In January 2023, Universal announced a new "horror experience" called Universal Horror Unleashed, which serves as the anchor tenant of the Vegas Immersive District, a 35-acre expansion of Area15.[4][5][6] Unlike Universal's seasonal Halloween Horror Nights events, it is a permanent and year-round fixture, occupying a 110,000-square-foot (2.5-acre) space.[7][8] On March 8, 2023, NBCUniversal's theme park division Universal Parks & Resorts changed their name to Universal Destinations & Experiences.[9]
Construction began in October 2023,[10] with the walls erected by December 18, 2023.[11][12] The attraction consists of four haunted houses based on The Exorcist: Believer[a], The Texas Chain Saw Massacre[b], "Universal Monsters", and "Scarecrow: The Reaping".[13] On February 10, 2025, Area15 announced their Vegas Immersive District is 60% pre-leased, including Universal Horror Unleashed.[14] On February 19, 2025, Universal announced the attraction would open on August 14, 2025.[2] The attraction includes "Jack's Alley", a bar and entertainment center themed to Jack the Clown.[15][16]
Chicago, Illinois
Concept art
In June 2025, Universal announced the city of Chicago would be the second Universal Horror Unleashed location and the first Universal attraction in the Midwest.[3][17][18] Construction is slated to begin in early 2026 after design plans are finalized and permits secured. The attraction is tentatively scheduled to open in 2027.[3]
