The showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford on Sept. 13 at Allegiant Stadium is sure to be one for the ages. But the true main event of the weekend, for die-hard boxing enthusiasts and casual fans alike, is the experience you can only find in Las Vegas. Here, every moment outside the ring will feel just as unforgettable as the fight itself.
Make it a unanimous decision to check out as many of these Only Vegas restaurants, spas, attractions, shows and nightclubs as you can.
Round 1: Viva Mexican Independence Weekend Celebrations
You’ll find countless activities and fiestas highlighting Mexican Independence Day in Las Vegas all weekend long. Check out our guide to restaurants, musical performers and other cultural activities so you can make the most of this commemorative holiday that celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule.
Round 2: Dig in and Enjoy Some Pre-Fight Bites
Whether you’re in Vegas for a few days before the fight or seeking a great lunch spot before the opening bouts, Las Vegas has delicious options everywhere you look.
Tom’s Watch Bar at New York-New York Hotel & Casino features indoor and outdoor seating, and a menu filled with American favorites like prime rib dip sandwiches, ahi tuna towers, golden-fried shrimp and loaded fries. Catch college and pro football, baseball and other sports on more than 100 high-definition TVs.
Nosh on more tailgate faves like sky-high burgers, a massive all-beef Chicago hot dog and shareable appetizers like giant pretzels at Charlie’s Sports Bar inside Wynn Las Vegas while surrounding yourself with huge screens and easy access to the Wynn Race & Sports Book.
Round 3: Treat Yourself to a Soothing Treatment at a Luxury Spa
Fighters aren’t the only people who could use a good rub down. Prepare yourself for the evening with a little pampering at Canyon Ranch Spa & Fitness. Immerse yourself in 134,000 square feet of luxury inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and choose from more than 100 innovation wellness treatments.
For rejuvenating massages, facials and other signature services, head to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and reserve a session at The Spa. Wellness classes are available for hotel guests and visitors alike.
Round 4: See Muhammad Ali’s Gloves and Tom Brady’s Rings
The Hall of Excellence at Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a must-see for any sports fan. Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves are on display, along with Tiger Woods’ golf ball from his first Masters win, Olympic gold medals and all seven of Tom Brady’s championship rings. Take a self-guided tour, narrated by such voices as Oprah Winfrey, Bob Costas, Snoop Dogg and Morgan Freeman.
Round 5: Ruby Slippers and Rock Icons, Only at Sphere
Follow the yellow brick road to the newest experience at Sphere. See a mind-bending showing of The Wizard of Oz, expanded to fit the 360°, 16k definition screen. You’ll be wrapped in color and movement as seats rumble while you feel cool breezes and the sweet scent of poppies fills the air during the classic film’s iconic moments. Before the show, take photos with the giant ruby slippers installation outside. Also, during Canelo-Crawford weekend, you can catch the Eagles live as the legendary rockers continue their residency.
Round 6: Show Off Your Skills Hurling Axes. Or Dodgeballs.
AREA15, an arts and entertainment complex just off the Las Vegas Strip, offers multiple immersive and group-friendly activities. Test your hurling skills at Dueling Axes or in the virtual world of AR Dodgeball.
Round 7: Face Your Fears with All-New Haunted Houses of Horror
While you’re checking out AREA15, get into the Halloween spirit a little early at Universal Horror Unleashed. You’ll choose from four haunted houses, each with frightening stories: “Universal Monsters,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Scarecrow: The Reaping” and Blumhouse’s “The Exorcist: Believer.” Go inside the living nightmares inspired by its cinematic terrors.
For scares of a different kind, get your heart pumping with the Thrill Rides atop The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower. You’ll see that what goes up (the Big Shot will take you 160 feet high at speeds up to 45 miles per hour) must come down (the SkyJump, an open-air leap from 829 feet above ground). And sometimes, it just goes around and around (like X-Scream, a roller coaster that extends 27 feet over the edge of the tower).
Round 8: Downtown Las Vegas: SlotZilla, Live Music and Rooftop Ice Cream
For more Only Vegas excitement, visit the Fremont Street Experience and Fremont East Entertainment District in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. Zoom above the iconic street on the SlotZilla zip line, catch free live music nightly on the outdoor stages, and satisfy your sweet tooth at We All Scream. This vibrant two-story club features a rooftop bar, DJ booth and dance floor, an eclectic ice cream parlor, art installations and a chic back patio.
Round 9: The Fight Isn’t the Only Show in Town
The Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World always delivers, and there’s plenty of top concerts and residencies throughout this big-fight weekend. The zany antics of Absinthe at Caesars Palace and the mesmerizing magic of Shin Lim at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas are also sure to leave you wanting more.
Round 10: The Main Course Before the Main Event
The closer you get to the main event, the closer you want to be. Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is within walking distance to Allegiant Stadium for those attending the fight in person. Fill up on Wagyu smash burgers, smoked spare ribs or Atlantic salmon in this sports fan’s paradise.
Also just a short walk from Allegiant, WSKY Stadium features a friendly atmosphere and a stacked menu that includes a chicken parmesan sandwich, fish and chips, sliders, pizzas and other popular comfort food choices. With more than 80 types of whiskey and 22 beers available on tap, you’ll have no problem quenching your thirst before you enjoy a memorable night of boxing.
Round 11: Fight Viewing Locations That Really Pack a Punch
If you’re here just to watch the fight and enjoy the atmosphere you’ll only find in Las Vegas, you’ve got spectacular viewing options throughout to city from which to choose.
How about cheering from the largest sportsbook in the world? Circa Resort & Casino’s three-level Sportsbook is truly one-of-a-kind.
On the Strip, the Hard Rock Live Las Vegas pulls no punches with its 52-foot screens. Or catch the fight while overlooking the Strip from the Paris Las Vegas rooftop at Beer Park, where you can also play classic bar games like giant Jenga, pool, darts, karaoke, Skee-Ball, Pop-A-Shot and retro arcade games.
Get comfortable at Chickie’s & Pete’s Crabhouse and Sports Bar in any of its spacious booths or cozy lounge-style seating options while you enjoy its signature Crabfries and Blonde Lobster Pie, with a fully integrated sports book inside. Or settle in at The Tavern, the sportsbook setting at Fontainebleau Las Vegas featuring upscale pub fare and great views of all the action.
Round 12: After the Bell, Nightlife Takes Center Stage
Once the fight concludes, it’s time to celebrate like only Las Vegas can. The biggest DJs and music producers in the world perform here nightly, and the night of the Canelo-Crawford bout is no exception.
Party with The Chainsmokers at XS Nightclub at Encore Las Vegas or get your dance on as Alesso spins at OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace. At Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Dom Dolla performs at LIV Nightclub and the iconic Tiësto headlines at LIV Beach.
The Canelo vs. Crawford fight is the latest in a long line of incredible boxing matches staged in Las Vegas. Along with these Only Vegas experiences, see some of the other ways that the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month.