Party 50 years in the making
Marking a half century, Caesars Palace Las Vegas
celebrated its 50th anniversary on Aug. 5--exactly five decades from the day it first opened its doors--with a special birthday pool party with nearly 3,000 hotel and special guests.
Here, a lighthearted take on the Julius Tower at the property.
'Caesar' enters via horse-drawn chariot
A highlight of the night: the dramatic horse-drawn chariot entrance by "Caesar" himself.
Ramsay lights the cauldron
The party is hosted by award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay at the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis.
Embracing the Roman and Greek origins of the Summer Games, the evening includes a ceremonial torch run, followed by Ramsay lighting the impressive cauldron.
Five-tier cake celebrates 50 years
The five-tier cake gets its close-up.
Party by the Neptune Pool
Cocktail servers dressed in bubble costumes pour glasses of champagne for guests, surrounded by special lighting and an art display with ping pong balls in the Neptune Pool.
A long view of the Neptune Pool
A long view of the Neptune Pool.
A performer in the Neptune Pool
A performer in the Neptune Pool.
Showgirls strut their stuff
Showgirls strut their stuff.
Live entertainment includes a performance by a roller-skating duo from ABSINTHE and a DJ set by OMNIA Nightclub DJ Mark Eteson.
10-minute fireworks show
Poolside guests and crowds outside the resort on Las Vegas Boulevard admire the 10-minute anniversary-themed fireworks show above the re-imagined Julius Tower at Caesars Palace.
Fireworks display
The stunning fireworks display.
Pool reflects fireworks
The pool reflects the fireworks.
Calvin Harris and Howie Mandel
Denise Truscello
The next night, Caesars Palace continues to commemorate its rich history of world-class entertainment and iconic sporting events with a red carpet arrival and grand gala event for nearly 3,000 invited VIP guests.
Here, celebrity DJ Calvin Harris (left) shares with stage with comedian Howie Mandel.
Mandel, who previously appeared at the original Circus Maximus showroom and served as master of ceremonies for the Caesars Palace 30th anniversary television special in 1996, hosts the evening’s festivities.
Surprise appearance by Jennifer Lopez
Denise Truscello
Donning an Antonio Berardi outfit, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino headliner Jennifer Lopez makes a surprise appearance during the opening of the gala among a flash mob led by showgirls and a full orchestra and wishes the legendary resort happy 50th anniversary.
Donny Osmond takes the stage
Ethan Miller
Caesars headliner Donny Osmond takes the stage.
Headliner Marie Osmond lights up the show
Denise Truscello
Headliner Marie Osmond lights up the show.
Singer Matt Goss entertains guests
Denise Truscello
Singer Matt Goss entertains guests.
Headliner Tony Bennett and his history with Caesars
Denise Truscello
Legendary crooner Tony Bennett headlines the evening.
Bennett was the second performer to ever appear at the Circus Maximus Showroom in 1966, and in 1969 was the first and only entertainer ever offered a lifetime contract to perform at the trailblazing resort.
Celebrating Tony Bennett's 90th birthday
Denise Truscello
Mandel brings out a giant birthday cake to celebrate Bennett’s 90th birthday, which fell Aug. 3.
Las Vegas fixture Wayne Newton entertains
Denise Truscello
Las Vegas fixture Wayne Newton entertains.
Singing 'Viva Las Vegas'
Denise Truscello
The stars onstage to sing--of course--"Viva Las Vegas."
Founder's Icon awards
Denise Truscello
Receiving Founder's Icon awards from Caesars are (from left) Goss, Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond and Wayne Newton.
