Excalibur Hotel and Casino: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox casino |
{{Infobox casino |
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|name=Excalibur Hotel and Casino |
|name=Excalibur Hotel and Casino |
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|theme=[[Medieval |
|theme=[[Medieval]] |
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|address=3850 South [[Las Vegas Boulevard]] |
|address=3850 South [[Las Vegas Boulevard]] |
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|location=[[Paradise, Nevada]], U.S. |
|location=[[Paradise, Nevada]], U.S. |
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|pushpin_map = United States Las Vegas Strip#Nevada |
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|logo=ExcaliburLogo.svg |
|logo=ExcaliburLogo.svg |
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|logo_size= |
|logo_size= |
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|image= |
|image=EM EXCALIBUR HOTEL&CASINO (2844230751).jpg |
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|rooms=3,981 |
|rooms=3,981 |
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|date_opened={{start date and age|June 19, 1990}} |
|date_opened={{start date and age|June 19, 1990}} |
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|coordinates = {{Coord|36|05|56|N|115|10|32|W|region:US-NV_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} |
|coordinates = {{Coord|36|05|56|N|115|10|32|W|region:US-NV_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} |
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|space_gaming={{convert| |
|space_gaming={{convert|92389|sqft|abbr=on}} |
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|shows=''Tournament of Kings''<br>''[[Australia's Thunder from Down Under]]''<br>''The Australian Bee Gees'' |
|shows=''[[Tournament of Kings]]''<br>''[[Australia's Thunder from Down Under]]''<br>''The Australian Bee Gees'' |
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|attractions= |
|attractions= |
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|notable_restaurants= |
|notable_restaurants=The Steakhouse at Camelot<br>[[Dick's Last Resort]] |
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|owner=[[ |
|owner=[[Vici Properties]] |
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|license_holder=[[MGM Resorts International]] |
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|casino_type=Land |
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|casino_type=Land-based |
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|renovations=2000, 2006, 2015 |
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|architect=[[Veldon Simpson]] |
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|website=[http://www.excalibur.com www.excalibur.com] |
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|renovations=2006, 2014 |
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|website={{URL|excalibur.com}} |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Excalibur Hotel and Casino''' is a [[hotel]] |
'''Excalibur Hotel and Casino''' is a [[casino hotel]] on the [[Las Vegas Strip]] in [[Paradise, Nevada]], in the [[United States]]. It is owned by [[Vici Properties]] and operated by [[MGM Resorts International]]. The resort features a [[medieval]] castle theme and is named after [[King Arthur]]'s mythical [[Excalibur]] sword. Property features include a {{convert|92389|sqft|abbr=on}} casino, a 28-story hotel with 3,981 rooms, and various restaurants. |
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The $290 million property was developed by [[Circus Circus Enterprises]]. The castle theme was conceived by company founder [[William G. Bennett (gaming executive)|William Bennett]], and the resort was designed by [[Veldon Simpson]]. Bennett and the design team traveled to castles throughout Europe for inspiration. Construction began in October 1988, and the resort opened on June 19, 1990. It was the [[List of largest hotels|largest hotel in the world]] until the opening of the nearby [[MGM Grand Las Vegas|MGM Grand]] in 1993. |
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Excalibur, named for the mythical [[Excalibur|sword]] of [[King Arthur]], uses the [[Medieval]] theme in several ways. Its facade is a stylized image of a [[castle]] (see also: [[List of castles in the United States]]). Until 2007, a wizard-like figure representing [[Merlin (wizard)|Merlin]] looked out from a high [[turret]] (since replaced by a figure advertising [[Dick's Last Resort]]). |
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The Excalibur has hosted numerous shows, including ''[[Australia's Thunder from Down Under|Thunder from Down Under]]'', which opened in 2002 and is the longest-running male revue in Las Vegas. ''[[Tournament of Kings]]'', a medieval-themed show featuring sword fights and [[jousting]], is the longest-running dinner show on the Strip. |
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Excalibur is situated at the [[Tropicana – Las Vegas Boulevard intersection]]. The hotel is linked by overhead pedestrian bridges to neighboring casinos to the north ([[New York-New York Hotel & Casino|New York-New York]], across [[Tropicana Avenue]]) and to the east ([[Tropicana Resort & Casino|Tropicana]], across the Strip). A free [[tram]] connects Excalibur to its sister [[MGM Resorts International]] properties to the south, [[Luxor Las Vegas|Luxor]] and [[Mandalay Bay]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The |
The Excalibur occupies approximately {{convert|50|acres|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web |title=Excalibur property details |url=https://maps.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/AssessorParcelDetail/ParcelDetail.aspx?hdnParcel=16229510006&hdnInstance=pcl7 |website=Clark County Assessor's Office |access-date=June 25, 2023}}</ref> located along the [[Las Vegas Strip]] at the southwest corner of the [[Tropicana – Las Vegas Boulevard intersection]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Neon Survey: Sunset to Sahara |url=https://gaming.unlv.edu/v_museum/neon_survey/surveys/excalibur.html |website=University of Nevada, Las Vegas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617235348/https://gaming.unlv.edu/v_museum/neon_survey/surveys/excalibur.html |archive-date=June 17, 2021}}</ref> The property was once the proposed site of the [[List of Las Vegas casinos that never opened#Xanadu|Xanadu]], a 1,730-room resort announced in 1975. The Xanadu was never built, as its developers could not secure a deal with the county on the sewer infrastructure such a large project would have required.<ref>{{cite web |title=Paradise Misplaced: The Xanadu Hotel Casino |url=https://gaming.library.unlv.edu/Xanadu/history1.html |website=University of Nevada, Las Vegas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706135831/https://gaming.library.unlv.edu/Xanadu/history1.html |archive-date=July 6, 2022}}</ref> |
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[[Circus Circus Enterprises]] purchased the vacant site in May 1988,<ref>{{cite news |title=Circus Circus to buy Strip land |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/152132136/ |work=Reno Gazette-Journal |date=April 5, 1988 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=$43 million land deal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/152566548/ |work=Reno Gazette-Journal |date=May 28, 1988 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> and announced plans a month later to build a castle-themed resort on the land.<ref>{{cite news |title=Circus Circus plans castle resort |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/152146964/ |work=Reno Gazette-Journal |date=June 10, 1988 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The company held an international contest to determine the name of the new resort. More than 180,000 entries were made, and the winning name, "Excalibur", was selected from more than 33,000 names.<ref>{{cite news |title=Name Circus Circus Castle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/152510368/ |work=Reno Gazette-Journal |date=August 25, 1988 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Nameless No More |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/152884147/ |work=Reno Gazette-Journal |date=October 6, 1988 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ground broken on Strip for new Circus Circus resort |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/405116802/ |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 23, 1988 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Circus Circus dubs castle 'Excalibur' |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Circus+Circus+dubs+castle+%27Excalibur%27%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 29, 1988 |access-date=June 26, 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> It is named after [[King Arthur]]'s mythical [[Excalibur]] sword.<ref name=LVS90/><ref name=Furlong/> |
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[[Mandalay Resort Group|Circus Circus Enterprises]] constructed Excalibur which opened on June 19, 1990, as the largest hotel in the world, with more than 4,000 rooms covering over 70 acres.<ref>{{cite news| last=Koch| first=Ed| title=Strip jousting begins| work=[[Las Vegas Sun]]| date=June 19, 1990| url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/1990/jun/19/strip-jousting-begins/| access-date=2016-02-08}}</ref><ref name="Excalibur Size">{{cite news| last=Macy| first=Robert| title=Excalibur is new center ring for Circus Circus| url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/28777283.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+28,+1990&author=Robert+Macy,+Associated+Press&pub=Chicago+Tribune+%28pre-1997+Fulltext%29&edition=&startpage=6&desc=Excalibur+is+new+center+ring+for+Circus+Circus| access-date=2016-02-08| newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]| date=28 May 1990| format=Abstract|url-access=subscription }}</ref> As of 2016 it is the seventh-largest hotel (by total number of rooms) in Las Vegas, and the [[List of largest hotels in the world|eleventh-largest hotel worldwide]].<ref name="wil">{{cite book| last1=Sehlinger| first1=Bob| title=Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas| year=2009| publisher=John Wiley and Sons| isbn=978-0-470-46029-0| page=[https://archive.org/details/unofficialguidet0000sehl_s5i8/page/103 103]| url=https://archive.org/details/unofficialguidet0000sehl_s5i8| url-access=registration| first2=Deke| last2=Castleman| first3=Muriel| last3=Stevens| access-date=2016-02-08}}</ref> [[MGM Resorts International]] purchased the property in 2005. |
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[[Groundbreaking]] for the Excalibur took place on October 7, 1988.<ref name=Breaks/><ref>{{cite news |title=Circus Circus sharpens up for Excalibur |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/922648276/ |work=The Press of Atlantic City |date=October 16, 1988 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> [[Marnell Corrao Associates]] served as the [[general contractor]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Hodge |first=Damon |title=Construction clan behind Vegas' newest property, M |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Construction-clan-behind-Vegas-newest-property-M |website=Travel Weekly |access-date=June 26, 2023 |date=December 11, 2008}}</ref> The $290 million resort opened on June 19, 1990,<ref name=LVS90/><ref name=Macy/><ref>{{cite news |last=Hawley |first=Tom |title=Excalibur Las Vegas debuts to 'family friendly' fanfare 30 years ago |url=https://news3lv.com/features/video-vault/excalibur-las-vegas-30-years-friendly-fanfare |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=KSNV |date=August 26, 2020}}</ref> receiving 30,000 visitors on its first day.<ref>{{cite news |title=30,000 Jam New Las Vegas Casino |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/20/business/company-news-30000-jam-new-las-vegas-casino.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=June 19, 1990}}</ref> The Excalibur was among new entertainment-oriented megaresorts to open on the Strip, continuing a trend started by the [[The Mirage|Mirage]] in 1989.<ref name=Furlong>{{cite news |last=Furlong |first=Tom |title=Vegas Opens a New Castle of Excess |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-18-fi-182-story.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 18, 1990}}</ref> |
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Excalibur was designed in line with the "theme resort" strategy popular among some casino operators during the 1990s, which included the traditional Las Vegas gaming experience coupled with family-oriented elements.<ref name="Theme Resort">{{cite news| title=Company News; 30,000 Jam New Las Vegas Casino| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/20/business/company-news-30000-jam-new-las-vegas-casino.html?scp=1&sq=%2230%2C000+jam+new+las+vegas+casino%22&st=nyt| access-date=2016-02-08| newspaper=[[The New York Times]]| date=20 June 1990| agency=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> However, since 2006 most of the medieval-themed statues and scenery have been removed as part of a four-year renovation and modernization project. As of 2010, few of the themed wall murals still remained as Excalibur was updated to include more modern and understated elements, including contemporary furniture and flat-screen plasma TVs in 2,000 renovated guest rooms.<ref name="Excalibur Upgrades">{{cite news| last=Padgett| first=Sonya| title=Comfort is Key: The Feel of Luxury| url=http://www.lvrj.com/living/16489586.html| access-date=2016-02-08| newspaper=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]| date=11 March 2008}}</ref> |
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On March 21, 2003, Josh Ford of [[Los Angeles]] hit the largest [[Megabucks (slot machine)|Megabucks]] Jackpot to date of US$39.7 million at Excalibur.<ref |
On March 21, 2003, Josh Ford of [[Los Angeles]] hit the largest [[Megabucks (slot machine)|Megabucks]] Jackpot to date of US$39.7 million at Excalibur.<ref>{{cite news| last=Geary| first=Frank| title=Megabucks player wins $39.7 million| url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Mar-22-Sat-2003/news/20947273.html| newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal| date=22 March 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030627094538/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Mar-22-Sat-2003/news/20947273.html |archive-date=June 27, 2003}}</ref> |
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Circus Circus Enterprises became Mandalay Resort Group in 1999,<ref>{{cite news|title=Circus Circus holders clear name change|newspaper=Las Vegas Sun|first=Gary|last=Thompson|date=June 18, 1999|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jun/18/circus-circus-holders-clear-name-change/|access-date=June 27, 2023}}</ref> and ownership of the Excalibur was passed to [[MGM Mirage]] in 2005, after it acquired the company.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Rod |title=MGM scales top of heap |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-26-Tue-2005/news/26379012.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 26, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051130010619/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-26-Tue-2005/news/26379012.html |archive-date=November 30, 2005}}</ref> The resort's new owner was subsequently renamed MGM Resorts International in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=MGM Mirage shareholders approve name change |url=http://www.lvrj.com/business/mgm-mirage-shareholders-approve-name-change-96398604.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007022639/http://www.lvrj.com/business/mgm-mirage-shareholders-approve-name-change-96398604.html |archive-date=October 7, 2012}}</ref> Ownership of the Excalibur, along with many other MGM properties, was transferred to [[MGM Growth Properties]] in 2016.<ref>{{cite press release|title=MGM Growth Properties LLC announces closing of initial public offering and full exercise of underwriters' option to purchase additional shares|publisher=MGM Growth Properties|date=April 25, 2016|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mgm-growth-properties-llc-announces-closing-of-initial-public-offering-and-full-exercise-of-underwriters-option-to-purchase-additional-shares-300257037.html|via=PR Newswire|accessdate=2022-05-08}}</ref> [[Vici Properties]] acquired MGM Growth and its properties in 2022, while MGM Resorts continues to operate them under a lease agreement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Casino landlord Vici closes $17B buyout of MGM Resorts spinoff|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|author=Eli Segall|date=May 2, 2022|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/casino-landlord-vici-closes-17b-buyout-of-mgm-resorts-spinoff-2570429/|accessdate=2022-05-08}}</ref> |
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==Facilities and attractions== |
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[[File:Decorative Work at Excalibur Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Decorative Work at Excalibur Hotel & Casino]] |
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The {{convert|100000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} gaming area at Excalibur consists of [[table games]] and more than 1,200 slot machines. In addition to casino space, the Excalibur resort includes a renovated pool area, a {{convert|13000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} spa and fitness center, eight restaurants and a food court, the Chapel at Excalibur, and the Octane Lounge & The Lounge with live music on the weekends,<ref>{{cite web| title=Excalibur Home Page| url=http://www.excalibur.com/excalibur/press_room_releases_template.aspx?ID=194| access-date=2016-02-08}}</ref> and an arcade. |
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==Design== |
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In May 1999, the casino partnered with [[World Championship Wrestling]] to open the [[WCW Nitro]] Grill, which was the first professional wrestling themed restaurant and nightclub in the United States; the restaurant was frequently visited by numerous professional wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wcwworldwide.com/post/93836893234/wcw-nitro-grill-ad-menu|title=WCW Nitro Grill Advert [1999] - I never was able to... |website=WCW WorldWide|access-date=12 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050902/http://wcwworldwide.com/post/93836893234/wcw-nitro-grill-ad-menu|archive-date=August 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accessvegasblog.com/wcw-wrestling-nitro-grill-excalibur-hotel-las-vegas/|title=WCW Wrestling Nitro Grill at The Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas|work=AccessVegas Blog|access-date=12 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.piledriverwrestling.net/index.php/wcw-more/wcw-nitro-grill|title=WCW Nitro Grill|author=Super User|work=Piledriver Wrestling/OSW Review|access-date=12 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/faq/?article=wcw|title=Pro Wrestling FAQ - Wrestleview.com|work=wrestleview.com|access-date=12 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/the-8-ball-07-05-12-top-8-pro-wrestling-restaurants/|title=411MANIA - The 8-Ball 07.05.12: Top 8 Pro Wrestling Restaurants|work=The 8-Ball 07.05.12: Top 8 Pro Wrestling Restaurants|access-date=12 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jan/12/wcw-grill-bringing-head-butts-and-cheeseburgers-to/|title=WCW grill bringing head butts and cheeseburgers to Las Vegas|author=Angie Wagner|work=[[Las Vegas Sun]]|access-date=12 July 2015}}</ref> WCW Nitro Grill operated for 16 months before closing in September 2000 due in part to WCW's financial problems;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/sep/28/nitro-grill-closes/|title=Nitro Grill closes|work=LasVegasSun.com|access-date=12 July 2015}}</ref> the restaurant's current space would later be occupied by a [[Dick's Last Resort]] location, where it remains to this day. |
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[[File:Decorative Work at Excalibur Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.jpg|thumb|left|Decorative interior work]] |
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The medieval castle theme was conceived by Circus Circus founder [[William G. Bennett (gaming executive)|William Bennett]],<ref name=Breaks>{{cite news |title=Circus Circus breaks ground for Excalibur |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/152840875/ |work=Reno Gazette-Journal |date=October 8, 1988 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> and the resort was designed by [[Veldon Simpson]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gorman |first=Tom |title=With Castles and Casinos, Pirates and Pyramids, The New Las Vegas is Betting On High-Stakes Style |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-12-tm-1258-story.html |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=December 12, 1993}}</ref> Bennett studied old castle renderings, and he and Simpson visited castle sites in England and Germany for design inspiration.<ref name=Macy>{{cite news|last=Macy|first=Robert|title=Las Vegas hotel opens as world's largest|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11422984/the_kokomo_tribune/|access-date=September 28, 2017|work=The Kokomo Tribune|agency=Associated Press|date=June 1, 1990|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929043950/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11422984/the_kokomo_tribune/|archive-date=September 29, 2017}}</ref><ref name=WaPo/> Simpson's Excalibur design was inspired particularly by [[Neuschwanstein Castle]] in Germany.<ref>{{cite news |last=Betsky |first=Aaron |title=Future World: With Vegas as a Model--Really!--Our Cities Might Not Be So Grim After All |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-12-tm-1254-story.html |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=December 12, 1993}}</ref><ref name=WaPo>{{cite news |last=Forgey |first=Benjamin |title=In Vegas, A Manhattan Transfer |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1996/12/22/in-vegas-a-manhattan-transfer/ca759f61-8417-4e11-865b-ac614b9ccbad/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=The Washington Post |date=December 22, 1996}}</ref> Trademark experts were hired to avoid replicating the castle designs at [[Disneyland]] and [[Disney World]].<ref name=Macy/> The Excalibur's medieval architecture includes stone [[Turret (architecture)|turrets]], and a moat and drawbridge.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Patricia Leigh |title=Fantasy Hotels: Excess Is All |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/21/magazine/fantasy-hotels-excess-is-all.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=October 21, 1990}}</ref> |
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Yates-Silverman handled the interior design.<ref>{{cite news |last=Alperstein |first=Ellen |title=Building a Bettor Mousetrap |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-06-tm-30490-story.html |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 6, 1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Wilen |first=John |title=Casino design called a business, not an art |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jan/15/casino-design-called-a-business-not-an-art/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 15, 1999}}</ref> The firm conducted library research into castles and also visited such buildings in Europe, in addition to film studios. According to Michael Erickson, design director at Yates-Silverman: "We were basically looking for the same level of design that you would find in film. If you designed rooms as they literally looked during the traditional period, they would be dark, dingy and dirty. You have to romanticize it a little bit and take more of a theatrical approach."<ref>{{cite news |title=Excalibur is a dream come true |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Excalibur%20is%20a%20dream%20come%20true%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 17, 1990 |access-date=June 26, 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> |
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Excalibur is home to three permanent shows: the all-male revue ''Thunder From Down Under'', ''The Australian Bee Gees Show'', a tribute to the [[Bee Gees]] and the medieval-themed dinner show ''Tournament of Kings''. Thunder From Down Under moved to Excalibur in July 2001 and since then has received recognition as one of the best all-male strip shows in Las Vegas.<ref name="Thunder Award">{{cite web| last=Leach| first=Robin| title=Thunder From Down Under celebrate nine years on The Strip| url=http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/luxe-life/2010/jul/31/thunder-down-under-celebrates-nine-years-strip/| publisher=Las Vegas Weekly| date=July 31, 2010| access-date=2016-02-08| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210015554/http://lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/luxe-life/2010/jul/31/thunder-down-under-celebrates-nine-years-strip/| archive-date=February 10, 2016| url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2006, the performance space was renamed the "Thunder From Down Under Showroom" in honor of the troupe.<ref>{{cite web| title=Thunder From Down Under| url=http://www.thunderfromdownunder.com/#/vegasshow| access-date=10 November 2010| publisher=Excalibur Hotel & Casino}}</ref> Tournament of Kings is a medieval jousting tournament performed with 12 breeds of horses and 32 cast members in a 925-seat amphitheater called King Arthur's Arena. The show includes a banquet feast served by a costumed serf or wench and is meant to be eaten without utensils. Tournament of Kings debuted along with the opening of Excalibur in 1990.<ref name="Tournament of Kings">{{cite news| last=Brown| first=Patricia Leigh| title=Fantasy Hotels: Excess Is All| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/21/magazine/fantasy-hotels-excess-is-all.html| access-date=25 January 2019| newspaper=[[The New York Times]]| date=21 October 1990}}</ref><ref name="TOK Details">{{cite news| title=Palin, Lowden likely will not cross paths| url=http://www.lvrj.com/news/palin--lowden-likely-will-not-cross-paths-94647609.html| access-date=10 November 2010|newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal| last=Clarke| first=Norm| date=22 May 2010}}</ref> |
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==Features== |
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[[Dick's Last Resort]] restaurant opened at Excalibur in June 2007. Dick's is known for its unusual dining experience in which servers purposefully act obnoxious towards guests. Employee "Taco" is considered Dick's mascot and entertains guests with his own version of the [[Bellagio (hotel and casino)|Bellagio]] fountain show using water dispensers behind the bar.<ref name="Dick's Press Release">{{cite press release|title=Pure Management Group to Celebrate Second Anniversary of Dick's Last Resort |url=http://www.dickslastresort.com/domains/lasvegas/press-release1.htm |publisher=Dick's Last Resort |access-date=10 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100926020031/http://dickslastresort.com/domains/lasvegas/press-release1.htm |archive-date=September 26, 2010 }}</ref><ref name="Dick's Review">{{cite web| last=Katz| first=Bobbie| title=Dick's Last Resort: where wacky is on the menu| url=http://www.hellovegas.com/commons/pages/articles/restaurant/dicks_last_resort_where_wacky_is_on_the_menu/198619/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711161935/http://www.hellovegas.com/commons/pages/articles/restaurant/dicks_last_resort_where_wacky_is_on_the_menu/198619/| url-status=dead| archive-date=11 July 2011| publisher=Hello Vegas| access-date=19 March 2009}}</ref> |
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| image1 = Las Vegas 2010 40 - panoramio.jpg |
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| caption1 = Exterior of the hotel |
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| image2 = Casino at Excalibur.jpg |
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| caption2 = Casino floor |
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The Excalibur has 3,981 rooms,<ref>{{cite news |last=Green |first=Steve |title=Excalibur trims bell desk, valet parking staff, citing lower guest demand |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/2012/oct/16/excalibur-trims-bell-desk-valet-parking-staff/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=VegasInc |date=October 16, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Excalibur Fact Sheet |url=https://newsroom.mgmresorts.com/excalibur-fact-sheet.htm |website=MGM Resorts International |access-date=June 25, 2023}}</ref> spread across four 28-story towers built out in a square footprint.<ref name=LVS90/><ref name=Macy/> The resort originally opened with 4,032 rooms, making it [[List of largest hotels|the largest hotel in the world]].<ref name=LVS90/><ref name=Macy/> This record was surpassed by the 1993 opening of the [[MGM Grand Las Vegas|MGM Grand]], located diagonally across from the Excalibur.<ref>{{cite news |title=New World's Record |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-12-05-9312050112-story.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=December 5, 1993}}</ref> A hotel remodeling project began in 2006, and was scheduled to conclude four years later. In accordance with guest feedback, the multi-phase project removed castle-themed elements from the rooms in favor of an understated design.<ref>{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=The Feel of Luxury |url=http://www.lvrj.com/living/16489586.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007165347/http://www.lvrj.com/living/16489586.html |archive-date=October 7, 2012}}</ref> |
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The Excalibur's casino measures {{convert|92389|sqft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaming.nv.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=3428|title=Listing of Financial Statements Square Footage (2017 data)|date=March 6, 2018|publisher=[[Nevada Gaming Control Board]]|access-date=June 23, 2023|page=4|archive-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620232017/https://gaming.nv.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=3428|url-status=dead}}</ref> It opened with 2,630 slot machines,<ref name=LVS90/> and more than 100 table games.<ref name=Kerch/> In 2008, the Excalibur removed its live poker dealers and replaced them with automated tables manufactured by [[Pokertek]], through a deal that lasted 10 months. The new tables appealed primarily to a lower-paying clientele and beginners, prompting the resort to bring back live poker, which was preferred by experienced players and those willing to spend more.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Man tops machine at Excalibur poker room |url=http://www.lvbusinesspress.com:80/articles/2009/07/20/opinion/columnists/stutz/iq_29980803.txt |work=Las Vegas Business Press |date=July 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730004428/http://www.lvbusinesspress.com:80/articles/2009/07/20/opinion/columnists/stutz/iq_29980803.txt |archive-date=July 30, 2009}}</ref> |
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Excalibur's food court housed one of the few [[McDonald's]] in the world to vend [[Pepsi]] instead of Coke until the restaurant closed in early 2016.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Oppermann |first1=Nils |title=Royal Flush: A Shitty Vegas Guide |date=2015 |publisher=BookRix |isbn=9783730994597 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HhYuAwAAQBAJ&q=excalibur+food+court+mcdonalds+pepsi+closed&pg=PT53 |access-date=7 January 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Bradley |title=McDonald's OUT at South Strip MGM Resorts Food Courts |url=https://vegas.eater.com/2016/5/16/11682896/mcdonalds-out-at-south-strip-mgm-resorts-food-courts |website=Eater Vegas |access-date=7 January 2019 |date=16 May 2016}}</ref> |
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Upon its opening, Bennett described the Excalibur as an upgrade from the [[Circus Circus Las Vegas|Circus Circus resort]] in Las Vegas, while still targeting the same family demographic.<ref name=Macy/> Family friendly attractions included an arcade, an indoor medieval-themed [[Midway (fair)|midway]], and [[Simulator ride|motion simulator rides]] taking place in two theaters, each seating 48 people.<ref name=Macy/><ref name=Kerch/> |
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The fun dungeon is an arcade from which you can access the Tournament of Kings arena, and also includes a laser tag arena.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fun Dungeon at Excalibur Hotel & Casino Las Vegas |url=https://www.excalibur.com/en/entertainment/fun-dungeon.html |website=www.excalibur.com |access-date=7 January 2019 |language=en}}</ref> |
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South of the Excalibur are two other MGM properties, the [[Luxor Las Vegas|Luxor]] and [[Mandalay Bay]]. The three resorts are connected via the [[Mandalay Bay Tram]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Transit system linking Circus properties opens |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/apr/12/transit-system-linking-circus-properties-opens/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=April 12, 1999}}</ref> Of the three, Excalibur is considered the low-budget property.<ref>{{cite news |last=Caruso |first=Monica |title=Circus turns focus to project |url=http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Mar-11-Thu-1999/business/10772598.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 11, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991011211431/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Mar-11-Thu-1999/business/10772598.html |archive-date=October 11, 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Friess |first=Steve |title=A Whopper Joins Las Vegas's Convention Lineup |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/05/business/business-a-whopper-joins-las-vegas-s-convention-lineup.html |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=January 5, 2003}}</ref> |
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In 1993, the Excalibur introduced a new attraction featuring a 71 foot animatronic dragon fighting with Merlin in the moat of the castle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Company History |url=http://www.a-v-g.com/index1.html |website=AVG Entertainment |access-date=15 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Every day between 6 p.m. and midnight,<ref>{{cite web |title=Question of the Day 2015-05-27 |url=https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/2015-05-27/ |website=Las Vegas Advisor |access-date=15 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref> visitors could watch the mechanical puppets designed by Alvaro Villa's [[AVG Entertainment]]. The hourly show, which had been awarded the "Worst Attraction" accolade by [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] twice, was discontinued in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 5 worst attractions in Las Vegas history |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/the-5-worst-attractions-in-las-vegas-history/ |author= Stephanie Grimes |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=15 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
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===Restaurants=== |
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==In popular culture== |
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The Excalibur included 17 restaurants upon opening.<ref name=LVS90/> In 1997, the resort added the Steakhouse at Camelot, which would go on to become a [[Zagat]] award winner.<ref>{{cite news |last=White |first=Ken |title=The Steakhouse at Camelot offers tradition with a twist |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Sep-10-Wed-2003/living/22097487.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 10, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041012065612/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Sep-10-Wed-2003/living/22097487.html |archive-date=October 12, 2004}}</ref> At that time, it also included the second-largest buffet in Las Vegas, seating more than 1,300.<ref>{{cite news |last=Paskevich |first=Michael |title=New wave of brunches, buffets arrives |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Apr-16-Wed-1997/lifestyles/5185449.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 16, 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990224081411/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Apr-16-Wed-1997/lifestyles/5185449.html |archive-date=February 24, 1999 |quote=The Sahara's 1,154-seat buffet is second in size only to the 1,300-plus that can be seated in the buffet at the Excalibur [...]}}</ref> In 1998, the Excalibur announced a partnership with [[World Championship Wrestling]] to open a wrestling-themed restaurant at the resort.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brief: Excalibur to get wrestling restaurant |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/nov/23/brief-excalibur-to-get-wrestling-restaurant/ |access-date=June 24, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 23, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Wagner |first=Angie |title=WCW grill bringing head butts and cheeseburgers to Las Vegas |url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jan/12/wcw-grill-bringing-head-butts-and-cheeseburgers-to/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 12, 1999}}</ref> The $2 million [[WCW Nitro Grill]] opened in May 1999, and operated for 16 months, featuring regular appearances from professional wrestlers during that time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nitro Grill closes |url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/sep/28/nitro-grill-closes/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 28, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Simpson |first=Jeff |title=WCW Nitro Grill set to close |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-28-Thu-2000/business/14491374.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 28, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010707070713/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-28-Thu-2000/business/14491374.html |archive-date=July 7, 2001}}</ref> |
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Excalibur has been featured in several video game and television productions since opening in 1990. Excalibur itself, or a hotel resembling Excalibur, makes appearances in the video games ''[[Driver 2]]'' and ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]''. In television productions, Excalibur was the setting for a stunt on the Las Vegas edition of ''[[Fear Factor]]'' and was featured in an episode of ''[[South Park]]'' called "[[It Hits the Fan]]". Also, [[Top Chef (season 6)|season six of ''Top Chef'']] contestant Jennifer used Excalibur as the inspiration for one of her meals. The mobile game ''[[Fate/Grand Order]]'''s 2019 summer event is set in Las Vegas and takes place at a fictional casino modeled after Excalibur called "Camelot & Co.", run by Merlin and [[Saber (Fate/stay night)|Altria]], the series' gender-flipped version of King Arthur. |
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In 2007, [[Dick's Last Resort]] opened an {{convert|11000|sqft|abbr=on}} location at the Excalibur.<ref>{{cite news |last=White |first=Ken |title=Expect plenty of ham at Dick's Last Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/expect-plenty-of-ham-at-dicks-last-resort/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 25, 2007}}</ref> The band [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]] would also license its name to a new restaurant at the resort.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Delen |title=Lynyrd Skynyrd-themed restaurant to open at Excalibur in December |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2011/sep/19/lynyrd-skynyrd-themed-restaurant-open-december/ |access-date=June 24, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 19, 2011}}</ref> Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer opened in December 2011, along with American Burger Works, both managed by the same company. The two restaurants operated for nine months, eventually closing due to financial problems.<ref>Retrieved June 24, 2023:{{ubl |
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==Gallery== |
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|{{cite news |last=Green |first=Steve |title=Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ, sister restaurant out at Excalibur |url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2012/sep/27/lynyrd-skynyrd-bbq-sister-restaurant-out-excalibur/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 27, 2012}} |
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{{Gallery |
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|{{cite news |last=Green |first=Steve |title=Lynyrd Skynyrd restaurant group sues Excalibur to reverse eviction |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/legal/2012/sep/28/lynyrd-skynyrd-restaurant-group-sues-excalibur-rev/ |work=VegasInc |date=September 28, 2012}} |
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|title= Exterior photos |
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|{{cite news |last=Green |first=Steve |title=Bankruptcy judge says Lynyrd Skynyrd restaurant to stay closed |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/legal/2012/sep/28/bankruptcy-judge-says-lynyrd-skynyrd-restaurant-st/ |work=VegasInc |date=September 28, 2012}} |
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|width=180 |
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|{{cite news |last=O'Reiley |first=Tim |title=Two Excalibur restaurants to remain closed |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/two-excalibur-restaurants-to-remain-closed/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 28, 2012}} |
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}}</ref> |
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|File:033-072910-Vegas_Vacation_Excalibur.jpg|alt1=Excalibur during the day|Excalibur main entrance |
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[[Buca di Beppo]] opened at the Excalibur in 2011.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=MGM Resorts’ new restaurant offerings target Middle America |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/mgm-resorts-new-restaurant-offerings-target-middle-america/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 25, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Delen |title=New Buca di Beppo restaurant on the Strip hiring 75 workers |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/2011/nov/30/new-buca-di-beppo-strip-hiring-75-workers/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=VegasInc |date=November 30, 2011}}</ref> A year later, the resort debuted its Castle Walk food court, which introduced several eateries not already on the Strip. At {{convert|20000|sqft|abbr=on}}, it was among the largest food courts on the Strip.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sylvester |first=Ron |title=New restaurants, 200 jobs coming to Excalibur |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/2012/nov/19/new-restaurants-jobs-coming-excalibur/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=VegasInc |date=November 19, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=Excalibur's Castle Walk no ordinary food court |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/excaliburs-castle-walk-no-ordinary-food-court/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 3, 2013}}</ref> Because the Excalibur had an exclusive deal with [[Pepsi]], the food court housed one of the few [[McDonald's]] in the world to vend the soft drink rather than its competitor, [[Coca-Cola]]. The McDonald's eventually closed in 2016.<ref>{{cite book |last=Oppermann |first=Nils |title=Royal Flush: A Shitty Vegas Guide |date=2015 |publisher=BookRix |isbn=9783730994597 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HhYuAwAAQBAJ&q=excalibur+food+court+mcdonalds+pepsi+closed&pg=PT53 |access-date=7 January 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Bradley |title=McDonald's OUT at South Strip MGM Resorts Food Courts |url=https://vegas.eater.com/2016/5/16/11682896/mcdonalds-out-at-south-strip-mgm-resorts-food-courts |website=Eater Vegas |access-date=7 January 2019 |date=16 May 2016}}</ref> |
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||alt2=Excalibur across the street from [[New York-New York]]|Excalibur across the street from [[New York-New York]] |
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|File:Excalibur tropicana avenue.JPG|alt3=Excalibur from [[Tropicana Avenue]]|Excalibur looking southwest from [[Tropicana Avenue]] |
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[[Johnny Rockets]] opened in 2014, taking the space formerly occupied by American Burger Works.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Bradley |title=Johnny Rockets Sparks Upgrades at Excalibur |url=https://vegas.eater.com/2014/5/6/6229503/johnny-rockets-sparks-upgrades-at-excalibur |website=Eater |access-date=June 26, 2023 |date=May 6, 2014}}</ref> Later that year, the resort completed a $6 million renovation of its buffet, which seats 610.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Bradley |title=Forget SLS, Excalibur Will Host a $6 Million Buffet |url=https://vegas.eater.com/2014/11/12/7205981/forget-sls-excalibur-will-host-a-6-million-buffet |website=Eater |access-date=June 26, 2023 |date=November 12, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Aird |first=Tristan |title=New Year brings new look to the Buffet at Excalibur |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/2014/dec/29/new-year-new-look-buffet-excalibur-business/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=VegasInc |date=December 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=The Rio Buffet's new mega-buffet experience |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/dining/2015/dec/17/rio-buffet-wynn-aria-excalibur-new-dishes/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=December 17, 2015}}</ref> [[Fatburger]] opened its first Strip location in 2022, at the Excalibur.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Johnathan L. |title=Fatburger adds pair of Las Vegas Strip locations |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/fatburger-adds-pair-of-las-vegas-strip-locations-2603515/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 11, 2022}}</ref> |
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|File:USA - Nevada - Las Vegas - Strip - 2.jpg|alt4=Excalibur Hotel and Casino at night|Night view of Excalibur Hotel and Casino |
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|File:Excalibur Las Vegas 03.jpg|alt5=sign|Excalibur Sign |
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==Live entertainment== |
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===Medieval shows=== |
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{{Main|Tournament of Kings}} |
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The Excalibur has featured two medieval-themed shows since its opening, both taking place in a 900-seat dinner theater. [[Jousting]] has been a signature aspect of both shows.<ref name=LVS90>{{cite news |last=Koch |first=Ed |title=Strip jousting begins |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1990/jun/19/strip-jousting-begins/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 19, 1990}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=There's no horseplay for knights in 'Tournament of Kings' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/shows/theres-no-horseplay-for-knights-in-tournament-of-kings/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 16, 2011}}</ref> Performances take place in a dirt arena,<ref name=Longtime/><ref name=Radke2018/> and meals are served medieval-style, without utensils.<ref name=Jackson/><ref name=Action>{{cite news |last=Paskevich |first=Michael |title=Excalibur's 'Tournament of Kings' puts emphasis on action |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Feb-19-Fri-1999/weekly/10623843.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 19, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001213170600/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Feb-19-Fri-1999/weekly/10623843.html |archive-date=December 13, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Miyasato |first=Kiko |title=Q&A: Richard Sherman of 'Tournament of Kings' in Las Vegas |url=https://lasvegasmagazine.com/interviews/qa/2023/feb/17/qa-richard-sherman-tournament-of-kings-excalibur/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Magazine |date=February 17, 2023}}</ref> |
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The original show, ''King Arthur's Tournament'',<ref>{{cite news |title=King Arthur's Tournament puts twist on Camelot theme |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22King%20Arthur%27s%20Tournament%20puts%20twist%20on%20Camelot%20theme%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=LVRB |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 2, 1997 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> included 45 actors and 15 horses upon its opening.<ref name=Kerch>{{cite news |last=Kerch |first=Steve |title=Now Playing Knightly |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1990-06-17-9002190182-story.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=June 17, 1990}}</ref> The show closed in January 1999, after approximately 5,600 performances. It was replaced a month later by a revamped version known as ''Tournament of Kings''.<ref name=Longtime>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Longtime Excalibur revue producer Peter Jackson dies |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Dec-31-Thu-1998/news/10324317.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 31, 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991205235931/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Dec-31-Thu-1998/news/10324317.html |archive-date=December 5, 1999}}</ref><ref name=Jackson>{{cite news |last1=Koch |first1=Ed |last2=Radke |first2=Jace |title='King Arthur's Tournament' producer Jackson dies |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/dec/31/king-arthurs-tournament-producer-jackson-dies/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=December 31, 1998}}</ref> More than $2 million was spent to update the show and remodel the arena.<ref name=Action/> Both shows were created by the French-born producer Peter Jackson, who died shortly before ''Tournament of Kings'' was launched. His son, Patrick Jackson, took over as producer.<ref name=Longtime/><ref name=Jackson/><ref name=Milestone>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Medieval show marks milestone |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/mike-weatherford/medieval-show-marks-milestone/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 26, 2010}}</ref> |
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;Interior |
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''Tournament of Kings'' incorporates pyrotechnics and various stunt work, including sword fights.<ref name=Radke2018/><ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Review: 'Tournament of Kings' a more macho production |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Oct-19-Fri-2001/weekly/17232065.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 19, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011225235424/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Oct-19-Fri-2001/weekly/17232065.html |archive-date=December 25, 2001}}</ref> As of 2008, the cast included up to 38 humans and 11 horses. The show had a total of 30 horses, kept in an air-conditioned facility behind the resort.<ref name=Fink>{{cite news |last=Fink |first=Jerry |title=The once and future 'Kings' |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/nov/26/once-and-future-kings/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 26, 2008}}</ref> As of 2010, it was the only show in Las Vegas to feature horses.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Lance Burton and 'Tournament of Kings' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/mike-weatherford/lance-burton-and-tournament-of-kings/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 1, 2010}}</ref> ''King Arthur's Tournament'' had featured female horse riders, although it would not be until 2014 that ''Tournament of Kings'' introduced its first female rider.<ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Ken |title=Weekly Q&A: Tournament of Kings' Iranda Dyer is the show's first female rider (and a bit of a badass) |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-see-it/weekly-qa/2014/may/28/weekly-q-tournament-kings-iranda-dyer-shows-first-/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=May 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Ken |title=First woman rider joins 'Tournament of Kings' |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2014/mar/27/first-woman-rider-joins-tournament-kings/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=March 27, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Las Vegas: Excalibur's 'Tournament' gets first female horse rider |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/lasvegas/la-xpm-2014-mar-31-la-trb-las-vegas-excalibur-tournament-first-female-horse-rider-20140330-story.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 31, 2014}}</ref> |
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''Tournament of Kings'' is popular among families.<ref name=Fink/><ref name=Family>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Family-friendly 'Tournament of Kings,' a Strip favorite, is back in the saddle |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2021/jul/14/tournament-of-kings-excalibur-returns/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 14, 2021}}</ref> It is the Strip's longest-running dinner show,<ref name=Family/> and also one of its longest-running shows in general.<ref name=Radke2018/> The Excalibur is the world's top buyer of Cornish game hens,<ref name=Milestone/> having served 6.7 million of them through the show from its original opening in 1990 through 2018.<ref name=Radke2018>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Excalibur's action-packed Tournament of Kings is one of a kind |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/sep/27/tournament-of-kings-excalibur/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 27, 2018}}</ref> |
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===Dragon show=== |
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In 1993, the resort debuted a three-story [[animatronic]] dragon, part of a show in which it faced off against a mechanical statue of [[Merlin]]. The show took place at the moat entrance, and was performed hourly each night.<ref name=Residence/><ref name=Mirage/><ref name=Worst>{{cite news |last=Grimes |first=Stephanie |title=The 5 worst attractions in Las Vegas history |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/the-5-worst-attractions-in-las-vegas-history/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> The fire-breathing dragon was created by Alvaro Villa's company, AVG Inc,<ref>{{cite news |last=Hovey |first=Juan |title=Funds Still Exist for Exporters Who Want Pacific Rim Business |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-oct-07-fi-30017-story.html |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 7, 1998}}</ref> and took nine months to build.<ref name=Residence>{{cite news |title=Animated dragon takes up residence at Excalibur |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Animated+dragon+takes+up+residence+at+Excalibur%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 25, 1994 |access-date=June 26, 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=Mirage>{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Johnathan L. |title=Lost Vegas: Remembering attractions inspired by the Mirage volcano |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/rj-magazine/lost-vegas-remembering-attractions-inspired-by-the-mirage-volcano-2589349/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 20, 2022}}</ref> A six-story dragon had previously been considered.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Erin |title=Dream city: The Vegas skyline that might have been |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2012/aug/23/almost-vegas-projects/ |access-date=June 24, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=August 23, 2012}}</ref> The dragon and Merlin effects were generally considered underwhelming. In 2002 and 2003, readers of the ''[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]'' named the show as the city's worst attraction.<ref name=Mirage/><ref name=Worst/> The show ended around 2003,<ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Sea Change: Treasure Island's popular pirate show closes to make way for TI's 'sirens' |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jul-08-Tue-2003/living/21626209.html |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 8, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041229020746/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jul-08-Tue-2003/living/21626209.html |archive-date=December 29, 2004 |quote=Now the pirate battle is an anomaly. It has survived the death of an Excalibur dragon and a rival pirate show -- and the whole theme park that surrounded it -- at the MGM Grand.}}</ref> although the dragon remains intact, hidden beneath the drawbridge.<ref>{{cite news |title=Question of the Day |url=https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/excalibur-merlin/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Advisor |date=December 12, 2020}}</ref> |
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===Other shows=== |
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''[[Australia's Thunder from Down Under|Thunder from Down Under]]'' opened at the resort in July 2002, and is the longest-running male revue in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Erin |title=Thunderstruck! Inside Thunder From Down Under showroom |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2011/aug/25/thunderstruck/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=August 25, 2011}}</ref><ref name=Klok>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Star illusionist Hans Klok moving into Thunderland on Las Vegas Strip |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/star-illusionist-hans-klok-moving-into-thunderland-on-las-vegas-strip-1674330/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title='Thunder From Down Under' gets a Key to the Strip after rolling through 20 years at Excalibur |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2022/jul/18/thunder-from-down-under-20-years-excalibur/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 18, 2022}}</ref> Since 2011, the ''Thunder from Down Under'' venue has also been host to ''The Australian Bee Gees Show'', a tribute to the original [[Bee Gees]] musical group.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Bee Gees tribute sustains the 'Fever' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/mike-weatherford/bee-gees-tribute-sustains-the-fever/ |access-date=June 24, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Chris |title=They've got the Bee Gees songs, but not the story |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-xpm-2013-07-15-ct-ent-0716-bee-gees-review-20130715-story.html |access-date=June 24, 2023 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=July 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=The Australian Bee Gees Show brings the party back to Excalibur |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2021/mar/08/australian-bee-gees-show-reopens-excalibur/ |access-date=June 24, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> The venue originally seated 375 people. It was renovated in 2019 and named the Thunderland Showroom, with seating expanded to 425. Magician [[Hans Klok]] began performing in the space later that year, sharing it with ''Thunder from Down Under'' and the Bee Gees show.<ref name=Klok/><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=SPI Entertainment takes a big step with Thunderland at the Excalibur |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/jun/24/spi-entertainment-thunderland-excalibur-shows/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 24, 2019}}</ref> Amid the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Klok departed the property in 2020, as he felt that pandemic-related restrictions would hinder revenue.<ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Las Vegas headliner Hans Klok resets his timeline |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/las-vegas-headliner-hans-klok-resets-his-timeline-2053885/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 15, 2020}}</ref> Magician [[Mac King]] took his place in 2021, starring in a comedy magic show.<ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Strip icon Mac King leaving Harrah's after 22-year run |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/strip-icon-mac-king-leaving-harrahs-after-22-year-run-2370102/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 3, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Headlining comic magician Mac King moves his show to Excalibur this month |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2021/jun/04/comic-magician-mac-king-moves-excalibur-las-vegas/ |access-date=June 24, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=June 4, 2021}}</ref> |
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Other shows at the resort have included the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions, a group of [[Lipizzaner]] horses which performed various maneuvers for spectators during the 1990s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aristocrats of the Equine World Will Go Through Royal Paces in S.L. |url=https://www.deseret.com/1992/5/8/18982884/aristocrats-of-the-equine-world-will-go-through-royal-paces-in-s-l |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Deseret News |date=May 8, 1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Lipizzaners to leave Excalibur |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/jul/17/lipizzaners-to-leave-excalibur/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 17, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Fink |first=Jerry |title=Leaping Lipizzaners! Stallions to strut their stuff at South Point |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jul/14/leaping-lipizzaner-stallions-strut-their-stuff-sou/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 14, 2008}}</ref> [[Catch a Rising Star (comedy clubs)|Catch a Rising Star]], a chain of comedy clubs, opened a location at the Excalibur in 2001, operating there for nearly three years. The club was added in response to guest feedback.<ref>{{cite news |last=Delaney |first=Joe |title=Catch A Rising Star settles nicely into new Excalibur home |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/apr/13/catch-a-rising-star-settles-nicely-into-new-excali/ |access-date=June 24, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=April 13, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Excalibur responds to request for live comedy |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Apr-13-Fri-2001/weekly/15842623.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 13, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011118145624/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Apr-13-Fri-2001/weekly/15842623.html |archive-date=November 18, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Comedy developments hog spotlight |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Dec-16-Tue-2003/living/22792342.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 16, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041123172111/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Dec-16-Tue-2003/living/22792342.html |archive-date=November 23, 2004}}</ref> [[Louie Anderson]] also performed comedy acts in the resort's showroom, starting in 2006.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Laughter and Tears |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Mar-17-Fri-2006/weekly/6310172.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 17, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009091345/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Mar-17-Fri-2006/weekly/6310172.html |archive-date=October 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title='Larger Than Life': Louie Anderson showcases renewed energy at Excalibur |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-14-Fri-2006/weekly/6765190.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 14, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060419224427/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-14-Fri-2006/weekly/6765190.html |archive-date=April 19, 2006}}</ref> He entertained there until 2010.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Louie Anderson to close Excalibur showcase |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/entertainment-louie-anderson-to-close-excalibur-showcase/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 7, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Anderson to go Bonkerz when Excalibur run ends |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/anderson-to-go-bonkerz-when-excalibur-run-ends/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 11, 2010}}</ref> |
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''[[Fuerza Bruta]]'', a show featuring acrobats, opened in March 2019. It was performed in a {{convert|3800|sqft|abbr=on}} on-site tent,<ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title='Fuerza Bruta' testing tent tradition on Las Vegas Strip |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/fuerza-bruta-testing-tent-tradition-on-las-vegas-strip-1592235/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 7, 2019}}</ref><ref name=Kats3/> with a standing-only capacity of 950 people.<ref name=Kats3/> The show was signed for a six-month run, but ended a month after its debut,<ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=International production 'Fuerza Bruta' bound for Las Vegas Strip |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/international-production-fuerza-bruta-bound-for-las-vegas-strip-1537102/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Bliss in a tent: 'Fuerza Bruta' brings a fresh feel to the Strip |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2019/apr/03/bliss-in-a-tent-fuerza-bruta-brings-a-fresh-feel/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=April 3, 2019}}</ref> due to poor ticket sales; each performance had an average of only 50 guests.<ref name=Kats3>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Adventurous 'Fuerza Bruta' to close Sunday on Las Vegas Strip |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/adventurous-fuerza-bruta-to-close-sunday-on-las-vegas-strip-1632899/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 3, 2019}}</ref> |
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==In popular culture== |
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In 2003 and 2004, the Excalibur was used as a filming location for the television program ''[[Fear Factor]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title=Warm welcome prompts 'Fear Factor' to return to Las Vegas |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jul-07-Mon-2003/living/21664309.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 7, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050125092818/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jul-07-Mon-2003/living/21664309.html |archive-date=January 25, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title='Domino' continues shooting; 'Fear Factor' returns to town |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Dec-13-Mon-2004/living/25455379.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 13, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050308082657/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Dec-13-Mon-2004/living/25455379.html |archive-date=March 8, 2005}}</ref> The 2004 video game ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'' features fictional resorts based on those located along the Strip, including a castle-themed property modeled after the Excalibur.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stein |first=Martin |title=Playing Las Vegas |url=http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2004/11/25/aande.html |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=November 25, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041130210820/http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2004/11/25/aande.html |archive-date=November 30, 2004}}</ref> |
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==Gallery== |
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<gallery> |
<gallery> |
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File: |
File:Las Vegas - Hotel Excalibur - panoramio.jpg|The Excalibur's main entrance |
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File:Las Vegas (41978534702).jpg|Overlooking the main entrance from [[New York-New York Hotel and Casino|New York-New York]] |
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File:2019.10.11 Las Vegas - 48955402436.jpg|View from a hotel room, looking southwest |
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File:2019.10.11 Las Vegas - 48955593957.jpg|Same view at night |
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File:Excalibur (4067238057).jpg|Roadside sign along the Strip |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Excalibur Hotel & Casino}} |
{{Commons category|Excalibur Hotel & Casino}} |
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* [http://www.excalibur.com/ |
* [http://www.excalibur.com/ Official website] |
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* [http://royvegas.blogspot.com/2007/08/las-vegas-excalibur-dicks-last-resort.html "Roy Vegas"] - photos showing the Dick's Last Resort promotion that replaced Merlin |
* [http://royvegas.blogspot.com/2007/08/las-vegas-excalibur-dicks-last-resort.html "Roy Vegas"] - photos showing the Dick's Last Resort promotion that replaced Merlin |
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Latest revision as of 00:38, 23 March 2024
Excalibur Hotel and Casino | |
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![]() | |
![]() | |
Location | Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
Address | 3850 South Las Vegas Boulevard |
Opening date | June 19, 1990 |
Theme | Medieval |
No. of rooms | 3,981 |
Total gaming space | 92,389 sq ft (8,583.2 m2) |
Permanent shows | Tournament of Kings Australia's Thunder from Down Under The Australian Bee Gees |
Notable restaurants | The Steakhouse at Camelot Dick's Last Resort |
Casino type | Land-based |
Owner | Vici Properties |
Operating license holder | MGM Resorts International |
Architect | Veldon Simpson |
Renovated in | 2006, 2014 |
Coordinates | 36°05′56″N 115°10′32″W / 36.09889°N 115.17556°W |
Website | excalibur |
Excalibur Hotel and Casino is a casino hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, in the United States. It is owned by Vici Properties and operated by MGM Resorts International. The resort features a medieval castle theme and is named after King Arthur's mythical Excalibur sword. Property features include a 92,389 sq ft (8,583.2 m2) casino, a 28-story hotel with 3,981 rooms, and various restaurants.
The $290 million property was developed by Circus Circus Enterprises. The castle theme was conceived by company founder William Bennett, and the resort was designed by Veldon Simpson. Bennett and the design team traveled to castles throughout Europe for inspiration. Construction began in October 1988, and the resort opened on June 19, 1990. It was the largest hotel in the world until the opening of the nearby MGM Grand in 1993.
The Excalibur has hosted numerous shows, including Thunder from Down Under, which opened in 2002 and is the longest-running male revue in Las Vegas. Tournament of Kings, a medieval-themed show featuring sword fights and jousting, is the longest-running dinner show on the Strip.
History
[edit]The Excalibur occupies approximately 50 acres (20 ha),[1] located along the Las Vegas Strip at the southwest corner of the Tropicana – Las Vegas Boulevard intersection.[2] The property was once the proposed site of the Xanadu, a 1,730-room resort announced in 1975. The Xanadu was never built, as its developers could not secure a deal with the county on the sewer infrastructure such a large project would have required.[3]
Circus Circus Enterprises purchased the vacant site in May 1988,[4][5] and announced plans a month later to build a castle-themed resort on the land.[6] The company held an international contest to determine the name of the new resort. More than 180,000 entries were made, and the winning name, "Excalibur", was selected from more than 33,000 names.[7][8][9][10] It is named after King Arthur's mythical Excalibur sword.[11][12]
Groundbreaking for the Excalibur took place on October 7, 1988.[13][14] Marnell Corrao Associates served as the general contractor.[15] The $290 million resort opened on June 19, 1990,[11][16][17] receiving 30,000 visitors on its first day.[18] The Excalibur was among new entertainment-oriented megaresorts to open on the Strip, continuing a trend started by the Mirage in 1989.[12]
On March 21, 2003, Josh Ford of Los Angeles hit the largest Megabucks Jackpot to date of US$39.7 million at Excalibur.[19]
Circus Circus Enterprises became Mandalay Resort Group in 1999,[20] and ownership of the Excalibur was passed to MGM Mirage in 2005, after it acquired the company.[21] The resort's new owner was subsequently renamed MGM Resorts International in 2010.[22] Ownership of the Excalibur, along with many other MGM properties, was transferred to MGM Growth Properties in 2016.[23] Vici Properties acquired MGM Growth and its properties in 2022, while MGM Resorts continues to operate them under a lease agreement.[24]
Design
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/Decorative_Work_at_Excalibur_Hotel_%26_Casino%2C_Las_Vegas.jpg/220px-Decorative_Work_at_Excalibur_Hotel_%26_Casino%2C_Las_Vegas.jpg)
The medieval castle theme was conceived by Circus Circus founder William Bennett,[13] and the resort was designed by Veldon Simpson.[25] Bennett studied old castle renderings, and he and Simpson visited castle sites in England and Germany for design inspiration.[16][26] Simpson's Excalibur design was inspired particularly by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.[27][26] Trademark experts were hired to avoid replicating the castle designs at Disneyland and Disney World.[16] The Excalibur's medieval architecture includes stone turrets, and a moat and drawbridge.[28]
Yates-Silverman handled the interior design.[29][30] The firm conducted library research into castles and also visited such buildings in Europe, in addition to film studios. According to Michael Erickson, design director at Yates-Silverman: "We were basically looking for the same level of design that you would find in film. If you designed rooms as they literally looked during the traditional period, they would be dark, dingy and dirty. You have to romanticize it a little bit and take more of a theatrical approach."[31]
Features
[edit]The Excalibur has 3,981 rooms,[32][33] spread across four 28-story towers built out in a square footprint.[11][16] The resort originally opened with 4,032 rooms, making it the largest hotel in the world.[11][16] This record was surpassed by the 1993 opening of the MGM Grand, located diagonally across from the Excalibur.[34] A hotel remodeling project began in 2006, and was scheduled to conclude four years later. In accordance with guest feedback, the multi-phase project removed castle-themed elements from the rooms in favor of an understated design.[35]
The Excalibur's casino measures 92,389 sq ft (8,583.2 m2).[36] It opened with 2,630 slot machines,[11] and more than 100 table games.[37] In 2008, the Excalibur removed its live poker dealers and replaced them with automated tables manufactured by Pokertek, through a deal that lasted 10 months. The new tables appealed primarily to a lower-paying clientele and beginners, prompting the resort to bring back live poker, which was preferred by experienced players and those willing to spend more.[38]
Upon its opening, Bennett described the Excalibur as an upgrade from the Circus Circus resort in Las Vegas, while still targeting the same family demographic.[16] Family friendly attractions included an arcade, an indoor medieval-themed midway, and motion simulator rides taking place in two theaters, each seating 48 people.[16][37]
South of the Excalibur are two other MGM properties, the Luxor and Mandalay Bay. The three resorts are connected via the Mandalay Bay Tram.[39] Of the three, Excalibur is considered the low-budget property.[40][41]
Restaurants
[edit]The Excalibur included 17 restaurants upon opening.[11] In 1997, the resort added the Steakhouse at Camelot, which would go on to become a Zagat award winner.[42] At that time, it also included the second-largest buffet in Las Vegas, seating more than 1,300.[43] In 1998, the Excalibur announced a partnership with World Championship Wrestling to open a wrestling-themed restaurant at the resort.[44][45] The $2 million WCW Nitro Grill opened in May 1999, and operated for 16 months, featuring regular appearances from professional wrestlers during that time.[46][47]
In 2007, Dick's Last Resort opened an 11,000 sq ft (1,000 m2) location at the Excalibur.[48] The band Lynyrd Skynyrd would also license its name to a new restaurant at the resort.[49] Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer opened in December 2011, along with American Burger Works, both managed by the same company. The two restaurants operated for nine months, eventually closing due to financial problems.[50]
Buca di Beppo opened at the Excalibur in 2011.[51][52] A year later, the resort debuted its Castle Walk food court, which introduced several eateries not already on the Strip. At 20,000 sq ft (1,900 m2), it was among the largest food courts on the Strip.[53][54] Because the Excalibur had an exclusive deal with Pepsi, the food court housed one of the few McDonald's in the world to vend the soft drink rather than its competitor, Coca-Cola. The McDonald's eventually closed in 2016.[55][56]
Johnny Rockets opened in 2014, taking the space formerly occupied by American Burger Works.[57] Later that year, the resort completed a $6 million renovation of its buffet, which seats 610.[58][59][60] Fatburger opened its first Strip location in 2022, at the Excalibur.[61]
Live entertainment
[edit]Medieval shows
[edit]The Excalibur has featured two medieval-themed shows since its opening, both taking place in a 900-seat dinner theater. Jousting has been a signature aspect of both shows.[11][62] Performances take place in a dirt arena,[63][64] and meals are served medieval-style, without utensils.[65][66][67]
The original show, King Arthur's Tournament,[68] included 45 actors and 15 horses upon its opening.[37] The show closed in January 1999, after approximately 5,600 performances. It was replaced a month later by a revamped version known as Tournament of Kings.[63][65] More than $2 million was spent to update the show and remodel the arena.[66] Both shows were created by the French-born producer Peter Jackson, who died shortly before Tournament of Kings was launched. His son, Patrick Jackson, took over as producer.[63][65][69]
Tournament of Kings incorporates pyrotechnics and various stunt work, including sword fights.[64][70] As of 2008, the cast included up to 38 humans and 11 horses. The show had a total of 30 horses, kept in an air-conditioned facility behind the resort.[71] As of 2010, it was the only show in Las Vegas to feature horses.[72] King Arthur's Tournament had featured female horse riders, although it would not be until 2014 that Tournament of Kings introduced its first female rider.[73][74][75]
Tournament of Kings is popular among families.[71][76] It is the Strip's longest-running dinner show,[76] and also one of its longest-running shows in general.[64] The Excalibur is the world's top buyer of Cornish game hens,[69] having served 6.7 million of them through the show from its original opening in 1990 through 2018.[64]
Dragon show
[edit]In 1993, the resort debuted a three-story animatronic dragon, part of a show in which it faced off against a mechanical statue of Merlin. The show took place at the moat entrance, and was performed hourly each night.[77][78][79] The fire-breathing dragon was created by Alvaro Villa's company, AVG Inc,[80] and took nine months to build.[77][78] A six-story dragon had previously been considered.[81] The dragon and Merlin effects were generally considered underwhelming. In 2002 and 2003, readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal named the show as the city's worst attraction.[78][79] The show ended around 2003,[82] although the dragon remains intact, hidden beneath the drawbridge.[83]
Other shows
[edit]Thunder from Down Under opened at the resort in July 2002, and is the longest-running male revue in Las Vegas.[84][85][86] Since 2011, the Thunder from Down Under venue has also been host to The Australian Bee Gees Show, a tribute to the original Bee Gees musical group.[87][88][89] The venue originally seated 375 people. It was renovated in 2019 and named the Thunderland Showroom, with seating expanded to 425. Magician Hans Klok began performing in the space later that year, sharing it with Thunder from Down Under and the Bee Gees show.[85][90] Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Klok departed the property in 2020, as he felt that pandemic-related restrictions would hinder revenue.[91] Magician Mac King took his place in 2021, starring in a comedy magic show.[92][93]
Other shows at the resort have included the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions, a group of Lipizzaner horses which performed various maneuvers for spectators during the 1990s.[94][95][96] Catch a Rising Star, a chain of comedy clubs, opened a location at the Excalibur in 2001, operating there for nearly three years. The club was added in response to guest feedback.[97][98][99] Louie Anderson also performed comedy acts in the resort's showroom, starting in 2006.[100][101] He entertained there until 2010.[102][103]
Fuerza Bruta, a show featuring acrobats, opened in March 2019. It was performed in a 3,800 sq ft (350 m2) on-site tent,[104][105] with a standing-only capacity of 950 people.[105] The show was signed for a six-month run, but ended a month after its debut,[106][107] due to poor ticket sales; each performance had an average of only 50 guests.[105]
In popular culture
[edit]In 2003 and 2004, the Excalibur was used as a filming location for the television program Fear Factor.[108][109] The 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas features fictional resorts based on those located along the Strip, including a castle-themed property modeled after the Excalibur.[110]
Gallery
[edit]-
The Excalibur's main entrance
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Overlooking the main entrance from New York-New York
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View from a hotel room, looking southwest
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Same view at night
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Roadside sign along the Strip
References
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- ^ Weatherford, Mike (April 14, 2006). "'Larger Than Life': Louie Anderson showcases renewed energy at Excalibur". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on April 19, 2006.
- ^ Weatherford, Mike (June 7, 2010). "Louie Anderson to close Excalibur showcase". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
- ^ Weatherford, Mike (June 11, 2010). "Anderson to go Bonkerz when Excalibur run ends". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
- ^ Katsilometes, John (February 7, 2019). "'Fuerza Bruta' testing tent tradition on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
- ^ a b c Katsilometes, John (April 3, 2019). "Adventurous 'Fuerza Bruta' to close Sunday on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
- ^ Katsilometes, John (November 28, 2018). "International production 'Fuerza Bruta' bound for Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
- ^ Radke, Brock (April 3, 2019). "Bliss in a tent: 'Fuerza Bruta' brings a fresh feel to the Strip". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
- ^ Cling, Carol (July 7, 2003). "Warm welcome prompts 'Fear Factor' to return to Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 25, 2005.
- ^ Cling, Carol (December 13, 2004). "'Domino' continues shooting; 'Fear Factor' returns to town". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on March 8, 2005.
- ^ Stein, Martin (November 25, 2004). "Playing Las Vegas". Las Vegas Weekly. Archived from the original on November 30, 2004.
External links
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Official website
- "Roy Vegas" - photos showing the Dick's Last Resort promotion that replaced Merlin
- 1990 establishments in Nevada
- Cultural depictions of Arthurian legend
- Casino hotels
- Casinos completed in 1990
- Casinos in Paradise, Nevada
- Hotel buildings completed in 1990
- Hotels established in 1990
- Las Vegas Strip
- Mandalay Resort Group
- MGM Resorts International
- Novelty buildings in Nevada
- Resorts in the Las Vegas Valley