The official name for the year-round haunt from Universal coming to Las Vegas has been revealed: Universal Horror Unleashed. First announced in January 2023, this upcoming entertainment venue at AREA15 is expected to house a rotating selection of Halloween Horror Nights-style haunted house experiences, along with dining and retail.
Let’s go beyond the recent announcement and see what we can learn from rumors and more in today’s news update. See the video version of this story below for additional visuals.
Universal Destinations & Experiences has revealed the official name for the year-round haunt venue being built now in Las Vegas. Along with the name itself, the company revealed a couple official logos for “Universal Horror Unleashed.”
Official logo for Universal Horror Unleashed, Image: Universal Destinations & Experiences
This name matches the trademark applications filed by the company back in January, but this is the first time they have publicly confirmed the venue’s name.
Trademark application from U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
New details were not revealed along with the name announcement, but some of the wording being used to describe the experience have been updated. The company says that a “variety of unique, immersive, and horror-centric experiences will surround eerie eateries and bone-chilling bar areas.”
Official concept art for Universal Horror Unleashed, Image: Universal Destinations & Experiences
Universal reminds us that this, “the company’s first-ever permanent horror experience,” is from the same folks behind Halloween Horror Nights, saying “Universal Horror Unleashed is another way we are using our unique style of horror storytelling to engage fans of this genre.”
The official press release also says that “guests can expect a continuously updated experience with must-see seasonal events and one-of-a-kind merchandise.”
Official rendering showing placement of Universal Horror Unleashed, Image: AREA15
Universal Horror Unleashed will be the “anchor tenant in the 20-acre expansion of AREA15, an immersive entertainment district in Las Vegas.”
Recent photographs by SoCal360 on social media from the AREA15 expansion area seem to show foundation work going on now.
Foundation work at future site of AREA15 District, Photo: x.com/SoCal360
The recent name announcement, and other communications from the company, name drop some of the popular horror franchises from the company—like Five Nights at Freddy’s, CHUCKY, The Purge, and Universal Monsters—but stop short of actually saying what properties this new venue may actually open with.
Blumhouse properties are at the forefront of rumors for representation at new venue, Photo: Universal Pictures
Rumors for opening houses have included properties like Universal Monsters, Halloween, The Exorcist, and even homegrown Halloween Horror Nights originals featuring icons including Jack the Clown.
Although, which rumored properties the venue opens with may change as we get closer to an actual opening, with Blumhouse and Jordan Peele films being a favorite to possibly receive some representation.
Site plan for proposed AREA15 District, Image: AREA15
The layout for the massive 110,000 square feet venue is expected to include dedicated spaces for four haunted house experiences.
The four haunted house spaces will surround a scare-zone-like hub in the center, which will include the venue’s dining and bar areas within the dead center.
Unofficial rumored layout for interior structure of Universal Horror Unleashed
The venue is also rumored to contain a multi-room Tribute Store. Modeled after the successful Halloween Tribute Stores of Universal Studios Florida, this highly themed retail location could be located near the venue’s entrance. That way it would not only serve as the overall venue’s exit gift shop, but also as a free entry store that would allow for foot traffic from visitors walking by at the district.
The company has even filed a trademark application for the term “Tribute Store,” so I would not be surprised to see that terminology migrate over to Vegas.
Tribute Store trademark application from Universal
When it was first announced, rumors had Universal Horror Unleashed opening as soon as Halloween 2024, but going by construction progress, it is more likely we won’t see an official opening until 2025.
We’ll keep you updated with additional rumors and news as we learn more about this one-of-a-kind project from Universal.
Official concept art for AREA15 District expansion, Image: AREA15
That’s all for now, but be sure to see the video version of this story for additional visuals. We are also following another Universal Destinations & Experiences project, the kid-friendly theme park in Frisco, Texas. See our recent story for updated information on that small theme park concept—and subscribe to our news feed to never miss an update.
Subscribe to the news feed or enter your email address below to never miss an update. Official Images: Universal Destinations & Experiences and AREA15 | Graphics: Alicia Stella | Other images as captioned
