Universal Studio Horror Theme Park Sets Opening Date in Las Vegas

Universal Studios is adding to its roster of theme parks with Universal Horror Unleashed, a year-round horror experience in Downtown Las Vegas. The attraction will open its doors on August 14th this year, and tickets are on sale for the event.

The long-awaited horror experience is inspired by the seasonal Halloween Horror Nights at other Universal Studios theme parks. According to the company, the theme park will deliver a “unique and fully immersive horror experience” inspired by iconic terrors in film and TV.

Themed Haunted Houses

On the 110,000 sq ft expanse, the horror attraction will entertain visitors with themed haunted houses. Universal Destinations & Experiences, the skilled team responsible for the Halloween Horror Nights experience offered each fall, is behind the house designs:

• Scarecrow: The Reaping: This original concept has no film inspiration. It debuted in 2017 at Halloween Horror Nights in Florida and appeared in Hollywood in 2018.
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: This house explores the horrors of the 1974 American independent horror film, capturing the twisted world of the notorious Leatherface.
• Universal Monsters: This attraction blends features from classics like The Wolf Man, Frankenstein, and Dracula, which are regular additions to Halloween Horror Nights. Fans of the storied ghouls and creatures can also look forward to another year-round destination at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, exploring Universal Monster films.
• The Exorcist: Believer: Inspired by the 2023 release in the fright-filled franchise, this house is designed in partnership with Blumhouse Productions. While the film was a box office flop, it was well received in Halloween Horror Nights the same year.

Passes on Sale

Access costs to the nightmare fuel of Universal Horror Unleashed costs start at $69 for a single entry to all four haunted houses. A pass for the entire day starts at $99, which offers all-access entry to the houses.

The terror-inducing spaces are accompanied by live entertainment and horror-themed bars, dining, and retail spaces. Tickets for these amusements are also available on the theme park’s website.

Area15 Entertainment Complex Anchor

Universal Studios’ new theme park will be the first attraction for the 20-acre AREA51 expansion, approved in August 2024 by the city of Las Vegas. Dubbed the Vegas Immersive District, the development will span 80 acres once completed in 2037. With 200 hotel rooms, 320,000 sq ft of office space, and 418,000 sq ft of retail and dining, AREA51 is expected to host about 3.5 million guests, spending $796 million annually.