Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas: Overview and Facts

What is the Stratosphere Tower?

If you’re looking for entertainment in Las Vegas but want to save money, have fun, and be surrounded by like-minded people, the Stratosphere is the place for you. You’ll save money, enjoy the nightlife options, and see the rest of Las Vegas knowing you paid much less for your room.

The Stratosphere is a hotel, casino, and tower. Even if you’re not into gambling or already have a room elsewhere, it’s worth visiting. At the top, there are two observation decks, the revolving restaurant Top of the World, and the Stratosphere Tower Shops, which house a comedy club and the Knopf Fine Art Photography gallery.

The structure also features three thrilling rides at the top, both terrifying and exhilarating. You can even experience a bungee jump, leaping off the tower from 829 feet.

Interesting Facts

• The view from the tower is insane, and the Top of the World restaurant offers dishes so delicious you might forget about the heights.
• The casino, spanning 80,000 square feet, features many bands and dancers. It includes 50 table games, 1,500 slot machines, and a poker room.
• A replica of the tower can be found in the racing game The Crew in northern Las Vegas.
• It’s widely believed that the tower inspired the fictional Lucky 38 casino in the RPG Fallout: New Vegas.

History of the Stratosphere Tower

The Stratosphere was the brainchild of eccentric magnate Bob Stupak and was initially conceived as a tower resembling the Eiffel Tower, complementing his existing Vegas World Hotel and Casino. Stupak approached a design firm experienced in constructing radio towers, but he was dissatisfied with their proposals. Artist Chuck Bernard eventually created the concept that became the foundation for the Stratosphere.

During construction, a fire broke out at the top of the tower. Witnesses described the flames as “like a candle flame coming out of the top of the unfinished tower.” Fortunately, no one was injured, but the fire caused significant damage, necessitating repairs and delaying the opening.

The Stratosphere Tower finally opened on April 30, 1996. During the grand fireworks show, smoke triggered the sensitive fire alarms. Some guests, dressed in formal attire, were unsure of what to do and feared a fire. The fact that the emergency ventilation system worked exactly as designed, quickly clearing the building of any smoke, provided little comfort to the frightened guests. Shortly after opening, Bob Stupak’s company went bankrupt, and the tower was taken over by another businessman.

Height of the Stratosphere Tower

The Stratosphere Tower stands at a height of 1,149 feet (350.21 meters) and has 2,427 rooms. It’s not only the tallest building in Las Vegas but also the tallest structure in the state of Nevada and the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States.

However, regulatory authorities objected due to concerns about possible obstructions to flights at the nearby international airport. The tower’s design changed several times, and with each modification, the height was reduced, but it still remains impressive.

Attractions and Shopping

The Stratosphere Tower is not just a symbol of Las Vegas but also a unique place worth visiting for everyone who finds themselves in this city. From thrilling rides to luxurious dinners with a view of the city, there’s something for everyone here.

SkyJump

One of the most popular attractions is SkyJump. It’s a controlled jump from 829 feet (252 meters), giving participants an unforgettable free-fall experience. It’s not for the faint of heart but will surely provide an adrenaline rush and lots of emotions.

Big Shot

Big Shot is another famous attraction that shoots you 160 feet (49 meters) above the top of the tower at 45 mph. It’s one of the highest and fastest rides in the world and will definitely get your heart racing. Big Shot, at 1,081 feet, was the most thrilling ride in the world until the opening of Sky Drop at Canton Tower at 1,591 feet.

X-Scream and Insanity

X-Scream and Insanity are two other extreme rides located at the top of the tower. X-Scream is a giant seesaw that dangles you over the edge of the tower at 866 feet (264 meters). Insanity is a mechanical arm that spins you over the edge of the tower at 900 feet (274 meters), providing dizzying views of Las Vegas and beyond.

The Tower Shops

The shopping center connecting the casino to the tower entrance. The tower houses various shops, as well as a comedy club and the Knopf Fine Art Photography gallery, showcasing works by internationally acclaimed photographer John Knopf.

Top of the World Restaurant

Located 800 feet (244 meters) above ground, the Top of the World restaurant is known for its revolving dining room, which makes a full rotation every 80 minutes, providing diners with breathtaking views of the city. The restaurant offers gourmet international cuisine and excellent service, making it the perfect spot for special occasions.

Panoramic Views

The observation decks at the top of the tower offer panoramic views of Las Vegas and the surrounding landscapes. They are equipped with powerful telescopes and interactive displays that help visitors better understand the history and geography of the region.

Hours and Tickets

The Stratosphere Tower is open to visitors 7 days a week. Hours may vary by season, so it’s best to check the official website before your visit. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or on-site. There are various ticket options, including combo tickets for access to all attractions and restaurants.