2026 Passport TrailSport is the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever; a production SUV will also compete with minimal modifications in a stock production class
Mint 400 is America’s oldest and most prestigious off-road race
The all-new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport will make its racing debut this weekend in the iconic Mint 400, the oldest and most prestigious off-road race in America. The most off-road capable Honda SUV ever will take on the grueling 400-mile off-road challenge through the unforgiving desert conditions near the Nevada-California border on March 7-8, competing in both the Stock Production Truck and Unlimited Truck 2WD classes.

Honda Baja Passport Race Truck – Unlimited Truck 2WD Class
Powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine produced by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the Honda Baja Passport Race Truck features a new body with inspiration taken from the all-new 2026 Honda Passport. Key design cues drawn from the 2026 Honda Passport can be seen in the front fascia, hood, roof and side profile.

Making approximately 550 horsepower, HRC’s HR35TT 3.5-liter twin turbo engine uses the same block and cylinder heads as the production Honda 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V6. Additional, custom elements of the powertrain include an HRC-designed intake plenum and custom Engine Control Unit programming. The Honda Baja Passport Race Truck also features 24-inches of suspension travel in the front, 30-inches of travel in the rear and 40-inch tall tires.

The Honda Baja Passport Race Truck will compete in the top unlimited class, driven by professional HRC driver Ethan Ebert, who raced the Honda Ridgeline Race Truck during the 2024 off-road season.

The Honda Off-Road Racing program began in 2015 and has gone on to record 17 class victories in 40 races including a class win in the 2019 and 2023 Mint 400 and multiple victories in the Baja 500 and Baja 1000. The Honda Off-Road Racing Team and Baja Passport Race Truck will also compete in the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 later this year.

Stock Production Truck Class
The Passport TrailSport’s new rugged design and capability make it suitable for a Stock Production Truck entry, where minimal modifications are allowed. Chosen modifications for the stock production entry are 33-inch General Grabber X3 Tires, 3-Way adjustable coilovers, and improved powertrain cooling and air filtration. The Passport will be driven by Ohio-based Honda engineers, Andrew Shapiro, Jordan Guitar, Craig Ackerman and Thomas Accardo who race with the Honda of America Racing Team (HART) – a unique volunteer program run entirely by Honda associates throughout the United States.

To survive the harsh terrain the desert presents, HART members designed high strength skid plates, rock sliders and other underbody protection parts, which were manufactured with support from the Honda Auto Development Center fabrication department in Ohio. For safety, a roll cage, fuel cell, and racing seats have also been installed. The Passport’s production 3.5-liter V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel drive system are unmodified for competition.

First run in 1968, the Mint 400 lays claim as the oldest off-road race in the United States and holds the reputation as one of the toughest courses in the sport. The 2025 edition of the event consists of four laps of an approximately 100-mile loop of desert terrain south of Las Vegas near the Nevada-California border.

The extreme conditions of the event will be monitored by HRC engineers to understand the performance of the Passport’s suspension in the highly demanding terrain, and advance development of HRC Performance Parts, a new HRC business announced at SEMA 2024.

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport
The new Passport TrailSport is the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever, with standard rugged features, including off-road tuned suspension, expanded all-wheel drive system capabilities, robust steel skid plates, bright orange heavy-duty recovery hooks, specially engineered all-terrain tires and more to get weekend adventurers even farther down the trail or up the mountain.

Based on the extremely rigid Honda light truck platform, the 2026 Passport is sportier and more engaging to drive, both on and off-road. The platform was engineered from the very beginning with the intention of giving TrailSport true off-road capabilities, thanks to a 72% increase in front lateral rigidity and a 50% increase in rear torsion rigidity.

The all-new suspension of Passport is fortified with stronger forged steel suspension arms and sturdy cast-iron knuckles. Thick steel skid plates protect the oil pan, transmission and gas tank from damage. Designed in collaboration with Honda Powersports engineers, the skid plates can support the entire weight of the vehicle crashing down on a rock.

To take the rugged capability and appearance of Passport even further, Honda engineers created the broadest line of Genuine Honda Accessories ever, including a variety of 18-inch wheels, an aluminum front scuff plate, robust rock sliders with stainless-steel plates, and a Full-Size Spare Kit.

For more information on the Honda Passport click here.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of clean, safe, fun and connected vehicles sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The award-winning Honda lineup includes the Civic and Accord, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Prologue and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. The Honda electrified vehicle lineup, representing more than a quarter of total sales in 2024, includes the all-electric Prologue SUV, hybrid-electric Accord, CR-V, and Civic, and Fuel-Cell-electric CR-V e:FCEV. A hybrid-electric Prelude set to join the lineup late this year.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for over 40 years and currently operates eight major manufacturing facilities in America. In 2024, more than 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, with nearly 60% made in America, using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

More information about Honda is available in the Digital FactBook.

About Honda Racing Corporation USA
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), has a rich heritage creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since its founding in 1993 as Honda Performance Development (HPD). In January 2024, HPD became HRC US, combining with HRC Japan to strengthen the company’s overall motorsports capabilities. From pinnacle racing in INDYCAR and IMSA sports cars to commercial racing programs, HRC US leads all Honda and Acura high-performance racing programs in North America and will be involved in Formula One power unit development and race support related to the next phase of Honda starting in 2026.

HRC US specializes in the design and development of powertrain, chassis, electronics, and performance parts, as well as technical and race support. The company also offers parts and race support to Honda and Acura amateur and professional motorsports racers; and is continually expanding its palette of racing programs that make Honda racing products available to all racing styles, from karting and quarter midgets to the highest levels of professional racing.

About the Honda of America Racing Team (HART)
Founded more than 30 years ago, the Honda of America Racing Team (HART) is among the longest-running associate-driven activities in Honda’s rich history. HART competes in a wide variety of motorsport competitions ranging from road racing, club-level events, rally, off-road racing, karting and more. HART provides invaluable experience to associates through motorsport, while transferring vehicle performance learnings into the development and manufacturing of next-generation Honda and Acura products.

THE BACKSTREET BOYS ADD ADDITIONAL SHOWS TO SPHERE SUMMER 2025 RESIDENCY “INTO THE MILLENNIUM”
Due to overwhelming demand, the Backstreet Boys have added new dates to their highly anticipated summer residency, “Into The Millennium” at Sphere in Las Vegas this August, bringing the total number of shows to 18. The Backstreet Boys are the first pop act to perform at Sphere and will bring their legendary Millennium album to life, alongside a selection of their greatest hits, for incredible performances July 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 and Aug. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 2025. For more information, contact Sphere, spherepr@thesphere.com.

KELLY CLARKSON ANNOUNCES NEW LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY AT THE COLOSSEUM AT CAESARS PALACE
GRAMMY Award-winning global superstar Kelly Clarkson is returning to Las Vegas with a new residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions – The Las Vegas Residency will kick off in July, with 18 performances scheduled through November 2025. The new residency follows Kelly’s sold-out exclusive Las Vegas engagement at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2023 and 2024. Show dates include July 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26; Aug. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16; and Nov. 7-8, 14-15, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Robert Jarrett, rjarrett@caesars.com.

“O” BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL HITS HISTORIC MILESTONE WITH 12,000TH PERFORMANCE
One of Las Vegas’ most beloved productions, “O” by Cirque du Soleil, is celebrating another significant moment in its historic run. This evening, the fan-favorite show will be performed for the 12,000th time at its world-renowned theater inside Bellagio. Since premiering over 26 years ago, this aquatic masterpiece has continued to redefine the entertainment landscape. This momentous performance continues the show’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of human athleticism and artistic expression. “O” has cemented itself in the entertainment landscape by becoming the most successful single production show around the world, selling over 20 million tickets.  The show boasts instantly recognizable characters, a 1.5-million-gallon pool, and world-class acrobats who perform gravity-defying routines nightly. Inspired by the concept of infinity and the elegance of water’s pure form, “O” pays tribute to the beauty of the theatre – from the simplest street performance to the most lavish of operas – where anything is possible and where the drama of life plays itself out before our very eyes. For more information, contact Rylee Gomez, Kirvin Doak Communications, rgomez@kirvindoak.com.

FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE HOSTING UNFORGETTABLE THREE-DAY ST. PADDY’S DAY BASH
Fremont Street Experience, Las Vegas’ iconic entertainment hub, will host one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parties in the destination across a three-day celebration. Blending the historic charm of Downtown Las Vegas with free events, Fremont Street will commemorate the holiday with three days and nights of non-stop live entertainment, festive atmospheres and authentic Irish cheer. The St. Paddy’s Day Bash will take place March 15-17 and will feature a multitude of Irish and Celtic bands spanning the entirety of Fremont Street Experience across Main Street Stage, 1st Street Stage and 3rd Street Stage. Fans will be able to enjoy The Arcana Kings, Celtic Rockers, Finnegans Wake, Whiskey Galore and many more, in addition to strolling entertainment, silent discos, nightly DJs and plenty of options for mouthwatering food and drinks. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, fsepr@kirvindoak.com.

BRAD PAISLEY RETURNS TO ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS FOR BACK-TO-BACK PERFORMANCES OF FAN-FAVORITE SHOW, “ONE MAN SIX STRINGS”
Global country icon Brad Paisley has announced his highly-anticipated return to Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with his beloved acoustic performance, “One Man Six Strings,” this Spring. Back by popular demand, Paisley will once again delight fans with intimate, back-to-back acoustic performances on May 9-10, 2025. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com.

ANJELAH JOHNSON-REYES RETURNS TO THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS IN JULY
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes will return to The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas with “The Family Reunion” Tour on July 26, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, publicrelations@venetianlasvegas.com.

ICONIC BOEING 747 ARRIVES AT EXPANDED AREA15 DISTRICT
AREA15, the immersive and experiential art and entertainment district, announces one of Burning Man’s most iconic large-scale art pieces—the famous Boeing 747—is now onsite at the expanded district.  Measuring 150 feet in length and 60 feet in width, the Boeing 747 will be reimagined as a one-of-a-kind cocktail and dining experience. With a future capacity of more than 1,300 guests, the repurposed 747 is set to become a groundbreaking addition to AREA15’s collection of world-class art-inspired attractions. Building off the momentum of Universal Horror Unleashed, Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart and the Museum of Ice Cream, the Boeing 747 reinforces AREA15’s legacy of bold, immersive art and experiential entertainment offerings. AREA15 will unveil further details about this exciting new destination experience this summer. For more information, contact Desiree Vontur, The Vox Agency, desiree@thevoxagency.com.

SPHERE REVEALS ICONIC EMOJI CHARACTER’S NAME, LAUNCHES NEW E-COMMERCE WEBSITE FEATURING THE “ORBI COLLECTION”, AND OPENS VOTING FOR SECOND ANNUAL SPHERE XO STUDENT DESIGN CHALLENGE
Sphere Entertainment Co. has formally introduced Orbi – the iconic emoji character that has appeared on the Exosphere and charmed fans around the world since its first appearance in 2023. Coinciding with this reveal, Sphere launched its brand-new e-commerce website, shop.thesphere.com, featuring original Sphere merchandise, including the “Orbi Collection,” so fans worldwide can rock their favorite Sphere gear. Additionally, voting is now open for the second annual Sphere XO Student Design Challenge, where the public will have a say in what local student’s artwork will appear on the Exosphere. For more information, contact Sphere, spherepr@thesphere.com and visit thesphere.com/vote.

PETER FRAMPTON BRINGING “LET’S DO IT AGAIN” TOUR TO THE PEARL CONCERT THEATER AT PALMS CASINO RESORT LAS VEGAS
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist, Peter Frampton, has unveiled additional shows ahead of the “Let’s Do It Again!” tour, featuring a stop in Las Vegas at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on June 29, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Celena Haas, CHS Communications, celena@chscomms.com.

“BEL-AIRE BACKYARD POOLSIDE CONCERT SERIES” BRINGS STAR-STUDDED LINEUP TO DURANGO CASINO & RESORT
AEG Presents: Las Vegas, one of the world’s largest producers and promoters of live music events, and Clique Hospitality, a trailblazing company behind many of Las Vegas’ hottest nightlife and dining destinations, are joining forces to launch the “Bel-Aire Backyard Poolside Concert Series” at Durango Casino & Resort. Set against the vibrant, open-air backdrop of Bel-Aire Backyard, the electrifying series will deliver an all-star lineup of powerhouse artists, including The Fray on May 16, Thievery Corporation on May 25, and The Struts on Sept. 12. For more information, contact Wicked Creative, cliquenightlife@wickedcreative.com.

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG ADDS SECOND DATE TO 2025 FESTIVAL
Due to overwhelming demand, We Were Young Festival has added a second date on Oct. 19, 2025 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. When We Were Young will feature the same lineup on both Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19. Panic! At The Disco and blink-182 lead the lineup for the fourth annual festival, along with Weezer, Avril Lavigne, The Offspring, The Used, All Time Low, Knocked Loose, plus rare performances from Never Shout Never, The Cab, The Rocket Summer, Jack’s Mannequin, and many more. For more information, contact Nicole Easley, C3 Presents, neasley@c3presents.com.

INSOMNIAC AND VIBEE ANNOUNCE HOTEL EDC 2025 LINEUP AT VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS
Insomniac, the world’s leading live music experience creator, and Vibee, the music-led destination experience company, have unveiled the lineup for Hotel EDC 2025. With pool parties taking place May 15-18, the official hotel partner for the world’s largest dance music festival Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) will transform the stunning Virgin Hotels Las Vegas into a vibrant hub of music, energy, and celebration. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, virginhotelslvpress@kirvindoak.com.

HOZIER BRINGING UNREAL UNEARTH TOUR TO T-MOBILE ARENA IN OCTOBER
Hozier returns in 2025 with an extended run of dates across North America, which will feature a newly added Las Vegas stop at T-Mobile Arena on Oct. 5, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Allyson Wadman, MGM Resorts International, awadman@mgmresorts.com.

ROLLING STONE PRESENTS: AMPLIFIED, THE IMMERSIVE ROCK EXPERIENCE AT ILLUMINARIUM LAS VEGAS
Rolling Stone Presents: Amplified, The Immersive Rock Experience, an unprecedented 360-degree immersive experience, is set to open March 12, 2025, at Illuminarium Las Vegas at AREA15. This first of its kind spectacle is a mind-blowing celebration the music, history, imagery and culture of rock ‘n’ roll, encompassing over 1,000 photographs, 200 videos, 1,300 Rolling Stone covers, and featuring over 300 iconic artists whose music changed the world. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, illuminarium@kirvindoak.com.

BOYZ II MEN RETURNING TO THE CHELSEA AT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS FOR EXCLUSIVE LAS VEGAS ENGAGEMENT IN AUGUST
Boyz II Men, the best-selling R&B group of all time, are returning to The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with a four-night, exclusive engagement on August 8-9, 15-16, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Allyson Wadman, MGM Resorts International, awadman@mgmresorts.com.

TIFFANY HADDISH ANNOUNCES VENUE DEBUT AT ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS WITH THE FUNNY AND FEARLESS TOUR
Emmy, GRAMMY, and NAACP Image Award-winning actress and comedian, Tiffany Haddish, will make her comedic debut at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with Tiffany Haddish: The Funny and Fearless Tour. Haddish will bring her talents to the stage for one night only on June 27, 2025. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com

BIG TIME RUSH IN REAL LIFE WORLDWIDE COMING TO PH LIVE AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO IN AUGUST
Big Time Rush has announced a brand-new tour, BIG TIME RUSH IN REAL LIFE WORLDWIDE, featuring a stop in Las Vegas at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Aug. 30, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Robert Jarrett, rjarrett@caesars.com.

KÀ BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF AWE-INSPIRNG PERFORMANCES WITH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil celebrated two decades of epic performances at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on Tuesday, Feb. 18, cementing its legacy in the vast Las Vegas entertainment landscape. A staple on the Strip since 2005, the cinematic masterpiece renowned for its heroic journey of love and conflict, redefines storytelling in a dynamic theatre that transforms into an entire empire. World-class performers enthrall audiences with gravity-defying battle scenes and combat acrobatics, enhanced by immersive technology. With 24 original cast members performing since opening night, this technological marvel continues to redefine live entertainment through its unprecedented combination of artistry and theatrical innovation. For 20 years this fan-favorite production has continued to push boundaries of what a typical theatrical experience can be. KÀ has also been extended through November 2026, offering visitors more opportunities to see the jaw-dropping production. For more information, contact Alyssa Weaver, Kirvin Doak Communications, aweaver@kirvindoak.com.

DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND, ROCK ICON BRYAN ADAMS ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE AT ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS
After an impressive show of demand for Bryan Adams’ return to Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas this Spring with his Roll with the Punches Tour, the GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter has added a seventh show to his run this March. The additional performance will take place on March 9, 2025, giving fans another chance to see the icon’s dynamic 40-year career in the making. Bryan Adams will take the stage at the intimate venue on March 7-9, 12, 14-16, 2025. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com.

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, CHELSEA HANDLER ANNOUNCES FOUR NEW DATES FOR HER LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY “CHELSEA AT THE CHELSEA”
GRAMMY-nominated comedian, television host, six-time best-selling author and advocate, Chelsea Handler, has announced four additional dates for her Las Vegas residency, “Chelsea at The Chelsea,” the first female comedian residency at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The new shows will take place on July 5; Aug. 30; and Nov. 1, 29, with previously announced shows March 21 and April 18, 2025. For more information, contact Allyson Wadman, MGM Resorts International, awadman@mgmresorts.com.

GIRL GROUP BINI TO EMBARK ON FIRST-EVER WORLD TOUR, “BINIVERSE,” INCLUDING ONE-NIGHT-ONLY PERFORMANCE AT THE THEATER AT VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS
The record-breaking Filipina girl group, BINI, have announced their first world tour featuring a stop at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on June 13, 2025. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com and Kirvin Doak Communications, virginhotelslvpress@kirvindoak.com.

CELEBRATED ROCK BAND, PRETENDERS, ANNOUNCE A ONE-NIGHT-ONLY PERFORMANCE AT ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS
Acclaimed 80s British-American rock band, Pretenders, has announced a special one-night-only performance at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on May 1, 2025. This show marks the band’s venue debut, following in the footsteps of other rock greats, like John Fogerty, Bryan Adams, and The Pixies. Fans looking to experience the band’s melodic and rebellious sound following their successful headlining tour last year should look no further than Las Vegas for this special show. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com.

COMEDIAN RALPH BARBOSA RETURNS TO THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS IN JULY
After selling out his shows at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas in 2023 and 2024, comedian Ralph Barbosa is set to return to The Venetian Theatre in 2025 for two nights, performing on July 18-19, 2025. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, publicrelations@venetianlasvegas.com.

COMEDIAN AND ACTOR JIMMY O. YANG TO MAKE VENUE DEBUT AT ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS IN MAY
Comedian and actor Jimmy O. Yang has announced his venue debut with two back-to-back shows at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on May 2-3, 2025. Bringing the Big & Tall Tour to Las Vegas, his third and largest tour to date, Yang promises can’t-miss performances full of wit and laughs. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com.

WYNN NIGHTLIFE AND FRAMEWORK UNVEILS ART OF THE WILD SPRING 2025 TALENT LINEUP
Wynn Nightlife, Wynn Las Vegas’ premier nightlife division, in partnership with Framework, announces the return of its event series, Art of the Wild, from March 6-9 at the acclaimed XS Nightclub. The bi-annual series will feature a diverse lineup of renowned visionaries and emerging artists. Headliners of Art of the Wild’s spring edition will include the NYC-based energetic duo SOFI TUKKER, celebrated Nicaraguan-American DJ/producer Gordo, English-bred brothers Disclosure (DJ Set), and award-winning Bosnian-German artist, Solomun. For more information, contact Krystle Anttonelli, Wynn Las Vegas, krystle.anttonelli@wynnlasvegas.com.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

COMING SOON: PISCES BAR AND SEAFARE AT WYNN LAS VEGAS
Wynn Las Vegas has announced its newest dining destination: PISCES Bar and Seafare, set on the resort’s iconic Lake of Dreams. Opening spring 2025, the seafood restaurant will celebrate the distinctive cuisine of the Mediterranean coast with a menu from Executive Chef Martin Heierling. The restaurant will feature dark, layered interiors, reflective mosaic floors, and specially commissioned artwork, with a menu that includes caviar and crudo, dry-aged fish, bountiful seafood platters and fresh pasta. For more information, contact Jordan Massanari, Wynn Las Vegas, jordan.massanari@wynnlasvegas.com.

THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS INTRODUCES NOMIKAI: WHERE JAPANESE CRAFT MEETS LAS VEGAS SPIRIT
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas has announced the debut of Nomikai, a vibrant new dining destination slated to open this Spring. Inspired by the beloved Japanese tradition of “Nomikai,” where friends and colleagues come together to enjoy food and drinks in a spirited setting, the debut sushi and speakeasy concept invites guests to savor exceptional cuisine and craft cocktails in an atmosphere that celebrates moments of connection and indulgence. Nomikai, set to debut in Spring 2025 within The Venetian’s iconic Restaurant Row, is the latest addition to the resort’s expanded culinary lineup, which coincides with its $1.5 billion reinvestment project. For more information, contact Saint Public Relations, info@saintpublicrelations.com and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, thevenetian@magrinopr.com.

VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS OPENS LUCIA MEXICAN GRILL
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, is excited to announce the latest addition to its culinary lineup, Lucia Mexican Grill. Now open, Lucia brings an exciting atmosphere to the property with an array of signature dishes inspired by authentic Mexican cuisine. Lucia will round out the property’s impressive collection of restaurants, adding a vibrant touch to the culinary landscape. This latest addition marks the most recent step in the property’s ongoing transformation. With its authentic Mexican cuisine, lively atmosphere, and innovative offerings, Lucia will enhance the dining options and embody the property’s commitment to reinvention and excellence. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, virginhotelslvpress@kirvindoak.com.

LATEST BEYOND VEGAS

MULTI-FACETED ENTERTAINMENT ICON TERRY FATOR TO BRING LAUGHTER, MUSIC AND PUPPETS TO THE EDGE PAVILION IN JULY
Edgewater Casino Resort’s premier live entertainment venue, The Edge Pavilion, will have guests laughing out loud when Terry Fator and his posse of puppets take the stage on July 26, 2025. For more information, contact Wicked Creative, laughlin@wickedcreative.com.

LAKE MEAD MOHAVE ADVENTURES UNVEILS NEWLY UPDATED CAMPGROUND AT COTTONWOOD COVE RESORT & MARINA
Lake Mead Mohave Adventures unveils its newly revived lower campground at Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina, offering outdoor enthusiasts an enhanced camping experience within walking distance of the crystal-clear Lake Mohave. Nestled within the heart of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Cottonwood Cove lower campground features 40 nonelectric RV and tent sites, all with convenient walking distance to the swim beach and lake access. Designed to accommodate RVs up to 23 feet or up to four tents per site, the campground provides a tranquil escape for families, couples and solo adventurers alike. For more information, contact Vanessa Thill, The Vox Agency, vanessa@thevoxagency.com.

RESORT UPDATES

FLAMINGO LAS VEGAS INTRODUCES THE ALL-NEW GO POOL
Las Vegas’ tropical oasis has entered a new era just in time for pool season. A $20 million project, the all-new GO Pool at the iconic Flamingo Las Vegas will feature a multi-pool complex with a 30-seat swim-up bar. The perfect atmosphere for high-energy parties, the GO Pool is set to redefine the city’s pool scene this spring. Spanning nearly 1.5 acres, the GO Pool complex will offer five distinct pools and experiences at varying levels throughout the space. Additional highlights include temperature-controlled pools, 33 VIP cabanas with elegant furnishings, cool-deck surfacing, night lighting and a robust sound system. The GO Pool is part of Flamingo’s multi-phase transformation project, where the resort has welcomed several new offerings, including Pinky’s by Vanderpump, Gordon Ramsay Burger and Havana 1957. For more information, contact Kristin Soo Hoo, Caesars Entertainment, ksoohoo@caesars.com.

FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS’ OASIS POOL TO DEBUT ON MARCH 7 FOR THE 2025 SEASON
Pool season kicks off in March at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with the reopening of Oasis Pool, the resort’s six-acre pool district featuring six distinct pool experiences, four bars, poolside restaurant La Côte and the 2,300 square-foot gaming area. Popular daylife destination LIV Beach and local favorite Oasis Cinema Club will also return for the season. To kick off pool season, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is offering a special ‘Dive Into Bleau’ booking offer, featuring up to 20% off hotel stay with $50 daily resort credit. For more information, contact Fontainebleau Las Vegas, pr@fblasvegas.com.

BEL-AIRE BACKYARD OPENS IN MARCH AT DURANGO CASINO & RESORT
Bel-Aire Backyard, the enchanting poolside oasis at Durango Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, returns this upcoming pool season on March 7, 2025, with a stacked lineup of events, including Sunday Fundays, Aloha Fridays, a new concert series, pickleball and more. The 65,000-square-foot escape blends luxury with laid-back fun, offering a vibrant setting to lounge by the pool, sip handcrafted cocktails, and enjoy live music from DJs every Friday through Monday. For more information, contact Wicked Creative, cliquenightlife@wickedcreative.com.

PALMS POOL RETURNS FOR 2025 SEASON WITH FREE ENTRY, LOCALS-ONLY FREE CABANA PROGRAM AND FREE PARKING
Palms Pool is back for the 2025 season, welcoming locals and non-hotel guests to enjoy its resort-style oasis for free—no cover, no hassle, free parking and pure poolside relaxation. Plus, Palms is giving back to the community with an exclusive Free cabana program for Las Vegas locals Monday through Thursday, making it one of the best-kept secrets for a VIP poolside experience without the big price tag. Palms Pool is open daily starting on March 1, 2025 (weather permitting), with extended hours from April through September. For more information, contact Jeff Wagner, Jeff Wagner Agency, jeff@jeffwagneragency.com and Celena Haas-Stacey, CHS Communications, celena@chscomms.com.

KASSI BEACH CLUB RETURNS FOR 2025 POOL SEASON AT VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS
Returning for the 2025 pool season is the iconic Kassi Beach Club, providing guests a relaxing and lively Mediterranean-inspired oasis off the Las Vegas Strip. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, has announced the grand opening on March 21. Guests—whether hotel visitors, tourists, or locals—can dive into the fun with free entry all season long, now with the full Kassi Beach House menu. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, virginhotelslvpress@kirvindoak.com.

RIO LAS VEGAS JOINS HYATT CONVENTION ALLIANCE, EXPANDING PREMIER MEETING AND EVENT OFFERINGS
Rio Las Vegas, a Destination by Hyatt hotel, has joined the Hyatt Convention Alliance (HCA) for the Las Vegas market. The addition of Rio to the Hyatt Convention Alliance increases the flexibility provided for event planners. Previously, Hyatt Convention Alliance properties ranged in size from 1,003 to 2,032 rooms. With Rio Las Vegas’ 2,520 rooms and 220,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the Hyatt Convention Alliance now facilitates even greater options, and can accommodate groups of all sizes and more complex event requirements. With its extensive facilities and renowned hospitality, and recent completion of the resort’s first phase of its $340 million property wide transformation, Rio enhances the Hyatt Convention Alliance’s ability to cater to a broader range of event needs, from corporate meetings to large-scale conventions. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, riolasvegaspr@kirvindoak.com.

FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS ANNOUNCES 2025 ‘SIGNATURE SERIES’ LINEUP OF INTERACTIVE CLASSES AND EXCLUSIVE DINING EXPERIENCES
Fontainebleau Las Vegas will pull back the curtain for guests to discover the secrets and craftsmanship of its acclaimed culinary, mixology, wellness collections, and more, with the return of the resort’s Signature Series. Led by award-winning chefs, tastemakers, and experiential connoisseurs, the Signature Series classes are tailored to hotel guests and Las Vegas locals, offering them the opportunity to interact and learn the expert techniques to recreate their favorite dishes and drinks at home. The full list of Signature Series events can be found HERE. For more information, contact Fontainebleau Las Vegas, pr@fblasvegas.com.

CHERRY REWARDS DEBUTS AS NEW CASINO AND RESORT LOYALTY PROGRAM AT VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS
A new casino and resort loyalty rewards program, Cherry Rewards, is launching at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton this March. After months of anticipation, this milestone marks the final step of the property’s transitioned casino operations, ensuring a seamless and exceptional integrated resort experience for its guests. The all-encompassing loyalty program will allow members to earn and redeem points on almost every dollar spent throughout the resort – from dining to the resort pool, retail, and gaming, members will be able to celebrate every win and experience all the resort has to offer. Members of Cherry Rewards will be able to enjoy exclusive rates on rooms and suites, cabanas at the resort’s multiple pools, advance access to show and concert tickets and much more. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, virginhotelslvpress@kirvindoak.com.

SPORTS

FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS TO HOST POWER SLAP 12: QUINONES VS. BORDEAUX 2
Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host the twelfth live Power Slap event, Power Slap 12: Quinones vs Bordeaux 2, on March 7. The event, presented by Monster Energy, will be held in the resort’s 40,000-square-foot Cobalt Ballroom. For more information, contact Fontainebleau Las Vegas, pr@fblasvegas.com and Gabriella Bain, Power Slap, gbain@ufc.com.

2025 BIG TEN FOOTBALL MEDIA DAYS HEADS TO LAS VEGAS
The Big Ten Conference has announced the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days will be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. This year’s event will once again feature a three-day format, July 22-24, at Mandalay Bay with Big Ten Network providing coverage all three days. For more information, contact Megan Althoff, Big Ten Conference, mrowley@bigten.org.

• Ford Pro’s electric E-Transit Custom, E-Tourneo Custom and enhanced range E-Transit feature as standard an innovative heat pump that can boost driving range in cold weather
• Tech saves battery power by heating cabin using “free” energy even when temperatures outside drop far below freezing for up to 10 per cent more driving range
• Patented Ford system uses vapour injection to boost heat pump performance

Early starts, late finishes and overnight shifts mean driving in sub-zero temperatures can remain a regular occurrence for hardworking businesses even into spring. Now, a patented Ford technology can help Ford Pro electric vehicles drive further between recharges so their owners can get more done in cold weather.

Fitted as standard to every Ford E-Transit Custom, ¹ E-Tourneo Custom ² and enhanced range E-Transit, ³ the company’s innovative Vapour-Injected Heat Pump (VIHP) technology provides an efficient way to warm the cabin by capturing heat energy from the air outside – even at temperatures far below -10°C.

Heating the cabin by capturing “free” energy reduces the battery power consumed to keep drivers warm and comfortable – meaning more energy in the battery for getting the job done.

During testing in real world and sophisticated laboratory environments, Ford engineers found the technology could improve the enhanced range E-Transit’s driving range between 7 per cent and 10 per cent when compared with a vehicle without a heat pump.

“For business that use vans, every kilometre travelled between top ups means less downtime and more money earned. We’re chasing every kilometre to maximise efficiency and make electric fleets more productive and cost-effective for hard-working businesses,” said Ingo Krolewski, supervisor, Climate Attribute and Controls, Ford.

Maximising range and year-round cabin comfort

Heat pumps are a popular, energy-efficient method for heating homes, offices and – more recently – electric vehicles. They use very cold refrigerant gasses to absorb heat from the environment and then compress those gasses to raise their temperatures. This way, a small amount of electrical energy to power the heat pump can be used to extract a larger amount of “free” heat energy.

Ford’s patented VIHP offers greater benefits than other designs of heat pump by using vapour injection to help improve efficiency when both heating and cooling a van’s interior. When temperatures outside rise above 25°C, the pump’s integrated cooling system can also pull heat out of the cabin – reducing the battery power needed to run the van’s air-conditioning.

Nearly two years of fine-tuning involved more than 100 wind tunnel tests and 25,000 kilometres of real-world evaluation for each model. Seven dedicated test trips included conditions as diverse as the heat of a Spanish summer to a -34°C Finnish winter.

Development was a collaborative effort between Ford engineering teams in the UK, Germany and the US.

According to MotorTrend, “José Muñoz steps into the history books as the first non-Korean to lead the conglomerate that includes Hyundai and Genesis… (and) has been a driving force, leading Hyundai through years of record growth in North American sales, market share, revenue, and profitability. Muñoz has more than earned his top spot on our Power List, and he shows no signs of slowing down or making major missteps.”

The 2025 MotorTrend Power List also includes Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair (who was named Person of the Year in 2023); SangYup Lee, Hyundai Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design; Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group Chief Creative Officer; Claudia Márquez, Hyundai Motor America Chief Operating Officer and Karim Habib, Head of KIA Global Design and the KIA Design Center.

“I am extremely honored to be recognized among such a talented group of industry leaders,” said Muñoz. “This recognition is due to the vision and support of our Executive Chair, the hard working women and men of Hyundai, our outstanding dealer partners, our customers and so many others who work tirelessly for Hyundai and Genesis in this competitive and dynamic industry. It’s a great time to be with Hyundai!”

MotorTrend continued,” The Hyundai brand, known initially for value and affordability, has matured and is now associated with quality, good value, and enough cachet and gravitas to warrant adding the Genesis luxury division. We’ve been so impressed with the group’s contemporary offerings in recent times that we named the Genesis GV70 the 2022 MotorTrend SUV of the Year and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 our 2023 SUV of the Year.”

Under Muñoz’s leadership, Hyundai has achieved consecutive record results which helped its parent Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) grow to be the third largest automaker in the world. He is a strong advocate for investing in new technologies and partnerships to make transportation safer and more sustainable and has a long track record of successfully navigating complex issues in the dynamic automotive industry.

He credits the Company’s success to the leadership of its Executive Chair Euisun Chung whose “Progress for Humanity” vision includes leveraging smart cities, electrification, advanced air mobility, autonomous driving, robots, artificial intelligence and a hydrogen economy to improve the safety, sustainability and convenience of how people and goods move.

Muñoz has helped lead a product renaissance for the Hyundai and Genesis brands as evidenced by increasing sales, market share, dealer profitability and industry accolades. He has also led massive capacity expansion in the U.S. and globally, including a $12.6 billion investment in a new HMG assembly plant and two battery joint ventures in Georgia, as well as capital investments in Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, the company’s Safety Test and Investigation Lab in Michigan and its North American headquarters in California. As a group, HMG has invested $20.5 billion in the U.S., creating directly and indirectly more than 570,000 American jobs since entering the U.S.

Muñoz joined Hyundai Motor Company in 2019 as president and global chief operating officer and president and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America, where he oversaw consecutive record sales. In 2022, Muñoz was appointed to the Hyundai Motor Company Board of Directors with expanded responsibilities to include Europe, India, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. He also led global sales, service and product planning as part of the Global Operations Division.

Following a brief career in nuclear engineering and aerospace, he has worked for many automakers in roles of increasing responsibility including, Daewoo, Toyota and Nissan where he served as chief performance officer and chair of China and North America.

Muñoz is a native of Spain and earned his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from Polytechnic University of Madrid and has an MBA from Instituto de Empresa (IE) Business School in Madrid. He has also completed executive management programs from Cranfield School of Management in the U.K. and INSEAD Business School in France. He is fluent in English, Spanish and French.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

On the first two days of the Grand Prix of Thailand, Pirelli’s soft compounds were the protagonists in both Moto2 and Moto3.
In Moto2, the championship leader Ai Ogura (MT Helmets-MSI/Boscoscuro) set a new all-time lap record in P2 and then took pole position for tomorrow’s race; in Moto3, the Australian Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports/KTM) is on pole, even though in qualifying he couldn’t match the new all-time lap record set by David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team/CFMOTO) in FP on Friday morning.

Very fast riders and new lap records
 
“Yesterday, with the track still to be rubberised, in FP David Alonso dropped below the track record lap, improving it by more than 1.3 seconds; the same result was obtained by Aron Canet in Moto2 in P1 in the afternoon and then greatly improved by Ai Ogura in P2 this morning. The riders were very fast right from the start, even if the track offers a quite low grip, and this condition usually worsens in the afternoon, when asphalt temperatures rise by up to 15 degrees compared to morning sessions, making the track more slippery. This explains why in today’s qualifying, despite the evolving track’s conditions, and with higher temperatures than in the morning, the riders only got very close to the lap record, without improving it. With such a surface, even though not especially abrasive but with a poor grip, soft compounds are undoubtedly the most suitable, which is why they have been the most used so far and will also be for tomorrow’s races, where in all likelihood all Moto2 riders will choose soft SC1 for the front and soft SC0 for the rear. And Moto3riders will mostly opt for SC1 – which is the softest solution for this class – on the rear wheel, while the choice on the front axle will depend – as usual – on individual riding style and preferences”.

Moto2

· Soft compounds, SC1 on the front wheel and SC0 on the rear wheel, were widely used on these first two days. Few riders tried the medium SC2 front or medium SC1 rear and, mostly, they did so in the first session, Friday’s FP.

· Japanese Ai Ogura (MT Helmets-MSI/Boscoscuro) took pole position with a time of 1’34.728, just over the 1’34.595 he set in P2, which earned him a new all-time lap record with an improvement of 7 tenths on the time set last year by Pedro Acosta (1’35.297).

· Aron Canet (Fantic Racing/Kalex) was the first to break the previous track record in P1 on Friday afternoon. Overall, 18 riders completed at least one lap under the previous track record in these first two days..
 
Moto3
 
· Lapping in 1’40.603 on his final lap, Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports/KTM) took pole position for tomorrow’s race. The Australian used slick tyres in the soft SC1 compound on both axles.
 
· On medium SC2 front and soft SC1 rear tyres, David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team/CFMOTO) was the fastest rider ever, dominating both Friday sessions and setting a new all-time lap record in 1’40.544 in the FP session, over 1.3 seconds faster than the time set by Deniz Öncü in 2023. Overall, during all sessions, , a total of 23 riders out of a total of 26 fell below the previous track record.
 
· The morning sessions – i.e. FP on Friday and P2 on Saturday – took place with 36°C of asphalt temperature and just under 30°C of air temperature, while in yesterday afternoon’s P1 there were 53°C on the track. In qualifying, there were 41°C on the asphalt and 30°C in the air.

Joining the post-season test at Jerez on 22 and 23 October, this will be the first public outing for Gerloff on his new Ninja machinery while the Puccetti Kawasaki team adjust to their new responsibilities.
Those duties for the coming season also extend into the familiar realm of WorldSSP for the Reggio Emillia based team who will focus their upcoming campaign on the new 636cc version of the Ninja ZX-6R which has been recently submitted to the FIM for race homologation.
Having already created two WorldSSP Champions and taken over 120 podiums, the team welcome their new challenge with confidence and an understandable degree of serious intent as team principle, Manuel Puccetti explains.
“It is hard to put into words how the whole team feel about being chosen to run Kawasaki’s official Ninja attack in WorldSBK. Of course, are honoured, but we also know the level of expectation that Ninja fans worldwide will have. It is a huge responsibility, and we take it extremely seriously. We hosted representatives from Kawasaki Motors Corporation and Kawasaki Motors Europe at Jerez, and they reinforced what an opportunity we now have. We are using the post season tests to re-focus on every layer of the team structure and make any necessary fine tuning so that we can mount an effective challenge in two important World Championships. The time is right for a new dawn in our long history, and we are making ready to take our Kawasaki story to the next level in 2025.”

This week marks the fifth edition of the BMW Ladies Championship. The only tournament on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour held in South Korea has become a fixed highlight in the season calendar and offers a prize fund of 2.2 million US dollars. The event features a compact field of 78 players, all of whom will compete across all four days, as there is no cut in this tournament making the quality of the field even higher. 68 world-class golfers will tee off, along with eight high-profile tournament invites and two Korean amateurs.

The defending champion is Minjee Lee from Australia, who claimed the title last year in a playoff against Alison Lee (USA) at the Seowon Valley Country Club. This year’s BMW Ladies Championship will again be held at the same venue, one of the most spectacular golf courses in the country, located about an hour’s drive from the capital, Seoul. South Korean golf fans can look forward to not only the unique BMW tournament experience, for which the premium car manufacturer is known at its golf events worldwide, but also an impressive line-up of stars.

Amongst them are the two athletes who made a major impact at the Olympic golf competition in August: New Zealander Lydia Ko, winner of the 2022 BMW Ladies Championship, who completed her Olympic medal collection in Paris, and Esther Henseleit, who secured silver with a brilliant final round and became the first-ever golf medalist for Germany. Additionally, almost the entire top ten of the women’s world golf rankings will be present, with the only absentees being Nelly Korda (USA), who had to withdraw due to injury, and 2021 BMW Ladies Champion, Jin Young Ko (KOR). Aside from Korda, all major champions of the year will be competing: Ko (The Women’s Open), Yuka Saso (JPN, U.S. Women’s Open), Amy Yang (KOR, Women’s PGA Championship), and Ayaka Furue (JPN, The Evian Championship).

Among the eight tournament invites are four additional major champions: Danielle Kang (USA) and Korean players Jeongeun Lee, Eun-Hee Ji, and Jiyai Shin, the most successful golfer from Korea. The 36-year-old has won a total of 64 professional tournaments across six different tours, including the Women’s Open twice (2008, 2012), and will surely be celebrated by fans at her home tournament.

The BMW Ladies Championship made its debut in 2019 at the LPGA International Busan, where the second edition was also held two years later, before moving to the Oak Valley Country Club in 2022. The Seowon Valley Country Club was, and remains, the venue for the 2023 and 2024 tournaments. The competition will be played on the Seowon Hills Course, a par-72 course, playing 6,666 yards (6,095 metres) this week.