Luxor’s Sky Beam Is About to Get Its First Splash of Color
Luxor is testing a new system that will allow its iconic “Sky Beam” to change colors, with red expected to be the first color out of the gate.
The iconic beam has been upstaged in recent years, partly because of competition (like Sphere), but also because the power of the beam has been reduced to save money. Cue the sad trombone.
The ability to use colors could give Luxor some much-needed buzz, which is definitely not a reference to the fact the big-ass beam attracts bugs.
Since Luxor opened in 1993, the beam has essentially been a white column of concentrated light.
The beam has not only been a part of Luxor’s identity, it’s also served as a convenient navigational cheat code for visitors and residents.
The beam is powered by 39 xenon lamps (using 7,000-watt bulbs) and has long been touted as the most powerful man-made light in the world, visible from hundreds of miles away under the right conditions.
In its early days, running the beam was said to cost about $1 million a year.
Since 2008, Luxor has reportedly run the Sky Beam at about half-strength as a cost-cutting and energy-saving measure.
Here’s an exclusive look at the new beam color being tested in a warehouse. The red coloring will be used for a specific client (sort of a beam rental), but it opens the door to using different beam colors for different events and occasions.
We figured the beam had the ability to change color already, mostly because Luxor’s pyramid has been able to show colors and patterns since a 2020 exterior lighting upgrade added LED lighting along the pyramid’s corners.
It remains to be seen how often Luxor will use the new colors and whether they’ll be tied to holidays, special events or corporate buy-outs. The takeaway is simple: For the first time in its three-decade history, the Luxor beam appears ready to be something other than white.
Speaking of lights, as we’ve shared exclusively, Luxor’s operator MGM Resorts plans to develop a light show for the hotel’s atrium as well.
MGM Resorts has made no announcements or provided official comment related to these developments.
It’s anticipated the Luxor Sky Beam will be testing its red beam over the next couple of weeks, so do not panic. That includes you, airline pilots. Don those sunglasses. We’d love the see the Luxor Sky Beam at full strength again, even if it’s just for the debut of color.
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