New UsersToday's News
Compiled by LVA Research
• February 7, 2012 Mob Museum Preview:
It's set to debut in a week's time, but for those who can't wait, here's a sneak preview of the new Museum of Law Enforcement and Organized Crime downtown. [Note: This link/download does not work in Internet Explorer, so change your browser to Firefox or equivalent if you want to view it.]
• February 7, 2012 New Downtown Arts Event:
A group of artists is hoping to bring a Burning Man-type festival to the downtown Arts District next month, reports today's R-J, with a replica of the 20-foot wooden Lucky Lady Lucy sculpture that burned last summer scheduled to be set on fire on a vacant downtown lot March 2 -- the next First Friday event. The event will also feature live music and other performances.
• February 7, 2012 Mob Experience Reincarnated: The troubled Las Vegas Mob Experience at the Tropicana has been bought out of bankruptcy by a new owner and will be renamed the Mob Attraction Las Vegas.
• February 7, 2012 Super Bowl Handle Near Record:
Nevada's $93.9 million handle on Sunday's Super Bowl was the second-largest in state history, a record set in 2006 at $94.5 million.
• February 7, 2012 Downtown Entertainment Update:
La Cage has abruptly closed at the Four Queens, which apparently is going to focus its entertainment offerings on concerts, while the Plaza showroom is to host a new production called Avant Garde. Described as a collection of "music, mirth, magic and mayhem, the show debuts Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. and will feature a rotating cast of varied entertainers. Ticket prices start at $34.95 and the show will perform nightly (dark Fridays).
• February 7, 2012 Dancer Column Live:
Bob Dancer's weekly column has been posted, in which he discusses how to pick your promotions by calculating how much each is worth on a dollars-per-hour basis. Insightful and instructional, as always.
• February 7, 2012 Station to Buy Out JPMorgan:
Station Casinos executives Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta plan to buy out investor JPMorgan Chase for $73 million, reports Vegas Inc.
• February 7, 2012 Caesars IPO:
The pricing of Caesars Entertainment's IPO, which was due to take place Monday, was apparently delayed due to a "technical glitch," but banks are now expected to price the offering today, with trading on the Nasdaq expected to start sometime this afternoon.
• February 7, 2012 Madonna Vegas-Bound:
Following her triumphant Super Bowl half-time show last weekend, it's just been announced that Madonna will bring her 2012 world tour to Las Vegas Oct. 13 for a show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tickets will be available starting Monday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. at livenation.com, the MGM Grand Garden box office, and all Ticketmaster outlets.
• February 6, 2012 New Member Rewards Online:
As promised in the February issue of the LVA newsletter, we're finally stepping up our game with the long-promised Member Rewards Online program, following the launch of our new dedicated CouponsinVegas.com site. This week we already have six new deals from six new partners, including The Barrymore at Royal Resort, Public House at Venetian, LBS Burger at Red Rock, Holsteins at Cosmo, Pink's Hot Dogs at Planet Hollywood, and the Las Vegas Monorail, which seldom offers discounts to anyone, so check 'em out and if you're not already an LVA member, what are you waiting for?!
• February 6, 2012 Report Profiles Casino Revenue:
A new report released by The American Gaming Association (AGA) shows that the casino industry is responsible for about one percent of the total U.S. GDP. The report shows a total of 566 casinos in 22 states, representing about $125 billion in spending and supporting almost 820,000 jobs, reports Associated Press.
• February 6, 2012 Another Trop Sale:
The Tropicana has just launched a new 48-hour sale, with up to 30% off rooms and suites. Sale ends Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 9 a.m., so book now!
• February 6, 2012 Pole Dance Contest:
This Thursday, Feb. 9, Babes Cabaret topless club hosts the 2nd annual Miss Pole Champ West at 11 p.m. If you haven't already registered, you can register for $30 from 8-10 p.m. on the night. There's a $500 cash prize for first place, plus gift certificates, and a trip to the national finals, where there's a $1,000 top cash prize up for grabs. The event will be filmed for live airing on pay-per-view. Click here for more information.
• February 6, 2012 New Downtown Lunch Spot:
As of today, the new Mob Bar downtown on Third Street is open for lunch, serving an Italian tapas-style small bites.
• February 6, 2012 Brad Garrett Hiring:
Brad Garrett's Comedy Club, due to open at MGM Grand in April, is hosting an open casting call tomorrow for model servers, bartenders, and barbacks, from 2 to 6 p.m. in Tabu Ultralounge. Please bring resume and recent head shot.
• February 6, 2012 Cupcake Social at Freed's:
Long-time Las Vegas favorite Freed's Bakery (9815 S. Eastern Ave) has launched a "Cupcake Social (Experiment!)", and now through Feb. 12 offering five flavors of cupcakes for $1 each (reg. price $2.95). The promotion is also part of a social-networking experiment: If they reach 100 "shares" of the event on Facebook, they'll also give away the first cupcake free -- no purchase necessary. Click the link for more information.
• February 5, 2012 Super Bowl Line:
The closing line is Patriots -3 with extra vig the on Giants (-120 in most places). The total is 53.
• February 5, 2012 Florida Gambling Delayed:
The bill proposing "destination casinos" in Florida has been withdrawn, effectively stalling (at least) efforts to build up to three megaresorts there. While it's possible that the bill could be resurrected before the end of the legislative session in March, most experts believe it wil be shelved until next year.
• February 5, 2012 America in Action:
While the legal sports books in Nevada are looking for a handle today in the $90 million range, it pales in comparison to the amount of illegal betting on the Super Bowl that will be done across the nation. It's estimated that $8 billion will be wagered illegally, which equates with more than 50% of U.S. adults having a wager of some sort on the game. This includes online bets, illegal bookies, betting squares, office pools, and man-to-man wagering.
• February 5, 2012 Wingtastic Weekend:
More than 1.25 billion wings -- 100 million pounds in weight -- will be consumed this weekend, according to the National Chicken Council’s 2012 Wing Report. If the wings were laid end-to-end they would circle the circumference of the Earth more than twice – a distance that would reach approximately a quarter of the way to the moon.
• February 5, 2012 Super Bowl:
Indianapolis may be the best place to be for the Super Bowl, but Vegas is a close second. The town is jumping, but the books aren't packed yet, so there's still time to get in and stake out a seat. The line is Patriots -3 in most places, though we've seen 2.5s at Wynn, South Point, and the Palms.
• February 4, 2012 95 Closed:
The installation of overhead girders on the Summerlin Parkway connector is forcing a detour along the freeway and the closure of portions of Rainbow Boulevard. Now through 5 a.m. Monday, drivers heading north or south on U.S. 95 will be detoured onto Rainbow Boulevard then back onto U.S. 95 on the other side of Rainbow Curve. The 95 will be narrowed to only two lanes in each direction, with a 15 mph speed limit, and drivers going east on Summerlin Parkway will also be diverted onto Rainbow. Vehicles trying to drive across Rainbow will be diverted through other surface streets and the work will also restrict access to U.S. 95 north from Jones and from Lake Mead to U.S. 95 southbound. For more information, and a detailed map, check out the coverage on the 8NewsNow site.
• February 4, 2012 Diaz/Condit Line:
Nick Diaz is a -215 favorite over Carlos Condit in tonight's UFC main even. Over 3.5 rounds is -175. In the other big matches, Fabricio Werdum is -175 over Roy Nelson and Josh Koscheck is -275 over Mike Pierce.
• February 4, 2012 RIP Studio 54: The iconic New York import, that's been a fixture on the Strip for 14 years, finally closes for good tonight. They're going out with a bang hosted by LL Cool J and DJ Z-Trip. Doors open at 10 p.m. The space will be converted into a daylife/nightlife restaurant and club venue called Hakkasan Las Vegas.
• February 4, 2012 Super Bowl Ticket Prices Decline:
Bloomberg reports that the price of Super Bowl tickets has fallen 15% over the past week. What does a seat at the big game go for? The average price is a cool $3,664.
• February 4, 2012 First '2' Shows:
As the line on the Super Bowl moves slowly downward, the first Patriots -2 has popped up. While most books have held steadu at Pats -3, a few have moved to -2.5, and now Wynn Las Vegas is dealing -2. If the line closes less than 3, it will be only the fourth time it's done so in the 46-game history of the Super Bowl. You can follow the moves for yourself by with our free lines feed at LVASports.com.
• February 4, 2012 Free Liquor for Ladies:
Ladies drink for free tonight from 8-10 p.m. at the new Mob Bar downtown on Third Street.
• February 4, 2012 Boxing Legends in Town:
Meet boxing legends Ken Norton, Leon Spinks, and Ernie Shavers, who'll be signing autographs at the the IBA Cruiserweight Championship at LVH (former Las Vegas Hilton) tonight. Doors at 7 p.m.; tickets start at $25.
• February 3, 2012 Pre-Fight Party:
MMA fighters Urijah "The California Kid" Faber, Chael Sonnen, Mark Munoz, and Chad Mendes host a pre-fight party at eyecandy sound lounge & bar at Mandalay Bay tonight, ahead of tomorrow's Diaz v. Condit contest.
• February 3, 2012 New MRO Posted:
Check out CouponsinVegas.com for the latest Member Rewards Online offer, which is a discount on the 3-Day Pass for Las Vegas Monorail. The Monorail rarely grants any discounts and this is an exclusive for LVA members.
• February 3, 2012 First Friday:
It's that time of the month again, with the monthly and ever-growing downtown arts festival kicking off in less than an hour. Visit the
Coincidentally, today's Business Week carries a profile of Tony Hsieh, the Zappo's CEO who's now a co-owner of the event.
• February 3, 2012 Palms Pool Hiring:
The latest in the flurry of seasonal party-pool casting calls takes place at the Palms today and tomorrow from noon to 7 p.m. inside Rain nightclub. Openings include positions for cocktail servers, assistants, bartenders, apprentice bartenders, VIP hosts, and security and lifeguards. Applicants are encouraged to apply online first at the N9NE Group website.
• February 3, 2012 UFC Octagon in Town:
The UFC's Octagon Nation Tour will stop at the Las Vegas Harley Davidson dealership at Sahara and Eastern today and Saturday, from 4 to 6 p.m. Visitors can test their skills at the HDNet Punch Meter for a chance to win a trip to watch a taping of HDNet's "Inside MMA," reports "Fox5 News." There will also be a chance to check out the UFC gaming station and meet Shane Carwin, Miesha Tate, and Ronda Rousey, who will be signing autographs from 5 to 6 p.m. today.
• February 3, 2012 Possible Redesign for Encore:
Wynn Resorts yesterday reported higher earnings than anticipated for both its Las Vegas and Macau properties, while Steve Wynn hinted at a possible redesign in the works for Encore, which was built under the assumption that there would be new resort-casinos across the street -- something that now seems unlikely any time soon. Vegas Inc. reports that the casino mogul explained that Wynn Las Vegas' sister property was designed for a west-to-east flow from the Plaza Las Vegas and Echelon, which have been scrapped and indefinitely postponed, respectively. "The changes we’re looking at would be exciting and work to our advantage," he said.
• February 3, 2012 Water Park Delayed:
The opening of the new Splash Canyon water park, optimistically scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, has been postponed for a year due to construction delays, reports "Fox5 News." The $20-million attraction will be built on a 35-acre space on the southwest side of town at Fort Apache, between Maule Avenue and Warm Springs Road. Anyone who purchased season passes for 2012 can get a refund or convert to a 2013 season pass for $49.50 (a 50% discount). The company is also recruiting seasonal workers for next year on its website.
• February 3, 2012 New Cocina for Primm:
Primm Valley Resorts continues to woo the Latino market with the upcoming debut of Raymond Ayala's Cocina and Cantina on Feb. 16. To mark the grand opening, patrons are encouraged to start cultivating their best mustache, with a VIP package, including tickets to Ayala's concert on Feb. 19, dinner for two, and a two-night stay going to the winner. The party will take place from 7 to 9 p.m., with complimentary food samples and an appearance by Raymond Ayala. For more information and to register for the contest, click here.
• February 3, 2012 Asian Casino Planned:
Today's R-J reports that a developer plans to turn a vacant lot on W. Sahara Avenue into a 10-story Asian-oriented resort-casino called the Lucky Dragon. The lot, once destined to house a condo tower, is located between the Allure condominium tower and the Golden Steer restaurant. The proposal goes before the Las Vegas City Council on Feb. 15.
• February 3, 2012 Super Bowl Prop Bets:
Props are the subject of today's Question of the Day, and since we wrote the answer, various race and sports books have started posting their props online, so we're adding the links as we find 'em.
• February 3, 2012 Coolio at Rockhouse:
The Robert & Paco Show airs live at 7 p.m. tonight from Rockhouse, with special guest Coolio. The Internet radio show broadcasts on Hook Jaw Net Radio and fans of the hip-hop star are welcome to attend the live broadcast and meet the artist.
• February 3, 2012 Friday Night Fights:
Get warmed up for UFC 143 with Friday Night Fights at Texas Station tonight, presented by ESPN and Warriors. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the first bout's at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $27.
• February 2, 2012 Trop LV Sale Reminder:
The flash sale at the Tropicana ends at 9 p.m. tonight, so you've got less than four hours to take advantage of the 25% discount on rooms and suites. Hurry!
• February 2, 2012 Wedding Chapel Upgrade:
Just in time for Valentine's Day, Imperial Palace has debuted its new Silver Sky Chapel with two renovated venues, the Skyline and the Sierra. Wedding packages range from simple to "Vegas-style," with the option of quirky additions, including "liquid courage" shots, showgirls, celebrity impersonators, and matching couples tattoos.
• February 2, 2012 Caesars IPO:
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Caesars Entertainment announced this morning that it would list in excess of 1.8 million shares of common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CZR, with an initial asking price of between $8 and $10 a share. No timeframe has yet been given for the IPO.
• February 2, 2012 WSOP Adds Bracelets, Tables:
Following the announcement of this year's World Series of Poker dates, comes word that the tournament will add almost 100 extra tables and an additional three bracelets -- bringing the total number of bracelet events to 61 -- this year.
• February 2, 2012 Fezzik on the Radio:
With the Super Bowl looming, handicapping luminary and LVASportsboards moderator Fezzik will be the guest on Seat Williams and Paulie Howard's show on ESPN Radio (1100 AM) today from 1 to 2 p.m.
• February 2, 2012 Flash Sale at the Trop:
Tropicana Las Vegas is holding a 12-hour room sale today, with 25% off all rooms and suites, so book now so you don't miss out. Sale ends 9 p.m. tonight.
• February 2, 2012 Valentine's Day:
If you're looking for ways to woo your honey, check out our Valentine's Day listings in "Special Events" for events, entertainment, and dining ideas.
• February 2, 2012 Heart Health Month: February is Heart Health Month, and various Las Vegas venues are supporting the cause. PBR Rock Bar & Grill at Miracle Mile Shops is teaming with the American Heart Association to host "Go Red for Women" to help spread awareness for Heart Month and National Wear Red Day today, Thursday, Feb. 2. The event, sponsored by Smirnoff Vodka (really? for heart health?) takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. and is free to attend. Supporters wearing red will be treated to a complimentary cocktail and invited to join in the event’s Strip-side group photo.
Meanwhile, both Hard Rock Cafe locations have started a year-long program called "Rock the Cause," featuring a different specific cause to support each month, starting with Heart Health Month in February, marked by the promotion of healthier eating options on their menus, and a blood drive hosted by Carrot Top on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Hard Rock Cafe location on Paradise and Harmon. All donors will receive a free ticket to see Carrot Top live at Luxor.
• February 2, 2012 Las Vegas This Weekend: Get your laughing hat on, because, in addition to the two big sporting events this weekend, Las Vegas is literally awash with comedians:
- Comedian Andrew Dice Clay entertians at the Riviera (2/2-2/3)
- The MGM Grand welcomes Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza (2/2-2/5)
- Daniel Tosh does stand-up at the Mirage (2/3-2/4)
- Comedian Josh Wolf makes 'em laught at the South Point (2/3-2/4)
- The Venetian welcomes comedian Tim Allen (2/3-2/4)
- Joe Rogan warms up for UFC 143, which takes place at Mandalay Bay (2/4), by getting his laugh on at the House of Blues (2/3)
- The Hard Rock welcomes Mötley Crüe in Sin City (2/3-2/19)
- Country superstars George Strait and Martina McBride take the stage at MGM (2/4)
- The Lingerie Football League plays in the Lingerie Bowl IX at the Orleans Arena (2/5)
- And it's the Big Game weekend and there's viewing parties all over town. With food specials, drink specials, giveaways, and more. Check out our full list of Big Game Parties here.
• February 2, 2012 Final Football Update:
With the "Big Game" looming, Anthony Curtis just posted the final Football Update of the season at LVASports.com, with tips on where to watch the game, prop bets, and more.
• February 1, 2012 Hooters Show Adds Extra Day:
As of tonight, Raack n Roll, the topless revue at Hooters, will now perform Wednesdays, as well as Friday through Sunday. Don't forget there's a twofer ticket offer in the 2012 MRB.
• February 1, 2012 Food Truck Fest Tonight:
A reminder that tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. South Point hosts a massive and free-to-attend food truck festival, featuring several of Las Vegas' most popular mobile eateries, plus visiting trucks from out of state (click the link for complete list). One of the visitors will be LA's Border Grill truck, and coincidentally it was today reported by the VegasEater blog that owners Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger have announced that opening a second Las Vegas Strip location, in addition to the existing Border Grill at Mandalay Bay, is a "top priority" for them, although they have not yet hinted at a venue. The existing location here has been in the "Essential 50" restaurants in Eating Las Vegas for the past two years. Watch this space...
• February 1, 2012 Former Rebels Coach Passes: Missouri news media are reporting that former UNLV basketball coach Charlie Spoonhour has died at the age of 72. Spoonhour coached the Runnin' Rebels from 2001 to 2004, when he retired.
Don't forget, today also marks the opening of the Rebel Swag store in Hooters Casino.
• February 1, 2012 Mayweather vs. Cotto:
After all the hype Floyd Mayweather has been generating for a May 5 fight against Manny Pacquiao, the Las Vegas-based boxer has announced that he plans to fight Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on that date, after the Nevada State Athletic Commission today voted unanimously to grant him a one-fight license for the May 5 fight. The license is conditional upon Mayweather meeting the counseling and community service requirements of his plea deal; a status review is scheduled for March 15.
• February 1, 2012 WSOP Dates Announced:
The 43rd annual World Series of Poker, which will once more take place at the Rio, kicks off May 27, running through July 16. The Main Event begins July 7.
• February 1, 2012 Flamingo East Closed:
E. Flamingo Rd. is currently closed all the way from Sandhill to the US 95 off ramp due to a serious traffic accident. (This item posted at 11:00 a.m.)
• February 1, 2012 Trop Too Broke to Dance: According to gossip maestro Robin Leach's Vegas Deluxe blog, plans for the Tropicana to host a "Dancing With the Stars" production show, with a revolving cast of stars, have been scrapped because the project was too expensive. It's just the latest in a string of entertainment hiccups at the newly remodeled resort.
Robin's also reporting that the makeover at the Palms, highlighted in the February issue of the LVA newsletter, will include the transformation of the former spa into a poolside restaurant, and the closure of Rain nightclub for a complete remodel.
• February 1, 2012 Strip Club Closed:
Jaguars gentlemen's club, which reopened under its original name last July after subsequent abortive incarnations as SCORES and Rick's Cabaret, has closed once more. There are other shake-ups in the works in the adult-entertainment scene, with word that one venue will be opening a swingers club upstairs, and lots of management reshuffles afoot. To keep abreast of the current strip-club scene, purchase our electronic guide to Topless Vegas and subscribe to the "Update Package" for a whole year's access to the most current data for every club, topless revue, and European-style pool.
• February 1, 2012 Station Car-a-Day Giveaway:
Station Casinos will give away 200 cars and $400,000 in cash between February 10-29. The "$5 Million Car-A-Day Giveaway" promotion will take place across all 10 Station and Fiesta locations, which will each give away one car per day during the 20-day promo period, with drawings held daily at 8:15 p.m. in each casino. Four $500 cash winners will also be drawn at each location. See the players club for more details.
