New dayclub opens early for Golden Knights watch party, blending poolside energy with big-screen viewing and tailgate-style fare
A debut timed for a playoff moment
Las Vegas’ newest dayclub is opening a week ahead of schedule — not with a DJ residency, but with a hockey game.
Tailgate Beach Club at Mandalay Bay will make its public debut this weekend as an official watch party for Game 6 of the Vegas Golden Knights’ first-round playoff series on Friday, before rolling straight into Kentucky Derby programming the following day. The early launch offers a first look at a venue designed less around headliners and more around the idea that, in 2026 Las Vegas, sports are the headline act.
“Tailgate Beach Club for us is the most exciting sports and entertainment pop culture venue, not just here in Las Vegas, but hopefully around the U.S. and around the world,” Clique Hospitality COO Craig O’Keefe told the Food and Loathing podcast during a tour of the venue
What Tailgate Beach Club is — and isn’t
Clique’s ambition takes shape in a 40,000-square-foot space built around more than 125 feet of LED screens, creating what O’Keefe describes as a near-constant, 360-degree view of the action. Multiple games can be shown simultaneously, with the ability to shift from a full-room marquee matchup to a grid of games on busy weekends. Sports tickers and betting lines run alongside the action, reinforcing the idea that this is more than just a pool with TVs.
Built for a sports-driven Las Vegas
It’s also a reflection of where Las Vegas has gone in the past decade. A city that once prided itself on superstar DJs has rapidly evolved into a full-fledged sports market, from the Golden Knights and Raiders to the Aces, with more teams and major events on the horizon.
“People are all about sports,” O’Keefe says. “So we’re going to give them a great place to watch, listen to music, jump in the pool, have some drinks and some food.”
A different kind of dayclub experience
At the same time, Tailgate represents a conscious shift away from the traditional dayclub model. Rather than competing for the biggest DJ bookings on the Strip, Clique is leaning into a more social, accessible experience.
“For us, it’s getting back to what people are looking for — having fun with your friends,” O’Keefe says. “You don’t need a huge marquee DJ to do that. You need a comfortable place where you’ve got a great pool, great food, good energy and fun.”
That approach shows up throughout the venue. Cabanas come outfitted with TVs and PlayStations, while the surrounding space includes beer pong, ping pong, foosball and other interactive elements designed to keep the energy up between games. DJs are still part of the mix, but they play a supporting role, filling gaps rather than driving the entire experience.
Accessibility, and a nod to betting culture
Accessibility is another part of the pitch. Tailgate is located steps from Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena, within walking distance of Allegiant Stadium, and less than two miles from T-Mobile Arena and the A’s ballpark currently under construction. Clique believes that mix will draw both visitors and locals — a group the company has increasingly targeted through its off-Strip properties
“Parking, ease of access, it’s a huge thing for locals,” O’Keefe says. “We want people to feel like they can just come in, have a great time, and not have to jump through hoops to get here.”
There’s also a notable nod to the sports betting boom. Through a partnership with BetMGM, guests will be able to set up mobile wagering accounts directly from the venue, without the traditional step of visiting a sportsbook counter — a small but telling detail in a city where betting has become part of the viewing experience.
Food and drink stay on theme
Food and drink, meanwhile, stay firmly in the Tailgate theme. The menu leans into shareable favorites like nachos, wings and quesadillas alongside heartier options including sliders, tacos and mini cheesesteaks. Starters generally land in the mid-teens to high-$20 range, with sandwiches and larger plates in a similar bracket, while group-friendly platters push into triple digits.
Cocktails include Vegas pool staples, with souvenir cups and pitchers, while the bottle service program keeps the venue rooted in Vegas club culture.
Opening Festivities
Originally slated to open later in May, the decision to launch early to watch the VGK underscores what Tailgate Beach Club is meant to be: a place built around moments.
The venue will operate Thursday through Sunday to start, expanding hours for major events and football season. And while a formal grand opening — featuring a performance by Snoop Dogg — is set for May 16, this weekend’s debut may offer the clearest preview of what Clique is trying to create.
It’s a dayclub where the biggest draw isn’t who’s on stage, but what’s on the screen, and the group of friends watching it.
You can hear a portion of our interview with Craig O’Keefe on the May 1 episode of the Food and Loathing podcast.
