One of the most famous rock structures at Valley of Fire is no more. The thin extension of the Natural Arch, known as "the dragon," collapsed last week, apparently from years of weathering and possibly finished off by recent rains and high winds.
Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi has the chip lead with just 21 players remaining in the prestigious Poker Players Championship at the World Series of Poker. Others remaining include John Juanda, Andy Bloch, and Eric Seidel.
At 8 p.m. tonight Episode 2 of Season 6 of The Bachelorette airs on ABC. The episode features a pool party at Aria's new Liquid Beach Club, a gourmet dinner in a luxurious Sky Villa, and a private music performance with British singer Jamie Cullum at Haze nightclub.
An estimated 304,000 visitors are in town for this Memorial Day, an increase of about 4% over last year. Ushering in the unofficial first day of summer will be 2010's hottest day to date, with temperatures expected in the mid-'90s. South Point is awarding 5X slot and 2X video poker points today. El Cortez is giving out free White Castle hamburgers to players from noon to 6 p.m. Get $10 in free-play at Eastside Cannery today for just $398 coin-in (a return rate of 2.5%).
Saturday's $1,000-buy-in no-limit hold 'em event drew 4,345 players. It was a hefty 28% drop for the reduced-fee tourney that attracted 6,012 last year.
The Auld Dubliner Irish pub at The Village Lake Las Vegas celebrates Memorial Day weekend with a festive barbecue and live music from Déjà Vu, a local band that blends rock, disco, and country. Enjoy ribs, chicken, bratwurst, hot dogs, baked beans, watermelon, ice cold beer and specialty drinks will all be on the menu for guests to celebrate the holiday. Thee BBQ's from 5-8 p.m., followed by live music until midnight.
The J.W. Marriott hosts the Summerlin Bridal Show from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with over 200 vendors wedding professionals, and gift cards to the first 200 attendees, plus the chance to win a pair of diamond earrings, a wedding dress, and other giveaways.
There's a casting call for the MTV reality-TV series at Bare Pool Lounge today from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
The World Series of Poker's biggest buy-in event, the $50,000 Player's Championship (formerly H.O.R.S.E.), drew 116 competitors. That's up from last year's 95, but well off the 2008 total of 148. This is a five-day marathon that will conclude on Tuesday.
A federal bankruptcy judge has given initial approval to a plan that will put 11 Station Casinos properties up for auction as a single entity. The opening bid will be $772 million, tendered by a group led by the company's current principals, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta. Not included in the package are Red Rock Resort, Palace, Sunset, and Boulder Stations, and Wild Wild West and an adjoining 110 acres of land. Bids are due by July 30 and the auction will be conducted August 6 in Reno.
The free jazz series at the Clark County Amphitheater continues tonight with Nathan Tanouye & The Las Vegas Jazz Connection at 8 p.m. Picnics, blankets and low back chairs are welcome. Food and drink are available for purchase on site. No pets, please.
The Fremont Street Experience's "Summer of the ’70s Festival" kicks off tonight with Gloria Gaynor singing "I Will Survive" in a free concert on at 9 pm. The 102-day summer music promotion will run through Labor Day weekend, with headliners and tribute bands.
UFC Heavyweight Champion Shane Carwin will host the UFC 114 Rampage v. Evans viewing party inside Lagasse’s Stadium at Palazzo, recounting his favorite UFC moments and sharing his thoughts on UFC 114 and on fighting Brock Lesnar on July 3rd for UFC 116. Fans will have an opportunity to meet Carwin in person for photos and autographs.UFC 114 will be televised live inside Lagasse’s Stadium from 7 pm-10 pm.
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series star Gary Densham leads a parade of 21 Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars to the NHRA Heritage Series/Rockabilly Rod Reunion at Las Vegas Motor Speedway taking place today through Sunday. The Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars will qualify at noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, with eliminations slated for 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.. and 4 p.m. Cars that failed to make the eight-car field will make exhibition runs on Sunday.
Harrington Raceway & Casino became the first venue in Delaware to offer legal table games today, including poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette, available 24/7. Delaware Park and Dover Downs expect to follow suit next month.
The 41st annual World Series of Poker gets underway in earnest today at the Rio with the first tournament, the Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em event. The buy-in's $500, and it's a two-day event. The big tournament of the day, The Poker Player's Championship, begins at 5 p.m. and carries a $50,000 buy-in. Click here for a full schedule of events.
For those interested in the famous bling that comes with a WSOP tournament title, the new bracelets, designed by Steve Soffa, will be unveiled today. For the first time in the history of the WSOP, each bracelet will be personalized with the name of the winner and event details hand-engraved into the back of the faceplate.
Today sees the much anticipated debut of Steve Wynn's new daylife/nightlife complex, comprising Encore Beach Club and Surrender nightclub. The casino impresario gave an extensive interview today with CNBC as the final run-throughs took place, sharing his thoughts on his new venture, trends in Las Vegas entertainment, the economy, the government, and more. Tune in throughout the day as more portions of the interview are posted online.
Following yesterday's news that 20 percent of schoolchildren in Nevada are obese comes an announcement from the White House today that First Lady Michelle Obama will be bringing her "Let's Move" campaign against childhood obesity to Red Rock Canyon on Tuesday. The event will apparently involve local children, but no further details have been made available at this time.
Our Summer Reading Bundle, which includes John L. Smith's must-read biography of Bob Stupak (cover price $21.95) is available through end of business tomorrow only. At just $25, it's a great deal for any Vegas fan, featuring story collections from some of the world's top gamblers and a fun work of fiction. So, get your bundle now while supplies last!
We just learned (via DailyFiasco.com) that Sands Macao will have its own Playboy Club by the end of the year. The 12,000-square-foot lounge and casino will apparently be located on top of the building, just as the Playboy Club at the Palms is. A 30,000-square-foot Playboy Mansion Macau is due to open in the first quarter of 2012.
Traditionally, this weekend used to herald the beginning of pool season, but the Vegas "daylife" scene has already been in full swing for a month or more this year, so it's going to be HUGE! There's also a heady mix of music, comedy, and fighting, so there's no risk of being bored:
The LIVE 107.9: Miller Lite Poolside Concert Series at the Rio tonight features Filter, plus support acts. Doors at 5:30 p.m.; click here to print free tickets.
Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management has issued a dust advisory for this afternoon, going into this evening, due to high winds forecast for the Vegas valley.
Tournament registration opened today at the Rio for the 2010 World Series of Poker, plus cash games and satellites. The first bracelet event is May 28th. Spectators are free and welcome to observe all the action. Click here for a full schedule of events.
The new dining and nightlife venue at Town Square will celebrate its grand opening tonight with the uncorking of a 9-liter bottle of Perrier-Jouët Champagne. Strip performers including Anthony Cools, Nathan Burton, and the cast of Fantasy will all be walking the red carpet at 7 p.m.
XL Airways France today commenced twice-weekly non-stop service from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. The airline will fly the route until Sept. 23 on Thursdays and Sundays.
After a five-month public feud, in which both sides hit out in court with claims and counterclaims, Station Casinos and the Greenspuns today reached a settlement by which both parties will withdraw their court claims and "work together through the reorganization process to attempt to successfully restructure the debt of Green Valley Ranch and Aliante Station," which they co-own. According to an attorney for Station Casinos, GVR currently has a debt of approximately $850 million.
Season 6 of "Mindfreak" is currently being filmed, with opportunities for Criss Angel fans to be a part of the show. The next shoot is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. this Saturday, May 29, at the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West. Everyone's welcome; no cameras or phones, please.
According to an article in today's Las Vegas Review-Journal, a plan is finally in place for the shuttered Lady Luck, which closed its doors for what was to be a one-year hiatus in 2006. Apparently, remodeling and expansion plans have been submitted to city officials, but there's no word yet on a time-frame for the project. Mayor Oscar Goodman, among others, has been vocal in his criticism of the stalled project and the ongoing eyesore of the derelict building. Click the link for more details about the proposed remodel.
We've been receiving cryptic notices about a new show that's due to open this fall at the Las Vegas Hilton. Apparently, dance auditions began yesterday for Triumph, which will be the first production show to use time travel as a theme. We're told the storyline centers around the struggle between two sons who fight for a mystical sword. In addition to signing confidentiality agreements, the dancers will rehearse away from the main showroom so that they are unaware of the show's content until previews start in mid-September. Should make for an interesting opening night. We'll keep you posted as and when more details leak out.
Get ready for pool season with this week's Label Junkie event at Palazzo's LAVO nightclub tonight a Swimwear Fashion Show presented by Maude.
Well, perhaps "frenzy" is a little strong, but Las Vegas is now home to no less than four regular farmers markets. The Las Vegas Farmers Market website has details of their two weekly (Tuesday and Wednesday) markets, plus a new monthly event that takes place every third Saturday.
The former Friday market downtown seems to have been discontinued, but we've just learned of a weekly event on Thursdays that takes place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Batali Bastianich Hospitality Group's off-site storage facility (7485 South Dean Martin Drive, Suite 106 -- a half mile north of Blue Diamond Road on the west side of the street). Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich are the force behind B&B Ristorante, Carnevino, and Enoteca San Marco have extended their own quest to find fresh local produce for their restaurants to bring all the suppliers together in one place where their wares are available to Las Vegas residents, too. Click here for a slideshow of Bet on the Farm.
Tonight sees the grand opening of The Crown Theater, the new concert venue and nightclub at the Rio. There's an open bar from 8-10 p.m. Click the link for the upcoming lineup of live events, which kick off June 19th with a concert by oddball '80s electro band DEVO.
Mayor Oscar Goodman today led journalists on a preview tour of the Las Vegas Museum of Organised Crime and Law Enforcement that's being constructed in a former courthouse/post office downtown, which is set to open sometime early next year. Exhibits will include the actual wall that was the backdrop to the 1929 St Valentine's Day massacre and a covert FBI recording of a mafia induction ceremony and the aim of the museum is to "de-glamorize" Vegas' mob past.
Meanwhile, a rival project, "The Mob Experience," is due to open at the Tropicana later this year. This exhibit, backed by the 74-year-old daughter of Sam "Momo" Giancana, is set to be a much more lighthearted and interactive affair, by the sound of things, with more than 1,000 mob artefacts and the Final Fate finale, in which the visitor gets "made" or "whacked".
If you have any interest in Las Vegas' mafia past, then be sure to check out The Mob section at ShopLVA.com.
Tonight from 7-8 p.m., Sig and Edgar Hansen and their Northwestern crew from Discovery Channel's #1-rated show of all time, "The Deadliest Catch", will be signing autographs at The Palazzo in the Waterfall Atrium. Anyone is free to attend.
The 48th Super Bowl will take place in the new $1.6 billion Meadowlands Stadium that this season will become home to the New York Jets and Giants. It will be the first time the league has gone to a cold weather site that doesn't have a dome. The average temperature range for the Meadowlands area during February is 24 to 40 degrees, with several inches of rain but planners are already thinking up ways to keep the crowds warm and happy.
If you'd like to be in the audience for "Wheel of Fortune," the show is coming to the Venetian this July and a limited number of free seats are available on dates from July 14-July 20. Click here for more information and to apply for tickets.
Tomorrow poker legend Doyle Brunson turns his hand to a different skill when he hosts the third annual Brunson Beer Pong Invitational at Hogs & Heifers downtown. The event, which is sponsored by Doyle Brunson's online poker site DoylesRoom.com, is invite-only, but anyone's welcome to go along to catch the fun.
Landry's Restaurants, owner of the Golden Nugget properties in Las Vegas and Laughlin, has agreed to an offer by chairman and CEO, Tilman Fertitta, to take the company private, according a statement released today by the company. The bid, which Fertitta has increased to $24 a share (up from his offer of $21 per share last month), has still to be approved by shareholders. A Landry's special committee has 45 days to get a better offer.
MGM Mirage has launched five new free iPhone apps, designed to deliver in-depth and interactive content to visitors, including resort applications for Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, and New York-New York that feature unprecedented levels of dynamic content covering all aspects of the properties' amenities and entertainment options. A similar app has also been launched for Beau Rivage in Biloxi and more are underway for other Vegas properties and attractions. Other apps are designed to cover other aspects of the Vegas experience, from interactive maps to booking shows and rooms, setting itineraries, sharing information with friends, receiving targeted deals and offers, delivering fun facts, exploring attractions (like CityCenter's public art collection), and more.
Starting at 7 a.m. tomorrow, the first 10 guests at the NASCAR Cafe at the Sahara can enjoy breakfast for just $1.
Tomorrow area McDonalds will be taking job applications as the company looks to fill nearly 600 part-time positions. The 'McDonalds Hiring Day' event, which comes at a time when 193,000 Nevadans (13.7 per cent) are out of work, will take place at each of the 111 restaurant locations in southern Nevada. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
Minus 5, the "ice lounge" at Mandalay Place, is holding a "105º at Minus 5" contest, in which contestants must email [email protected] with their contact information and their guess on what date Las Vegas will first hit 105 degrees this summer. The winner will receive a prize pack for five, including complimentary VIP entry to Minus 5 Experience, cocktails, dinner for five at Rick Moonen's rm seafood restaurant, and a table with bottle service at MIX Lounge. Must be 21+ to enter.
The Hard Rock, in its new partnership with the Frederick's of Hollywood lingerie brand, is officially introducing the 2010 Rehab Model Search this Memorial Day weekend. Up for grabs is a $20,000 grand prize, a modeling contact, and a special appearance in the 2011 TV ad campaign. For more information visit www.rehablv.com or follow on Twitter at @RehabLV.
On Saturday, June 5th, a special private dining event will take place at a luxurious private residence in Las Vegas, prepared by no less than five James Beard Award-winning chefs, including Shawn McClain (Sage), Claude Le Tohic (Joël Robuchon/L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon), Luciano Pellegrini (Valentino's), Francois Payard (Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro), and Julian Serrano (Picasso). The evening will also feature a special musical performance by members of the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Tickets are $300 each with proceeds from the event benefitting the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the James Beard Foundation. For more information or to make a reservation, call 702/258-5438 ext. 221 or click here.
Mario Lopez hosts Cosmopolitan magazine's third annual Bikini Bash, presented by Nivea, at Planet Hollywood's newly renamed Pleasure Pool today. As many women in bikinis as possible are invited to gather to spell out the word C-O-S-M-O for an aerial photograph that will be featured in the August 2010 issue of the magazine, and an attempt to break the World Record for the most women in bikinis in one place. The event runs from 5-10 p.m.; no cover. There will be poolside spa and salon services and free designer bikinis to the first 1,000 ladies.
Station Casinos has posted an ad on craigslist.com looking for an experienced Web Designer to work across the group's sites. Seeing as Station properties scored three out of the top 10 picks for Worst Casino Web Site in our Reader Poll last year, we're hoping they find a good candidate.
We just learned that Woo, the former pan-Asian restaurant at Palazzo, closed quietly last week. There's no word yet as to what will take its place.
Mega Bingo kicks off 8 am tomorrow at Gold Coast, Suncoast, and Sam's Town. The entry-fee is $345 for the two-day meet with a guaranteed $500,000 in cash and prizes.
Tonight at 8 p.m. LVA favorite Skip Martin will be playing in the lounge at the Palms, featuring classic hits from his Kool & the Gang and Daz Band days. We heard they're filming a promo video at tonight's show, so get down on it if you want to star on the Palms' marquee.
From 5:30 p.m. tonight VooDoo Beach at the Rio is featuring a free Latin concert, with Grupo Yahari & Chon Arauza.
Annie Duke plays in the finals of NBC's National Heads-Up Poker Championship today. The show begins at noon EST.
Impressionist Terry Fator hosts the Animal Foundation's Best in Show today at 1 p.m. at the Orleans. More than 60 stray dogs will be showcased and are ready for adoption.
Today ARIA marks the debut of its exclusive one-table high-limit room, ‘The Ivey Room,’ named for poker phenom Phil Ivey, with a $1 million VIP invitational poker tournament. Emcee'd by Shannon Elizabeth, the field features pros, celebrities, and athletes including Phil Ivey, Johnny Chan, Phil Laak, Jennifer Tilley, Erick Lindgren, Mike Sexton, Carson Palmer, Winky Wright, and others and the ribbon cutting ceremony takes place at 11:45 a.m.
Join Strip headliners Carrot Top, Louie Anderson, Holly Madison, and Joshua Strickland "Bowl for the Fight" against cancer at the Suncoast from noon-3 p.m. today. A $30 ticket gets you two games of bowling, shoes, refreshments, a raffle ticket, and membership to the American Cancer Society.
Enjoy raw, vegan, veggie, holistic, and organic food samples at the Alternative Eating Expo from noon-6 p.m. today at LaQuinta Inn (3970 Paradise). The event features local chefs and vendors and is free to all to attend.
The latest free Featured Thread to be posted at LVASports is about being 86'd from a casino and is a must-read for any advantage player, with contributions from Bob Nersesian, the #1 attorney representing advantage players.
DAO: The Asian Celebration direct from China debuts at the Riviera tonight. Tickets start at $52.
Girls Night Out, the Brit chick musical currently performing at Studio 54, and JABBAWOCKEEZ dance sensation, currently playing at the Hollywood Theater at the same property, have both extended their temporary runs. Girls Night Out has added additional dates through May 30, while JABBAWOCKEEZ has added extra nights June 17 through 23.
Today's USA Today online picks up on MGM Mirage's announcement that it is now offering the websites for its Las Vegas properties in five international languages, including Japanese, Italian, German, French, and Spanish, with Chinese to follow. The move follows the recent Congressional approval of the Travel Promotion Act, which is aimed at boosting international tourism.
The chief executive of Revel Entertainment LLC has announced his intention to bid for Morgan Stanley's stake in the $2 billion resort-casino project in Atlantic City. The Wall Street firm said in an April filing that it would sell its $1.2 billion stake in the project at a "substantial loss."
Revel CEO Kevin DeSanctis said he would likely bring in partners, though he has no one specific on board yet and expects a purchase to be financed largely with debt.
The star of Peepshow will be unveiling her new line of candy jewelry at the Sugar Factory in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood from 5-7 p.m. this evening. She'll be handing out free "Couture Pops," too.
The free summer "Movies on the Lake" series returns to Village Lake Las Vegas beginning Thursday, June 3 at 8 p.m. with Hook (PG). Other upcoming movies in the series, which runs through the end of August, include Sherlock Holmes on June 10, Where the Wild Things Are on June 17, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on June 24, Star Trek on July 1, and The Blind Side on July 8.
Opening Sunday, May 30, Atomic #7 will offer custom, made-to-order ice creams, milkshakes, hot puddings, and smoothies that are fully customizable and can be created to be organic, vegan, or gluten- or lactose-free. Treats are served in Vegan-friendly and gluten-free homemade waffle cones or bowls or in an eco-friendly dessert cup. Atomic #7 is located at 605 Mall Ring Circle #110, Henderson, Nev. 89014 in the Galleria Mall shopping center.
It looks like things are really hotting up for summer, with one of the bigger weekend line-ups we've seen in awhile, even by Vegas standards, including lots of family-friendly fun. Temperature-wise, it's due to cool down to the mid-70s, which is fine, but be prepared for strong winds tomorrow, continuing into Saturday.
Music/Comedy:
With an emphasis on dining bargains, Anthony Curtis' weekly Las Vegas digest just went live; you can read the latest news at LVA in the Media.
Las Vegas City Council today approved the leasing of a shuttered building opposite the El Cortez to a group that plans to convert the property into a nightlife complex. The city-owned building at Fremont and Sixth streets, which has long been empty, is located within the East Fremont entertainment district and 601 Fremont, LLC. plans to put a restaurant and nightclub into the first floor, with retail and possibly condos on the second and third levels.
Following fast on the heels of word that his restaurant in CatHouse at the Luxor is closed comes news of a new Vegas venture for "celebrity" chef Kerry Simon. The latest in current trend for "gourmet" burger joints, KGB Burger Bar will apprarently open at Harrah's on the Strip in time for Independence Day weekend.
Did you know that this is officially American Craft Beer Week? It's a holiday that was officially sanctioned by Congress in 2006. Here's a link to our listings of all the microbreweries and the best of Las Vegas' pubs and here's a unique Beer Map of Vegas, being compiled by two LVA members, that we figured all you brewheads out there would dig.
Many thanks to everyone who's taking part in the current poll on your favorite types of food. We're getting a huge response, including a lot of email feedback from people voting for "Other" who want to choose "Buffets"; however, we deliberately didn't include buffets as an option, since this poll is about food genres -- primarily ethnic varieties -- and a buffet is a smorgasbord that includes Chinese, Mexican, American etc. So, if you generally gravitate to the Mexican and Chinese stations at the buffet, pick "Mexican" and "Chinese" from the food-style options. Other people are opting for "comfort food" as an "Other" choice; we intend the "American" option to cover the likes of typical bar food, chili, BBQ, roasts, pot pies, and the like.
It's been an interesting week for long-time rivals Steve Wynn and Donald Trump, who seem to be pretty cozy these days. Last Sunday, Wynn had a front row seat at the Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood as a guest of the Donald, with whom he reportedly dined several times over the weekend. Meanwhile, today's LV Sun carries a bizarre story about how the Wynn accidentally overbooked this weekend to the tune of several hundred guests who, if willing, are apparently being given shelter across the street at Trump International.
The two casino moguls have shared numerous colorful exchanges over the years, but it seems the passage of time has mellowed them. Trump told gossip columnist Robin Leach last weekend, "We love Steve. I've always loved him," while we found a great quote from Wynn on Trump from a rare interview he gave to "Nightline" on the eve of his rival's arrival in Vegas, which we figured we'd share: "Of all the things in the world that you can ignore it is what Donald Trump and I say about each other – you could certainly forget that. That is the sound of fury signifying nothing. He's a colorful, one-off personality. I think everyone in America would agree that there's no one like Donald Trump that we've ever seen before. It's doubtful that we'll ever see it again. He's bigger than life ... One thing about the Trumpster he brings excitement, a lot of fanfare and ballyhoo. If you can't do that in Las Vegas, where in the hell can you do it? So, welcome to town Donald. It's nice to have you here. Stir up as much of a hornets nest as you can." Well said, Steve.
For the sixteenth consecutive year, Las Vegas is the top trade show destination in North America, hosting 45 of the 200 biggest shows in 2009 (twice as many as contending cities).
As reported in today's Las Vegas Sun, Riviera Holdings Corp. today announced a $4.5 million first-quarter loss, compared to a $1 million loss for the same period last year. Net revenue of $30.8 million was down from $34.7 million in the year-ago quarter and the company confirmed that it continues to be in default on debt obligations and will likely file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy if ongoing negotiations with lenders to refinance or restructure are unsuccessful.
On Saturday, May 29, the Zero Gravity G-FORCE ONE will take off from McCarran International Airport once more, offering passengers a unique opportunity to experience complete weightlessness. Flights last approximately two hours and deliver 15 separate weightless experiences, each lasting about 30 seconds. It's not cheap: Seats are $4,950 per person, plus tax. For more information or to make a reservation, call 888/664-7284 or visit GoZeroG.com.
This Wednesday, May 26, MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris will host auditions for dancers -- a rare occurrence (most of the cast come direct from the original show in Paris). Candidates must be pre-selected to attend the auditions by sending resumes and photos to [email protected] no later than Monday, May 24 and the following criteria must be met to be considered:
The current LVA Reader Poll about your favorite Las Vegas celebration ends at midnight tonight. Get your votes in and let us know why you picked what you did. A new poll goes live tomorrow!
Legendary blues man B.B. King will headline at his namesake club at The Mirage for two nights on Thursday, Aug. 5 and Friday, Aug. 6. Tickets start at $100 and are on sale now at B.B. King's Blues Club by calling 702/242-KING (5464).
MGM Mirage is counter-suing Perini Building Co., claiming the contractor owes hundreds of millions of dollars for defective work at CityCenter and also mishandled billing that has left many subcontractors unpaid. The casino giant says it has begun paying subcontractors that should have been paid by Perini. The contractor filed suit earlier this year, claiming that a half-billion dollars is still owed on the project and that MGM Mirage is using the construction problems at the still unfinished Harmon property as an excuse not to discharge the remainder of its financial obligations. We'll keep you posted.
The Palms continues to ramp up its pool scene, which already is home to almost daily/nightly parties, with the announcement of a new concert series. The Cruzan Campfire Concert Series, sponsored by Cruzan Rum, kicks off Thursday, June 17 with a poolside performance by the Spin Doctors at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $30 and go on sale this Friday at noon.
We're in the process of conducting our monthly survey of all the shows in town for changes in times, prices, etc. and just learned that Gordie Brown's show at the Golden Nugget has decreased ticket prices as of yesterday. Tickets are now $34.45/$45.15/$50.95/$61.63/$72.95 instead of $50.90/$61.90/$72.90/$91.90/$116.90. This is a huge decrease! For the full-round up of all buffet and show updates, check out the June issue of the LVA newsletter.
Yes, for real, Paris' Pompidou Center is currently hosting an exhibit called "Dreamlands," which is a study of "relationship to the world and time, to geography and history, to art and artifice, in the age of mass culture and mass leisure" and features heavily images of the architecture and theming of the Las Vegas Strip. Click here for more information.
As he hinted might happen, funnyman Larry G Jones is moving his Singing Impressionist show to the Strip next month. Currently housed at the Royal Resort, the production opens at the Harmon Theater June 8, where it will perform nightly (dark Sunday and Thursday). Tickets start at $47.97 and don't forget there's a 2-for-1 offer in the 2010 MRB.
Rick Tabish, the man who was convicted and later acquitted with ex-girlfriend Sandra Murphy of killing casino executive Ted Binion, has today been released on parole, under the terms of which the 45-year-old will be required to live with his parents in Missoula, Mont. For more on this story, check out Quicksilver.
The Business section of today's New York Times contains a feature on the Las Vegas housing market and how some buyers are still finding investment opportunities in new developments. Click the link for the currentLas Vegas Top 10 Real Estate Values from LVA affiliate Robin Camacho and sign up to follow her on Twitter at @Top10RealEstate for breaking news and trends and prices.
Yesterday afternoon Pinnacle Entertainment's troubled St Louis casino was forced to close for the second time this year due to the rising floodwaters of the Mississippi, which swamped entrance ramps Sunday. The President Casino will reopen when the river waters recede from the facility’s entranceand debris can be cleared, but that's unlikely to be anytime soon, since the waters are still rising and the river's expected to rise to 34.7 feet at St. Louis by Wednesday morning.
Pinnacle plans to close the President Casino for good by July 1.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has secured a marketing and media deal with lingerie store Frederick's of Hollywood, which will apparently include merchandise presence throughout the resort's retail outlets and brand collaboration on product integration, social networks, and co-branded events. "With a similar customer demographic and attitude, we have the opportunity to more effectively reach our targeted customer," stated a spokesman for Frederick's.
Yet another sports/entertainment arena has been proposed for Las Vegas, this one right on the Strip on the vacant 27-acre parcel where Wet 'n' Wild used to be. The 20,000-seat Silver State Arena would cost $750 million, but there's a red flag in the deal in that it's proposed by Chris Milam, the Texas-based developer whose attempts at previous big deals in Las Vegas have run into problems.
Both the Silverton and Artisan are new arrivals to the Sunday pool-party scene this year. The brand new Sway Pool Lounge at Silveron hosts Bikinis & BBQ every Sunday, starting today, featuring Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que from noon-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m., along with live music by Jeremy Cornwell from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.The Artisan's Lounge Inn event kicked off last weekend and returns today from 3-10 p.m., with DJs spinning reggae, deep house, and Afrobeat.
The week-long celebration of the flamboyant showman's birthday at his namesake museum concludes today with complimentary cupcakes served from noon-12:30 p.m. and live concerts throughout the day (a cover charge applies to some). The Liberace Museum offers a complimentary shuttle service from several Strip hotels, including Bally's, Bellagio, TI, the Mirage, Flamingo, and Excalibur. See our "Free Shuttles" section for the complete timetable and visit liberace.org for more details on today's events and prices.
The 2010 Pageant, hosted by Curtis Stone & Natalie Morales, broadcasts on NBC tonight at 7 p.m. ET, live from Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas.
America plays tonight in the excellent outdoor venue at the Cannery. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and tickets begin at $14.95.
Lookin At Lucky, co-favorite with Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver, won today's Preakness Stakes, followed by First Dude and Jackson Bend. Super Saver finished a disappointing 8th. The winner paid $6.80.
Spyro Gyra kicks off the Clark County Parks & Recreation Jazz in the Park series tonight. Gates open at 7 p.m. at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater. It's located near downtown at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway.
The City of Las Vegas celebrates its 105th birthday with the 2010 Helldorado Parade downtown on Fourth Street from 7 p.m. tonight, followed by a fireworks display and rodeo. It's all free to attend.
Mandalay Bay and THEhotel's new $15/night Resort Fee takes effect from today, while other MGM Mirage properties, including Monte Carlo and New York-New York, are upping their existing fees. Check the small print before you book a room and see what you're getting for your money; Harrah's properties and others continue to avoid resort fees (the $4.95/night fee at Planet Hollywood has been dropped, now that it's part of the Harrah's family).
Casino legend Jackie Gaughan will be throwing out the first pitch for the Vegas 51s tonight at Cashman Field. The first 500 through the gates will receive an El Cortez keychain. Tickets start at $9.
From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. today Sunset Park hosts the 5th Annual Kids' Mix festivalin in conjunction with Mix 94.1 FM and Clark County Parks & Recreation. The event is free to all to attend and will feature special appearances by Marvel Comics characters Wolverine and Storm; balloon twisting, face painting, carnival and kids food court. The first 500 kids receive gifts.
Effective immediately, the former Kerry Simon restaurant and ultralounge at Luxor will transform to a nightlife-only venue. We're not sure as yet what the future operating hours will be for the 7,000-square-foot property but we'll keep you posted.
Country rock band Stetzen play a free concert from 9 p.m. till midnight tonight at the El Cortez walkway at 6th and Fremont.
Breaking news at 1:20 p.m.: Police have closed Sahara Ave. eastbound in front of Palace Station due to a vehicle accident, so avoid the area for the time being if you can.
Jubilee! the long-running classic showgirl revue at Bally's, is profiled in today's L.A. Times, including an interview with renowned company manager and Vegas icon Fluff LeCoque.
Nevadans are encouraged to check out their local newspapers in the weeks ahead as the state begins to advertise $406 million in "abandoned property" reported to Nevada's Unclaimed Property Division between January 2009 and February 2010. Abandoned or unclaimed property can include everything from uncashed payroll checks to insurance checks, stocks, gift certificates, and insurance policy benefits. Ads will appear in 17 newspapers statewide over the next few weeks, featuring a list of the last known names and addresses of 81,598 people. Searches can also be done on the State Treasurer's Office website.
Further to an item posted in this column yesterday, which reported that a source close to the Light Group steakhouse at Aria had informed us the restaurant was to close, we just received a call from the venue's PR firm, assuring us that the rumor is totally unfounded. Good news.
250 personal effects belonging to former Playmate Annie Nicole Smith, including outfits she wore, paintings, a Mercedes, bronze statues, and a collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, will be auctioned this June 26 in Las Vegas to raise money to support the late model's daughter.
We've just heard rumor from a credible source that Union, the Light Group's steakhouse at Aria, is to close. Watch this space for updates.
The upscale shopping mall at Caesars Palace will welcome Swedish clothing giant H&M, which will take over the massive retail space formerly occupied by FAO Schwarz. At 55,000 square feet space, it will be the largest H&M in the U.S. Las Vegas is currently home to two H&M locations, in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood and in Town Square. The company is known for its collaborative projects with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and Madonna.
Finally, a gambling dispute between two sisters that's been rumbling on since 2005 has been settled, with a Connecticut judge ruling that 87-year-old Rose Bakaysa doesn't have to split her share of a $500,000 lottery jackpot with her 84-year-old sister Theresa Sokaitis, to whom she hasn't spoken since they began fighting over the windfall a half-decade ago. Click here for the full story.
It feels like it's a quiet one, but then again, that's only by Vegas standards and the pool scene is definitely going to be hot. Here's the lowdown:
Anthony Curtis' weekly Las Vegas update just went live at LVA in the Media, with a big summer pool scene update.
We've been getting some great reader feedback, giving us details of additional real-life Las Vegas locations used in the filming of the movie Casino, plus extra behind-the-scenes insights, so check back for the "updates" if you've already read today's QoD.
Liquid Pool Lounge, the new adult pool at Aria, is hosting a "Shake 'n' Bake Go Go Competition" from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. today with a $2,500 grand prize. Must be 21+.
Echoing the results of our own independently conducted annual room-rate surveys, a new report by online booking agent Hotels.com reveals that hotel rates in Las Vegas dropped a massive 18% during 2009, from an average $103 to $85 a night. Similarly, New Jersey rates are down 15%. Income from casino gambling also dropped in eight of the 12 states that allow it, according to the American Gaming Association, with revenue nationwide dropping 5.5% from 2008, to $30.7 billion.
The US95 is now open again to traffic (posted at 4:30 p.m.)
Breaking news at 4 p.m.: Channel 8 reports confirmation from Nevada Highway Patrol that US95 is being closed in both directions at Kyle Canyon Road, where police are trying to deal with "a suicidal person on a four-wheeler."
March saw the seventh consecutive month of slightly increased visitation for Las Vegas, but industry insiders remain cautious about pronouncing an end to city's economic woes. Visitor counts were up just 1.5 percent for the year-to-date through March and analysts cite the need for significant jumps in both visitor volume and consumer spending before any firm conclusions can be drawn that the market's turned a corner.
Human Nature, the popular Motown tribute show performing at Imperial Palace, has just extended its contract by two years and will perform through May 2012 in the renamed Human Nature Theater. Look out for a review in the June issue of the LVA newsletter.
The New York Lottery has announced that it's restarted its search for a video lottery terminal vendor for Aqueduct Racetrack, after the previous choice was rejected amid state and federal probes. The extensive list of former bidders for the lucrative contract includes: SL Green Realty Corp with Seminole Hard Rock Casinos; MGM Mirage, Harrah's Entertainment, Pennsylvania National, Wynn Resorts, Delaware North and The Peebles Corporation, and the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and the Victoria Racing Club. The winner will now be selected by a committee to be led by the Lottery director and staffed by Lottery workers and a representative of the state Division of Budget, it was stated; previously, the governor and top legislators were involved in choosing a slot-machine vendor but the slot machine probes were one of several investigations that led Gov. David Paterson to quit his election bid.
On Friday, June 18, Wynn Resorts will team with the Sinatra Family to host a special celebration in honor of Come Fly With Me, the award-winning 2007 Sinatra Family Estates Cabernet Sauvignon. The limited-edition wine is a collaboration of Danielle Price, Executive Wine Director of Wynn Resorts, and Sinatra's three children, Tina, Nancy, and Frank Jr., and granddaughter Amanda Erlinger. The festivities include a four-course dinner for $175/person at Sinatra at Encore, the only restaurant sanctioned by the Sinatra family to bear Frank's name. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Rustin Jensen at 702/770-2249.
The home of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, the mobbed-up casino operator upon whose life the movie Casino was loosely based, is up for sale. Preserved like a hip '70s time capsule, the mid-century modern home, located in the Las Vegas Country Club, features a panic room, bullet-proof doors and glass, secret compartments for hiding guns, and even an authentic bullethole. It's on the market for $725,000. Click here for more information and to see a video tour of the pad and click here if you're interested in Vegas mob history.
Harrah's has announced that the World Series of Poker will expand to a new continent this year with its inaugural WSOP Africa event, which will take place October 24th through 31st at the Emerald Resort and Casino in South Africa. The event will feature a $1000+$100 buy-in, 3-day Pot Limit Omaha tournament; the main event is a $5000 buy in No Limit Texas Hold'em Freeze Out running for 4 days.
Jabbawockeez, winners of MTV's dance reality series "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew," have added two additional performances to their current run at the MGM Grand. The extra dates are Saturday, May 15 and Saturday, May 22, both at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $53.90 (plus tax and fees).
This Friday, May 14, Maxim magazine is holding a bikini model search at TAO Beach, with a feature in a future issue and a $5,000 cash first prize up for grabs. From 1-3 p.m. there's an open vodka bar fro contestants, the casting call takes place from 1-5 p.m. Please wear a bikini and come ready to be photographed. For more info call 813/503-0287 or email [email protected].
Steven Francis Zegrean, the 54-year-old serving 26 to 90 years in prison for wounding four people at New York-New York when he opened fire with a handgun in the casino in July, 2007, has died. An autopsy by the Washoe County coroner's office is pending but a spokesman said the death appears to have been from natural causes.
According to Reuters, Las Vegas Sands Inc. plans to expand its Macau-based Sands China division into Japan, if and when that country legalizes gambling. CEO Steve Jacobs is quoted as predicting that Japan had the potential to become Asia's largest gaming market and could be home to a casino industry by as soon as 2014 or 2015. Las Vegas Sands has already been approached by local gaming firms in Japan.
While gaming revenues continued to decline in the New Jersey gaming jurisdiction, newly released figures show that casino revenue was down less than one percent in April. It's the first sign that Atlantic City's ongoing downward spiral may finally be bottoming out after a winter season that compounded recessionary woes with snowstorms and heavy rainfall that also kept customers away.
Despite news last week that the off-Strip hotel-casino experienced increased revenues in the first quarter, the property posted a $9.1 million operational loss - a continuing trend that's been worsening over the last three years. Factors cited include the $770 million expansion that was completed earlier this year, interest payments on money used to finance same, increased operating costs, falling room rates, and lower occupancy. While casino revenues increased more than 50 percent, the average daily slot take remained at less than half the level on the Strip.
Twenty-five-year-old PPGA Player Erica Blasberg died early Monday morning in Henderson,according to her agent, Chase Callahan. No cause of death has yet been disclosed, according to the Clark County Coroner's Office, pending an investigation.
Discreet, a new topless gentlemen's club that's due to open later this month in the building formerly occupied by Minxx, is currently hiring for all positions on Craigslist. Must be 21+ with Clark County Health Card and TAM Card, or the ability to have them by May 17th. Click the link for more info. For the latest round-up of the current Vegas strip club scene, check out Topless Vegas v.4.0.
The Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors reported today that Las Vegas home prices have experienced their first year-over-year increase since February 2007. The median price of a single-family home rose to $142,000 in April, up 0.2 percent from a year ago and up 4.4 percent from March. How indicative the results are of a general trend is uncertain -- one factor helping to spike prices was the federal tax credit, which added an incentive to buy before the April 30 deadline.
Beginning at 1 p.m. today, M Resort's Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini will begin airing on Cox 96 in Southern Nevada twice weekly, three times a day. In addition to airing on Cox 96, "Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini" will also stream live on www.Cox96.net and be available via ON DEMAND (Cox Channel 1, Best of the Valley.) Chef Tina Martini is known as the "naturopathic chef" and focuses on the nutritional value of the food we eat.
Aria at CityCenter will officially reveal its exclusive one-table high-limit room on Saturday, May 22 with a $1 million VIP Poker Tournament for its customers. Named in honor of seven-time World Series of Poker Champion Phil Ivey, 'The Ivey Room' is designed to offer poker players the opportunity to play some of the world's highest-limit games. Participants in the inaugural invited-guest-only event will compete for a $250,000 first-place prize and an opportunity to earn $100,000 for knocking Ivey out of the tournament. The overall tournament winner will play in a heads-up match against Ivey with a shot at earning an additional $250,000.
Bonhams, the world's leading auctioneer of motor vehicles, has just announced that it will host a new motorcycle auction at the Imperial Palace on January 6th, 2011. "The requests to host such a sale - and do it specifically in Las Vegas - have been overwhelming and we are delighted for the interest and opportunity," said a spokesman for the company. The new sale is expected to feature over 200 classic motorbikes from around the world.
Thomas Ian Nichols (American Pie) is making a special appearance at the Blue Martini at Town Square this evening to perform tracks from his new album, "Heroes Are Human".
Mother's Day specials are available all over town today. See our big list of activities in the "Spotlight" on the home page.
Starting today, the Liberace Museum and Foundation is hosting a week-long birthday celebration for Mr Showmanship's birthday, featuring an array of events including concerts, autograph signings, and -- today at noon -- birthday cupcakes from Retro Bakery.
Here's a good one. Throughout May, earn 300 club points on slots or 850 on video poker and get a free lunch buffet (Mon.-Fri.) at M Resort. One dollar coin-in equals one point, so video poker players can get lunch for about an hour of quarter play. Earn 450/1,300 for a dinner buffet (Mon.-Thurs.), or 600/1,700 for a seafood buffet (Fri.-Sun.). You keep the points you earn, meaning that the buffet is a complete comp add-on.
Frank Mir hosts the UFC 113 Party tonight at The Pub at the Monte Carlo from 5:30 p.m. this evening -- $25 cover.
If you like the game Caribbean Stud, you've probably noticed that it's getting harder to find. Several casinos have pulled the game, mostly to save the fees they pay to deal it, but also because of waning player interest. We're looking into the situation for the next Las Vegas Advisor, but the only casinos we've seen CS being dealt recently are Flamingo, Excalibur, Venetian, and Palazzo.
An article in today's Las Vegas Sun discusses "resort fees," the extras hotels often add to their room rates for things like newspaper delivery and spa admission (whether you want them or not). The conclusion is that they are likely here to stay, though some -- notably Harrah's properties -- still do not charge them.
Don't forget, the massive publisher's special offer on our two new hiking titles expires at midnight PST tonight, so check 'em out if you haven't already.
It's the grand opening of the weekly pool party today at the Palms, where they're really pumping things up this season, with parties almost daily/nightly. Check out our Cool Pools feature for the complete lowdown on poolside happenings.
MGM Mirage posted a wider-than-expected first-quarter loss on Thursday, following a slow start for its CityCenter joint venture with Dubai World. Although Aria's gambling revenue was strong at $75.9 million (more than 8 percent of the Las Vegas gambling market), the property's hotel rooms were just 63 percent occupied, leading Aria to post a $66 million loss during its first full quarter. In contrast, neighboring Bellagio experienced 91 percent occupancy rates during the same period.
Glass artist Dale Chihuly will be autographing copies of his books from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. today within the Gallery at CityCenter's Crystals retail complex. He'll also be signing at Bellagio on Saturday from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. next to the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, off the main lobby that features his Fiori di Como chandelier.
It's being strongly rumored that the life of Latin pop star Gloria Estefan, who was recently honored by inclusion in the Las Vegas Walk of Stars, will be celebrated in a new autobiographical musical to perform in the showroom of the Tropicana, which is currently undergoing a major makeover and a shift to a "Miami Beach" theme. According to reports we've read, the singer won't actually perform in the show herself. The Trop so far has neither confirmed nor denied the story.
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For the pick of the Mother's Day offerings, see the current "Spotlight on..." feature. Meanwhile, here's the best of the rest:
107.9 FM, The Alternative, is hosting "Big Break 2010" in conjuction with the Rio's Miller Poolside Concert Series at Voodoo Beach to pick which of four local bands will open for Filter on May 27. The four finalists are Down The Boulevard, Lips Like Morphine, Leaving Springfield, and Fall in Vain. Doors at 6 p.m. tonight with an open bar from SpyonVegas.com.
Tonight at 9 p.m. South Point will be screening the first Iron Man in one of their two XD extreme digital theaters, then at midnight they open Iron Man 2, also in XD. Tickets are $8 for Iron Man and $13 for Iron Man 2.
The boutique off-Strip hotel-casino reported earnings that more than doubled during the first quarter, growing to $917,000 from $404,000 before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The profits come on the back of a $750 million expansion project and despite the fact that occupancy fell from 89.3 percent to 77.5 percent and room rates dropped more than 15 percent during the year-over-year period from $135 to $114.
The spring San Gennaro festival is taking place at its new home at the Silverton through May 9, with food vendors, rides, and other family fun. Click here for more infomration and a schedule of events. Admission's $8 for adults, or $12 for two with the coupon on their website.
The four-day annual food 'n booze fest kicks off today at Mandalay Bay, with events featuring the cream of Las Vegas' culinary scene taking place all over town through the weekend. Most of today's events are already sold out, but there are still places available for future days, so visit their website for more information and to purchase tickets.
To commemorate its one-year anniversary, The Lion King at Mandalay Bay is offering 2-for-1 tickets for locals, valid on all performances from May 17-June 20.
Yesterday marked the completion of 14 straight years for Anthony Curtis' weekly syndicated column, and we're happy to report that it bears good news this week. Check out the latest Vegas news at LVA in the Media.
As reported in today's L-V Sun, the company that operates the Fremont Street Experience is suing the Plaza over an alleged $429,990 in unpaid monthly dues going back to last June. The assessment equates to $39,090 a month, the monthly fee that Tamares Real Estate Investments LLC, owners of the Plaza, is obliged to pay for the upkeep of the downtown attraction.
Arizona Charlie's Decatur property has added a new, separate, non-smoking casino area. We haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but it sounds like it's a self-contained room, located near to the security desk, that features slots and has its own change machines, but no table games. For information on other casinos around town that have non-smoking areas, check out our guide in the Gambling Advisor section of our site. We also list those (few) poker rooms that are smoker-friendly. Talking of poker, we just updated our poker tournament listings, too -- don't forget to share your experience and add a comment/rating if you play one.
A late addition to today's Cinco de Mayo celebrations comes from the newly reopened Stoney's North Forty (5990 Centennial Center Blvd.), which is offering an all-you-can-drink draft beer and all-you-can-eat tacos deal for $20 from 3 p.m. to midnight. On the subject of festivities, don't forget to vote in our new reader poll about your favorite event in the Vegas calendar.
There were no national awards for Las Vegas' chefs at the Annual James Beard Awards, which took place Monday, but Kamel Guechida of Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand was a runner-up in the "Best Pastry Chef" category, as was chef/owner Joël Robuchon in the "Outstanding Service" award category. Claude Le Tohic of Joël Robuchon was winner of the "Best Chef: Southwest" category, with runners up including Saipin Chutima of Lotus of Siam and Rick Moonen for his RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay. If you're a foodie, look out for our upcoming title, Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants, a collaboration between the city's top three restaurant critics.
Growth in the world's largest and fastest-growing gambling market shows no signs of slowing, with a record 14.1 billion patacas ($1.76 billion) in gaming revenues in April, which broke the previous record of 14 billion patacas set in January. This equates with a 70 percent increase in revenue from the previous year.
Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., together with MTV Games, are once again seeking the best Rock Band gamers in the nation for The 2nd Annual Total Rock, Total Rewards Rock Band Competition. Five Harrah's properties will participate, including Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon in Las Vegas, with the bands competing for a $10,000 first prize and the chance to meet Ringo Starr.
The expected 5X points promotions for Cinco de Mayo have surfaced at Gold Coast, Orleans, and the Station and Fiesta properties. For a big list of events around town, check the "Spotlight" on the home page.
Diablo's Cantina at the Monte Carlo just announced their Wednesday plans, which include live bands and a $3 happy hour from 3-7 p.m. For the rest of the major Cinco de Mayo events and promotions, check out the current Spotlight on... feature.
As part of the ongoing renovations at the Tropicana, which also involves a pool-area partnership with Miami's Nikki Beach (we'll have more to tell about that soon...), the resort is currently constructing a brand new marquee. Still no word on who/what will be filling the showroom, however, now that the Wayner's run is over.
Tonight ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" will feature a guest performance by cast members of Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil, with a medley of hits, including "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Heartbreak Hotel." Check your local listings for the show time in your area.
That's tonight's promo at the new Stoney's North Forty, with $2 Bud & Bud Lights, $2 tacos, and $2 tequila shots. Get into the Cinco de Mayo spirit early!
Silver State Capital Advisors, owners of Club Fortune Casino in Henderson, has expressed an interest in purchasing Station Casinos' smaller properties, including Barley's, the Gold Rush, Lake Mead Casino, The Greens Gaming & Dining, Wildfire Casino-Boulder, Wildfire Casino-Lanes, and Wildfire Casino-Rancho. For more about the company's ongoing bankruptcy hearings, see today's Las Vegas Review-Journal.
José Andrés, the Spanish chef often credited with introducing the small-plate concept to the U.S., will open two new eateries at Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Jaleo will be a Las Vegas version of his successful tapas restaurant (which already has three locations in Washington, D.C., Bethesda, and Arlington), featuring a wood-fired pit for making paella. The second, yet-to-be-named Euro-Sino fusion restaurant (known unoffically as "Noodle Taco") will feature tortilla makers and dishes including shumai wrapped in mango and high-end ingredients such as fresh water chestnuts. Cosmopolitan is due to open this Decemeber.
The Franco Dragone water show at Wynn is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a $50-off ticket deal for locals. Click here or call 702/770-9966 and mention offer code LOCAL for more details or to make a reservation.
Follow the Sahara on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook and receive $1 room rates on five separate promotional days. Click here for more details - the first sale period will be sometime within the next three weeks, apparently.
He's not selling picks and we're not compiling records, but we can confirm that Fezzik's been on a tear so far during the NBA playoffs, with plenty games left. Check out the latest free Featured Thread posted at LVASports.com.
We've been getting a lot of inquiries via the QoD portal and other routes, wanting to know what's going on for Cinco de Mayo in Vegasthis year. There's a lot, it turns out, so it's taken awhile to compile, but we just posted a round-up of all the major events in the Spotlight on... feature.
If you haven't yet voted in our current reader poll, surveying your thoughts about Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, then make sure you take part -- the voting closes at midnight on Tuesday.
A new exhibition has debuted at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. "Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form" will be on view through January 9, 2011 featuring paintings, photographs, and sculptures by such artists as Pierre-August Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Joseph Cornell, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Judith Shea, Bill Viola, Yoshitomo Nara, Vanessa Beecroft, and many others.
The Supreme Court has denied an appeal from Delaware to expand its sports betting lottery beyond parlay (multi-game) bets on NFL games. The professional sports leagues and National Collegiate Athletic Association sued the state over its plan to boost revenues by offering single-game bets on a variety of professional and amateur events in the new sports lottery. The justices did not comment on their decision.
Siegel Group, owners of the Gold Spike, Artisan, Mount Charleston Lodge, and Rumor (former St Tropez) and properties debuted their newest "boutique" offering last weekend with the unveiling of the completely remodeled Oasis, formerly the Travel Inn, located at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Ogden Avenue. Rooms in the totally refurbished hotel currently start at $39.
The dates for comedian Joan Rivers' upcoming engagement at the Venetian have been changed from July 8-10 and 15-17 to September 23–25 and September 30 October 2. Tickets start at $45.75 (inclusive). Contact the point of purchase for refunds/rescheduling.
After just over seven years in business, the Ritz-Carlton hotel out at Lake Las Vegas closed its doors for good at noon yesterday. The closure rendered 350 former workers unemployed.
The winner of yesterday's Kentucky Derby was Super Saver, paying $18.00, $8.80, and $6.80. The favorite at post time was Lookin At Lucky, who at 6-1, tied for having the longest odds for a Derby favorite. And in a crazy side story, the winner of the "Derby Dream Bet" contest to get a free $100,000 bet on the race chose the winner from the 20-horse field to pocket a cool $900,000.
The Gambler's Book Club, the venerable bookstore for gamblers, is moving for the second time in a year. Under new ownership, the store is now located at 5473 S. Eastern Ave. on the far east side of town.
A full-page ad in USA Today last week touted "Camp Vegas." It comprised a racy image of young men and women in a pool, accompanied by descriptions like this: "Camp vegas features modern, world-class amenities with luxurious cabins, relaxing spas, sexy camp counselors, open-swim pool parties, five-star canteens and endless camp activities." Look for a big push returning for "sexy Vegas" this summer.
The Bureau of Land Management has this weekend begun collection of its first fee increase at Red Rock Canyon in more than 10 years. For the first time, bikers and hikers entering the 13-mile scenic drive will be charged $3 for a day pass, while reservations for a group picnic site in the Red Spring area will be also be available for the first time for $40. The day pass for a car has also been increased by $2 to $7.
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort will celebrate the close of its season today with live music, prizes, and discounts. Call 702/385-2754 for more information.
The line for tonight's big fight between Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley has Mayweather as a big favorite at about -430 (bet $430 to win $100). The take back on Mosley is about +340. Lines continue to shift on this one, so if you want to make a bet, shop around a bit for the best number.
The May Coast Connection insert with good deals and information about Coast Casinos properties was published in this Friday's LV Review-Journal. It includes a $10 matchplay for Orleans and $20 for Sam's Town.
Super model and Victoria’s Secret Angel Selita Ebanks will be there to attend today's season grand opening of TAO Beach at the Venetian. The popular "daylife" spot has been upgraded with a Balinese theme for the 2010 season. Additions include five new exclusive cabanas, additional day beds for lounging, and lush horticulture, including forty-foot tall bamboo trees. For the complete lowdown on the 2010 pool scene, check out the "Cool Pools" feature in "Shows & Nightlife."
It's a wide-open field for today's Kentucky Derby. The morning line favorite is Lookin At Lucky (3-1); followed by Sidney's Candy (5-1); then Ice Box, Devil May Care, and Awesome Act (all 10-1). The longest odds are 50-1 (four horses), which was the price on last year's winner, Mine That Bird.
It's the 136th Kentucky Derby today and there are various events and promotions around town:
Today downtown Las Vegas hosts the 15th Annual Susan G. Komen Southern Nevada Race for the Cure event, raising money for breast cancer research. The event kicks off at 8:15 with the 5 km timed run; the 5 km walk starts at 8:20 a.m., and the one-mile Fun Walk sets off at 8:45. The start line is at Las Vegas Blvd. And Clark with the route continuing through the downtown area to the finish line at Fremont and 6th Street.
Hash House A Go Go is joining forces with United Blood Services for the fifth consecutive year to host a blood drive from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. today. Each donor will receive a certificate good for one complimentary buttermilk pancake breakfast at the West Sahara location as well as a 2-for-1 voucher to see Divas and other show discounts. Orange juice and other refreshments will also be served. Call 702/638-7400 to make an appointment; walk-ins also welcome.