The Linq To Las Vegas: Opening June 2013

(all photos: Caesars Entertainment)

There may be dueling observation wheels in Las Vegas if the two projects are actually completed. In May, developers announced the 500-foot Skyvue Las Vegas Super Wheel. Then last month Caesars Entertainment Corp unveiled The Linq project, a $550 million outdoor retail, dining and entertainment district which will include the world's tallest observation wheel at 550 feet called the Las Vegas High Roller. The Linq will be located on the east side of the strip across Caesars Palace.

The High Roller will be taller than the London Eye and will have 28 enclosed, transparent sphere cabins that will hold up to 40 passengers each or 2,240 passengers per hour. Like the London Eye, it will take 30 minutes to make one revolution of the wheel. The attraction is expected to open in 2013.

Caesars also unveiled other details of The Linq project:
- A 200,000 square foot open-air marketplace will hold 30 to 40 retail, dining and entertainment attractions.
- Construction of the project will include the upgrade of three Caesars' properties, the Flamingo, Imperial Palace and O'Sheas.
- The Flamingo will receive a new pedestrian bridge that will connect it to The Linq.
- O'Sheas will be demolished and rebuilt 150 feet east within the Imperial Palace.
- The Imperial Palace will be renamed and transformed with a new facade, porte cochere and hotel reception as well as a remodeled casino.

Included in this post are renderings of The Linq released by Caesars Entertainment.

At this point one can be assured that observation wheels are tourist magnets and they do not have to be constructed in a prime location. The London Eye transformed the South Bank of London bringing thousands of tourist and their money to what was once a much quieter corner of the city. The London Eye was initially a temporary structure to celebrate the millennium. Now it is permanent.