While this location was known as the Aladdin Hotel, the owners decided to create a performing arts center to replace the mildly used golf course. Planning began in 1969, with concepts showing the venue as a separate building. In 1972, the hotel was sold to Sam Diamond, Peter Wevve, Sorkis Wevve and Richard Daly.[4] The center opened on July 2, 1976 (America's bicentennial weekend), with Neil Diamond, who was paid $750,000 for five sold-out shows. During the 1970s and 1980s, the auditorium became a staple on the Strip for many rock and roll acts.[5]
During the hotel's financial troubles in the 1990s, the center became its main revenue stream. In 1998, the venue closed while the original Aladdin Hotel was imploded. During the renovation, the center's original structure was removed, incorporating the venue into the casino area of the hotel. In 2000, the venue reopened with a performance by Enrique Iglesias, with a capacity decrease to 7,000.[6] Due to the additions of the MGM Grand Garden Arena and Mandalay Bay Events Center, the venue was used infrequently by music acts.[7] In 2004, the venue made international news when spectators walked out of a Linda Ronstadt concert while expressing support for filmmaker Michael Moore.[8] In 2010, the center saw a resurgence in use, hosting at least 15 concerts annually.
The theater was the host of the Miss Universe 1991, 1996, 2012, 2015 and 2017 pageants, several Miss USA pageants and several Miss America pageants.[9] On June 28, 2012, the auditorium was renamed to the "PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino". On December 19, 2013, the venue was renamed "The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino".[10] It was also announced that American entertainment company Live Nation Entertainment would take over operations and management of the venue from BASE Entertainment.[11]
The venue's name was changed to Zappos Theater in February 2018, as part of a five-year marketing deal with online shoe retailer Zappos.[13] Then on March 24, 2023, it was changed to the Bakkt Theater.[14]
"Invincible". Instagram. May 1, 2020. Archived from the original on 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2 June 2021. We've had to make the very difficult decision of postponing my Las Vegas residency, Invincible, until 2021. I want everyone to be safe, healthy, & ready to party next year! For the latest information and to receive presale access when new dates are announced - sign up for my mailing list. Swipe up in my stories to join! I can't wait to see y'all. #invincible