
Spotlight Summary
The Las Vegas Aces open their 2026 WNBA regular season by hosting the Phoenix Mercury at T-Mobile Arena in what is a rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals. The reigning champion Aces — who secured their third WNBA title in 2025, led by four-time MVP A'ja Wilson — tip off this season opener at 12:30 PM with doors opening at 11:00 AM. Fans can expect a high-stakes rivalry game as two of the WNBA's top franchises renew their postseason rivalry on the biggest stage in Las Vegas.
A'ja Wilson and the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces face off against the Phoenix Mercury in a must-watch rematch at T-Mobile Arena.
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Spotlight Notes
Venue Details
Did You Know
The resort's 1,800-seat theater has hosted long-running Broadway productions including Chicago (1999–2000), Mamma Mia! (2003–2009), and The Lion King (2009–2011), and since 2013 has been home to Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson: One. At its 1999 opening, the Four Seasons hotel occupying floors 35–39 of the same tower became the first Las Vegas hotel to win the AAA Five Diamond Award.
Insider Tip
If Mandalay Bay's parking garage fills up during a major event, a practical workaround is to park at the adjacent Excalibur — which often has lower parking rates — and take the free, climate-controlled Mandalay Bay Tram directly to the resort.
Getting There
Mandalay Bay sits at the far south end of the Strip, so rideshare drop-off is straightforward, but driving visitors should note that the property has two self-parking garages — one behind the main towers and one dedicated to the Convention Center — and a free tram connects the resort to neighboring Luxor and Excalibur, which can be a handy alternative if the main garage is congested during a large event.
Parking
Standard parking view. Switch modes if local, veteran, or rewards perks could change the best option.
Venue Parking
Strip • Best for Mandalay Bay Resort
Venue parking
Locals perk
Operator: MGM Resorts
Parking source →Closest Alternative
Strip • Best for Excalibur
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Locals perk
Operator: MGM Resorts
Parking source →Additional Parking
Strip • Best for Luxor
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Locals perk
Operator: MGM Resorts
Parking source →Additional Parking
Near Strip • Best for Sphere
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Paid parking
Additional Parking
Strip • Best for Park MGM
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Veteran perk
Operator: MGM Resorts
Parking source →Additional Parking
Strip • Best for New York-New York
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Locals perk
Operator: MGM Resorts
Parking source →Additional Parking
Strip • Best for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
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Locals perk
Additional Parking
Strip • Best for T-Mobile Arena
Nearby parking
Paid parking
Nearby
Upcoming events within walking distance.
Experiences
Curated attractions and experiences within a walkable radius.

Rooftop Bars
S Bar at Mandalay Bay
A stylish rooftop lounge offering craft cocktails and views of the Las Vegas Strip from Mandalay Bay's upper floors.

Aquarium
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish in one of Las Vegas's most immersive aquarium experiences.

Rooftop Bars
Beer Park
Vegas' ultimate rooftop sports bar with 100+ beers, 60+ HD screens, and panoramic Strip views perfect for catching every game.

Botanical
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
A free 14,000-square-foot botanical garden that transforms seasonally with elaborate horticultural displays inside the Bellagio casino.
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More Dates
Saturday, May 9, 2026
12:30 PM
T-Mobile Arena
About the Venue
The resort features Shark Reef, a 1.3-million-gallon aquarium containing over 2,000 animals including sharks and a rare golden crocodile, as well as Mandalay Bay Beach — an 11-acre aquatic playground with a wave pool, lazy river, and real sand described as the only beach of its kind in Las Vegas. On-property dining options include Stripsteak by Michael Mina, Border Grill, and numerous other restaurants, plus the House of Blues concert hall and the Shoppes at Mandalay Place.