By Andrew Liszewski
If you’ve never been to Las Vegas and Star Trek: The Experience at the Hilton, that photo I took at CES this year won’t make much sense to you. But if you ever had the chance to eat an over-priced novelty-themed meal at Quark’s bar, or experience the ‘transporter effect’ on the Star Trek ride, you might recognize that as the front entrance to Star Trek: The Experience, which is now boarded up since it was officially shut down last September thanks to a contract dispute.
But all is not lost. According to SCI FI Wire a new contract has been signed with CBS/Paramount that will see Star Trek: The Experience re-open in Vegas on May 8 to coincide with the release of the new Star Trek movie. (Thanks again, Mr. Abrams!) However, the new trek experience will actually be moved to the Neonopolis Center in downtown Las Vegas (close to Fremont street) and it will feature a new restaurant and retail shop at opening, with new Star Trek rides being planned for 2010.
So the original Star Trek: Experience at the Hilton is officially gone forever, but like with the movies, I think the franchise can definitely benefit from a fresh start.
[ SCI FI Wire – Confirmed: New contract to keep Star Trek The Experience alive in Vegas ]
