The Clash of Superteams: Las Vegas Aces Head to the 2023 WNBA Finals

The Aces are in the Finals Again and Ready to Go Back-to-Back

Upsets and surprises in sports playoffs are always thrilling, but sometimes a showdown between heavyweights is what fans truly crave. The 2023 WNBA Finals is set to deliver just that, as the No. 1 seed Las Vegas Aces prepare to face the No. 2 seed New York Liberty in a best-of-five series. The stage is set, and the basketball world is abuzz with excitement as these two superteams go head-to-head for the championship.


The Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas will be the battleground for Games 1, 2, and, if needed, Game 5, starting October 8th, with fans eagerly anticipating what promises to be a basketball spectacle. Both Las Vegas and New York have showcased extraordinary talent throughout the season, earning them the well-deserved moniker of superteams. Despite their reservations about the title, their records speak volumes, with the Aces finishing the regular season at the top with a remarkable 34-6 record and the Liberty securing the second spot at 32-8.


For the Las Vegas Aces, this journey to the Finals represents a chance to defend their WNBA championship crown. The team is led by the dynamic 2022 MVP A'ja Wilson and boasts an impressive track record, having made three Finals appearances in the past four years. On the other side, the New York Liberty, guided by the 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart, are making their fifth appearance in the WNBA Finals, although their last appearance was 21 years ago in 2002 when they were defeated by the Los Angeles Sparks.


Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this Finals matchup is the fact that both head coaches, Las Vegas' Becky Hammon and New York's Sandy Brondello, were former WNBA players. This marks the first time in WNBA history that two former players will meet as head coaches in the Finals. Brondello even reminisces about her time coaching Hammon during her playing days, highlighting the unique journey both coaches have taken to reach this point.


Interestingly, both the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty have deep-rooted WNBA histories. The Aces franchise originally started as the Starzz in Utah in 1997 before moving to San Antonio at the end of 2002 and finally landing in Las Vegas in 2018. Similarly, the Liberty, also an original WNBA franchise, have seen their share of ups and downs since their establishment at the league's founding in 1997.


In a fun twist, both Finals cities, Las Vegas and New York, have their own "Statue of Liberty." While the original stands proudly in New York Harbor, a replica graces the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, not far from Mandalay Bay, where the Aces' arena is located. It's a symbol of the unity of two cities separated by geography but united in their love for basketball.


As the 2023 WNBA Finals unfold, the basketball world eagerly awaits to see if the New York Liberty can clinch their first title or if the Las Vegas Aces will achieve the rare feat of back-to-back championships, a feat last accomplished by the 2001-2002 Los Angeles Sparks. Regardless of the outcome, Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon, a former Liberty player, is determined to lead her team to victory. But beyond the competition, both coaches acknowledge that the spotlight on New York is fantastic for the league. With a lineup of superstars and a myriad of captivating storylines, the 2023 WNBA Finals promises to be an unforgettable series that fans and players alike have been eagerly awaiting.

Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Summer 2025

June 9, 2025
This summer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas invites guests to its iconic Boulevard Pool for the return of Dive-In Movies, a unique poolside cinema experience. Every Monday evening from May 19 to September 1, guests can enjoy a selection of blockbuster hits and timeless classics projected on a 65-foot digital marquee, all while lounging poolside or taking a dip in the pool. Event Details: • Dates: Mondays, May 19 – September 1, 2025 • Doors Open: 6:15 PM • Movie Starts: 8:00 PM • Location: Boulevard Pool, Level 3, accessible via the Boulevard Tower escalators • Admission: $15 for non-hotel guests; $10 for Las Vegas locals with valid ID; complimentary for hotel guests, Identity Membership & Rewards members, first responders, and military personnel with valid ID; children aged 5 and under are free. Upcoming Movie Lineup: • June 9: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone • June 16: Wicked • June 23: The Goonies • June 30: Top Gun • July 4th: Top Gun: Maverick • July 7: Despicable Me • July 14: Inside Out 2 • July 21: Happy Gilmore • July 28: Elf • August 4: Lilo & Stitch • August 11: Twilight • August 18: Mean Girls • August 25: Legally Blonde • September 1: Good Burger  For those seeking a more luxurious experience, cabana and daybed reservations are available, which include a food and beverage minimum and complimentary admission to Dive-In Movies. Reservations can be made by calling 702.698.6797. Whether you're a hotel guest or a local resident, Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan offer a memorable way to enjoy a night out under the stars with the Las Vegas Strip as your backdrop. The above info is subject to change, stay up to date on The Cosmopolitans website. https://cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/dive-in-movies.html

Wagging Tails Rescue: Giving Hope to Homeless Dogs in Las Vegas

June 4, 2025
Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Wagging Tails Rescue is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to saving homeless and abandoned dogs from high-kill shelters and owner surrenders. Unlike traditional shelters, Wagging Tails Rescue operates through a network of loving volunteers and foster homes, providing temporary safe havens for dogs — especially pregnant moms and orphaned puppies — until they find their forever families. With no physical facility, the rescue’s strength lies in its community of passionate foster caregivers who nurture these pups with love, care, and attention. Beyond rescuing dogs, Wagging Tails Rescue champions responsible pet ownership through education on spay/neuter, positive behavior training, and proper nutrition. Want to meet some of these adorable dogs and maybe even adopt? Keep an eye on their Instagram @waggingtailsrescuelv for updates on frequent adoption events. From fun puppy yoga sessions to gatherings at Petco and even “Puppies and Pints” at Lovelady Brewery, there are plenty of opportunities to support and connect with this amazing rescue. Every wagging tail tells a story — and at Wagging Tails Rescue, those stories always end with hope and a happy home.

Las Vegas Parking Guide

May 27, 2025
If you’re a first-time visitor to Las Vegas, the idea of paying for parking might not be as big of a deal as it is to those of us who’ve been around for a while. Just a few years ago, it was practically unheard of to pay for parking on The Strip. Free parking was a standard expectation for both locals and casino guests alike. But times have changed, and many of the big casinos along the iconic Las Vegas Strip have started charging for parking. While we’ll let you draw your own conclusions about whether or not parking fees are justified (locals, we feel your pain), we’re here to guide you on where to park on the Las Vegas Strip. So, buckle up, and check out our list to see where you can park for free as a local! First three hours of self-parking are free for locals: • The Aria • The Bellagio • Caesar’s Palace • The Cosmopolitan • The Cromwell • The Excalibur • The Flamingo • The LINQ • Luxor • The MGM & Park MGM • Planet Hollywood • Wynn & the Encore Free Parking across the board • Rio • The Palms As a final tip when it comes to visiting the strip: Check and see if the casino does any sort of parking validation. A lot of times they will give you free parking if you spend a certain amount of money inside, are a guest (on a staycation) or are a certain tier level among their rewards programs. Remember, it never hurts to ask. If you're visiting Las Vegas, be sure to check with your hotel about whether parking and valet services are included when you book your room. It's a cost worth factoring into your trip planning!
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