360 Vegas

This week in Vegas history: June 4, 2020, Nevada casinos reopened after the COVID-19 shutdown.   After more than two months closed, casinos across Las Vegas began reopening, including properties on the Strip, downtown, and around the valley. The D and Golden Gate reopened at 12:01 a.m., while other properties followed later that day.  NEWS:   Fertitta Entertainment is buying Caesars Entertainment in a deal valued at $17.6 billion, including about $11.9 billion in assumed debt. The deal would take Caesars private. Shareholders would receive $31 per share, which Reuters describes as nearly a 50% premium to Caesars’ stock price before the deal was first reported in February. Tilman Fertitta’s company already owns Golden Nugget casinos, the Houston Rockets, and a large restaurant/hospitality portfolio, including brands like Rainforest Café and Bubba Gump Shrimp. Caesars has been under pressure from softer Las Vegas visitation and growing competition in online betting, where rivals like FanDuel and DraftKings are stronger. Caesars’ current leadership is expected to stay, including CEO Tom Reeg and CFO Bret Yunker. The deal includes a “go-shop” period through July 11, meaning Caesars can still consider competing offers. If completed, the acquisition would give Fertitta a much larger casino footprint: Caesars controls more than 50 casinos across North America, including Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, and Eldorado, plus retail and online sports betting. The article notes the deal could face regulatory scrutiny because of the size and scope of the combined gaming/hospitality business. Vital Vegas reports that a private grand opening party for the newly rebranded Vanderpump Hotel will be held on June 11.   The Heart Attack Grill closed abruptly on May 18. The property posted a passive aggressive rant on their door, stating that the closure was due to casinos pricing out average Americans.   EDC goes to two weekends next year The plan was billed as a way to reduce crowds by spreading them out over two weekends, lol The first of those weekends, “EDC Dusk,” will roll out from May 14-16. The second, “EDC Dawn,” is set for May 21-23, while the full “Dusk Till Dawn Experience” will party from May 13-24.    Johnny Kats is reporting that a new magic-based show “Now You See Me Live” will be moving into the David Copperfield theater at MGM Grand.   Soul Belly BBQ, has opened a new location in the Miracle Mile shops.   New Mirage bar at MGM Grand pool. A user on reddit posted photos of signs at the MGM Grand pool area, directing patrons to a new “Mirage Bar,” complete with the former strip property’s iconic palm trees logo.  A look at the pool complex map on the MGM Grand website confirms the change. The site was formerly called the “Splash Bar” and is located between the “Splash Pool” and “Reserve Pool.” MGM Resorts has retained the rights to the Mirage name after selling the Mirage resort site to Hard Rock International.   Tailgate Social, Mandalay Bay’s answer to Stadium Swim at Circa downtown, officially opened on May 16. Snoop Dogg performed at the opening The 50,000-square-foot venue features more than 125 feet of LED screens, three heated pools, 25 luxury cabanas, and two premium bungalows    The Clark County commission will be voting to extend the annual Las Vegas Grand Prix, potentially through 2037.   Nellie's Southern Kitchen Closing: The Jonas family restaurant near MGM Grand closed after May 25 service, reducing Southern comfort food options on the Strip.    Drink Las Vegas, a culinary and cocktail festival, will run from Sept. 24 through 27 at four MGM Resorts properties: Aria, Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan, Park MGM. “Drink Las Vegas” will incorporate an opening party, panels and seminars, food and cocktail tastings, lunches, dinners and other experiences at more than 30 venues inside the properties. The event recently announced the chefs, restaurateurs, mixologists, sommeliers and other hospitality professio

News: What To Expect When You’re Expecting A New Podcast From Us Subscribe to the Neon Lounge Podcast Here “Unofficial” Listener Meetup in June: Sunday 6/21 - Meetup at Whiskey Licker Up - 4 PM followed by a visit to Neon Museum for those interested  Monday 6/22 - Meetup at Bottle Blond or Brew Dog - 6 PM Tuesday 6/23 - Meetup at Chandelier Bar - 6 PM   All of Primm Valley closing July 4 New Eagles dates at the Sphere Hard Rock tops off the guitar tower The Evel Knievel Experience opens in the Arts District Colby Raha jumps the Caesars fountains New Vanderpump reality series focused on the Cromwell conversion MGM says they are open to letting an NBA team use T-Mobile Arena Matt Rife in Vegas December 4 8 weekends of fireworks in Vegas this summer Dive-in movies resume at Cosmo this summer Mandalay Bay announces the Vinyl Room Golden Nugget water slide and aquarium closure Professional Women’s Hockey League coming to Las Vegas   Reviews: Keren checks out Alinea pop-up at Bellagio Vegas: Icons and Legends available for purchase at Amazon Where to find us: Keren: @360VegasKeren ¨ Tony: @360VegasTony ¨ Josh: @360VegasJaydubs Neon Lounge Socials: Discord (360 Vegas Server) Xitter Facebook YouTube Reddit neonloungepodcast@gmail.com (702) 900-7964

Keren, Tony, and Josh reconvene to announce the release of Mark's second book, Vegas: Icons and Legends, and tell the story of its completion and publication.  Also included is a little announcement about the future...To purchase Vegas: Icons and Legends, please visit Amazon.com.   Keren, Tony, and Josh make an appearance on the Cheftimony podcast.   Subscribe to the Neon Lounge podcast right here.

Since the creation of modern day Las Vegas, there have always been people lamenting the good ole days, whatever that means to that individual at the time. Determining what is considered “good” is about as subjective as subjective can be.  Most people today will point to the time before the strip was primarily owned by 2 companies, MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment.  While the benefits of consolidation are obvious, potentially the best thing about it is the story of how it all happened.  To do that, we are going to have to trace back to how these assets exchanged hands before finally ending up in the corporate portfolio that are currently a part of.  To keep the story clean and the timeline defined, we are only going to focus on the majority owners and only their moves in Las Vegas.  We’re calling this, the Great Consolidation of Las Vegas

I don’t know what I think about Oscar Goodman. I want to say I respect what he does and if I needed help, I hope my advocate is half the lawyer he is. At the same time what he’s done and who he’s defended troubles me, makes me uncomfortable, ethically even if I’m not sure it should. When Oscar speaks about his clients he does so very deliberately as if he’s making sure he doesn’t say something that would get him in trouble. He claims there was no such thing as the mob even though history has proven it beyond a shadow of a doubt, but that might just be part of his well-polished schtick. Oscar will tell you he’s just really naive but it’s hard to accept because he’s clearly very intelligent. He considers his greatest accomplishment to be his family and he loves his wife very much. It’s clear he passionately enjoys what he does and what he does is defend rights. He’s also incredibly likable although he’s one hell of a ball buster. Oscar is the kind of guy you want to like you even though you’re not sure if you like him.  Recommended Reading - Being Oscar

Siegfried & Roy, Masters of the Impossible, and in their time, as famously associated with Las Vegas as the Fountains of Bellagio are.  This act of illusion and tigers captivated audiences and really complimented the family friendly entertainment spectaculars coining phrases like “Only in Vegas”.  Let’s not forget, these are grownups going to see a magic show. But part of the interest was that disaster lurked around every corner, every night. At any moment, things could go horribly wrong. The fact that they didn’t sooner may be their greatest magic trick.

It’s fitting that he came up in lounges and has returned to them in the twilight of his career. That may sound like a slight, but it’s not meant to be. It’s a compliment. His lounge show is the only of its kind on the strip and that is because a lounge show couldn’t exist today with anyone other than Wayne Newton. When we lose him, we will lose that form of entertainment or at the very least the best incarnation of it.

As told by Tony and Rum.

Audio is provided for your convenience, but for the best experience, please watch the video at https://youtu.be/WasXRpdSZzAOur immense gratitude to Michael Movestro for video and audio production, and to Michael Trager of TravelZork for helping us put on the event.

It was said that people would rebuild their buildings to accommodate the biggest sign they could afford.  That’s how important signage was, or how important it is.  Las Vegas was the only town in the world whose skyline was made up of signs.  So big, they were the first thing you’d see from a mile away.  YESCO, Heath, Federal, Ad Art and SSI are just some of the names responsible for bringing those iconic signs to life and by doing so caused one element to be more important in the hearts of so many…NEON.

Please register at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/TravelZork/_360Vegas   Saturday, October 18, 6 pm - 9 pm Horseshoe, Las Vegas Conference Room “Palace 3” Resort Tower Ground Floor Premium Cash Bar at the event No Outside Food or beverages allowed No food served at the event (Eat beforehand!) Dress code is “Come As You Are” No formal wear is expected Please wear what you would normally wear in Vegas!   Sunday, October 19, noon - ? Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Vesper Bar Come and join us for a drink and some laughs Again, dress code is “Come As You Are” No formal wear is expected Please wear what you would normally wear in Vegas!

News: Updates on the Celebration of Life Saturday, September 13th First Congregational UCC Conneaut211 Buffalo St, Conneaut OH 440302pm - 5pmImportant: No alcohol allowed in the church.Dress code is whatever you’re comfortable in. Saturday & Sunday - October 18th & 19thLas Vegas - Still working on the details. A special announcement will be made in the podcast feed. Saturday the 18th - Will be a gathering in a private room / ballroom, most likely on the StripTime will be either 5-8 or 6-9Allow for people to travel in on Saturday morningDress code is whatever you’re comfortable in.Sunday the 19th - Informal meet up at a bar somewhere on the Strip.  Time and location TBD - earlier in the day Upload Photos for Mark MemoriesListeners are gathering photos of Mark to make memorial videos for the Celebration of Life events.https://juliemoore.smugmug.com/upload/rSkFKx/MarkVegasUploads

Josh drinks excessively and attempts to tell us the story of one of the pioneering names in Vegas history.

Random Vegas In the more than 14 years of 360 Vegas, there were 537 episodes published, as well as 39 Vintage Vegas Segments, 186 YouTube videos, 43 POV Segments, 78 Reviews, 15 Vegas Vacation meetups, and a freaking book. That’s a hell of a legacy. TwitPic of the week #TwitpicForMark on Twitter In honor of Mark, folks have been posting beautiful shots of Vegas using the hashtag TwitPic for Mark on Twitter this last week. Please don’t stop. These images are unique shots of the City, angles from within the casino and other views we simply take for granted while in a booze fueled state of mind. So many times we’re so excited to get from one place to the other, we fail to slow down and take in the imagery along the way. Thank you for the TwitpicForMark tags and share your favorite view of the City Mark so deeply loved. News What has happened to Mark The Future of the 360 Vegas Podcast Charities for Donations in Mark’s Name: Ronald McDonald House of Las Vegas (https://rmhlv.org/donate-online/ ) - We have supported Ronald McDonald House as a favorite charity for years. The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation (https://www.ryanlichtsangbipolarfoundation.org/memorial-tribute/ ) - The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation focuses on the detection of bipolar disorder, and then provides resources and creative outlets for those who suffer from bipolar disorder. Neon Museum of Las Vegas - Sign Conservation Fund (https://secure.neonmuseum.org/donate/q/sign-conservation-fund ) - The Neon Museum is the ultimate resource of Vegas history, which was Mark’s passion. Celebration of Life Services: September 13, Conneaut, OH. Saturday afternoon. Exact times and location TBA October 18 - 19, Las Vegas. Exact times and location TBA. 360 Vegas Live is still happening, August 23, 12 noon Pacific, 3 pm Eastern. www.youtube.com/360Vegaspodcast

Random Vegas 1992 is when Circus Circus opened their bungee jump experience with a 201 foot tower. Jumpers paid $100 to drop 171 feet almost into a swimming pool. The attraction closed in 2005 TwitPic of the week I don’t know how they did it but I love it. This week’s winner by @SCVegas is a photo of the W tower at Mandalay Bay while it was still known as Delano, the Luxor Pyramid, Excalibur Castle and NYNY, all in one photo. It’s a stunner showcasing just how diverse the options are south strip. It’s interesting that the people who originally experienced these themed properties when they were embracing the theme concept are the same people wishing Vegas properties would reembrace theming. Unfortunately Murrenzation will all but guarantee this will never happen as it costs money to be unique. News Electric Mushroom Slotapalooza 2025

Random Vegas The Circus Circus sky shuttle was the first automated transit system in Las Vegas built 23 years before the monorail. It was decommissioned mainly due to high maintenance costs and because it did not go to the airport (LasVegasLocally) TwitPic of the week She is known by some as the dirty bird but thanks to photoshop she looks like a gem in the desert, shared by @flamingovegas. The property, shot from what can only be a drone to get such an angle, glows pink and looks elegant. Again, what photoshop can do boggles the mind. Say what you will about the Flamingo, the oldest operating casino in Las Vegas deserves respect of outlasting all her peers.  Stardust, Frontier, Desert Inn, Sands, Dunes, Tropicana and many, many more can’t say the same thing. News ·       360 Vegas Live ·       Reward Points vs Tier Points

Random Vegas At one time, Golden Nugget made more money than all the casinos on Fremont St combined (Vital Vegas) TwitPic of the week It’s an elegant photo taken during 360 Vegas Vacation 15 shared by @360vegasjaydubs and answering the question, what’s in a pyramid. In this case, the artium level of the property is prominently featured showcasing Play Playground, Diablos and all the attractions on property.  It’s one of the pictures that I knew was a winner the moment I saw it and yet I find myself struggling to find the words to explain how beautiful I think it is. Maybe that says more than words. News Market Recalibration

Random Vegas July 2nd is a popular date to open a casino, just before the 4th of July weekend crowd comes in. In Vegas history, 5 properties have opened on July 2nd.  They are the Stardust which opened in 1958, International, best known as the Hilton but currently known as Westgate, opened in 1969, Plaza opened in 1971, Holiday Casino, known today as Harrah’s, opened in 1972 and Sundance, known today as the D, opened in 1980. (Vegas_Visual) TwitPic of the week She may have been a dud in reality but the Landmark was still a looker, shared by@las_when. Incorrectly said to be inspired by the Jetson’s cartoon home, the Landmark project was designed several years before the start of that show. Some say it was inspired by the space needle in Seattle but in truth, the two were designed around the same time so any similarities are most likely coincidental. The Landmark is another one of those properties that lives on idyllically in people’s minds, a Vegas legend. News Best Lobby Bars View and Drinks Bottled Blonde

Random Vegas The Sarno Block was actually a large brick formed of two half-ovals which could be stacked to make a modern latticework screen. It made the resort’s night façade glow evenly, smoothing over the chaos of dark and lit rooms behind it. (The strip) TwitPic of the week Sometimes the stars align, or in this case, the sun, the moon and the High Roller. A beautiful picture shared by @lasvegaslocally found a picture that summarizes what it’s like to go to a 360 Vegas Vacation. It really is like a family reunion with people you want to spend time with. As the sun rises, so do the good times only had at a 360 Vegas Vacation. When will you join us? Sat – Pre Game ·       5 pm - Nevada Brew works/Soul Belly BBQ Sunday, June 22 ·       4 pm - Meet & Greet @Downtown Grand ·       6 pm - Group Gaming @Downtown Grand Monday, June 23 ·       1 pm - Play Playground @Luxor ·       6 pm - 360 Family Meet and Greet @Centra Bar @Luxor o   VegasNearMe o   Stripwalking o   Pennys4Vegas o   You Can Bet on That o   Bettor Life ·       Skyfall Lounge at Mandalay Bay Tuesday, June 24 ·       8 am - 360 Vegas Exercise Experience w/@RaisingLasVegas RSVP ·       1 pm - 360 Vegas Cocktails @Luxor ·       7 pm - Swingers Club @Mandalay Bay RSVP ·       Skyfall Lounge @Manadalay Bay

Random Vegas  June 3rd, 1976, “Tokes”, tip money given to dealers by players, is considered taxable income that must be reported on tax returns, says a US court of appeals  TwitPic of the week  Here is another part of Vegas I never knew, the neon signs of west Fremont St pre-Vegas Vicky and Las Vegas Club renovation. The angle captures the Las Vegas Club, Jackpot arcade, the Mint, the horseshoe and the Fremont all stacked on top on one another, visually speaking. As usually, the vivid colors of the signage light up the night sky unlike any other source of lighting. Thanks to @FSELV for sharing it.  News Content Creator Wars First Impression

Random Vegas  60,000 pounds of shrimp are consumed in Vegas every day.  That’s higher than the rest of the United States combined.  TwitPic of the week  The caption read “Nothing is the same” and I tried to challenge that but @Vegas_Visual is right. In this week’s winner, taking in 1991, a view from the front of the Mirage looking south and everything in this picture is different now. No more Mirage, Nob Hill to the left is now Casino Royal, next up is Harrah’s back when it had a boat motif. Beyond that is Imperial Palace known today at the LINQ and in the distance, you can still see the Diamond of the Dunes hotel tower. Even the top of the Caesars marquee is different.  But most missed is the Mirage frontage and its dolphin statues. While I am looking forward to the guitar I will miss the volcano News Plaza All-inclusive Deal The Bettor Life w/360

Random Vegas The last scheduled train to Las Vegas was May 12th, 1997 (Vegas_Visual) TwitPic of the week Whoever took this picture, shared by @historyNevada knew exactly what they were doing. A photograph of the iconic Sands tower under construction with the Sands marquee captured in the foreground. The two icons side by side, the only thing better would have been if it was in color. Black and white normally makes everything look very classic but with Vegas and all that neon, color photos are the only real way to experience the destination. News 360 Vegas Vacation 15 Fremont Street Concert Series Additions            Ebike ban on the strip Taxi Revolution

What constitutes a Vegas resort?  We have to go to the original, universally agreed to be the first resort on the strip, the El Rancho.  Small casinos, nightclubs and motels existed on highway 91 before the El Rancho opened,  but it was the combination of a hotel/motel and a casino on property that made it a Vegas resort.  It’s with this template that we have created the definitive order for Las Vegas resorts and their evolution on the strip.

Random Vegas In 1985, Wet n’ Wild opened a 27 acre water park on the strip just south of Sahara. It closed in 2004 TwitPic of the week It’s the same sign that won last week with just a different perspective, shared by@Summacorp. The infamous Stardust marquee in all her glory, 188 feet tall, the tallest in the world for a time. It somehow sums up Vegas with the image. The only sign more recognizable to Vegas is the Welcome sign News Caesars Renovations Circa 2 MGM Developments

Random Vegas  The MGM Grand was built in 1993 on top of the existing 714 room Marina hotel which was built in 1975 (@vegas_only)  TwitPic of the week   It’s a tattoo worthy sign of Las Vegas’ past up close and interrupting your line of site. @summacorp shared The Stardust shower of stars marquee, up close. Only in Vegas did Texaco photo bomb this guy. But still, that sign with her Electra Jag font. I’m not sure what is more magical, seeing the sign up close or from far away. Either way this looker is definitely on the list of tattoos I’m considering having.  News Elaine Wynn Passes

Patreon Exclusive Content It’s a Vegas icon, even to this day.  The Sands presided over the golden age of Las Vegas, both in entertainment and in the zeitgeist.  When you think of cool you think of the Rat Pack at the Sands.  It’s a Vegas legend that actually only lasted a month but the legend lived on far beyond the run of shows.  And yet with all her history she wasn’t able to keep up with the competition and had to be imploded to make way for the future.  But no matter how successful her new incarnation is she will never equal the mythic status achieved by the Sands. If your interested in learning more about the Sands, check out the book At The Sands

Random Vegas People in India believe if you don’t place a wager during the Diwali Holiday, you will be reincarnated as a Donkey. TwitPic of the week Unique views is always the way to our hearts when it comes to Twitpic of the Week.  This time its apparently how Vegas shuts down roads for events like New Years and the Rock and Roll Marathon.  But more than that, we get the magic of reflection. Since this photo was taken at night from the overpass crossing Flamingo Rd, we catch a glimpse of the properties lit up behind the photographer.  Specifically we see the reflections of Caesars Palace and Bellagio. It makes it look like, if you were looking east of the strip at Las Vegas Blvd and Flamingo, Caesars Palace is behind Cromwell and Bellagio is next door to Horseshoe. Unintended consequences once again makes art. We celebrate that with this selection, shared by @LasVegasLocally News Wynn 20th Anniversary

Random Vegas  The official temperatures in Vegas on Wednesday, March 26th was 90 degrees. It’s the 5th earliest 90-degree day in recorded history. (LasVegasLocally)  TwitPic of the week  @Summacorp shared a different strip for a different time in this week’s winner. North strip, today a collection of condos and properties too far removed from the rest of the strip was once densely populated.  Properties like the Frontier, Stardust, Silver City, Riviera, Silverbird and Sahara all called it home. Today, the only thing missing is Riviera and Frontier. The rest have been replaced. Stardust is now Resorts World, the Silverbird is now Fontainebleau and without Wet and Wild water park you realize, Sahara has always lived on an island. For those of you that don’t know, we don’t typically report on anything coming out of Sahara because they once sued Vital Vegas for reporting a rumor that the propety was for sale. Vital Vegas won the suit but the whole thing turned us off of doing anything related to Sahara which is disappointing considering her history as a property.  News Grand Prix Plaza Delay  Fertitta resigning

Random Vegas  In a deck of playing cards, the King of Hearts is the only king without a mustache (VitalVegas)  TwitPic of the week  This was a winner the moment I saw it, shared by @_GrandPaD. The installation of the Stardust’s super pylon, the shower of stars marquee standing a world record breaking 188 feet tall. An icon on the Vegas strip. Sadly and yet hopefully, her remains lay at the Neon Museum. While it is unlike that they will ever reassemble it one can dream that one day she will sparkle again.  News 2024 Visitors Profile Study Nickel and Dimed Vegas

Random Vegas The 2024 F1 race drew 306,000 people, 175,000 unique visitors to Vegas. They spent an average of $2,400 per person excluding ticket costs. The event generated $45 million in Tax revenues. (@LasVegasLocally) TwitPic of the week It’s the future of Vegas casino/resorts, boutique. Mega Resorts are too expensive to build and the market is currently over saturated with them.  Here, Las_When shows us Barbary Coast in the mid 90s after it underwent a short-lived paint job converting it to white.  Kind of reminds me when TI was painted white for a while. We celebrate this picture this week as once again news of a rebranding has been reported. While some may consider it a step back one of the benefits of a boutique hotel is how relatively quickly and inexpensively you can refurb the space. We expect this will not be the last time this hotel/casino will be rebranded. News Cromwell Rebranding 360 Patreon Rose.Rabbit.Lie. Returns Cousin Vito's Casino Talk About Las Vegas with Ira

Random Vegas  Wynn’s Le Jardin project planned for Atlantic City just before Mirage Resorts merged with MGM was referred to as a supped-up Mirage with an estimated $1.35 billion price tag  TwitPic of the week  I miss the days when Vegas marquee signage had to be constructed out of giant pieces of steel and crafted into works of art. There was time when marquees were as unique as the properties they represented. Back when lightbulbs told stories and readerboards told all. The International, the city’s first megaresort with over 1500 rooms opened as the largest resort in the world. And with it came an equally large marquee sign shared by @Sclark2636 at its most iconic, with Elvis’ name blasted across it and with the International tower in the background.  News Book Update 360 Vegas Vacation 15 RSVP Zero Bond Social Club Cherry Rewards

Random Vegas  March 19th, 1931, the state of Nevada re-legalized gambling in an attempt to recover from the great depression  TwitPic of the week  It’s 1988 and I’m currently in grade school while this marvelous display of Vegas existed. On the left we see the Desert Inn, all shinny after her exterior renovation. Just beyond that is the Sands and in the distance we see Caesars Palace. Which brings us across the street to see the Frontier and in front of that is the Silver Slipper. This is the view south of the Stardust. It’s the eve of the Mirage opening which would change everything and caused the eventual demise of all these properties. Accept Caesars but she would be radically transformed in a decades time. Another great pic from @Summacorp  News TravelZork.com Amplified Coming

Random Vegas There are an average of 315 weddings per day in Vegas (@vegas_only) TwitPic of the week It’s a glorious sign that is given depth and size when you see people standing next to it, shared by @Vegas_Visual.  The Mint sign, one of the all-time great neon signs in Las Vegas. It runs a close second of the Dune turret marquee as those most missed from the landscape. The Mint was absorbed into Binion’s Horseshoe in 1989. A part of the sign still exists to this day, viewable from the staircase up to Whiskey Liquor up. Unfortunately, the Neon Museum wasn’t established until 1996 so it wasn’t saved for posterity. News 360 Vegas Book Out Backstreet Boys Sphere Residency Flamingo New Go Pool Plans Alexxa @Paris

Random Vegas  In 2024, it’s reported that at least 16 people experienced a malfunction while playing a slot machine nullifying a jackpot. As a result, it’s projected that $1.3 million was lost.  TwitPic of the week  Something about grass in the desert just seems lush, high end. Probably because it doesn’t exist in nature so rich people will it to survive in the desert climate. Here we see it at classic Caesars Palace sporting said vegetation thanks to @Vegas_Visual. I’m surprised more chairs aren’t occupying the space. You would think that would be prime real estate. I can’t stop staring at those Sarno blocks. While I think the property looks better today, I can’t help but romanticize what she used to look like.  News 360 Book Update Wrestlemania Vegas Sphere of Oz Museum of Ice Cream El Cortez Renovation

Random Vegas  Before he designed Bellagio, Wynn had fully developed, different plans for the land formerly home to the Dunes.   Plans were to build a boutique hotel with intimate spaces, 2 hotel towers, one with 230 suites and two 7-story towers housing 461 rooms each   He even planned to leave room for two future towers to be built   Wynn believe if he pulled this off, it would be the death of the mega resort   Wynn’s creative side was unsatisfied and after some guidance, scrapped them and started over with plans to reinvent the game again  TwitPic of the week  There was time when north strip was the center of the action in Las Vegas. Desert Inn, Frontier, Silver Slipper, Stardust, Silver City, Riviera, El Rancho, Slots A Fun, Circus Circus and the Sahara lorded over the area for decades. Today it's trying to resurrect its glory days with new additions Resorts World and Fontainebleau, but the location is currently a liability. This week we get a snapshot of the area as it existed in 1985 thanks to @_GrandPaD and comparing the density with today’s landscape is almost an unfair comparison. Today large chunks of land exist in between properties making it unappealing to pedestrian traffic. Specifically, the area is challenged by the still vacant lots that are the Frontier and Riviera. The former a casualty of the real estate explosion the strip underwent in the early 2000s and the later another victim of the ever-growing reach of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Crystal ball time, will north strip ever be where the center of the action is again? It isn’t likely even once people build on these parcels but that doesn’t mean it can’t become another hub of activity for the city that continues to evolve at all costs. News 360 Vegas Vacation 15 Details

Random Vegas Despite using the motto “Est. 1952”, Atomic Liquors didn’t open until April 17th, 1954 (@summacorp) TwitPic of the week It’s one of the last super pylons in operation in Vegas and one of the best uses of neon ever.  The Rio marquee is a gem that should be celebrated by all. Thankfully new ownership restored it and incorporated LED into the sign instead of replacing it with a large square TV screen as has become the norm in the Vegas skyline.  This week’s winner by @Summacorp is not of the recently refurbed sign but of the classic sign with a readerboard. Regardless its a spectacular sign of animated neon that should be appreciated while we have it. News Book Update War Machine Returns 7 Shows to see in 2025 MGM Renovations

Random Vegas  While down compared to the record-shattering levels tied to last year's inaugural F1 race, monthly ADR this year saw the 2nd highest record for the month of November. (@MeltzVegas)  TwitPic of the week  It’s an iconic look at Caesars Palace, with the Sarno blocks lit up in teal shared by @LasVegasLocally.  It’s at least 1989 because the Mirage is open. This aesthetic would be replaced with the more authentic Greco roman architecture the property has today, inspired by the design used on the Palace tower, which opened in 1998.  But this one has a charm to it. I mean how many properties go through an enhanced retheming. Caesars is an iconic brand around the world and both of her iterations are deserving of the designation.  News CyberTruck Attack Death by Slot Gaming Revenue King’s Bar Temporary Closing

Random Vegas  Although argon gas was used as often as neon, the lighting method assumed the name “neon” to refer to the light produced by either gas. (Spectacular – A History of Las Vegas Neon)  TwitPic of the week  It’s the heart of the strip that simultaneously has the best view in all of Vegas available to guests of the north facing strip at Cosmopolitan, shared by @Vegas_Visual. This is a picture that often gets submitted for Twitpic of the week but often gets passed over because I see this view all the time. And while it is fabulous, it can’t win every week. But this week’s photo, taken in what looks like panorama captures the whole view as the eye gets to see it with Cosmopolitan, Bellagio and Caesars Augustus and Octavious towers in the shot. I love everything about this picture and the real-life trek that this is this area of the strip.  News New Years Fireworks New in 2025

Random Vegas Downtown Las Vegas has 6 of the world’s largest.  (Vegasexperience.com) World’s largest slot machine in Slotzillla (also the busiest and most successful urban zipline in the world) World’s largest keno board at 100 feet long outside of the D, World’s largest pint glass at Hennessey’s Tavern at 85 feet tall World’s largest working fire hydrant at 15 foot tall on Fremont East, across from the Western World’s largest fire-breathing praying mantis at Container Park World’s largest mechanical neon sign is Vegas Vic at 40 feet tall, although his mechanical parts haven’t worked since 1991 TwitPic of the week The year is 1964 and the Dunes is rocking in all her glory in the arial photo shared by@summacorp. Aside from the Diamond of the Dunes hotel tower and the turret marquee the thing that really gets my attention here are all the cars parked right up front. Something that used to be common on the strip when the properties primarily catered to automobile visitors. There are still remnants of this time in Vegas today just repurposed. I’m thinking specifically about Horseshoe and Caesars Palace. It’s a time in Vegas we are fond of because it inspired all the classic super pylon marquees we know and love. News 360 Vegas Book Update El Cortez’s $20 million refresh FTC Bans “Junk Fees”

Random Vegas  Las Vegas is the number 1 wedding destination in the US and the 2nd in the world behind Istanbul.  TwitPic of the week  It’s a time whose lamentation has been well documented on this show. The evolution of Fremont St into the Fremont St Experience, shown here, in development by @Summacorp. Say what you will about the results, progress is sexy. Here we see the roads tore up as they are redeveloped into pedestrian walkways. Like getting a room with a view of the AC units, I appreciate these behind the scenes glimpses of progress in motion. Evolution is what made this city the place it is today and development captures that journey.  News 360 Book Update F1 in Vegas Murrenization Returns Stratosphere Projection Mapping

Random Vegas It cost the Harris/Walz campaign $900,000 to advertise on the sphere for a week (@_GrandPaD) TwitPic of the week Black and white photography is simply beautiful and inspires thought. This week’s winner by @Vegas_Visual shows off the Dunes in all her glory including the turret marquee, the Diamond of the Dunes hotel tower and the Dome of the Sea restaurant in stunning black and white. While a simple google search would reveal what the place looked like in color it’s more fun to imagine it. Truth is color takes some of the romance out of it, not like the elegance of black and white. News 360 Vegas Book Update Senor Frogs Closing Dirtiest Casinos Excalibur Wrongful Death

Random Vegas There is a scene in the 1979 movie Melvin & Howard that shows someone driving down the strip, past Flamingo and headed south. If you look close, when they get to the MGM marquee, Universal Pictures, the production company behind the film, covered up their rival MGM’s name from their unremarkable marquee. (@summacorp) TwitPic of the week She isn’t the newest or the prettiest but is Circus Circus really that bad? The answer is yes, she’s always been that way even when she first opened back in 1968. But when you’re a well-run property that prints cash why would you listen to the noise. This week@ATXVegasFanshared a picture of the property that for some reason I’m drawn to because it's still a Vegas property and it has a history. That’s apparently all you need for me to show you some love, even if your ownership doesn’t do it. News 360VV15 update

Random Vegas The original monorail was only a joint venture between MGM Grand and Bally’s.  It opened in June of 1995.  In the early 2000 it expanded to become the Las Vegas Monorail (vintagelasvegas.com)   TwitPic of the week It isn’t anything historic except that it was the first incarnation of the Caesars Palace sign, shared by @summacorp.  You can tell because it only uses 3 of the 4 pillars on the sign. Future versions added more sign boards and eventually grew to encompass 6 pillars of signage. It was never the tallest or the grandest, it’s just a great POV of a magnificent sign that captured my imagination. News 360VV15 Update Virgin Strike Tallest hotel proposed

Random Vegas This week in 1974 the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast specials began airing on NBC.  All (except the 1st) were taped in the Ziegfred Room at the original MGM Grand.  It went on hiatus from 80-83 after the hotel fire. The last was taped in late 1984 (@_GrandpaD) TwitPic of the week It’s beyond sad to see the Dunes turret marquee in pieces, as shared by @Vegas_visual. A marquee among marquees. A game changer. Its destruction was a giant wake-up call to all who loved the city, it will continue to grow and evolve at any and all expense. Nothing will stop this city from evolving into whatever it needs to be to continue to be one of the most popular tourist destination in the world. So we have to be grateful for what we have and enjoy it while we have it, or risk getting your heart broken. News 360 Book Update When We Were Young 2025 A’s Stadium Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace Caesars Sales

Random Vegas For a time, Las Vegas had the three tallest neon signs in the world as the Dunes sign rose to 180 feet, the Frontier’s sign rose to 184 and Stardust’s most iconic sign rose to 188 feet to be the tallest sign in the world for the decade to follow (Spectacular – A History of Las Vegas Neon) TwitPic of the week Oh come on Harrah’s, how is that riverboat casino not like a 1,000 x better than the homogenized casino you have now.  In this week’s picture by @las_when, we not only get to enjoy the riverboat again but its neighbor Imperial Palace.  Then just for fun take a look to the right at all that undeveloped real estate in between Excalibur and Caesars. You can tell this picture is from the mid 90s because they are working on the land that will become the Fountains of Bellagio. The savvy viewer will spot Aladdin across the street from all that land.  This POV is from Treasure Island, the same view that helped us fall in love with the city for the first time in 2006. News 360 Book Update

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/360vegas/360-vegas-presents-vegas?ref=project_build We wrote a book and now we need your help to get it published. Contribute to our kickstarter and receive various rewards for doing so. A link can be found on the blog and via social media. If you can’t find it, just let us know and we’ll get it for you. Thanks for your support.

Random Vegas  The largest free standing LED sign in the world is Aria’s marquee at 260 feet high and 65 feet wide  TwitPic of the week  Only in Vegas can a building grow. For example, look no further than Caesars Palace. This is a property that opened as a 700-room resort and today has almost 4,000. More than that, its multiple expansions took over an entire city block.  Say what you will about the interior layout this property is sexy as hell, especially shared via @maverickheli's unique POV. I’m not sure which I prefer, the original with the Sarno blocks and teal backlighting or the more authentic Greco roman esthetic. Either way, she’s a looker.  News 360 Kickstarter Bed Bug Scars Sick New World 2025 LIV Las Vegas Closing Bally’s Tropicana Plans

September 2024

Random Vegas  The temperature in Las Vegas reached 100 degrees six times in Oct 2024.  Between 1937 and 2023, It hit 100 degrees in October a TOTAL of 6 times. (LasVegasLocally)  TwitPic of the week  A unique perspective of a unique lady in Vegas history. The Tropicana was called “the Tiffany of the strip”.  The nickname is said to come from the property’s shape as a necklace. That POV was captured with week by @_GrandpaD. We are honored that we got to be there for her demise. She will forever have a special place in my heart as a result.  The saddest part of this story is that Tropicana was profitable before it closed, just like another icon many feel was gone before its time, Stardust. News G2E 2024 Slot Vultures Halloween In Vegas

Random Vegas Most people know the story about Sands boss Carl Cohen knocking two of Frank Sinatra’s teeth out after one of his legendary temper tantrums.  But did you know that a similar situation happened at Caesars Palace?  Sinatra wanted credit to play $16k a hand at baccarat but the casino limit was $2k and he was already being allowed to play at $8k a hand.  When he was told no, Frank of course got angry and made a scene that included some threats.  In response, the hotel’s executive vice president pulled a gun on Sinatra.  He was later booked for assault with a deadly weapon but charges were later dismissed.  That man’s name was Sandford Waterman.  Sinatra didn’t finish the rest of his engagement at the property but eventually returned and apologized. TwitPic of the week Thank you 1968 for existing and for the photographer that captured this view, shared by@Summacorp, of the Stardust marquee in all her massive glory. This sign is one of the most iconic in Vegas history and thankfully was saved by the Neon Museum. Here’s to hoping they reignite her in 2027 when the museum will relocate to the Arts district. News Venetian Tier Match Vegas 101 Coldplay in Vegas

Random Vegas Clark County paid $4k for the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign in 1959.  In 2008 they paid $400k to build the first 12 parking spaces. (@Vegas_Visual) TwitPic of the week It may not be as glorious as the original, but Fremont St is still stunning as shown by @FSELV.  Even the Fremont St Experience canopy stretching 4 city blocks is beautiful in its own way.  Arial views of Vegas give us a change to appreciate the collection of awesome we get to experience as humans.  I’m so grateful for the ordinance that requires neon to be preserved downtown. News Review Journalism Caramella Celebrity Gambling

Random Vegas Over $40,000 per year is collected and donated to charity from coins tossed into the Venetian canals and fountains (VitalVegas) TwitPic of the week This week’s winner by @Bluestorm2000 perfectly sums up the appeal of Vegas, sometimes things just line up and despite the odds and the house edge, sometimes you just win.  That’s why we gamble, for those moments.  Here we have a picture of Bellagio with the sun acting as a solar crown to the peak of the building.  What else can you say about this building that hasn’t already been said.  Nothing I can think of this week. News Top Rated Hotel Casinos

Surly dragon, sexy showgirl, and cute puppies. If I told you the best magic show in Vegas right now is starring a short, unkempt, surly Englishman in a poorly-fitting sequined dragon costume, you would probably question my opinion.  But Piff the Magic Dragon is hands-down the most entertaining magic show I’ve seen in Vegas, and that includes all the celeb-magicians.Caesars Entertainment snatched up a contract with Piff in 2015 after he appeared on America’s Got Talent. He was no stranger to Vegas, having worked in the Cosmopolitan’s Rose.Rabbit.Lie and Spiegelworlds’s Vegas Nocturne in 2014. He also toured as a supporting act for Mumford & Sons during their 2012 tour and is on their album cover for “Babel.”I first saw Piff in 2020, shortly after he was moved from the tiny Bugsy’s Cabaret (the same place you can currently see Wayne Newton and X-Burlesque) to the 700 seat Flamingo Showroom due to social distancing requirements. Mrs. Jaydubs describes Piff as “that surly uncle who comes to the party, and you don’t want your kids around him because you don’t know what he’s going to say. But he tells the best stories.” This is pretty accurate. I brought the whole family to see him during spring break and tried not to mentally cringe as he dropped S-bombs during the show, but 1) they’re already hearing it at school and 2) they were so captivated by Piff’s bombastic magnetism that much of it flew past them without registering. Plus: Mr. Piffles. Piff’s chihuahua in a little dragon costume is definitely a gimmick, but Mr. Piffles is so adorable that the gimmick is forgiven. When we last saw Piff, Mr. Piffles was so tired that he fell asleep onstage during his bit. I fear the tiny pup is not long for this world.Piff’s greatest strength is his mis-direction. His biggest trick starts at the beginning of the show, but he doesn’t bring it home until the end. He slowly revisits the trick, building on it and adding layers of complexity. You start to wonder where he’s going with all this seemingly random stuff until it all comes together at the end in a very impressive way. If you've ever wanted to see a dog in a dragon costume driving a car,have I got a show for you... Part of Piff’s schtick is his surly, rude demeanor. And it’s mostly schtick, as he is a super nice guy. He heads out into the Flamingo gaming floor after the show to take pictures with any and all audience members. If you want to get a taste of his act, check out his full special “Reptile Dysfunction” which is free on YouTube. But don’t watch it all until you’ve seen him live so you don’t spoil any of his tricks. Then come back and watch the whole thing after you’ve seen him live and watch the whole thing, because it’s fucking hilarious.Piff is my answer for the best magic show in Las Vegas right now. He may not have the best tricks - I don’t really know enough about magic to say what the best tricks are - but he is by far the most entertained I’ve ever been at a magic show in Vegas, and he’s the only magician I’ve gone back to see more than once. Piff works well in the Flamingo Showroom Audience fuckery factor: So there’s definitely some audience participation in this show. Frankly, I haven’t seen a magic show that didn’t have volunteers or some type of audience involvement. There’s several instances in which Piff asks for volunteers for the audience, but none that I can recall in which people were chosen at random.The showroom itself is gorgeous and reminds me of old Vegas. Seating is comfortable and available at a variety of price points. Seat styles range from “chairs in a row” to table and booth seating. There is drink service during the show, but Mrs. Jaydubs got terribly sick from one of their specialty cocktails, so maybe best to stick with bottles and cans.Shows are currently nightly at 7, dark on Fridays. Tickets start at around $50.

Random Vegas If you’re dealt a winning hand in video poker and accidentally fail to hold some or all of the cards before hitting “deal/draw”, some casinos, upon request, can review the last hand played and pay you what you would have one. (@VitalVegas) TwitPic of the week It’s the best view I’ve ever seen of the mistake in the desert, shared by @VitalVegas.  The giant MGM lion entrance formerly on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana.  It still seems like a silly superstition that designers should have known about.  Apparently, Asians consider it bad luck to walk under the mouth of a lion or some variation on that theme.  So, they avoided entering the property via this entrance.  In response, MGM decided to tear it down just 3 years after opening.  It’s one of the largest architectural missteps in Vegas history. News Hughes/Silver Slipper Myth Riviera Plans U2 UV Las Vegas Ad

Random Vegas Another reason the Strip began to outpace Fremont St was theming.  By the 50s the western motif was outdated and abandon by new properties opening on the strip.  This is why a more sophisticated client was attracted to the area. While on Fremont, the western motif was alive, well and expanding.  (Spectacular – A History of Las Vegas Neon) TwitPic of the week History in the making, literally.  This week’s winner goes to @FSELV for a picture of the Fremont St Experience canopy under construction.  We lament on this show the loss of the black sky to frame Fremont Neon but respect what the Fremont St Experience did to draw people back downtown.  It is in that spirit that we celebrate this photo. News 360 Vegas Live Boring Co Update

Random Vegas The Sphere has been averaging over $1 million in ticket sales per day.  It generated nearly half a billion dollars in revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30th. (LasVegasLocally) TwitPic of the week Talk about things changing but staying the same.  This perspective shows us the strip south of the curve in Las Vegas Blvd. Featured prominently is the Mirage marquee.  Then, because it’s 1994 and Caesars Palace is set back from the strip, and the Dunes site is being prepared for Bellagio construction, we get to see all the way down to Excalibur and the brand-new Luxor.  Across the street we see Harrah’s while it’s still a riverboat called Holiday Casino, then we see LINQ still themed as Imperial Palace.  Hilton still owns Flamingo, Bally’s still uses MGM Grand’s original marquee, and the original Aladdin still exists.  Speaking of MGM Grand, in the distance we can see the new MGM Grand and the recently deceased Tropicana.  Thanks as always to @Summacorp for sharing this pic. News Paris Celebrates 25 Vegas Heat 7 Classic Vegas Experiences Lost Michelin Guide Vegas Top 5 Lists Shows - Josh ·       Best Topless show: Fantasy ·       Best Comedy Show: Carrot Top ·       Best Magic Show: Piff the Magic Dragon ·       Best Cirque-esque production show: "O" ·       Best All-Around Show: Absinthe Books - Mark ·       Grandissimo – David G Swartz ·       At the Sands – David G Swartz ·       Winner Take All – Christina Binkley ·       Like an Onion: The Vegas Skim – Wayne Clingman & Roger Gallizzi ·       The Gambler: Kirk Kerkorian – William C Rempel Restaurants - Keren ·       Bazaar Meat @Sahara ·       Oscar’s Steakhouse @Plaza ·       EDO ·       Lotus of Siam ·       Peppermill Cocktails - Tony ·       The Sinatra Smash - Off menu at Overlook Bar at Wynn Las Vegas ·       The Rum Old Fashioned at Carbone at Aria ·       The Desert Sunset - Off menu at Legacy Club at Circa Las Vegas ·       Serpico at Giada's at The Cromwell ·       The Verbena Cocktail at Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan.

Random Vegas  Super successful restaurants make $20-25 million a year.  STK at Cosmopolitan makes almost $50 million a year and Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace generates more than $60 million a year. (Vital Vegas)  TwitPic of the week  Dunes, Caesars Palace, Flamingo and Aladdin.  Those that still remain look radically different from how they looked in 1980.  This photo shared by @summacorp shows just how cluttered things used to be on the strip before the Mirage boom started buying up all available land to make super casinos.  Today, this same perspective would show off Mekka Walgreens, Planet Hollywood, Paris, Horseshoe and Flamingo as well as Caesars and Bellagio.  News E-500 Swingers F1

What is it with Cirque du Soleil and Vegas? Ever since Steve Wynn invited Mystere to set up shop at Treasure Island in 1993, the French-Canadian circus brand that has made absurdity its trademark has become an inextricable part of Vegas entertainment. As of this writing, there are 5 Cirque du Soleil shows that call Vegas home (6, if you count the Cirque-owned, but not Cirque-developed, Blue Man Group) and there have been a total of 11 Cirque shows that have had permanent runs in Las Vegas. Some of them had shorter runs than others...   Come aboard, we're expecting you... Kà was the fourth Cirque du Soleil show developed for the Las Vegas market, and it has the distinction of being the first Cirque show to tell a cohesive narrative. If you’ve never seen a Cirque du Soleil show: most Cirque shows have a theme but not a narrative. Mad Apple is themed after New York City.  “O” is themed after water. I’ve read that Mystere is themed after “the origins of human life and our connection with the universe,” so you know, someone smoked a lot of weed.The story is fairly simple, but I do think people need to know the basics of it before they see the show. Compared to the current iteration of Awakening (which now practically serves up the entire story to the audience on a silver platter) Kà’s narrative works best if you know the story notes going in. A twin brother and sister are part of a tribe that gets attacked by bad guys. The twins are separated and most find their way back together and also save their people.  Each twin kind of goes through their own rite of passage on their journey before they are reunited and save their people. The massive sandcliff deck. Let’s talk about the tech behind Kà. Kà is an absolute technological marvel. It doesn’t have a proper stage floor, it just has an open pit that is full of various nets and airbags for the performers. Instead, there are two moving stages that are so massive and heavy that Cirque had to go outside of the theater industry and turned to Timberland Equipment, a company that normally builds mining equipment, to build their moving support structures. In one scene, one of the moving platforms is covered with 350 cubic feet of “granular cork” imported from Portugal to simulate sand on a beach. At one point in the show, the larger sandcliff deck has these pegs that stick out of it. As they are supposed to look like arrows shot onto the surface, they pop out of the deck very fast. But the performers have to climb using these pegs, so there are dual safety features incorporated into the pegs. First, they won’t shoot out if anything is blocking them, and second, they won’t go back in if there’s any kind of weight on them.  I could go on and on. Kà has won awards for its technical achievements in theater. I even read somewhere that it was the most expensive theatrical production ever made, but I couldn’t corroborate that anywhere. This machine makes french fries 3 different ways! Of course, all the technology in the world doesn’t necessarily give you an entertaining experience (Take notes, Avatar: The Way of Water). I’m happy to report that Kà is indeed an extremely entertaining experience, and one of the Cirque shows that I have enjoyed the most. I’m always looking for a narrative, so the fact that this show has one helps that enjoyment immensely. That being said, I recommend buying a program or at least reading through the show’s wikipedia page so that you can get a basic understanding of the story beats and recognize what’s happening.Like any well-told story, the show does a good job of varying the pace. There are intense action sequences and there are peaceful pas de deux. You have, of course, your typical array of Cirque acrobatics, some of which even takes place in the wings on either side of the stage. I recommend you arrive for your seats about 20 minutes early, as there is some pre-show action to enjoy. I really enjoyed the final battle, in which the sandcliff deck is po

Random Vegas  Frederick W. Smith, the founder and CEO of FedEx saved his company by gambling in Las Vegas.  When FedEx had a hard time paying their $24,000 fuel bill, Smith took the company’s last $5,000 to gamble and managed to win $27,000 on blackjack and kept the business afloat.  TwitPic of the week  The year is 1985 and featured in this picture is the Dunes in all her glory including the satellite casino named the Oasis.  Beyond being a snapshot in time of a property I adore, shared by @Summacorp what captivates my imagination is virtually all this landscape has been almost completely reimagined over the next 20 years.  We all know Bellagio is in the place Dunes used to be but other than the Jocky Club, everything is different.  The entire southwest of the real estate.  It’s missing Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, all of CityCenter, Park MGM, NYNY, Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay.  Ironically almost everything around it is the same, although updated like Barbary is now Cromwell and Flamingo is no longer a Hilton.   News Rod Stewart Residency Red Rock Stabbing ZorkFest 2024 Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Bar

Random Vegas  Open containers are legal if you are using a limo or party bus.  Not legal in a rideshare or taxi. (Las Vegas Trivia Tidbits Book)  TwitPic of the week  It’s something we take for granted for in Vegas, not knowing what time of day or night it is.  But viewing an atomic explosion has got to be an experience like no other.  Here we see downtown Las Vegas in the midst of just such an occasion, shared by @Summacorp.  Even in this picture the magnitude of these explosions is palatable.  The light in the distances somehow makes the casinos in the foreground look like they belong to a model playset in comparison to the expanse of light.  Amazing that you can describe something so destructive as beautiful.  News Caesars Sells WSOP Venetian Happy Hours

Random Vegas  Hilton, at one time, had the tallest sign in Vegas at 362 feet tall, taller than the Landmark Hotel itself and only a few feet shy of the Hilton itself.  On July 18, 1994, it was blown down by 70-80 mph high winds.  Fortunately, no one was injured.  The sign was rebuilt in 1997 but not nearly as tall at only 279 feet tall. This is the sign Westgate has to this day. @summacorp  TwitPic of the week  Do you realize how much Vegas history is in this one shot shared by @Summacorp?  We’ll start with Circus Circus since it’s the easiest to orient yourself with.  Here you can see her 5 fountains and carousel marquee as well.  Next door you have Travel-lodge to the left, still there today, and Westward Ho on the right, not with us anymore. Across the street you have the Thunderbird, Algiers and Riviera. Today its Fontainebleau and a parking lot for the LVCVA. Beyond that we can see the International, the Convention Center and the Landmark.  Today the International is the Westgate and the convention center is now so much bigger that it repurposed the Landmark parking lot into an extension of the convention center.    News Downtown Grand For Sale 360 Vegas Vacation 15  Bellagio Expansion

Random Vegas  There were 137 employees that worked all 34 years and 8 months at the Mirage.  All current employees get $2k per year worked and first dibs on Hard Rock jobs in 2027 (@Vegas_Visual)  TwitPic of the week  It’s the best picture I’ve ever seen that really shows off the scope and grandeur of a live performance at the Sphere, shared by @meltzvegas.  The 18k images dwarf the performers while enhancing the music. It’s an experience unlike no other and of course its located in Las Vegas. Even if its only to watch the movie I can’t recommend the Sphere experience enough, unless you get motion sickness.  Then stay away from that shit.  News Neon Museum Expansion Hard Rock Las Vegas

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Random Vegas  YESCO replaced more than six miles of neon lighting with RGB LED strips on Mandalay Bay and Delano (Vital Vegas).  TwitPic of the week  I was never a fan of the property, but damn did they have a nice marquee.  The Frontier marquee, born in 1966 and shared by @_GrandPaD with an assist from @summacorp, was designed by Ad Art. It was at one time the tallest super pylon in the world at 184 feet, 4 feet taller than the previous record holder the Dunes.  Originally the “F” at the top of the sign rotated but that functionality was troublesome and eventually abandoned.  Unlike the Dunes I was fortunate enough to have seen her in real life and to be fair, pictures don’t do it justice.  Not like being in its presence.  I’m grateful for that time and for this picture for inspiring not only this monologue but the memories.  360 Vegas Book Mirage-TI Tram closes E-500 YouTube Livestream Cosmopolitan Changes to MGM Neon City Festival

Random Vegas Vegas has the 3 largest video screens in the world. Sphere @Venetian at 580,000 square feet (515 long by 367 width), Resorts World at 161,636 square feet (475 long by 340 width), Viva Vision Screen at the Fremont St Experience at 130,000 square feet (1,500 long by 90 width). TwitPic of the trip Technically this was before360VV14started but according to the rules I’ve made up in my head, it counts. This was a unique point of view of a common visual of the tallest building in Vegas. Fontainebleau, the property that continues to disappoint is showcased here looming over one as they attempt to enjoy the pool. Fortunately it doesn’t cause a shadow but it does hulk over the strip as a cautionary tale. It isn’t as easy as field of dreams. You need to do more than just build it to get people to come. Regardless, its an attractive building as showcased in this week’s picture.   360VV14 Trip Report Sunday, June 23 - 6 pm - Meet & Greet @Furnace @Downtown Grand - 8 pm - Group Gaming @Downtown Grand   Monday, June 24 - 1 pm - Flight Club @Palazzo RSVP$ required ($90 per person for 3 hours, includes the cost to play and all you can drink well booze & domestic beer) -  6 pm - 360 Family Meet and Greet, @Alto @Caesars Palace     - Pennys4Vegas      - Stripwalking     - The Bettor Life     - Vegas Confessions     - VegasNearMe     - Vital Vegas     - You Can Bet On That     Tuesday, June 25 - 8 am - 360 Vegas Exercise Experience w/@RaisingLasVegas RSVP - Noon - Cocktails @Flamingo suite RSVP$ required ($70 per person) - 3 pm - Group Gaming @Flamingo

Random Vegas Ever wonder why they call them tokes instead of tips?  The reason is many years ago dealers tried to convince the IRS that the cash they received from players was not a tip and therefore did not have to be reported as taxable income. The logic behind this dodge was that a tip was defined by the IRS as a payment in return for special treatment. Since it is illegal for a dealer to provide any sort of favor to a player, the dealers argued that the money they were given was a “token of appreciation” for dealing an honest game, and therefore not a reward for special services. The IRS didn’t buy it, but the term “toke” stuck.” (Super Casino)   TwitPic of the week It’s the best picture of the sultan at the Dunes that I’ve ever seen, perfectly lit up a night.  It was a Porte cochere like no other.  Well, it was actually kind of an uneventful Porte cochere but it has a giant sultan on the roof.  And he had a gem that lights up at night in his turban.  This, looking at this, just makes me smile.  The picture was shared by @VitalVegaswith a hat tip to Las Vegas Memories Facebook group. News Vegas is Expensive Poolside Gaming COVID Gaming Changes Casino Smoking

Random Vegas  Justin Timberlake was paid $6 million dollars to perform at Fontainebleau opening night.  That night, he stayed at Wynn. (VitalVegas)  TwitPic of the week  You’ve heard me talk about it before, the Stardust.  Here we got a picture from @_GrandPaD showing off the entire property, including the old Royal Nevada that they rebranded the Stardust Auditorium.  It also shows the properties first hotel tower that existed between the two properties, connecting them together.  Next you can’t help but look at all those motel units behind the Stardust Frontage.  And lastly, you’re reminded this is in the middle of a desert by the Barron wasteland that stretched beyond the resorts reach. All silhouetted with the beautiful mountains.  News Electric Playhouse Fontainebleau expands “The Friends’ Experience“ Tuscany Deal

Random Vegas The five biggest jackpots ever won in Las Vegas history (@VegasIssues) 1.     $39.7 million – Excalibur, Mar 2003 2.     $35 million – Desert Inn, Jan 2000 3.     $27.6 million – Palace Station, Nov 1998 4.     $22.6 million – Bally’s, May 2002 5.     $21.3 million – Caesars Palace, June 1999 TwitPic of the week I don’t know if its common knowledge but Bellagio has a hell of an ass on her.  You don’t think of her as a tri-tower because that frontage is all anyone remembers but she is in fact a tri-tower, showcased spectacularly by @Maverickheli.  I don’t think this aspect of her is as appreciated as it should be.  I know I didn’t until we moved and I made the drive from the west to the strip via Flamingo Road.  She unveils herself as you come over the freeway.  It’s very distracting and elegant and a beautiful addition to our Twitpic of the week collection. News 360VV14 RJ Tip Guide Frontier Site

Random Vegas The largest American flag every flown was displayed over the Hoover Dam on May 1st, 1996.  Each star on the flag was 17 feet high. (@LasVegaslocally) TwitPic of the week My growing affection for this property rivals only Keren’s dislike for it.  The world famous, Caesars Palace, here showcased in 1974 by @summacorp.  Here we can see the properties 3rd hotel tower under construction, the Roman tower expansion.  Something that used to annoy me about Caesars was the piece mail cobbling together of different eras.  Now its what I find charming about it.  How many places can you visit on the strip that are the same structure they were in 66.  It’s remarkable and why I’ve selected to celebrate her evolution with this week’s winner. News J-Lo Vegas Drama Resorts World Money Laundering Icahn Returns Golden Nugget No Resort Fee Rio Drone Show

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Random Vegas It’s been stated that the Mirage changed everything.  Specifically, in the 10 years that followed its opening the city of Las Vegas doubled visitor volume from $17 million to $35 million, room inventory from 61k to 124k, air passengers increased from $16 million to $36 million and gaming revenue from $3 billion of $7.6 billion.  (@OllyLovate) TwitPic of the week Simply put, it’s a picture of the Mirage under construction shared by @summacorp.  Never has a single property so impacted the Las Vegas market.  It’s somewhat comforting that the building will basically remain the same although with virtually all of the public spaces refreshed.  Odds are we won’t recognize the Mirage once Hard Rock is finished with it, which is a good thing.  Possibly the most disappointing thing is that we are losing another iconic name on the strip.  No longer will we love a place with palaces called Dunes, Sands, Stardust or the Mirage. News LVCVA and Aces Mini Disni Flamingo Signage Relit Virgin Labor Issues Gaming Integrity

Random Vegas When the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign was installed in 1959, the population of Las Vegas was about 70,000 people.  Today, 65 years later, that number is 2.3 million (@lasvegaslocally and research) TwitPic of the week It is the way of the world.  The only constant is change and the city of Las Vegas embodies that more than any city in the history of civilization.  The Tropicana is currently being demolished and the Mirage will be rethemed to Hard Rock.  At least we can be grateful that the stain glass ceiling at Tropicana is going to be saved, showcased by @lasvegaslocally.  Here’s a choice for you.  The Mirage Volcano or the Tropicana stain glass ceiling, if you could only save one, which would it be? News Mirage Closing

The Fountains of Bellagio are one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.  You’ve seen them on TV, in movies and even cartoons.  The Fountains transcend pop cultural trends that phase out over a decade or two and instead has become one of the unofficial ambassadors of the city of Las Vegas, as identifiable as the strip itself and the Welcome to Vegas sign.  Sadly, it is the last of the free shows Steve Wynn gave us while he was remaking the strip in his image.  As beloved as it is, we have to prepare ourselves.  Remember, especially in Vegas, everything has a shelf life.  It is inevitable that this too shall pass.   Who knows what the future holds for the Fountains of Bellagio.  One thing we do know is everything in Las Vegas has a shelf life.  How long that will be is indeterminable at this time.  So enjoy that last groundbreaking, free attraction from the mind of Steve Wynn still in operating condition in Las Vegas.  An idea so great that many of Wynn’s other properties around the world also feature smaller versions of the fountains and the concept has been borrowed from all around the world.   For more information about the Fountains of Bellagio, check out the book by the same name

Random Vegas The original trains used on the Las Vegas Monorail were from Walt Disney World.  When they debuted, they simply connected Bally’s to MGM Grand. (@LasVegasLocally) TwitPic of the week The Queen of the Strip, as she was known, basking in the morning glow of a sunrise shared by @_GrandpaD.  The Stardust Super Pylon marquee was remarkable for so many reasons.  The font, the shower of stars and how the pylons were designed to disappear at night.  They were planted blue to do the same thing during the day but that only worked when there was a blue sky behind it…which is like 200+ days of the year.  If you look close this picture also captures the Silver Slipper, Fronter and in the distance, the Mirage. News A’s Financing WrestleMania 41 RoofTop Bars 2020 Do-Over El Cortez Renovations Virgin Shake Up High Roller Excuse

w/ Josh and Tony This week, we are drafting our favorite Vegas Movies.  The game is simple.  Pick your favorite Vegas movies. The trick is we are all drafting from the same pool of movies and a movie is only available to be selected by one person.  This is NOT a list of the best movies set in Vegas nor is it a game to select the most valuable movies.  There is no score, there aren’t winners or losers.  This is just a chance for us to talk about some of our favorite Vegas movies for whatever reason we come up with.

Random Vegas The Fountains of Bellagio are not the first dancing fountains to exist in Las Vegas.  The original debuted in 1955 at the Royal Nevada.  They were simply called the Dancing Water’s and consisted of 4,000 jet streams and lights revolving and swaying in sync with waltz music.  They could accomplish heights has high as 50 foot.  The attraction was universally liked however the Royal Nevada thought they could offer this show instead of headliners.  The property struggled and closed 3 years after it opened. (The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream) TwitPic of the week What’s so great about this picture by @Summacorp is the collection of properties long gone.  Here we see the Landmark tower to the left and the Thunderbird pretty prominently.  What you don’t realize you're looking at is a bungalow at the original El Rancho in the foreground.  You even get a glimpse of the Riviera to the far right.  None of these properties exist today.  In fact, from this perspective, today the only thing you would see would be Fontainebleau.  The rest is a convention center expansion, a parking lot and a concert festival grounds.  I’m grateful for both the original Thunderbird Neon Bird marquee as well as the revised frontage of the property.  This picture isn’t going to dazzle you but it’s a welcome addition to our collection. News Casino Smoking Ban Flight Refunds

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Random Vegas In 1968, Las Vegas could lay claim to the 3 tallest electric signs in the world.  The Dunes at 180, the Frontier at 184 and the Stardust at 188 feet tall    TwitPic of the week How can you not be proud of that collection of properties?  Specifically, it feels like MGM treats @LuxorLV and Excalibur like unwanted commodities.  Which is funny because they bought Mandalay Resorts, one of the most profitable gaming companies in history, with a portfolio that primarily catered to the middle class.  Since then they’ve sold off Circus Circus and threatened redevelopment to both Luxor and Excalibur.  Instead they should feel psyched that in that string of properties, you make up virtually every demographic you want to attract to Las Vegas.  Not to mention, you are in prime real estate to attract ALL those who attend events at Allegiant and the current wave of sports in Vegas.  Here’s some million dollar advice for free MGM.  Leave Luxor and Excalibur alone.  Sure, update and take care of them inside but leave the architecture alone.  You found this company attractive for a reason.  Stop trying to fix it. News Plaza All-Inclusive Offer Brightline Breaks Ground

Okay.  Let’s start by addressing the Elephant in the room.  Las Vegas was racist.  Really, really racist.  Not Alabama bad but Las Vegas was known as the “Mississippi of the west” and I’m certain it wasn’t a compliment.

Random Vegas Nick Mazzolo.  You may not know the name but you certainly know his work.  Nick was cast as a table games dealer in 3 blockbuster titles.  Rain Man in 1988, Casino in 1995 and Vegas Vacation in 1997. TwitPic of the week In a picture that looks like it was taking on the pool deck of the Plaza years before it existed, this picture, shared by @FSELV definitely captures the best the Las Vegas Club ever looked, years before her transformation into a faux baseball stadium on the roof.  All of Fremont strip was sexy as hell during the 60s, before Golden Nugget absorbed the entire city block they occupy today.  Back when the Lucky Club and California Club shared the space.  But you can’t see any of that here so lets just wrap this up by saying here we also have the Golden Gate with its signage looking as dapper as ever, still sporting the Hotel Sal Sagev signage. News LOVE Ends Hard Rock Model Spearmint vs Peppermint Bait and Switch Ellis Island Expansion Nevada Opposes Funding Stadium Oasis Cinema Club

I’ve said this before: if I had a time machine, I know exactly what I’d do with it.  No, I wouldn’t steal a sports almanac or try to get my parents to kiss at the big dance. I’ve already graduated high school, so I wouldn’t use it to pass my history final, either. No, I would head back in time at 88.8 miles per hour to the Copa Room at the Sands in 1960, to see the greatest show one could see for $5.95. Dinner included.Like many of you, I have a decidedly romantic view of “old Vegas.” A time where women were ladies and comps were truly comps. When men wore hats (thanks for nothing, JFK).  And when you could see a legend performing in the lounge. Often for free.I also have a decidedly romantic view of the mid-century crooners. Dean Martin, with a voice dark and syrupy like bourbon, and a total cheeseball when live on stage. Sammy Davis Jr., the most talented of them all, who could sing, dance, and act all his contemporaries under the table. And of course, the man himself: the Chairman of the Board, the one who made loneliness seem cool: Mr. Francis Albert Sinatra. When I want to relax for the evening, it’s an old fashioned in my glass and the Rat Pack on my stereo.Despite peaking in Las Vegas 60 years prior, the Rat Pack is also inextricably intertwined with our Vegas trips today.  The men of The Summit provide the soundtrack to our early evenings. While we shower and dress for an evening on the town, pre-dinner cocktails in our hotel room glasses, Sammy, Frank, and Dino provide the soundtrack. No two days in Vegas are the same; but the Rat Pack is part of the ritual that binds them together for my wife and I. Indeed, the bellman has no sooner closed the door and my wife is asking me to turn on the Bluetooth speaker and put on music. Not just any music; our Vegas music.  The only music that will do.When planning a recent trip, I mentioned to my wife that there was a Rat Pack impressionist show a little off strip. “And why haven’t we seen it yet?” Was her response.  “The Rat Pack is Back” is not a new show to Vegas.   With a history of more than 20 years, the show was previously at several venues in Vegas, including the Rio and the Plaza before finding its current home at the Tuscany, just east of the Strip on Flamingo in 2015.  In fact, if you’ve seen the movie Get Him to the Greek, you’ve seen a little of the Rat Pack is Back show at the Plaza.  Russell Brand’s character musician stops by to see his dad, who is a drummer in the show.I’m not sure what I was expecting when I purchased our tickets to The Rat Pack is Back… Maybe 80 minutes or so of mediocre, karaoke-style covers of my favorite songs? What we experienced ended up being so much more, and it’s a show that we will definitely be returning to see again.The Rat Pack is Back is performed in a small theater at the Tuscany in Las Vegas, in an intimate venue appropriately named “The Copa Room.” It features 3 impressionist performers, of which 2 are great and 1 is just okay.  (Our Dean Martin didn’t really look or sound like Dean Martin. I’m looking into whether he was out for the night, or just plain out.)An especially enjoyable aspect of the show was the live, seven-piece band backing the trio.  I often caught myself watching the piano playing conductor as she guided the band through their various cues. True to their subjects, the band and impersonators often had moments of playful banter between them.The Copa Room at the Tuscany is unfortunately a shadow of its namesake at the Sands, but this didn’t take away from our experience.  A relatively small-for-Vegas room, seating consists of movable “wedding venue” seats, with small cocktail tables between the front VIP tables. Lucky for us, the small size of the room contributes to a more intimate setting.  Seating is assigned by “area” and is first come, first serve. I paid for VIP seating, and we arrived early enough to be granted front row seats on stage right.  One gets the feeling you could slip the host a twen

Random Vegas Tropicana’s nickname was the “Tiffany of the Strip” because it was said to be the shape of a necklace when viewed from an arial perspective. TwitPic of the week This is another property I have an irrational affinity for.  Like the Fontainebleau today, the Landmark was a project that stalled for almost a decade before it was completed.  Unfortunately, she wasn’t finished by someone who had a passion for her and therefore she struggled.  Once it did open it was no longer the tallest building in the city so the cache of that concept was lost.  But still, something about her casino in the sky that just sounds appealing.  Probably why it still exists for high rollers in properties like Encore.  Regardless, I never got to see the Landmark and therefore she will remain idealized to me, like she is in this picture shared by @summacorp, which is probably better than the actual memories I would have made. News LVCVA 2023 Visitor Profile Study New Airport Synagogue & Hotel Neon Museum Tropicana Lighting

The Tropicana was a unique property in the evolution of Las Vegas.  While ownership was consolidated all over the city, it managed to remain independent, relatively speaking.  When older properties on the strip were imploded so new projects could replace them, Tropicana remained and instead was reimagined.  Step inside and it was clear this was not another Super Casino. The property was able to capture the charm of old Vegas while evolving to keep up with modern tastes.  The perpetual David to the corporate Goliaths that dominate the strip landscape, Tropicana stood as a beacon of hope that there will always be options in the market working hard to take care of guests in ways only independent competition can, even if it requires the protection of anti-trust regulations to do so. If your interested in learning more about the Tropicana, check out... Pinterest lvstriphistory.com Vegas Seven - Tropicana New Era Vegas Seven - Tiffany of the Strip Vegas Seven - Stained Glass Ceiling Masterpiece TheMobMuseum Blog Battle Born Pins Vintage Vegas Shirts

Random Vegas Sammy Davis Jr was supposed to be in 3 major movies about Vegas. We all know he was in the original Ocean’s 11 but did you know he was supposed to be cast as Elvis’ sidekick in the movie Viva Las Vegas? But producers thought that much star power would distract from the story so he didn’t get the part. The third was Diamonds are Forever, a movie he actually played himself in but it got cut. It can now be seen as a part of the movie’s deleted scenes. TwitPic of the week What’s special about this picture, shared by@travis758, is what its missing…Treasure Island. Right down in front, still a huge parking lot on the strip. The next glaring omission is the strip as we know it south of Caesars today. Here we still see the Dunes and their massive golf course taking up real estate all the way down to where NYNY is today. It’s 1990 so we see Excalibur sitting down there with Hacienda, Tropicana and Marina all alone because it doesn’t yet have the company of the MGM Grand as we know it today. The Marina won’t transform into the MGM Grand for another 3 years away from being built. Speaking of Caesars, it looks quite diminutive next to the Mirage and the Flamingo expansion across the street. It would be another 8 years before they added the Palace Tower to better keep up with the mega resorts, a project that would inspire the retheming of the property to an architectural style more Greco roman. Lastly, you can see the Sands and Holiday Casino across the street from Mirage, showing just what smaller properties were competing against. News Eagles Sphere Residency Western For Sale Tropicana Update Superbowl Impact

Random Vegas  Vegas has been attempting to go smoke free since the early 90s.  The first casino to ban cigarette smoking was at Silver City Casino in 1991.  Vegas Pic of the week  It was the original mega sign.  Not quite a super pylon but big enough that it was a statement piece.  The champaign tower at Flamingo, shared by @_GrandPaD, stood as a beacon for the property for years while she was a low-rise building.  The cylindrical structure lit up at night with glowing bubbles that cresecendoed into the revolving name of the property at the top.  Sadly it was removed by Kirk Kerkorian who decided to push the property closer to the road to pull in more foot traffic.  It was replaced in 1968 with the iconic super pylon known as the Flamingo plumb signage.  News Where It's At Movie Bugsy The Documentary Best Places to Stay In Vegas Summerlin Studios Kennel Club Suite

Nothing special is probably a very good way to describe the Royal Nevada. Not that it wasn’t nice or well located, it just wasn’t memorable. Think Monte Carlo Vegas and its luxury on a budget theme. Mix that with the opening of 4 new Vegas properties in 1955 and the answer to the question is yes, Vegas was over built.

Random Vegas The office of Sam “Ace” Rothstein and the Tangiers sports book in Martin Scorsese’s Casino was filmed on the site of an unopened casino at the Jockey Club (Vintagelasvegas.com) Vegas Pic of the week This is a photo I didn’t even know existed and it blew my mind when I found it, like I’m sure it’s going to blow yours.  It’s a picture of the Dunes, mid-evolution from a motel to a high rise.  I found it at vintagelasvegas.com.  Here we still see all the original façade with the Diamond of the Dunes behind it under construction.  It wouldn’t be much longer before the sultan was relocated to the golf course, just off the freeway.  That is until he caught fire due to an electrical short or something, I can’t remember.  I’m just psyched that this picture exits and I can share it with all of you.  Also, it’s not lost on me that this picture isn’t breathtaking it’s just a moment in time I’m grateful we have. News Downtown Beer Festival A’s partnering with Neon Museum Hollywood 2.0 Flat Rate Cabs Bally’s Corp Privatization

Premium Content Preview   Benny Binion is a Vegas legend.  Many of the policies and procedures he put in place to run his casinos are standard operating procedure today.  Making everyone feel like they were someone was the key to establishing loyalty and more importantly, return business.  At Binion’s, you knew you were getting a good gamble with a fair shake.   For more information about Benny Binion, check out the following lvstriphistory.com  The Players: The Men Who Made Las Vegas  The First 100  Sharks in the Desert  I Do My Own Damn Killin'  Blood Aces  Pinterest  BattleBorn Pins  Vintage Vegas Shirts

Random Vegas Many of YESCO’s contracts for the signs it manufactured were lease agreements that included service contracts for the life of the lease.  When the lessee eventually removed the sign, the contract stipulated that it be returned to YESCO which either recycled the signs parts or retired the sign to a designated boneyard lot at the outskirts of Las Vegas (Spectacular – A History of Las Vegas Neon) Vegas Pic of the week This week’s winner from VintageLasVegas.com is another snapshot in time of Vegas under development.  Specifically, the Mint and Lucky Casino.  The date is April 18th, 1963 and the Mint tower has broken ground behind the casino at the bottom of the picture.  Right across the street, in between the Golden Nugget and Nevada Club, Lucky Casino is installing their record-breaking marquee frontage that will reach 160 feet tall once complete.  It would only have the crown of tallest sign in the city for a year before the Dune’s 180-foot Super Pylon was built on the strip. News Tropicana Stadium FSE Free Concert Series 360 Vegas Discord ABC store Sign

Random Vegas In the late 1940s, the state of Nevada’s slogan was “If you can’t do it at home, come to Nevada”. (Spectacular – A History of Las Vegas Neon) Twitpic of the week Icons, paired together in a beautiful union.  The Sands cylindrical hotel tower, the classic, original, Sands egg crate marquee with the name Frank Sinatra on it as the headliner in the Copa Room.  For a time, it didn’t get any more iconic than these brands together.  @Summacorp shared a lovely photo of this moment in time, specifically Nov of 1966, just after Caesars Palace opened News Smoke and Mirrors New Vegas

Random Vegas In 2003, Las Vegas tried to buy a commercial slot during the Super Bowl to promote tourism to the city.  The NFL stepped in, citing a contract that allowed it to reject any ad related to sports betting, even though the spot didn’t include any overt references to gambling (Forbes) Twitpic of the week It’s amazing to think that today, this is all Circa.  The Las Vegas Club, Golden Goose, Glitter Gulch and Sassy Sally, shared by @_GrandPaD, gone.  Granted Sassy Sally was Mermaid’s at the time of her demise but that’s beside the point.  The point is look how much things change in Vegas, all the time.  On a side note, this is the best picture I’ve seen showing that Vegas Vickie and Sassy Sally are not the same thing.  The typical POV shot of Sally’s and this area makes it almost look like Vickie is sitting on top of the Sassy Sally sign, hence the misconception that Vickie used to be Sally. News Super Bowl Success Tropicana Stadium F1 2024 Improvements

This is one of those projects that I would have loved to see make it to the strip; and who knows, we may still get it one day.  Yes a space theme has failed before in Las Vegas but come on, it was Bob Stupak behind it.  Just like Luxor before it, I wonder how long those themed attractions will last.  Another problem with a space themed resort is how quickly things can look dated. $5 billion dollars is a crazy price tag for a concept that is clearly targeting the middle class. Only time will tell if this concept comes to market but considering its Vegas, I wouldn’t bet on it.

We recently released the 360 Vegas show review for X-Country, and Mrs Jaydubs complained that we spent half the review talking about Fantasy.  I can’t help it, though. Fantasy is the litmus test by which all other Vegas topless revues will be judged for a long time. Note: I have in the past referred to Fantasy as the Gold Standard of Vegas topless revues, and thought I was very clever for coming up with that. Then I saw the same words on a Fantasy poster on the way into Luxor and realized I was just subconsciously plagiarizing something I’ve seen before.  To quote my father, “When someone steals your idea, it’s plagiarism. When you steal someone else’s idea, it’s inspiration.”  I’ll run with that.       If you aren’t aware, Fantasy is a nightly topless revue show at the Luxor.  The production dates back to 1999, and is the oldest running topless show in Vegas.  It was originally titled “Midnight Fantasy,” and it had a 12 am showtime to match.  In 2001, Luxor dropped the midnight showtime in exchange for an earlier time slot, but didn’t drop the “Midnight” from the title until 2006.  Over its nearly 25 year history, Fantasy has gone through several revisions. I myself have seen it 3 or 4 times, and it is always a solid choice.       The structure is simple: beautiful women take off their clothes for the audience.  There are a variety of acts, and the show switched them out regularly. The content of the show can vary by season  - or even nightly - due to the various performers taking time off.  Your favorite dancer isn’t going to perform in the show 7 days a week, she needs a break! There are numbers that feature single performers, as well as duo and ensemble pieces.  To mix things up, the show also features a couple of acrobatic numbers with an aerialist on the silk web.  Driving the show forward is a female MC who sings a few songs while performers dance.        The performers themselves are absolutely lovely, and I would describe them as ______________.  I should say that Fantasy has a specific aesthetic for its performers, which some may not appreciate.  Probably the best way to describe this would be the classic Playboy look, the cast favors lean blondes, and even the darker-skinned girls are light-skinned, if that makes sense. None of the performers are conventionally unattractive, but if you prefer your eye-candy thick and curvy, you won’t find it here. I had no complaints.     An important note: every topless show I’ve seen in Vegas makes an effort to be welcoming of the ladies and the women in the audience, but probably none do it better than Fantasy.  Any women reluctant to attend with their SO or girlfriends should put that fear aside. You will not be the only woman there and no one will make you feel strange for being there. This is probably one of Fantasy’s biggest selling points for Mrs. Jaydubs and myself.     Fantasy runs nightly at the Atrium theater at the Luxor.  The show shares the venue with Carrot Top, and I can’t help but think that this must lead to some fascinating backstage moments.  The venue is a traditional theater with a very sloped house. What this means is there are no bad seats, and you have a bigger risk of accidentally kicking the person in front of you in the head than not being able to see around them.  The seats themselves are very comfortable, and the theater can accommodate about 350 people.     In terms of the Audience Fuckery Factor, you should avoid the first 5 rows if you don’t want to be singled out for questions or attention, and the first 2 rows if you don’t want to be called on stage.     Fantasy runs every night at 10:30 pm. There is also sometimes an early show at 8:00 pm. Tickets start at $52 on Vegas.com.

Random Vegas Built in 1982, the 2-story building that was the Oasis Casino @Dunes was supposed to be comprised of two components, a casino on the 1st floor and a restaurant on the 2nd floor.  The restaurant never opened and the space remained unused until its destruction in 1993 (vintagelasvegas.com) Twitpic of the week Here is another @summacorp picture that mesmerizes me with all the history going on.  For example, we know that this is 1968 because they are working on the fountains in front of the new Circus Circus casino. You’ll notice that fountain 5 is being deconstructed.  That’s because they are moving the carousel marquee from the left of the fountains to that location on the right; all so they can make room to build Slots-A-Fun. Next door to that is Westward Ho still 3 years away from adding a casino in 1971.  And next to that is the mammoth Stardust 1,000 motel units all lined up neatly like an OCD dream come true.  If you look to the top left you’ll see both the Stardust casino and the 12-story expansion tower from 1964.  And across the street from it all we have the Riviera with her classic marquee. It’s truly remarkable to think about how much land they needed back in the 50s through to the 70s and even 80s in some cases.  Its no wonder why they all sold for the right price. News Sphere Demonstration 360VV14 Strip Frontage Advertising Caesars, Strat and Luxor

Random Vegas After a 4 month remodeling and a rebranding, in 1963, Lucky Casino, formerly known as Lucky strike, reopened with the largest sign in the city of Las Vegas at 160 feet tall.  It held that titled until it was surpassed in 1964 by the Dunes turret marquee towering 180 feet tall.  Lucky Casino is now the middle part of Golden Nugget Fremont St frontage. Twitpic of the week So much development goodness in this picture it’s not hard to see why @summacorp shared it.  Set in what looks like 1993 based on the various projects in various states of progress.  Front and center, we see the massive MGM Grand theme park and Grand Garden Arena under construction.  Beyond that we can see Luxor is also still under construction.  Noticeably missing from the landscape is NYNY and Mandalay Bay.  Here we still see Hacienda occupying the space Mandalay Bay would one day call home. News Tropicana Closing Fontainebleau Problems Flamingo Restoration Fontainebleau Signage

Random Vegas The Caesars Palace marquee has caught on fire twice.  In both cases, Tom Jones was the featured artist on the billboard at the time (vintagelasvegas.com) Twitpic of the week Ever wonder what it looked like when your Grandparents were on vacation in Vegas.  Well, thanks to @_GrandPaD, we can relive that moment poolside at the Stardust in the 1950s.  How do I know it’s the Stardust, you say?  Easy, look at the top of the building.  You can see the unmistakable outline of the original Stardust marquee, at least the back of it.  Something about the idea of my grandparents chasing each other around like I chase my wife gives me an ear-to-ear grin, as it should. News A’s Fumble Sibella Justice Redneck Escape Room  Rio's Marquee Update  Glass Bar @Planet Hollywood  Hard Rock Window Tint