A tribute to the original daredevil
A Grand Opening happens only once, and if you were there, you know that. But if you weren’t, let me tell you about it.
The newest attraction in Las Vegas, The Evel Knievel Experience, opened in the Las Vegas Arts District June 26-27 and like the man himself, there was nothing quiet or tame about it! Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo revved the engine of a limited-edition Evel Knievel Triumph (instead of cutting a ribbon,) custom bikes roared into the lot, music blared, crowds cheered, and stunt riders flew through the air emulating their hero, the godfather of extreme sports. It was a weekend dedicated to celebrating all things Evel.
You might think you already know about an Evel Knievel Museum and you might think it’s next to Historic Harley-Davidson in Topeka, Kansas. Well, it was, and it thrived there for several years until the dream to move it to Las Vegas became possible. Evel Knievel had connections to Las Vegas and lived there with his family for a time, not to mention the infamous attempt to jump the Caesar’s Palace fountains that made him a world-wide pop culture phenomenon!
When opportunity presented, the team in Topeka started planning for the move almost two years ago. As the memorabilia, motorcycles and artifacts were packed and moved throughout 2025, one pivotal item left Topeka for Las Vegas in grand fashion: Evel’s Big Red Mack Truck and Trailer rolled west in an escorted caravan in late May, 2026.
It was a notable moment when Big Red arrived to great fanfare at Las Vegas Harley-Davidson the rolled under its own power – perhaps for the last time ever – down the entire length of the Vegas Strip, ending at its new home in the Arts District. Backed in expertly to the new location on First Street downtown (with mere inches to spare,) that’s where visitors now find the fully restored rig, complete with the dressing room the way Evel had it in his day and the cab outfitted in metalflake, stars-and-stripes Naugahyde!
In addition to Big Red, visitors to the new attraction get a detailed look at Evel’s career chronology through the motorcycles he jumped plus his suits and helmets – accompanied by archival video and authentic photography of his many successes and failures. Included is the fateful Snake River Skycycle, too. Also displayed: his jewelry and clothing, vintage Evel toys, and clips of him from iconic interviews such as The Johnny Carson Show.
Then there are the interactive exhibits allowing visitors to view Evel’s X-Rays in the Broken Bones Display or sit on a replica motorcycle and make a jump, compliments of the VR headsets. Four visitors at a time can set speed, distance and obstacles for virtual jumps on a big screen, too.
Opening night brought out some legends to celebrate, such as Colby Raha who jumped at Caesar’s Palace in May and world record stunt performer Robbie Maddison. Gary Davis, Evel’s stunt double, was on hand as was Chris Agajanian, whose father JC Agajanian was Evel’s first promoter. There was a large, happy contingent of Knievel family members including Evel’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well.
Said an elated Mike Patterson, the co-founder and co-owner of the Evel Knievel Experience, “It was an amazing weekend, beyond my expectations. The Evel Knievel Experience has launched!”
Information and tickets: https://www.ekexperience.com/
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