The AXIS

The AXIS is a mid-sized auditorium located at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip. The venue hosts a variety of events from charity benefits, concerts and award shows. It is used frequently for the beauty pageants : Miss Universe, Miss America and Miss USA. Since 2007, the auditorium has been the home to Justin Timberlake's annual concert to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children. In 2011, it was voted as one of the "Best Concert Halls & Theaters In Las Vegas". It is the largest theatre of its kind in the United States.HistoryWhile 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. The center opened on July 2, 1976 (America's bicentennial weekend), with Neil Diamond; whom 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. 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. Due to the additions of the MGM Grand Garden Arena and Mandalay Bay Events Center, the venue was used infrequently by music acts. In 2004, the venue made international news when spectators walked out of a Linda Ronstadt concert while expressing support for filmmaker, Michael Moore. In 2010, the center saw a resurgence in use, hosting at least 15 concerts annually.