November 26, 1996

Sands Hotel imploded to make way for The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.

April 14, 1997

$1.5 Billion Venetian Resort Hotel Casino Complex breaks ground.

July 11, 1997

The Venetian unveils Preview Center.

November 14, 1997

$1 Billion financial package secured to build world's largest hotel, casino and convention complex.

September 24, 1997

Forest City Commercial Management to manage The Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes. The Grand Canal Shoppes is an extensive 500,000-square-foot themed, indoor retail mall. The area features cobbled walkways, a reproduction of Venice's Grand Canal and a replica of St. Mark's Square. Shoppers are transported to another time and place in a festival-like atmosphere, including serenading gondoliers, artisans, and masque makers. Approximately 70 of the most exclusive retailers, many new to the United States, and brand name restaurants make their home in The Grand Canal Shoppes.

May 20, 1998

Madame Tussaud's to open first ever state-side museum at World's Largest Hotel and Convention Complex.

August 3, 1998

WORLD RENOWNED SPA OPERATES SPACLUB - The luxurious Canyon Ranch SpaClub ensures that The Venetian guest's stay is one of revitalization and wellness. Adjoining a five acre pool deck, modeled after a Venetian-style garden, the 65,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art SpaClub features massage; skin care and body treatment rooms; gyms and weight rooms; a 40-foot rock climbing wall; movement therapy and Pilates studios; a spinning gym; therapeutic Watsu pools; Canyon Ranch Café a beauty salon and a medical/wellness center. Canyon Ranch has been awarded "Best Spa" by readers of Condé Nast Traveler seven times since 1990.

August 18, 1998

$1.5 Billion Venetian Resort tops out.

August 24, 1998

The Venetian now accepting room reservations on-line and by phone.

September 9, 1998

The Venetian finalizes guaranteed maximum price for construction.

October 22, 1998

The Venetian reports strong group-booking to Wall Street.

November 30, 1998

Unprecedented Employee Benefits Package unveiled at opening of The Venetian Employment Center.

May 3, 1999

WORLD CLASS RESORT OPENED MAY 3, 1999 - The most exciting news to hit Las Vegas goes far beyond typical hotel spas, dancing girls and ever-erupting volcanoes. It's The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino - a $1.5 billion mega-resort that has redefined the culture of Las Vegas as an upscale travel destination. When the first phase of The Venetian opened May 3, 1999, it created a fully integrated resort that focuses on world-class dining, upscale shopping, luxurious rooms and deluxe spa services.