The iconic, notorious and down-right famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign” marks the beginning of every visitor’s journey to the City of Lights, filling each and every person with an excitement that is truly undeniable.
Conceived and commissioned by salesman Ted Rogich of Western Neon, who was inspired by the glitzy neon signs of hotels, casinos, and restaurants, the design was appointed to a commercial artist, Betty Willis, who gained fame for the iconic piece later in life than would be expected. She saw the sign as her gift to the city, thus, it was never trademarked and is the reason for its replication across a plethora of Las Vegas merchandise.
When the 1970s hit, the era of neon signs was on its way out and the area surrounding the sign soon gave rise to superstructures, rendering the sign temporarily obsolete. But supposedly a motel owner, John Woodrum, ran a power line to the sign and resurrected the ‘dead’ landmark in front of his new property, propelling it into the limelight as the recognizable motif we know and love today.
Designed in the Googie architectural style that peaked in popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, the sign harks back to the futuristic, Space Age style that was highly influenced by car culture, and the Atomic Age, characterized by daring shapes and flamboyant signage. These styles gave the sign its twinkling silver dollars and mismatched fonts lined with yellow intermittent light bulbs, topped with an eight-pointed star that really brought home the fabulousness of old Vegas. The seven silver dollars are said to be a symbol of good luck for those entering the world’s gambling capital!
If you feel like you’re seeing déjà vu as you navigate the city, you wouldn’t be mistaken! Las Vegas Boulevard is home to a replica that was erected in 2002 that sits just inside the city’s limits and reads “Welcome to Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas” and in 2007 another replica was installed near Boulder Highway’s casino-laden strip.
2019 marks its 60th anniversary and it can still be found sparkling in all its glory on the median at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, the unofficial boundary of the Las Vegas strip, marking guests arrival into the infamous Sin City.
We’ve collated a few of the most asked questions regarding the Las Vegas sign to make it easier for you to plan your own itinerary to Vegas.
Is the Las Vegas sign on the strip?
It may seem like an odd question but it’s a valid one! Surprisingly enough, the sign is actually located in Paradise, Nevada, as well as much of the old Vegas strip. Located south of Mandalay Bay on Las Vegas Boulevard South, it’s technically four miles south of the official center of Las Vegas.
Can you walk to the Las Vegas sign?
Yes, the iconic sign is just under one mile south of Mandalay Bay so this is certainly an option. Alternatively, there are a number of free trams that go near its location if you’re staying at one of the casinos owned by MGM Grand, from where it is then a short walk from Mandalay Bay.
The best choice is to park in the Clark County parking lot which was added in 2008 to aid in the convenience of reaching the sign. It’s also now a lot safer, featuring crosswalks and pedestrian traffic systems.
What hotel is the Las Vegas sign near?
The Las Vegas sign sits across from the Bali Hai Golf Club and the now-closed Klondike Hotel and Casino on its west side. Its closest hotel is now the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, a 43-storey luxury resort owned and operated by MGM Resorts International.
When the sign was originally built, the Mandalay site was home to the Hacienda which was a one-story building that operated from 1956 to 1996. It was in March 1999, that the Mandalay Bay was established.
How old is the Las Vegas sign?
As of 2019, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign is 60 years old! Since the late ‘90s, it has become one of the most iconic and popular selfie-spots in the world. In 2009, it was nominated and approved for the National Register of Historic Places.
How big is the Las Vegas sign?
The sign is 25-feet tall, significantly smaller than many other signs in Las Vegas which reach heights of up to 40 feet. It’s situated right on Las Vegas Boulevard, making it nearly impossible to miss its horizontal diamond shape, a nod to Nevada’s nickname as the Silver State.
How far is the Las Vegas sign from the Las Vegas Airport?
The Las Vegas sign is approximately 1 mile from the Las Vegas Airport (LAS) and will take roughly 6 minutes by car or just over an hour to walk.
What does the Las Vegas sign say?
The Las Vegas Sign says “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” and the reverse, lesser-documented side reads “Drive Carefully Come Back Soon”
Where do you park for the Las Vegas sign?
Until relatively recently, 2008 to be exact, the sign was rather difficult to access; tourists had to navigate across the North and South-bound traffic to reach the median for that sacred photo. But now the area hosts a 33-space parking lot to make it a whole lot easier to plan your trip to the famed attraction.
After all these years and through its tumultuous history, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign still retains its glamorous reputation as one of the most sought after photo ops in the world! Whilst its formative years lacked promise, the last two decades have seen it gain the iconic status it well and truly deserves.
