the band about seven years ago after seeing them at the Hard Rock on the “Sam’s Town” tour. Larry, who last saw the band at Life is Beautiful, surprised his wife, Kathleen, 44, also a card-carrying “Victim,” with tickets for the show this past Christmas.
It’s doubtful those fans left the arena disappointed, particularly after being treated to a half-dozen songs from Shamir, who was in solid form and clearly taken by the moment. “This is insane, people,” the North Las Vegas native proclaimed in his distinctive, high-pitched voice. “Opening for Wayne Newton and The Killers.” Continuing to marvel at the moment, the singer gave another shout out to his hometown. “Las Vegas local, born and raised,” he noted a few songs later. “Legacy High School represent.”
Needless to say, it was a shining moment for Las Vegas and The Killers. The homegrown act was more than deserving of being the first band to get top billing in the Strip’s stunning new arena. Since forming 14 years ago, the Killers have climbed to top to become one of the most celebrated acts to ever come out of Las Vegas, and this was their moment.
Read more from Dave Herrera at reviewjournal.com. Contact him at dherrera@reviewjournal.com and follow@rjmusicdh on Twitter.
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