Michelob Ultra Arena
Mandalay Bay · Capacity 12,000 · Est. 1990
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
A versatile arena at Mandalay Bay hosting concerts, sporting events, and the Las Vegas Aces WNBA games. Formerly known as the Events Center.
About the Venue
Michelob Ultra Arena — Las Vegas's Premier Arena
Michelob Ultra Arena — previously known as Mandalay Bay Events Center — opened in 1990 as the flagship entertainment venue for what is now one of the most ambitious resort complexes at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. The 12,000-seat arena sits inside the Mandalay Bay resort, adjacent to the sprawling Mandalay Bay Convention Center and the Mandalay Bay Beach, giving the venue a unique combination of concert, sports, and convention infrastructure under one roof.
The arena carries an exceptional sports pedigree alongside its concert calendar. UFC 229 — the historic Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor superfight in October 2018 — sold out Michelob Ultra Arena and delivered one of the highest-grossing fight cards in MMA history. The venue is also the permanent home of the Las Vegas Aces, the back-to-back WNBA champions led by A'ja Wilson, making it one of the few arenas in Las Vegas that hosts an active professional sports franchise. AEW wrestling, championship boxing, and major esports events round out the sports calendar.
Beyond sports, Michelob Ultra Arena has welcomed touring artists from the Rolling Stones to Shakira. Its mid-size 12,000-seat capacity makes it ideal for artists who want an energetic, sold-out atmosphere without filling a 17,000-seat venue. The south Strip location at 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd puts it closer to Luxor, Excalibur, and the Four Seasons than to the mid-Strip cluster — but rideshare access and the Mandalay Bay tram (connecting to Luxor and Excalibur) make getting in and out straightforward.
Live Entertainment
Shows & Residencies at Michelob Ultra Arena
See all Las Vegas concerts → Browse the full show calendar
Directions & Parking
Getting to Michelob Ultra Arena
Parking
Mandalay Bay has a large self-parking garage accessible from Frank Sinatra Drive and Hacienda Avenue. Parking is complimentary for Mandalay Bay hotel guests and MGM Rewards members with sufficient tier status. For non-guests, parking runs approximately $10–$15 on event nights. The Mandalay Bay tram connects the property to Luxor and Excalibur at no charge, making those casino parking structures viable alternatives on busy nights. Pre-book through the MGM Rewards app for guaranteed availability.
Rideshare
Rideshare pick-up and drop-off for Michelob Ultra Arena is designated on Frank Sinatra Drive, the road running along the west side of the Mandalay Bay complex. Follow your Uber or Lyft app for real-time pin locations on event nights, as designated pick-up zones may shift. South Strip surge pricing after major events can be significant — consider catching dinner or a drink at one of the Mandalay Bay restaurants for 30 minutes post-show to let surge pricing normalize.
Tips
Michelob Ultra Arena is at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip — roughly 2 miles south of CityCenter/Aria, and about 1.5 miles from New York-New York. Guests staying at mid-Strip properties should budget 15–20 minutes by rideshare. The arena entrance is on the main casino floor level of Mandalay Bay, clearly signposted from the main porte-cochère on Las Vegas Blvd. Arrive at least 45 minutes early for major events — the south Strip can be congested on big nights, and arena security lines back up quickly at capacity events.
Attending a Show
What to Expect at Michelob Ultra Arena
Seating & Layout
Michelob Ultra Arena seats 12,000 in a traditional basketball/concert bowl configuration. Floor sections are general admission for most concerts (standing, unreserved). Lower bowl sections provide excellent sight lines from every seat. The upper level wraps around the full 360 degrees for major events and offers solid value — the arena's mid-size footprint means even the back rows are closer to the action than comparable sections at larger venues. For sporting events, floor seating is reserved with courtside and ringside configurations available.
Buying Tickets
Tickets for Michelob Ultra Arena events are sold through Ticketmaster. Las Vegas Aces season tickets and single-game tickets are also available through the Aces official website. For boxing and UFC events, Fanatics is often the official secondary market partner. The box office at Mandalay Bay opens two hours before showtime on event days. AXS and StubHub are generally reliable for secondary market purchases — verify seller ratings carefully.
VIP & Premium Options
VIP options at Michelob Ultra Arena include premium floor packages, suite rentals for groups, and artist-specific VIP packages that bundle early entry, dedicated lounge access, and premium seating. Las Vegas Aces courtside seats and floor seats can be purchased as part of premium single-game experiences. For concerts, check Ticketmaster VIP Nation and the artist's official fan presale for bundle options.
Amenities & Policies
Full-service bars and concession stands at every concourse level, ATMs, clear-bag security screening, accessible seating sections, hearing loop systems, coat check, and an event merchandise stand that opens 90 minutes before showtime. Clear bags 14x14x6 or smaller are required. Mandalay Bay's full resort amenities — pools, restaurants, spa, casino floor — are directly accessible before and after the event.
Dining
Pre-Show Dining Near Michelob Ultra Arena
Aureole
Charlie Palmer's landmark restaurant inside Mandalay Bay, famous for its four-story wine tower. Excellent American cuisine and one of the most visually impressive dining rooms in Vegas.
Border Grill
Modern Mexican cuisine by Food Network stars Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. Lively atmosphere, great margaritas, and solid pre-show fuel.
Strip Steak
Upscale steakhouse with a menu focused on dry-aged beef and luxe sides. Good for a premium pre-show dinner without the hour-long waits at more famous steakhouses.
Libertine Social
Gastropub-style dining with creative cocktails and shareable plates — ideal for groups who want something between fast casual and full fine dining before the show.
Las Vegas has hundreds of dining options across every price range. Browse hotels near Michelob Ultra Arena for full resort dining directories.
Nightlife
After the Show: Las Vegas Nightclubs Near Michelob Ultra Arena
Las Vegas nightlife peaks right as concerts let out. These are the top clubs accessible from Michelob Ultra Arena — add a free no-cover guest list before your trip to skip the line and walk straight in.
Hakkasan
Nightclub
The highest-volume EDM nightclub on the Strip — a 15-minute rideshare north to MGM Grand. The best pure club experience accessible from Mandalay Bay on a show night.
OMNIA
Nightclub
20 minutes north at Caesars Palace. The iconic kinetic chandelier main room and rooftop terrace make the slightly longer ride worth it for serious club-goers.
XS Nightclub
Nightclub
The world-ranked luxury club at Wynn Las Vegas — 20 minutes north via rideshare, with the strongest DJ residency roster on the Strip.
Zouk
Nightclub
At Resorts World Las Vegas, 20 minutes north — the newest flagship mega-club with the most advanced LED production on the Strip.
Browse all Las Vegas nightclubs → · Las Vegas pool parties →
FAQ
Michelob Ultra Arena — Common Questions
What shows are playing at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas 2026?
Michelob Ultra Arena hosts Grupo Frontera: Triste Pero Bien Cabrón Tour in 2026. Check the venue calendar for specific dates and ticket availability.
What is the seating capacity of Michelob Ultra Arena?
Michelob Ultra Arena holds up to 12,000 guests. It is one of Las Vegas's premier arenas for concerts and live events.
How do I get to Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas?
Michelob Ultra Arena is located at 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is the most convenient option. Parking fills quickly on busy show nights — book in advance through the venue app.
What nightclubs are near Michelob Ultra Arena after the show?
After the show at Michelob Ultra Arena, head to Hakkasan, OMNIA, XS Nightclub, Zouk for late-night Las Vegas nightlife. Sign up for a free no-cover guest list on NoCoverVegas before your trip.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for Michelob Ultra Arena?
Yes — booking ahead is strongly recommended for popular residencies and high-demand shows at Michelob Ultra Arena. Tickets are available through the official box office and platforms like Ticketmaster. Last-minute resale options carry a premium.
What was Michelob Ultra Arena previously called?
Michelob Ultra Arena was previously known as the Mandalay Bay Events Center. It was rebranded to Michelob Ultra Arena in 2021 as part of a naming rights partnership with Anheuser-Busch's Michelob Ultra brand. The arena has operated at its current Mandalay Bay location since the resort opened in 1990.
Is Michelob Ultra Arena the home of the Las Vegas Aces?
Yes. Michelob Ultra Arena is the home court of the Las Vegas Aces, the WNBA franchise and back-to-back champions led by A'ja Wilson. Aces home games run from May through October. Game nights draw celebrity crowds and are a cultural event in Las Vegas — tickets should be purchased in advance for playoff games and marquee matchups.
What is the bag policy at Michelob Ultra Arena?
Michelob Ultra Arena follows a clear bag policy for all major events. Bags must be 14x14x6 inches or smaller. Clear bags are strongly recommended to speed up security screening. Small clutch purses under 4.5x6.5 inches are permitted without inspection. Backpacks, large purses, and duffel bags are not allowed inside.
Are there places to eat inside Michelob Ultra Arena?
Standard arena concessions (hot dogs, nachos, pizza, beer) are available at all concourse stands inside the arena. For a full dining experience, Mandalay Bay's restaurant row — including Aureole, Border Grill, and Strip Steak — is directly accessible from the casino floor before the show.
Going to a show at Michelob Ultra Arena?
Get On The List
Free nightclub entry + free entry after the show