While indoors gaming action is the traditional fuel powering gaming destinations, the top properties are all about diversification, with meetings and events bringing in massive amounts of additional revenue by filling rooms, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Meetings groups also like to break out from indoor environments in general, so here are some of the top outdoor events options at premier U.S. gaming resorts.
Caesars Entertainment
The Caesars Entertainment gaming resort empire is vast, with a footprint stretching across the globe. And as the word “entertainment” promises, it’s all about the experience for visitors, especially at its North American venues.
“Creating unique experiences is at the forefront of keeping attendees engaged—great events have a wow factor,” said Michael Massari, chief sales officer, Caesars Entertainment National Meetings & Events. “Whether it’s along the oceanfront at our venues in Atlantic City, taking in the stunning views of the snowcapped mountains at our properties in Tahoe or enjoying the world-class view from our properties in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, our outdoor options across the country are designed to provide unforgettable backdrops that truly deliver for event professionals.”
U.S. Caesars properties with outstanding outdoor event options include the following.
Measuring an impressive 85,540 square feet, CAESARS FORUM Plaza presents an open-air canvas for large-scale gatherings and immersive brand activations in Las Vegas. Many groups also convert the venue’s adjoining parking lots for even more space.
Steps away from the Plaza is OMNIA Nightclub, which delivers 75,000 square feet of dynamic space, including a rooftop terrace that blends cutting-edge design with the nonstop energy of the Strip.
Luxe pool experiences are one of the hottest Vegas trends, including Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, which spans five acres and features seven distinct pools across 196,020 square feet; the new GO Pool at Flamingo Las Vegas, with a capacity of 2,400 for events; The Scene Pool Deck Planet Hollywood, with two rooftop pools; and the Pool à Paris at Paris Las Vegas, which sits beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower replica and contains the Francophile ambiance of Chéri Rooftop with 9,090 square feet of outdoor space for groups of more than 700 overlooking the Fountains of Bellagio.
Other Caesars Las Vegas outdoor standouts include the new Caramella at Planet Hollywood, offering stylish Italian flair on its outdoor terrace; Drai’s Beachclub, which boasts one of the best Strip views in the entire city; and the exclusive Nobu Las Vegas Villa at Caesars Palace, with panoramic views overlooking the Strip.
For a breathtaking mountain backdrop, the Lake Tahoe Amphitheater at Caesars Republic is popular for concerts, presentations and open-air receptions under the stars.
Caesars’ East Coast properties offer beachfront and poolside options such as The Pool at Caesars, the tropical Pool at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and the Tropicana Atlantic City.
Wynn Las Vegas
Another major Vegas player, Wynn Las Vegas contains outdoor venues that even include a unique golf course option.
“Wynn Las Vegas features a variety of outdoor meeting options, including our Event Pavilion and Lawn, which truly elevate the typical meeting experience,” said Steve Blanner, senior vice president of hotel sales for Wynn. “We’re also the only Las Vegas resort that can host an event on a golf course. Our settings are flexible, immersive and uniquely Vegas, and we couldn’t be prouder of the range we’re able to extend to new and returning guests alike.”
Together, the Event Pavilion and Event Lawn provide nearly 39,000 square feet of flexible event space. The open-air Event Pavilion overlooks the Wynn Golf Club’s 18th fairway and features a dramatic waterfall backdrop with full audiovisual and catering support. The expansive grassy Event Lawn offers additional flexibility for both seated and standing gatherings.
M Resort Spa Casino
Having just announced the acceleration of its $206 million expansion, now set for a December 1, 2025, completion, M Resort’s top outdoor options include the 100,000-square-foot M Pool, with two nearly 5,500-square-foot infinity pools complete with day beds and VIP cabanas. The property’s AMP’D multipurpose entertainment venue features an outdoor terrace overlooking the Strip with a bar area that can host up to 400 guests.
Circa Resort & Casino
Downtown Las Vegas’ shining star is Circa Resort & Casino, which offers the following outdoor highlights:
- Legacy Club: Located on the 60th floor, this chic rooftop lounge celebrating Las Vegas hospitality icons is a high-energy space with a fire pit perfect for catching the sunset while imbibing selections from a curated drink menu that includes a build-your-own Old-Fashioned feature.
- Stadium Swim: This ultimate event paradise boasts a high-resolution, 143-foot-diagonal screen that shows the day’s top events and is billed as Las Vegas’ only year-round, multilevel destination pool/amphitheater.
- Downtown Las Vegas Events Center: Spanning 120,000 feet of outdoor space, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) is perfect for concerts, festivals, viewing parties, live sporting events and other event activations. Featuring cutting-edge production capabilities, DLVEC can accommodate up to 11,000 while also providing access to the Fremont Street Experience.
Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, operates two primary outdoor facilities that are popular for meeting and event activations: the Sun Patio, complete with fire pits and cozy Adirondak chairs, and host to the popular Party on the Sun Patio concert series; and the more-intimate Earth Patio.
“Mohegan Sun continues to elevate and redefine event experiences with exceptional outdoor venues,” said Kimberly Simone, VP of sales and marketing for the property. “The newly enhanced Sun Patio is a stunning open-air space offering an impressive 36,000 square feet of flexible space, perfect for gatherings, celebrations and private events suitable for 100 people, and up to 3,500. Across the resort, the Earth Patio provides a more intimate setting with 3,100 square feet of fresh-air ambiance, ideal for groups up to 250.”
Ocean Casino Resort
The largest East Coast gaming destination, Atlantic City, is also loaded with outdoor event venues such as the iconic Steel Pier, located right on the world-famous boardwalk.
The 20-acre beachfront Ocean Casino Resort alone boasts 90,000 square feet of unique open-air options. With three acres of lush landscape, The Park features a winding network of pathways that connect various resort entry points to the Atlantic Ocean.
Groups can reserve The Park for a private event for up to 800 guests available in six configurations ranging from 1,800 to 7,856 square feet.
