‘Top Gun’ rides, sing-along bar opening in Las Vegas in 2028 and possibly Orlando
Top Gun Las Vegas promises adrenaline-pumping rides, immersive storytelling, and a tribute to the beloved films, opening at The Strat in summer 2028 and potentially Orlando.
Introducing Top Gun Las Vegas
Top Gun Las Vegas will open in summer 2028. Paramount Global and Advent Allen Entertainment — led by entertainment expert Mark Advent and hospitality expert A. William “Bill” Allen III — announced a partnership that will transform the “Top Gun” movie franchise into an immersive experience on the Las Vegas Strip in May 2025. This new destination will be located on an undeveloped site at The Strat Hotel, Casino, & Tower.
Top Gun Las Vegas will be a fusion of rides and cinematic storytelling. This new venture seeks to seamlessly combine breathtaking visuals, high-energy entertainment, and the legendary spirit of “Top Gun,” complete with fighter jet simulators and more. Guests can also relax before and after missions at Top Gun: Maverick’s Hard Deck bar and restaurant, a reimagined Strat venue featuring live piano sing-alongs. (“Great Balls of Fire,” anyone?)
“This innovative venture marks a new milestone for ‘Top Gun’ and expands Paramount’s portfolio of immersive entertainment,” said Pam Kaufman, president and CEO of international markets, global consumer products, and experiences at Paramount. “Paramount is committed to delivering authentic, mind-blowing experiences for fans, and Mark Advent and Bill Allen are the perfect team to make this destination soar.”
Addition of Simtec Systems GmbH to the project
On Nov. 19, 2025, Advent Allen Entertainment announced the appointment of Simtec Systems GmbH, as the engineering and manufacturing partner for the highly anticipated “Top Gun” thrill ride attraction.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Simtec Systems and their brilliant team of engineers and designers to bring this extraordinary vision to life,” said Mark Advent, co-founder of Advent Allen Entertainment. “Selecting the right partner for one of Top Gun Las Vegas’ signature attractions was a pivotal decision. Simtec’s unparalleled expertise perfectly complements our mission to create an entertainment experience that pushes boundaries and captivates ride-goers worldwide.”
Andreas Stickel, chief executive officer of Simtec Systems GmbH, shared his excitement: “Working with the visionary team at Advent Allen Entertainment has been an absolute blast. We’re honored to bring our decades of engineering innovation and manufacturing excellence to a project of this scale. With our roots in flight simulation, there could be no better fit-it’s in our company’s DNA. We look forward to fulfilling ‘Top Gun’ IP’s promise of delivering breathtaking, realistic flight action for the first time in an E-ticket attraction, and we will push the limits of what is physically possible,” said Stickel.
Top Gun Las Vegas: More locations? Flagship in Orlando?
In a recent press release, the subject of future locations was mentioned. Advent Allen Entertainment is already evaluating future Top Gun locations, including a potential flagship destination in Orlando, Fla.
“We’re incredibly optimistic about what’s ahead and grateful for our ongoing partnership with Paramount,” said Bill Allen, co-founder of Advent Allen Entertainment. “This is just the beginning — together, we’re taking Top Gun into the stratosphere.”
The legacy of ‘Top Gun’ and its connection to theme parks
The “Top Gun” franchise has enjoyed popularity thanks to its storytelling, performances, and aerial cinematography. The original “Top Gun,” directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise as fighter pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, became a cultural phenomenon when it debuted in 1986.
The ”Top Gun” phenomenon was boosted when “Top Gun: Maverick” performed so well at the box office in 2022 at a time when the movie industry struggled. It combined nostalgia for fans of the original with updated visual effects and a fresh storyline.
Theme park fans may remember Top Gun: The Jet Coaster, a thrill ride at Paramount-owned theme parks. Those parks are now owned by Six Flags, with the “Top Gun” theming removed from their respective coasters. At Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., for instance, the ride is still standing, but renamed Afterburn.
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