If you are a Las Vegas local heading to the Strip Monday night, we have a few tips to help you ring in the new year the right way.
“Either just stay away, or go and do it full throttle,” said Vital Vegas Founder Scott Roeben.
It is all in — or all out for New Year’s Eve on the Las Vegas Strip. Roeben says if you decide to go, the most important thing is to be prepared.
“Get there early, plan to stay late,” Roeben said.
The first big question: what time should you head to the Strip?
Roeben says the earlier the better, especially with the road closures, but there is still a sweet spot.
“I actually try to shoot for maybe dinner time, because that way you’re not in the heat of the moment leading up to midnight,” Roeben said.
The second question: how should you get to the Strip?
Roeben says if you take an Uber or Lyft, be prepared for surge pricing. Lyft is offering the code “LASNYE10” for new and current users to get $5 off two rides. If you drive, parking will cost you; Caesars Entertainment properties will have a flat fee of $20 for the whole night, regardless of how long you park. The Las Vegas Monorail is offering cheap fares, as well. The fare for locals is $1 per ride, while tourists will have to pay $5 for a single ride. RTC buses will offer free rides on all 39 of their fixed routes. That starts 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve and ends 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
“There are a lot of logistics to navigate,” Roeben said.
One of the biggest logistics is watching the fireworks.
That leads us to question number 3: where should you go for the best view of the fireworks show?
“Right in front of Caesars Palace is probably the premium spot in town,” Roeben said.
Entertainment company Balloons With A Twist says you do not even have to be on the Strip to see the Strip fireworks.
“You can go on the top of the Rio on the parking lot, there’s a great view from there. Evern if you go futher away from the Strip down in Summerlin, you have a beautiful view,” said Michele Rothstein, CEO of Balloons With A Twist.
A lesser-known spot is the parking structure at McCarran International Airport.
“Just walk your way up to the roof and that’s a great locals kind of inside way for them to kind of get in and get out,” Roeben said.
Whatever your plans are, do not forget to have fun while ringing in 2019.
If you do not want to brave the crowds and the cold, stay home and celebrate the new year with 8 News Now! We will be counting down across the country, with fireworks shows in major cities, including right here in Las Vegas. The show starts at 8 p.m.