1. FREMONT STREET WAS LAS VEGAS’ FIRST PAVED STREET
Fremont Street, opened in 1905, was Las Vegas’ first paved street and introduced neon signs to the landscape in the late 1920s, giving birth to its “Glitter Gulch” nickname. By the 1930s, neon signs turned the desert nights bright, attracting visitors and gamblers alike.
2. IT’S HOME TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST MECHANICAL NEON SIGN
One of the most iconic neon figures, Vegas Vic, has been welcoming visitors since 1951. This massive neon cowboy stands over 40-feet tall and is famous for his glowing “Howdy Podner” greeting, which perfectly embodied the welcoming of the Las Vegas spirit. It was once one of the World’s Largest Mechanical Neon Sign.
3. THERE ARE ALMOST ARE ALMOST 50 MILLION LIGHTS IN THE FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE LIGHT SHOW
In 1995, Fremont Street transformed into a pedestrian-friendly promenade with a stunning LED canopy. Spanning five blocks, the canopy shows nightly light and sound displays, attracting millions of visitors who come to enjoy free shows under a roof of digital art. The beautiful Viva Vision display is the largest LED canopy in the world, with 1,375 feet of 49.3 million LED lamps.
4. IT’S HOME TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST GOLDEN NUGGET IN EXISTENCE
Opened in 1946, the Golden Nugget is the oldest casino on Fremont Street. Its glittering exterior was revamped in 1961 with a major neon upgrade, turning it into a standout attraction. This casino is also home to the largest golden nugget in existence and the second biggest to ever have been discovered. The nugget was sold to the hotel for over $1 million and weighs more than 60 pounds.
5. IT’S HOME TO THE FIRST LAS VEGAS HOTEL
The first iteration of the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino opened its doors in 1906 and is still operating today, making it the first Las Vegas hotel. Before it was the Golden Gate, it was first Hotel Nevada and even before that, a temporary tent hotel in 1905.
6. FREMONT STREET WAS ONCE OPEN TO CARS
Before its pedestrian transformation, Fremont Street allowed vehicle traffic. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the city restricted cars, dedicating the space to a safe and engaging entertainment experience for visitors.
7. IT HAS A COMPETITIVE STREET PERFORMER INDUSTRY
Fremont Street is not only famous for its history but also for its vibrant street life. Today, it’s known for live music stages, artists, and street performers, creating an electric atmosphere that brings the spirit of Vegas to life each night. But, these aren’t just any street performers. The spots are highly-coveted and performers must apply for their 2-hour spots via a lottery system and with only about 30 spots available, it gets competitive.
Whether you’re interested in history, iconic signs, or entertainment, Fremont Street is the ultimate destination for experiencing the heart of old and new Vegas.
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