2006 NCCYM—Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas!

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing dioceses in the United States and eagerly awaits the youth ministry and faith formation leaders and their families who will join together to celebrate this ministry, this city, and its people. Read the Welcome Letter pdf icon (53 KB) by the Most Reverend Joseph A. Pepe, Bishop of Las Vegas.

About the Host City: Las Vegas

Our host city just celebrated its 100th birthday (May, 2005) and is home to more than 1.4 million people. More than thirty-seven million visitors come to Vegas each year to enjoy the sights, sounds, shows, and glows of a city that rarely sleeps. The central corridor of Las Vegas is known simply as “The Strip” (Las Vegas Boulevard) where one can take in all the sights of the world—from the Eiffel Tower to ancient Egypt—simply by visiting the many uniquely designed hotels and casinos that overwhelm the sensations.

Las Vegas is certainly the type of city you want to come to with a plan for your free time because there is so much to do and see. The Internet has numerous sites to begin your search.

Getting Into and Around Vegas

Because so many people travel to Las Vegas, the air and ground transportation options to and around Vegas are numerous and cover a wide spectrum of costs. Learn more…

Entertainment and Shows

Friday Night on The Strip—Brought to you by the Diocese of Las Vegas

Friday, December 1, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Friday night has been set aside as our time to enjoy some of the dazzling shows and family-friendly entertainment that Vegas has to offer. To assist participants in fully enjoying this night on the town, the Diocese of Las Vegas has put together numerous recommendations for healthy and family-friendly shows and performances to see in addition to some you definitely don't want to see. Since new shows open (and existing shows close) on a regular basis, please check the show's website before making plans and order your tickets ahead of time.

Twelve (Free or Nearly Free) Things to Do and See Within Blocks of the Riviera…

Click for Map of the Strip

  1. Bellagio Fountains—a spectacular light and water show set to music beginning at 3 p.m. daily and running every half hour until 7 p.m., then every 15 minutes until midnight. Don't miss the conservatory inside. Free!
  2. Treasure Island—See “The Sirens of Ti”—a free 15 minute outdoor show just two blocks from the Riviera (every hour and a half beginning at 5:30 p.m.)
  3. The Mirage—The erupting volcano—begins 6 p.m. and runs every half hour.
  4. The Venetian—Take a gondola ride (fee to ride, free to look) or spend time at the many unique shops along the canal. While you are there, visit Madame Tussaud’s Las Vegas Wax Museum (fee) and the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum (fee).
  5. New York, New York—ride the outdoor roller coaster (fee).
  6. MGM Grand—Check out the lion habitat or the M&M World next to MGM.
  7. Mandalay Bay—See the shark reef (fee).
  8. Caesar's Palace—Fountain shows every hour on the hour starting at 10 a.m.
  9. Las Vegas Hilton—See the Star Trek Experience (fee).
  10. Downtown Vegas—Experience the outdoor light display on the hour from 6 p.m. to midnight (a 15 minute ride on the Deuce Bus to the Freemont Street stop).
  11. The Flamingo—has a wildlife habitat (free).
  12. Stratosphere—Four outdoor thrill rides featuring one of the highest in the world (fee/discount coupons available).

Trips Worth Taking…