Arizona: Gila River Resorts & Casinos celebrates Vegas Residency with light beam

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 2:43 PM
Photo:  Courtesy photo
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming

Gila River Resorts & Casinos in Arizona is bringing Vegas-style programming and something otherworldly to its newest campaign.

As part of its four-month Vegas Residency campaign, Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass debuted a powerful sky-high beam inspired by the Luxor Light in Vegas.

Often mistaken for unexplained lights in the sky, the “Gila Beam” is a creative homage to Las Vegas energy and entertainment. The beam reaches over three miles high and at 1,800 watts, is visible throughout South Phoenix and Ahwatukee.

The “Gila Beam” will shine nightly during the residency, with custom color changes and effects.

“The ‘Gila Beam’ is meant to spark curiosity and excitement,” Gila River Resorts & Casinos President and Chief Marketing Officer Dominic Orozco said in a statement. “It’s a bold visual that captures the energy of our Vegas Residency and signals that something special is happening here in the Valley – a reminder that guests don’t have to travel far to experience world-class entertainment.”

Gila River Resorts & Casinos consists of four locations in Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte, Vee Quiva and Santan Mountain.

During Gila River Resorts & Casinos’ Vegas Residency, which runs from January 9 through April 30, guests can enjoy Las Vegas-inspired events across all four properties including The Fabulous Corvette Giveaway Fridays at 8 p.m. takeovers by Drai’s Night Club, and Vegas-themed promotions.

Upcoming events:

  • Engelbert Humperdinck – February 19, Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m.
  • Diana Ross – February 20 & 21, Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m.

There also will be performances by Alfred Robles, The Beach Boys, Robin Thicke, and Chippendales, plus tribute shows.

To celebrate the launch of its Vegas Residency, Gila River Resorts & Casinos is offering its “You Do You’ Resort Package” that includes a daily $100 food and beverage credit to use during stays. The resort package is available to book online throughout the duration of the Vegas Residency.

 

 

Rege Behe is lead contributor to CDC Gaming. He can be reached at rbehe@cdcgaming.com. Please follow @RegeBehe_exPTR on Twitter.