Staff Reporter
There’s something uniquely eerie about being surrounded by cornfields, even more so when the corn stalks seem to breathe and sway in perfect sync with your heartbeat. For someone raised in the Midwest, like me, cornfields evoke memories of late summer sunsets, not heart-racing terror. But inside Universal Horror Unleashed’s “Scarecrow: The Reaping,” nostalgia quickly turns to dread.
Las Vegas may be known for its neon lights and all-night entertainment, but just off the famous Strip, a new kind of thrill is taking root—one born from shadows, screams, and cinematic nightmares.
Universal Horror Unleashed, a year-round horror attraction by Universal Destinations and Experiences, officially opens its doors to the public on August 14 at the AREA15 entertainment district. USA TODAY was granted exclusive early access to the sprawling indoor horror experience—designed not as a seasonal gimmick, but a permanent mecca for horror fans.
Not Just Another Haunted House
Unlike temporary Halloween events, Universal Horror Unleashed aims to keep the adrenaline pumping 365 days a year. The entire setup is designed like an abandoned production warehouse, hiding behind its industrial façade a maze of nightmares, elaborate set pieces, and interactive scares.
At the center of the experience are four distinct haunted house-style walkthroughs, each tailored to immerse guests into a unique world of horror:
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Universal Monsters: A tribute to Hollywood’s original nightmares—Dracula, The Mummy, and Frankenstein’s Monster appear in shadowy corridors and candlelit ruins.
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Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer: A walk-through of the 2023 supernatural thriller, from forest disappearances to a climactic exorcism scene.
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Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Based on the 1974 film, guests follow a grisly path through a BBQ joint, backwoods roads, and the Hewitt family’s haunting home.
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Scarecrow: The Reaping: Inspired by a Halloween Horror Nights original, this experience plunges guests into a Dust Bowl-era farmhouse, overrun by vengeful scarecrows.
Each house is packed with multisensory effects—from the scent of fresh pine in the “Exorcist” woods to windstorms in “Scarecrow” and water splashes mimicking blood in “Chainsaw Massacre.”
“We realize that we can’t reach out and actually grab the guests,” said Nate Stevenson, show director for Universal Horror Unleashed.
“But we need to reach out and touch the guests in every other sense that we possibly can.”
A Horror Playground Between the Screams
In between the haunted houses, four immersive zones offer a different kind of fright—less gore, more story. These themed spaces are populated by original characters like bug monsters, possessed twins, and sinister slashers from fictional ‘80s films. They don’t just pose for photos—they talk, tease, and even argue with guests.
“Our guests can approach these characters, and they’ll actually tell you about their story,” said Stevenson.
“It’s very much immersive theater.”
That theatrical touch was on full display when a twin character interrupted our interview. Upon overhearing a question about her origin story, she snapped, “I’m right here!”—an in-character moment that blurred the line between acting and reality.
Entertainment, With a Side of Mayhem
Not all the action unfolds in the shadows. Jack’s Alley Bar, a main gathering point inside the attraction, hosts a raucous 15-minute stage show starring Jack the Clown and his devilish partner, Chance. In their deadly game show “Stay or Slay,” two “volunteers” are dragged onstage for a chance to win… or meet their doom.
Spoiler alert: No amount of dancing or hula-hooping is enough to charm Jack.
Nearby, The Boiler Bar takes themed drinking to another level. Built into a massive, steam-powered mechanical set piece, the bar occasionally hisses and roars like it’s alive.
“The Boiler Bar definitely has a spirit of its own,” said Kim Scott, general manager of Universal Horror Unleashed.
“Sometimes he gets a little upset.”
Dining on the Dark Side
For those who build up an appetite between screams, the venue offers several horror-themed food and drink options. Quick-service eatery Rough Cuts serves a spicy sausage sandwich named Parts of Pieces, while Premiere House, a sit-down tapas bar, delivers plates inspired by the haunted attractions.
Menu highlights include:
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Texas Chainsaw Flatbread: Shaped like a saw blade
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The Haybale: A pecan kataifi roll dessert served on a metal shovel
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Green Dread: A vivid gin cocktail served in a lab beaker
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The Bloodsucker: Rum and blackberry liqueur with red jello “blood”
“Attractions used to shy away from mixing food with grotesque themes,” said TJ Mannarino, VP of Entertainment, Art and Design.
“Now, people love that. That’s another step in this new world.”
Why Horror Belongs Year-Round
The day of the preview tour? A scorching 104 degrees in the middle of the Nevada desert—not your typical Halloween setting. But that, say the creators, is exactly the point. Horror isn’t confined to October anymore.
“People love this group experience,” said Stevenson.
“There’s a lot of real horror in the world, and this offers an escape. It’s a way to laugh at horror.”
Universal has already adapted to this cultural shift by launching its Halloween Horror Nights in August, and the permanent Las Vegas site builds on that momentum.
Tickets and What’s Next
Admission starts at $69 for access to each house once, or $99 for unlimited access. Nevada residents receive discounted pricing.
Universal also confirmed plans to open a second Universal Horror Unleashed location in Chicago by 2027—expanding the brand’s horror reach across the U.S.
Las Vegas now has a new year-round attraction—and this one doesn’t need daylight, seasons, or holidays to keep you screaming.
Universal Horror Unleashed stands as a bold new chapter in immersive entertainment, proving that fear knows no season. With hauntingly detailed sets, interactive characters, and theatrically charged environments, the attraction offers a seamless blend of fright and fantasy. From spine-tingling haunted houses to themed dining and live performances, it invites guests to step into a world where horror is celebrated year-round. As Las Vegas embraces this dark spectacle, Universal sets the stage for a nationwide expansion—offering thrill-seekers a chilling escape from the ordinary.
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