Looking for something to do in Las Vegas but can’t decide whether you want to see theater, sports or engage in some audience participation? Or maybe you just want a nice meal? At Tournament of Kings, you can do all the above. It’s one of the longest-running shows on the Strip, is open to all ages, and truly has something for everyone:
Theater. This show can be seen as a straightforward coming-of-age tale at the time of King Arthur, complete with a larger-than-life villain and good overcoming evil;
Sports. You will get to see a “competition” between several different countries—Austria, France, Hungary, Ireland, Sweden, Spain and Romania—complete with jousting, javelin tossing, a race and more, most featuring some of the most well-trained horses you’ll ever see (all of which live on-property in 19 stalls);
Audience participation. You and your family will be seated in one of the different country’s sections, all different colors so you can easily tell one from another. As the proceedings unfold, you root for your country by banging on your tables, raising your hands and shouting “Huzzah!” (You are coached on this beforehand). You will be surprised how quickly you really get into the various events. The outcomes might be scripted, but it never feels that way;
A nice meal. Every attendee receives a meal that can be eaten without the use of flatware: a Cornish game hen, potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a dinner roll (menus will be adjusted for vegans, kids, gluten allergies and more). Adults can enjoy a cocktail or a beer—and yes, you can request flatware if you really need it.
And while the show has more or less remained the same from its inception in 1990, a recent change has dramatically changed the experience—the lighting has been updated to LED, allowing the behind-the-scenes crew to adjust the atmosphere dramatically. For instance, when the country of Ireland is announced, the room is flooded with green light. It truly adds an element of personality to the country you’re rooting for—and booing against.
Richard Sherman, director of entertainment for Excalibur and Tournament of Kings, told Las Vegas Magazine recently that the show truly stands alone in the pantheon of Strip entertainment. “We like to call this show the ‘crown jewel of our castle,’” Sherman says. “If you have younger kids and you’re looking for a family outing, this is an excellent thing to do. It’s also a great show for people that are celebrating anniversaries. We’ve done a number of proposals here. It’s a way to get out and do something with your friends and be loud and root for something and see something that you don’t get to see every day.”
Excalibur, 702.597.7600
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
