LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — We’re seeing more and more evidence that the entertainment capital of the world is coming back to life — and that includes new upgrades at the Sahara Las Vegas.

Located on the North end of the Las Vegas Strip, the Sahara Las Vegas announced major changes at an exclusive event Thursday night. They are part of the property’s massive renovation plan. That includes a new resort pool and new restaurants, which are all set to open in just months. And the announcement was made in classic Las Vegas fashion.

The magic is back at the Sahara Las Vegas.

“It is Springtime in Las Vegas, both literally and metaphorically,” said Paul Hobson, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Sahara Las Vegas.

The iconic resort announced major upgrades Thursday night, as part of its $150 million transformation plan, which started in 2019. Opening this summer, the Azilo Ultra Pool will boast nearly 35,000 square feet of poolscape, with giant LED walls wrapped around it. And it will feature live music. Also new is Ballo, an Italian restaurant, which will join “Restaurant Row” facing the Las Vegas Strip, later this year. The idea behind everything is an intimate experience for guests.

“These new features coming online are really going to help define us in a market that is crowded,” Hobson said.

This comes as Las Vegas continues to see more signs of recovery amid COVID-19 — especially on the North end of the Strip.

The Encore Tower at Wynn Las Vegas is now back to operating seven days a week, and Resorts World is still on track to open this summer.

Locals tell 8 News Now that they are passionate about all the progress.

“I feel like this side is uplifting now. I feel like at some point it was really low, but now all this new stuff is coming out,” said Las Vegan Jayro T.

“We base our city on hospitality and that re-emergence is what we need right now,” said Las Vegan Natasha Carny.

Sahara Las Vegas is ready to lead the charge.

“We’re just a proof point of that, a demonstration, that this is soon to be a very vibrant part of the Las Vegas experience,” Hobson said.

Also at Thursday night’s event at the Sahara Las Vegas was Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. He says another promising sign is the return of conventions in Las Vegas. World of Concrete is scheduled to take place this June.

More announcements are expected to come from the Sahara Las Vegas in the coming weeks. Stay with 8 News Now for all the latest updates.