Las Vegas is a city that has perfected the art of time travel. Want to dine in a restaurant where you feel like the Rat Pack could show up at any minute? Yeah, it’s got that. Want to feel like you’re squarely in the middle of The Great Gatsby? Yep, it’s here, too. And how about traveling back to the ’90s and some of the best boy bands of that era? We’ve got that in spades! But perhaps the best time-traveling experience on the Strip is one that’s been here the longest—and with good reason. Tournament of Kings has, for more than 36 years, re-created the medieval era in all its armored glory, creating an audience experience like none other in the town’s history.
You get that special feeling the minute you walk into your designated country’s cheering section of the auditorium (Austria, France, Hungary, Ireland, Romania, Spain and Sweden) and gaze out onto the vast arena upon which Middle Ages combat in all its forms will ensue. Just in case you doubt the voracity of the combatants, know this: So scarred and torn is this arena that no less than 25 tons of soil need to be added to the arena annually!
The action unfolds rather low-key at first (there’s much pomp and circumstance before the action, not to mention an audience tutorial where you’re schooled in the art of shouting “Huzzah!”), but that’s OK, because you’ve got a meal to enjoy first! The entire menu is designed to be eaten by hand (no utensils at the time of King Arthur, remember?), so have the napkins at the ready after finishing off your roasted seasoned chicken, lemon pepper roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, apple square and dinner roll. (Alternate menus are available for vegetarians, and adults can order adult beverages.)
But when the action begins … watch out! You’ll see jousting, and weaponry of all types. (In a typical performance, six lance tips are sheared off in jousting, while 23 swords and 13 shields are put to the test.) There’s also plenty of horseplay—literally! These are some of the most well-trained equines you’ll ever see. (On average, 16-20 horses are in the stables at any given time.)
This is a sprawling tale of love, betrayal, death and redemption, all rendered before you by a highly skilled crew of 55 team members including audio, pyrotechnic, lighting, wardrobe and stage technicians, and cast members, including King Arthur, Merlin, riders, fighters and dancers. And while you might be a bit shy to shout your first “Huzzah!,” trust us: By the time this show is over, you’ll mostly likely be hoarse from the sheer number of times you’ve shouted it. It’s a rousing tale that continues to enthrall, captivate and inspire millions around the globe. If you haven’t yet experience the magic, time to join the fiery fun.
Excalibur. 702.597.7600 or excalibur.mgmgresorts.com
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