LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Probably the most fashionable free points of interest on the Las Vegas Strip closed 12 years in the past when Treasure Island moved on from its pirate-themed previous underneath new possession.
Now, latest feedback by Kelly Warnell, CEO of Display screen Masters Worldwide, are fueling conversations about bringing the pirate ship battle again for one massive night time on Oct. 2, 2026. And that is not the one Las Vegas leisure spectacle Marnell is attempting to revive. She’s additionally speaking in regards to the dragon in Excalibur’s moat. There was point out of the overhead parade “Maquerade Show in the Sky” at Rio Lodge & On line casino.
8 Information Now reached Warnell on Friday as she traveled from Las Vegas to London, and he or she stuffed us in on her discussions with the resort firms.
“We’ve held multiple meetings with Treasure Island and can confirm that Pirates will return in some form on October 2nd, depending on redevelopment timelines at the property,” Warnell mentioned in an electronic mail.
The lagoon at Treasure Island has been drained on this Monday, July 22, 2024, photograph. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow)
“Our goal is to stay true to the original spectacle, ideally we would love to ‘sink the ship’ again and stay as true to the original pirate stunt show as possible,” she mentioned. “Those final decisions rest with the venue and we will evolve accordingly.”
Treasure Island representatives have not volunteered something additional. “We’ll get back to you once we have additional information,” a spokesperson mentioned on Thursday. That response actually leaves the door open.
A normal view of the Treasure Island lodge and on line casino Thursday, Could 3, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photograph/John Locher)
The pirate ship battle started as “The Battle of Buccaneer Bay” when the resort opened in 1993, transitioning to a sexier “Sirens of TI” present in 2003, and shutting in 2013 to make manner for retail area on the resort. The present reportedly price $5 million a yr to placed on, using 22 actors.
As a expertise and administration company, Warnell’s firm represents actors. Display screen Masters Worldwide has places of work all the world over.
Warnell has been working for 4 years to launch HallowScreamCon and HallowScreamFest, October occasions which can be scheduled to start in 2026. The outsized consideration to her remarks in regards to the pirate present appeared to take her a bit abruptly. In spite of everything, she mentioned she’s planning much more than that.
“To clarify, we currently have 22 activations in discussion across a 24-hour period beginning October 2nd, 2026 (some bigger than the ones being spoken about). Festivities will launch with a 7 a.m. Monster & Zombie Run from BLVD to the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, marking the official start of HallowScreamFest,” Warnell mentioned in her electronic mail.
She mentioned there’s much more to speak about, and she’s going to make bulletins as she will be able to. Look to eight Information Now for extra protection as Warnell releases particulars.
Circling again to those we heard about in her Oct. 28 feedback:
There is a little bit of a disconnect between Warnell’s feedback and MGM’s public relations workforce.
On the potential of reviving the dragon within the moat at Excalibur Lodge & On line casino, “We don’t have any knowledge of anything like this at Excalibur,” an MGM official mentioned.
However Warnell mentioned on Friday, “Discussions about possibilities with Murphy the Dragon have taken place and these discussions will continue to develop with the MGM team.”
LAS VEGAS – OCTOBER 19: An aerial photograph reveals the Excalibur Lodge-On line casino October 19, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Ethan Miller/Getty Photos)
Firms are typically tight-lipped about initiatives, releasing info on their very own schedules and barely divulging any element that is not already on a press launch. It is also attainable that discussions are so early that they have not been shared with all MGM departments.
On the Rio, as soon as residence to the favored Mardi Gras-themed “Show in the Sky,” the solutions have been extra definitive.
“Rio Las Vegas takes great pride in its iconic past and the memories it has created for generations of guests. While there are currently no plans to bring back Masquerade Show in the Sky, we remain committed to honoring its legacy while shaping an exciting future. We will keep everyone apprised of our plans for the resort as they unfold,” a Rio spokesperson mentioned.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 05: An exterior view reveals a marquee on the Rio Lodge & On line casino on December 5, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Ethan Miller/Getty Photos)
There’s not a lot wiggle room in what officers are saying, however in case you look laborious sufficient, “no current plans” 11 months forward of October? Perhaps beads will rain down from parade platforms working on ceiling-mounted rails once more sometime.
And the Rio dream is perhaps the newest, Warnell defined.
“I had not previously been aware of it and explained that, although it sounded interesting, we had not reached out to property and weren’t sure if it was of interest, but after public interest surged, I’ve since visited the property and reached out to key contacts there,” Warnell mentioned. “We’re awaiting their response to see what is and isn’t possible and whether there is interest in being involved.”
Warnell mentioned the response from the general public has been extraordinary. “Thousands of messages (mostly very positive!) and countless suggestions for beloved Vegas moments they’d like to see reborn. Our approach is simple: if it’s possible, we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.”
