Building an Empire
Jay Sarno, a former tile contractor turned hotel visionary, opened Caesars Palace on August 5, 1966. He borrowed $25 million — partially from the Teamsters' pension fund via Jimmy Hoffa — to build an extravagant Roman-themed resort unlike anything Las Vegas had ever seen.
The design was revolutionary. The entrance was set back 135 feet from the Strip, with a grand driveway lined with fountains and Italian cypress trees and flanked by reproductions of classical statues. Every detail was meant to transport visitors to ancient Rome. The name itself was a branding masterstroke: no apostrophe in "Caesars" was intentional. The philosophy was that every guest should feel like a Caesar — it wasn't one man's palace, it was everyone's.
Legends and Legacy
Caesars quickly became the new center of gravity on the Strip. After Frank Sinatra's violent break with the Sands Hotel in 1967 — when casino executive Carl Cohen punched out two of Sinatra's teeth over a credit dispute — Sinatra moved his act to Caesars Palace, where he would perform for years to come.
On December 31, 1967, Evel Knievel attempted to jump the Caesars Palace fountain on a motorcycle. He crashed on landing and spent 29 days in a coma. The footage became one of the most replayed moments in sports history and cemented Caesars in popular culture forever.
The boxing arena at Caesars has hosted some of the greatest fights in history: Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Floyd Mayweather have all headlined at the property. Celine Dion's 16-year residency at The Colosseum (2003–2019) — more than 4,300 shows — redefined Las Vegas entertainment and proved that permanent residencies could be as lucrative as touring. Today owned by Caesars Entertainment, it remains the most recognizable casino brand in the world.
Key Facts
Evel Knievel Jump (Dec 31, 1967)
Knievel attempted to jump his motorcycle over the Caesars Palace fountain. He crashed on landing, tumbling across the pavement, and spent 29 days in a coma. The footage became legendary and is still replayed today.
Boxing Capital
Caesars Palace has hosted more championship boxing than any other venue. Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, and Floyd Mayweather have all headlined major bouts at the property.
Celine Dion (2003–2019)
Celine Dion performed more than 4,300 shows at The Colosseum over 16 years, generating over $680 million in ticket sales. Her residency redefined what Las Vegas entertainment could be.
No Apostrophe
The name "Caesars Palace" deliberately omits the possessive apostrophe. Founder Jay Sarno wanted every guest to feel like a Caesar — the palace belongs to everyone, not just one person.
What's There Now
Visiting Caesars Palace
Address: 3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Status: Still open and thriving.
What to See: The Forum Shops, the Colosseum theater, the iconic fountain entrance — all visitable. Caesars Palace is one of the few Strip casinos that spans the original golden age to today. The property has been continuously expanded and renovated while retaining its Roman theme.
Nearby: The Flamingo (Bugsy Siegel's casino, rebuilt) and the Bellagio (which replaced the Dunes) are both within walking distance.
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