DIGITAL EDITION: Frightdome

Fright Dome Celebrates Ten Years of Terror in Las Vegas

by Christina M. Parmelee

Afraid of the things that go bump in the night? What about grisly creatures who run at you waving deadly weapons? Fright Dome, located in Circus Circus on Las Vegas Boulevard, is once again gathering the walking dead to scare the bejesus out of visitors and locals kicking off with the black carpet premiere starring Mistress of the Dark, Elvira, on September 29. It’s been a decade of frights and accolades and the attraction is primed and ready to make this scare season the BEST ONE YET.

By the way, this haunt is rated “I for Intense” and not appropriate for children under 12. Leave the small kiddos with a sitter. Halloween may be all about costumes and candy for them at home, but it’s for big kids, with strong constitutions, at Fright Dome.

It’s only fitting that the “be someone else” capital of the world is host to one of the top five scariest haunted attractions in the nation. I asked Jason Egan, the Fright Dome owner/producer, what was the latest and greatest attraction to highlight the ten-year anniversary. “I’m really excited about the partnership with George Romero, creator of “Night of the Living Dead.” A mutual friend hooked us up and I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with this horror icon. As you know, zombies are HUGE right now so I had to work that into the attraction with “Ward of the Dead.” I poured over his and countless other zombie movies to make sure we got it just right. But we can’t just hang our hat on zombies; we needed the tried-and-true experiences that have made us grow as an attraction every single year. We always have to raise the bar, especially at our 10-year anniversary.”

Need more reasons to attend the ultimate adrenaline rush? We got ‘em. Besides “Ward of the Dead,” four haunted houses are making their debut and 400 SCARE ACTORS have been hired to roam and frighten.

“The Anniversary” celebrates all the favorite attractions that keep people coming back year after year. “We included our most popular scenes in this tribute including Killer Clowns in 3D. I am especially thrilled to highlight the artwork of some amazing local artists including Mike Biggs, Temika Sperry and KD Matheson in this stunning part of the attraction” commented Egan. Every haunted house needs killer clowns, right? Terrifying.

More fun with zombies highlights “Infected,” a salute to chainsaw-wielding monsters in “Camp Massacre,” and “Fright Dome’s Urban Legends” round out the new scary attractions not to be missed this year. All premium rides including Elvira’s Superstition, Rim Runner Haunted Voyage and Chaos are part of the price of admission.

A “Sensory Destruction” light show courtesy of Laser Light Group will keep the scares going all night long. “I hate the dead space you see in many haunted houses, I wanted something scary and entertaining in every corner of this five-acre space,” noted Egan. Illusionist Darcy Oake also joins the party to mystify his guests with magic.

Run, don’t walk, to Fright Dome at Circus Circus this October. Bring your posse to cling to and make a scary night out of it.