LAS VEGAS - After a development process spanning over 15 years, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas is finally ready to open its doors for its grand opening on Wednesday night. The highly-anticipated event will mark the completion of a project that saw its fair share of challenges and setbacks.

A VIP red carpet and celebration event will kick off the evening, allowing exclusive guests to experience the excitement before the public is granted access just before midnight. However, attendees should take note of some logistical arrangements for the opening night festivities.

The Fontainebleau parking garage will not be accessible until 1 a.m. on Thursday, leaving guests with the option to park at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, which will offer free public parking. Alternatively, valet services will be available for those who prefer a more convenient option. Ride-share drop-offs at the resort will also be temporarily unavailable until 2 a.m.

The journey to the Fontainebleau's grand opening has been a long and winding one. The project, originally commenced by Fontainebleau Development in 2007, was halted due to the financial turmoil caused by the Great Recession. The unfinished structure remained dormant for several years, serving as a poignant reminder of the economic hardship faced by Las Vegas during that period.

In a turn of events, the property was purchased by the Witkoff Group in August 2017. The group unveiled plans to revitalize and complete the construction, rebranding the resort as The Drew, with Marriott International managing the hotel operations. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 disrupted these plans, suspending construction and causing financial disruptions.

In February 2021, Koch Real Estate Investments and Fontainebleau Development repurchased the property and with it came the decision to rename the resort as Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Fontainebleau Development will now oversee hotel operations, injecting new life into the long-awaited project.

Upon its grand opening, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas will showcase its impressive features, including over 3,600 hotel rooms, an expansive convention space spanning 550,000 square feet, and a sprawling 173,000 square-foot casino floor. The hotel tower, standing tall at 737 feet, will become the tallest occupied building in Nevada, adding to the grandeur of the Las Vegas skyline.

Additionally, the resort will be home to the renowned LIV nightclub and beach dayclub. The nightclub is set to open on Thursday with John Summit headlining the first event, while LIV Beach is expected to be ready for the upcoming pool season in the following year.

The long journey of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas is finally coming to an end, epitomizing resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As the resort prepares for its grand opening, locals and visitors alike eagerly await the experience that this iconic Las Vegas destination has to offer.