Continuing a trend that has prevailed for 18 out of the past 22 years, the average price of a Las Vegas show ticket costs more this year than last.
After tallying ticket prices from 94 shows, this year’s average comes in at $82.86, $2.64 more than in last year’s survey conducted by LasVegasAdvisor.com. The most expensive is $310.61 for the top (VIP) ticket to "Donny & Marie" at the Flamingo. The least expensive is $12.95 for "Kento’s Asian Invasion" at the Clarion. An amazing 45 shows have at least one ticket option above $100 (compared with 43 last year).
Big guys hold firm: Typically, it’s price increases for the biggest shows that push up the average. This year, however, it’s the middle-market shows that are to blame, with price hikes running from $7 to $40 (for the soon-to-open revamped "Jubilee!" at Bally’s). But the good news is that top shows have held the line on prices, with no increases sustained for Celine Dion, David Copperfield, "Donny & Marie," "Human Nature," "Jersey Boys," "KA," "Le Reve," "LOVE," "Million Dollar Quartet," "Mystere," "Penn & Teller," Terry Fator, "Zarkana" and "Zumanity." Blue Man Group shows at the Venetian actually went down $5.
The good news: Most shows these days are priced high to discount — especially B-level shows — so most of this year’s increases really carry only about a 50 percent effect. If you look around, you should almost never have to pay top dollar for tickets. Good hunting grounds are the half-price ticket booths on the Strip, coupons in freebie magazines and discount codes on Las Vegas websites.
QUESTION: I’m looking forward to visiting the new Linq area on my next trip, but I’m told the big Ferris wheel still isn’t operating. Is a date (and price) set for that?
ANSWER: No official date has been set, but the High Roller observation wheel is expected to open before the end of April. No price to ride has been announced, but the rumor flying around is $30.
For more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.
