Aaron Drawhorn | 8 News Now
LAS VEGAS – Tribute bands performed in the parking lot during the grand opening of KISS by Monster Mini Golf Thursday night. Fans came to celebrate one of the most influential bands in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.
The legends appeared before the cameras at a black carpet event outside. Inside, fans got a first peak at the glow-in-the-dark, 18-hole miniature golf course.
View Pictures of KISS by Monster Mini Golf
“I’m actually the only real golfer in the band, but we’re all mini golfers though, especially Monster Mini Golf by KISS,” said KISS member Tommy Thayer.
“I also get a hole-in-one,” KISS co-founder Gene Simmons said.
Other miniature golf courses require you hit the ball through a windmill. The obstacles in this course are much different. This course is cutting-edge.
“I did alright. I missed that Gene Simmons’ tongue though,” said golfer Michael Fowler.
“If you are going to do something cool, and you want to kick it up a notch, it just seemed natural to call it KISS,” said Monster Mini Golf-North America founder Christina Vitagliano.
Following KISS’ press conference, 8 News NOW was the only station invited to talk one-on-one with rock legend and KISS co-founder Paul Stanley.
“Who better than KISS? It’s iconic. It’s larger than life,” Stanley said. “It’s great to hit a ball through a windmill, but wouldn’t you rather hit it through one of my boots, especially with the black lights and everything glowing? It’s very, very cool.”
Brittany Yocum and Vanessa Krebs played a quick game on the custom-designed course.
“I think this place is amazing,” Yocum said.
“I haven’t done this in forever, and this is really cool,” Krebs added.
In addition to golf, the complex features arcades, the world’s largest KISS gift shop, and the Hotter than Hell Wedding Chapel.
KISS by Monster Mini Golf is a place for all KISS connoisseurs.
“It’s totally awesome. Las Vegas is very, very lucky to have this, and I’ll be back,” KISS fan Derrick Simpson said.
Stanley says Las Vegas is a city that plays by its own rules, and they’re giving Las Vegas a little kick with their eight-inch heels.
KISS by Monster Mini Golf is now open to the public.