Lion's Den Finale & Industry New Year Celebration

UPDATE: WE'RE AT CAPACITY! We kindly advise that you arrive early – entry will depend on space and security's discretion.

For all our friends & family in the hospitality industry who had to work during NYE, we are throwing a New Year soirée of our own! Let's ring in 2023 together with dancing, live entertainment, and sampling of cocktails crafted by the first annual Lion's Den semifinalists – presented by MGM Resorts, Woody Creek Distillers, and the USBG Foundation. We will also be kicking off an exciting week of the second annual TAG Global Spirits Awards.

*e-ticket/reservation required – limited capacity

The Lion's Den Cocktail Competition is hosted by Julian Cox, Executive Director of Global Beverage Operations at MGM Resorts International, and Tony Abou-Ganim, The Modern Mixologist and Founding Partner of the TAG Global Spirits Awards.

We welcome four judges Dale DeGroff "King Cocktail", Joy Figueroa, Corporate Bar Manager at Herbs & Rye/Cleaver, David Matthews, Woody Creek Master Distiller, and Denise Valdez, Emmy Award winning journalist and local News Anchor at 8 News Now. Judges will narrow 15 competitors down to six finalists and one 2023 Lion's Den Champion. There will also be a People's Choice Award for the MGM property team with the most guest votes.

• Cost of admission: Free, but donations are much appreciated. All proceeds go to Helen David Relief Fund, a nonprofit supporting those in our industry fighting cancer. Raffle for a chance to win store credit to Kemo Sabe, complements of Woody Creek Distillers & the USBG Foundation.
• Open Bar: Samples of competition cocktails will be served for guests to vote for the People's Choice Award. Special guest appearance by Giuseppe González, showcasing Woody Creek's 100% Potato Vodka and and Roaring Fork Gin. Please arrive on a full stomach because food will not be provided (Sports bar is right next door).

• Dry January? We got you covered. Lyre's, Filthy, and Fever Tree will be serving delicious N/A cocktails with support from Team Happiness (formerly Team Negroni), an active cycling program supporting the Helen David Relief Fund, encouraging a healthier lifestyle for bartenders, industry, and spirits aficionados.

We look forward to hosting you!

*Special Welcome to all the MGM Resorts directors, management and staff who participated in the first annual Lion's Den – this is our thank you for all your efforts and enthusiasm! Come support your property's semifinalists as they compete for a trip to Woody Creek, Colorado and the 2023 Lion's Den Champion title. Exclusive VIP table service will be specially reserved for guests from each MGM property – more details to be shared.