The El Cortez is doing its first ever "Tweet Treat" -- the first five people to come to Club Cortez will receive $25 in promotional chips. Just say, "I'm here for my Tweet Treat!" [This item was Tweeted by @ElCortezLV at 3:57 p.m.]
Chinese magician Liu Chien will bring his "Liu Chien Magic Show 2011 - Witness Of Miracles" to the Encore Theater for two nights only on April 30 and May 1. Tickets are now on sale, starting from $68. The show will be performed in Chinese.
Fine art photographer Jeff Mitchum opens his first Las Vegas gallery this Saturday, April 2. Located in Bellagio's Pool Promenade, Jeff Mitchum Gallery will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday night sees the debut of the new Artifice bar(1025 S. First St.), the latest addition to the downtown arts district.
Tonight Studio 54 hosts the finals in its contest to find the three "hottest girls in Vegas," each of whom will be awarded an exclusive ring girl contract at MGM Grand.
-- UNLVino kicks off today with Bubble-Licious at Crystals and continues through the weekend with Sake Fever at the Mirage (4/1), and the Grand Tasting at Paris (4/2)
-- Jay Leno's at the Mirage (4/1-4/2)
-- Tim Allen does stand up at the Venetian (4/1-4/2)
-- Green Valley Ranch welcomes Heart (4/2)
-- Ice Cube performs at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay (4/2)
-- Tiësto In Concert returns to the Hard Rock (4/2)
-- And it's ACM weekend here in Vegas which means free concerts downtown (4/1-4/2), including performances by Lee Brice, Sara Evans, Easton Corbin, Ronnie Dunn, and more. Dierks Bentley will perform poolside at Mandalay Bay Beach (4/2). The ACM Fan Jam takes place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and will include performances by Eric Church, The Band Perry, Randy Houser, Little Big Town, Sugarland, and others (4/3). And the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards will take place at the MGM (4/3).
Following the March 25 announcement that Wynn Resorts was partnering with PokerStars comes word that Station Casino owners the Fertittas have entered into a partnership with Full Tilt.
Anthony Curtis' weekly column for Seven magazine is available to read online, with our publisher's memories of the soon-to-be-closed Sahara.
After much anticipation, the Las Vegas Mob Experience is officially open. On opening night, our David McKee checked it out, and found it to be a cross between a low-tech Disneyland attraction and a Mafia-themed religious shrine. For his full review, see his Stiffs & Georges column.
The Associated Press reports that McCarran International Airport is being sued by the National Federation of the Blind over the use of electronic touchscreen kiosks throughout the airport and failing to provide equal services to visually-impaired travelers.
Matsuri, the Japanese production show at IP, will celebrate its 500th performance on Tuesday, April 5 at 4:00 p.m. and is offering free tickets to the first 500 locals who pick up tickets at the box office beginning today. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. A Nevada ID is required.
This April 15 marks the 99th anniversary of RMS Titanic's sinking and in remembrance of the tragedy, guests can receive 2-for-1 admission to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition with a coupon available at Luxor.com. Guests are encouraged to pay tribute to the ship's passengers by laying flowers at the Memorial Wall, where the names of all 2,200 people on board are displayed.
Border Grill at Mandalay Bay has introduced a new all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch for $24.99 per person, featuring dishes including Yucatan Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Enchilada, Coconut French Toast, Green Corn Tamale, Guava Empanada, Huevo Ranchero, Machaca Chilaquiles, Chipotle Shrimp BLT, Mini Breakfast Burrito, and Steak and Eggs, plus unlimited mimosas.
The Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon at Planet Hollywood is set to open in May, and will will be open from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The cover's $20 for men and $10 for ladies (free for local ladies).
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has signed a two-year agreement with TI to be the new site for the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship (NHC), beginning January 2012.
Starting this Saturday Las Vegas Springs Preserve will have a new interactive "Wild Things" animal exhibit. Available weekends through June for an additional $10 on top of general admission, the exhibit features the chance to get up-close and personal with animals including a lemur, an otter, and a two-toed sloth.
Starting April 1st, Rock 'n Roll Wine will be taking over M Resort's Hostile Grape winebar every Friday and transforming it into the Rock 'n Roll Wine Tasting Room & Sound Bar. For a complimentary glass of Rock 'n Roll Wine at the inaugural event, just text "Rhapsody" to 83936 (must be redeemed between 6 and 8 p.m. on Friday).
Mojave Max, the desert tortoise mascot of Southern Nevada, has emerged from his winter brumation, signaling the official start of spring. The original Mojave Max died, aged 65, in 2008, but he was replaced by an eponymous successor who lives in the same special habitat at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
We just learned from their Twitter that there's a $5,000 industry blackjack tournament tonight at the Playboy Club at the Palms. Free registration from 10-11 p.m.
From tempura to lima beans, it never ceases to amaze us how every day of the calendar now seems to have a food celebration attached to it, with today apparently being "National Lemon Chiffon Pie Day." Fast forward to April 27 and Strip House will be acknowledging "National Prime Rib Day" with a one-night-only Prime Rib Dinner from Executive Chef John Schenk, who'll be preparing just two rib roasts, serving approximately eight diners each, for $52/person. Due to the limited supply, guests are encouraged to secure their reservation in advance by calling 702/737-5200.
Comedian, actor, recording artist, Mr Mariah Carey, and DJ Nick Cannon begins an exclusive residency at Chateau Nightclub at Paris this Saturday.
Online Travel Agent Expedia yesterday launched the new "Expedia Rewards" loyalty program, which offers 1 point per USD $1 in Expedia travel purchases. Travel packages including a hotel stay with a total of two, three, or four components earn 2 points/$1, 3 points/$1 and 4 points/$1, respectively. One unusual aspect of the program is the ability for the account holder to earn points and credit with purchases for other travelers.
The second instalment of video poker guru Bob Dancer's 3-part article on the subject of How Much Stress Should There Be in Gambling?, is now posted and ready to read. Tune in next week for the concluding part of this epic.
M Resort's DayDream Pool Club is celebrating the good weather with free admission for everyone through 3.30 p.m. Wednesday.
For the sixth consecutive month, house prices continued to fall in most major U.S. cities, according to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city index released today. U.S. home prices declined in 19 cities from December to January, with home values in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Detroit, and Cleveland now below their January 2000 levels.
The National Association of Theatre Owners launched CinemaCon 2011 at Caesars Palace today, a four-day event focusing on capitalizing on the city's relationship with the silver screen and aiming to bring more productions to southern Nevada. Plans under consideration include training more workers and building a studio.
On April 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Palace Station will host the VegasHires Job Fair. Attendance is free for job seekers. Register at www.VegasHires.com for the participating company list and an online guide.
The Las Vegas Mob Experience, which is described as a highly interactive journey through the history of organized crime and its chief players in Las Vegas, is scheduled to debut on Wednesday March 30th at 10 a.m. at the Tropicana, featuring what's being described as the "largest collection of authentic artifacts, memorabilia, photos, and videos of organized crime ever assembled."
If you're interested in Vegas' colorful history, check out The Mob section at ShopLVA.com
Burger King's HKMII LLC franchisee will host its grand opening event at the new Whopper Bar at the Rio on Friday, April 8. The event is open to the public and will include prizes, free food samples, a live broadcast from KOMP 92.3, and some Chippendales.
DJ Hollywood’s Pizza and Gyros (3650 S. Decatur) is due to open Thursday, March 31, serving Italian homemade and hand-tossed pizza, stromboli, and calzones, plus fresh-cut Greek gyros, falafel pitas, and baklava.
For a limited but unspecified time, Denny's is embracing bacon love with some novelty porcine additions to the menu, including the Triple Bacon Sampler, the BBBLT Sandwich, and the Maple Bacon Sundae.
"Bad Boy" of comedy Andrew Dice Clay will be returing to Playboy Comedy at the Palms from June 23 to 25. Tickets start at $59.
And now we learn that today is also "National Joe Day." We haven't the slightest idea what that means, but we do know that Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in the Forum Shops at Caesars is giving away a free slice of pie today to anyone named Joe, Jo, Joseph, Josephine, Joanna, or other derivatives (no word on whether or not Jo Jos get two pieces). ID is required.
A Mega Millions lottery jackpot of $319 million was won this weekend. Though only the fifth largest prize in that lottery's history, it was the largest single-ticket Mega Millions winner ever.
In today's first NCAA basketball tournament quarterfinal game, Kentucky is a 1.5-point favorite over North Carolina and the total is 146. In the second game, Kansas is an 11.5-point favorite over Virginia Commonwealth and the total is 145.5
Back in 2008, the company that operated Poetry nightclub (formerly OPM) inside the Forum Shops at Caesars, along with Phase II Chin, the company that operated Wolfgang Puck's Chinois restaurant and which rented its upstairs space to the club, filed a lawsuit against Caesars Palace and Simon Property Group, alleging racist practices that damaged their business, ultimately forcing the venues to close. Tomorrow, the case will finally be heard in U.S. Federal Court. We'll keep you posted as to the outcome.
March 27 is, apparently, National Paella Day, and chef Julian Serrano will offer guests at his eponymous Aria restaurant half-off sangria with the purchase of a paella dish today. The menu offers five variations of paella, including a vegetarian option.
Here's a reminder that from 8:30-9:30 p.m., Las Vegas will join in celebrating Earth Hour for the third consecutive year, with residences and businesses around the valley, including Strip casinos, dimming their lights for an hour as a gesture towards climate-change prevention. Expect a lot of restaurants to be offering dining by candlight; we know rm Seafood and Border Grill at Mandalay Bay are, to name but two. For more "green" dining options, check out our Las Vegas Green Guide.
In today's Elite Eight match-ups, Florida is a 4-point favorite over Butler and Connecticut is a 3-point favorite over Arizona. The totals are 134 for Florida/Butler and 146.5 for Connecticut/Arizona. Most of the casino deals we've cited in earlier posts are still runing, including $1 Buds, $1 hot dogs, and $2 Shots in all Station Casinos race and sports books.
Posh, the new nightclub that took over the former Rock Room at The Playground adult-entertainment complex is holding a go-go dance competition tonight with $25,000 up for grabs in cash and prizes. Follow them on Twitter at @PoshLasVegas for more information.
It's tough to keep up with all the new gourmet food trucks that are hitting the streets of Las Vegas. One that we only just heard about is Lulu's on the Move, a dessert truck operated by the former pastry chef from Bouchon and owned by Metro Pizza, so that's a pretty strong culinary pedigree. The truck usually operates out of one of Metro's four valley locations -- day from 5-9 p.m. you can catch them at 1420 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway. And if you're interested in this new mobile food phenomenon, be sure to catch tomorrow's QoD.
Our special pre-publication sale of gaming guru Bill Zender's much anticipated Casino-ology 2 ends with the close of business today, so don't miss out on this special offer. Buy now for just $29.96 (25% off) and get a free eBook download of the title (which is due to ship early April) right now, plus we'll waive the shipping on your book. But hurry, only two hours left! For all other purchases, visit ShopLVA.com.
Further to this morning's item about the proposed DesertXPress high-speed rail link between Las Vegas and Victorville in California, it was announced this morning that the final environmental impact study for the project has been completed. The next stage in the process is final approval from the Federal Railroad Administration before any ground can be broken.
TI just Tweeted that the Cooking Channel's been filming at Canter's Deli this morning for their "United Tastes of America" series, honoring Canter's 70th Anniversary year. We're not sure when the episode will air.
We just learned from The Mirage that Carnegie Deli, which was voted #1 in our "Best Sandwich in Vegas" Reader Poll, was also filmed for the series yesterday.
Lady Gaga wowed guests at Krave nightclub today with an unscheduled appearance and performance of her current hit, "Born This Way."
Meanwhile, rumors that spread yesterday of a free show by Britney Spears at the Palms tonight turn out to be well-founded, and the word is that Brit will perform two shows, one for a ticketed audience who applied online (that one's being taped for TV), plus a second midnight performance that's open to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. Both shows will take place in Rain nightclub.
It's been confirmed that Scotty O'Neil, who co-hosted the free weekly Dennis Bono Show in the South Point showroom, died Thursday night after collapsing on stage during a taping of the show.
Lorena Peril, lead vocalist with Fantasy at the Luxor, is back in her role after a short hiatus from the show.
Wynn Resorts has announced a partnership with online giant PokerStars, stating the two companies will work toward the passage of federal legislation to regulate gambling on the Internet, reports the LV Sun. If online gambling is legalized, Wynn Resorts plans to launch PokerStarsWynn.com, to be based in the U.S.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood are meeting today to discuss the proposed high speed rail link that would connect Southern California to Las Vegas and are expected to give an announcement on the status of project. We'll keep you posted.
The Red Rock 'n' Roll Friday night outdoor concert series returns mid-May at the Sandbar, with a strong lineup announced so far that includes the likes of Sean Kingston, Echo & the Bunnymen, Barenaked Ladies, Goo Goo Dolls, Weezer, Gypsy Kings, and Tears for Fears. Tickets for all shows are $30 and more acts through August and September will be confirmed shortly. All guests must be 18+. Check out Cool Pools for updates on all the poolside events taking place throughout the summer.
On Tuesday, March 29, Silver Ridge Healthcare Center (1151 S. Torrey Pines) will host its first Silver Plate Celebrity Chef Cooking Contest fundraiser, with proceeds going to support the UMC Family Resource Center. The contest, featuring chefs from the Hard Rock Café, Hash House A Go Go, The Palm, Lolita's, and Second Street Grill, will take place from 2-4 p.m. and the winner will receive $500 and a silver recognition plate. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $25; attendees will judge the contest. Call Shanda Alcantara on 702/468-9418 for more info or to make a reservation.
ARTINFO.com, one of the premier online sites providing art and culture news from around the world, carries an article about Las Vegas' dubious record at trying to embrace and promote art and culture.
With a round-up of the latest big news from the worlds of dining and entertainment, the debut of the 2011 pool seasonb, and tips on where to catch the Final Four and Championship Game, Anthony Curtis' nationally syndicated weekly column is now live at LVA in the Media.
After the insanity of last weekend's St Paddy's Day/March Madness double bill, things are a little mellower this weekend, but there's no danger of being bored, with some big headliners in town:
-- The Spring Wine & Jazz Fest kicks off today at the Golden Nugget (3/24-3/27)
-- The Rock 'N Roll Wine event takes place at Crystals (3/26)
-- Psychic Gary Spivey entertains inside the Lounge at the Palms (3/25)
-- The MGM Grand welcomes pop sensation Lady Gaga (3/25)
-- Ray Romano does stand up at the Mirage (3/25-3/26)
-- Whoopi Goldberg performs at TI (3/25)
-- Country singer Gretchen Wilson takes the stage at the Eastside Cannery (3/26)
-- And the annual Extreme Sports and Music Festival event, Extreme Thing, takes place at the Desert Breeze Park and features music by Hollywood Undead, Sum 41, and many more (3/26)
The Huffington Post carries a feature about some recommendations for vegetarian and vegan-friendly dining in Las Vegas, including the new tapas restaurant at The Cosmopolitan. Click the link for our complete guide to vegetarian-friendly dining.
For the 17th consecutive year, Las Vegas has been named the premier destination for trade shows, hosting 60 of the 250 largest events last year.
On March 26, for the third consecutive year Las Vegas will dim its lights in recognition of Earth Hour. From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday night Las Vegas casinos, including all MRI and Caesars properties, other businesses, and residencies around the valley will turn off or reduce their lights in support of action for sustainable practices and against climate change.
For all Las Vegans desperate to visit Manchester*, UK, here's your chance, with Virgin Atlantic's announcment of a new twice-weekly service debuting April 3. (*The service will also work for Mancunians wishing to visit Sin City, of course, and is expected to bring in an additional 46,000 international passengers each year.)
Back in 2008 the Las Vegas nightlife scene was momentarily rocked by an IRS raid on Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace -- what turned out to be the first of several unwelcome legal assaults on the Vegas nightlife scene. Nothing much has been heard of that scene since, until now, as R-J columnist John L. Smith reports in his blog, with a former VIP host today pleading guilty to a tax-related criminal count and an unspecified felony. Watch this space for developments.
For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, our new Reader Poll is about the imminent closure of the historic Sahara and what, if anything, you'll miss about it the most. The survey runs for the next couple of weeks and is already getting a great response.
Today's USA Today carries the unlikely story that lawmakers in Anchorage are considering building a major Alaskan-themed attraction and retail center on the Las Vegas Strip in order to entice tourists to the state, which has been seeing declining visitation.
Singer-impressionist and comedian Gordie Brown has signed a multi-year deal with the Golden Nugget downtown, where he's been headlining since early 2009. There's a 2-for-1 offer for this show in the 2011 MRB.
Today's R-J reports how the first phase of the Tropicana's major upgrade is complete, including the remodel of all 1,375 guest rooms in both towers and property-wide upgrades. New dining and entertainment options are imminent, including chef Carla Pelligrino's takeover of Bacio, the debut of The Las Vegas Mob Experience, and the opening of Nikki Beach. Phase two of the upgrade will apparently focus on the property's entertainment venues.
The west Las Vegas community is hosting an open casting call Thursday looking for real families (all ethnicities and age ranges) to become the new "faces of Summerlin." The auditions will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. tomorrow at the Willows Community Center (2775 Desert Marigold Lane). If chosen, compensation will be given for your time.
Ricardo's Mexican Restaurant is offering an "All-You-Can-Eat Tacos & Frozen Margaritas" special for $25 per person, starting today at noon and running through May 31. The promo is to benefit local non-profits, with $10 of the $25 going back to the charity of the patron's choice. The restaurant will also be donating $1 to charity for every record-breaking recipe margarita that is purchased through the end of May (last year they broke the Guinness World Record for the largest margarita.)
A federal judge in Nevada has ruled that the lawsuit filed by Manny Pacquiao against Floyd Mayweather Jr., over allegations that Pacquiao used performance-enhancing drugs, can continue, reports "Eyewitness News."
Stevie Nicks will perform solo at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Saturday, May 14 for a one-night-only engagement. Ticketsm which start at $49.50, go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m.
Atlantic City's long-stalled Revel casino has begun hiring, focussing on positions in management. The $2.4 billion megaresort is due to open in 2012.
Want to part of the audience for Britney's latest comeback attempt? Allegedly, Ms Spears will be taping a special for MTV at the Palms this Friday and a limited quantity of free tickets are available to those aged 21+ who will be in town on Friday and sign up. Click here for more info and to register. The Palms so far is neither confirming nor denying this report.
How do you feel about living in Las Vegas? If you haven't already, vote in our current Reader Poll; closes tomorrow at midnight.
Tomorrow and Wednesday, March 23, Venus Pool Club (topless) at Caesars will be holdinjg an open call for "model" beverage runners, cocktail servers, bartenders, bar backs, and cashiers. The auditions will take plade from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.in LAX at the Luxor. All applicants must audition in swimwear and bring a headshot and résumé.
CityCenter has just announded that the Veer Towers residential development will offer reduced price leasing options on one-bedroom units through April 30. Leasing rates on one-bedroom units now begin at $1,490 a month, reduced from the original starting rate of $1,750; a one-year lease agreement is required. Lessees also have the option of purchasing at the current selling price within the first 12 months of their lease terms, with a portion of the first year’s rent applied to the purchase. For more information call 702/590-5999, toll-free 866/708-7111, or visit www.citycenter.com.
For the first time in more than three years, the passenger count at McCarran International Airport has posted consecutive monthly increases, with a 5 percent increase in January (boosted by two major conventions that previously took place in February), and a 2.4 percent increase (2.9 million passengers) from the 2010 figure last month.
Banks have agreed to finance a $4.5 billion bridge linking Macau to Hong Kong and the Chinese province of Zhuhai, reports gaming columnist Howard Stutz in today's R-J. The bridge is just one of several infrastructure initiatives being launched to further increase mass-market visitation to the gambling mecca.
In other news, the Lui family, who own Galaxy Entertainment, has announced that it's $1.9 billion, 2,200-room Galaxy Macau resort, will open this spring. The megaresort features five gaming areas with a combined floor area equivalent to three football fields; three hotels; 50 restaurants; and a rooftop beach comprising 350 tons of white sand and artificial waves.
Visitation to Atlantic City casinos was down 6.2 percent last year, according to a new survey by Spectrum Gaming Group. The win-per-visitor was only down 3.6 percent on 2009, however, which indicates that those patrons who are still visiting are the bigger players.
Gossip site TMZ is awash with Las Vegas-oriented stories this morning. Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison of "Pawn Stars" fame was arrested Saturday night in California following a drunken bar brawl. Harrison was arrested on suspicion of battery with serious bodily injury and resisting arrest and was not released until this morning, reportedly because he needed that long to sober up.
Meanwhile, in some other highly ironic news, Las Vegas Deputy District Attorney David Schubert, who prosecuted Paris Hilton and Bruno Mars for cocaine possession, was arrested on Saturday night for... possession of cocaine. According to the alleged dealer in the case, Schubert would visit a neighborhood east of the Strip several times a week to purchase crack. If convicted, he faces up to four years in prison.
As has been speculated, chef Carla Pellegrino has left Rao's at Caesars Palace to open two restaurants of her own. Already open is Bratalian on Eastern Avenue. Pellegrino will also take over Bacio at the Tropicana which will be renamed Bacio by Carla Pellegrino. The move is interesting since Rao's is known for being highly proprietary about its recipes.
As reported by the LV Sun, fellow Canadian chanteuse Shania Twain is in ongoing talks with Caesars about headlining at the Colosseum when Celine Dion is on break.
Catch President and COO of Las Vegas' MGM Grand Scott Sibella going undercover at the world's second-largest hotel-casino tonight on CBS' "Undercover Boss" and see how he fares as a dealer and check-in clerk. Airs 8 p.m. CT.
That's not an order but if you'd like to, Memorabilia International inside the Miracle Mile Shops is hosting a meet-and-greet with the former NBA player and reality-TV contestant from 1 to 3 p.m. today. Rodman will be available to meet fans, take pictures, and sign autographs. The meet-and-greet package costs $59.
The Palms is showing tonight's UFC card for a $25 admission fee. Cabo Wabo Cantina has a $20 admission charge. It's only $10 at The Lift bar, but you get a $10 food and drink credit for a return trip, and the fee is waived if you play video poker at the bar. Jon Jones is a 2-1 favorite over Mauricio Rua in the main event.
The Palms has dollar Miller Lite in the bottle and dollar Nathan's hot dogs during the March Madness basketball games, but getting the dog requires a little effort. First you have to find one of the coupons necessary to redeem it. They should be up at the betting windows in the sports book. And if they aren't, you can probably find one laying around. Then you have to go to the Nathan's outlet in the food court and present the coupon. It's worth it. For just a dollar you get the $4 Nathan's dog and onions and kraut are also free.
Today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Gold Spike is hosting the "Strongest Men in America" -- a free viewing event with all-you-can-eat BBQ for $9.99. The winner qualifies for an expenses-paid entry for Giants Live, the only qualifier for the World's Strongest Man.
Producer Robin Antin will be holding auditions for singers and dancers for the new Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon, due to open at Paris las Vegas April 10,
from 10 a.m. today at the new Chateau nightclub.
Travel & Leisure highlights Las Vegas' top 16 restaurants this month; while we take no issue with any of the venues on their better-researched-than-usual list, we feel that there are many other worthy eateries that could easily have been included. See Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants for some more suggestions.
If you're not yet aware, we've added two new offers to the Member Rewards Online program of downloadable offers for LVA members. One of our favorite local watering holes, Money Plays is offering 1,000 coin bonus on a straight flush, plus two free tacos and a beer for $10 buy in. Click to read more about the Terms & Conditions and to download and print your offers (remember, one per member, per year). Say hi to Stan from us when you call in.
According to figures released by the U.S. Census Department, Las Vegas ranks #2 on the list of the nation's "emptiest" cities, in terms of vacancy rates for single-family homes and rental properties. The city's single-family vacancy rate of 5.5 percent at the end of last year was among the highest in the country. Orlando topped the list and Memphis came in third.
We just learned via Twitter that the Venetian and Palazzo are now InterContinental Alliance Resorts -- independently owned properties that are marketed to members as if part of the InterContinental portfolio, enabling guests to earn and redeem Priority Club points.
LAVO nightclub and restaurant at Palazzo is debuting a new terrace beer garden March 22, featuring $5 bellinis, $5 drafts, and a special small-plates menu every Tuesday-Thursady from 5-8 p.m.
The day sports fans have been waiting for is here and the March Madness NCAA Basketball Championship is underway. From now through Sunday, the books will be crazy and we'll update the scene as information comes our way. In addition to the recommendations in the Seven article (see earlier post), Station Casinos is selling dogs and beers for $1 each and Orleans has $2 beers and $3 shots of Irish whiskey.
Evening Call, the exotic frozen-drink bar with venues previously at Bally's, Mandalay Bay, and Luxor, has now opened a fourth bar at the Rio.
Just in time for March Madness, the Las Vegas Hilton unveils The Fan Cave today. Occupying the space that formerly housed the poker room, it's a non-smoking sports-viewing lounge, featuring three 120-inch high definition screens.
For those seeking a smoke-free environment to catch the games in, the new Cantor race and sports book at The Cosmopolitan is also non-smoking -- a first for Vegas -- we understand.
Originally not slated to open this year until April 16, due to "overwhelming demand," Encore Beach Club will debut this Saturday, with a $40 cover for females, $50 for males. For details on other pool openings, check out Cool Pools.
The spring exhibit is live at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, featuring a Ferris wheel, giant butterflies composed of flowers and seeds -- and live ones, too. Click the link to view the photo gallery on Facebook. This exhibit, which is free to view 24/7, is due to be live through the first week in May, when the transition to summer takes place.
Aria's party pool opens for the summer season today, with an open bar all day for locals, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
With all the weekend revelry, don't do anything stupid. Remember AAA's "Tipsy Tow" program will get you and your vehicle home safely with a free tow. The program is available to everyone from 6 p.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. Friday. If you've been drinking, call 800/AAA-HELP (800/222-4357) for a free tow home, up to five miles.
With St Patrick's Day and March Madness, it's definitely a big party weekend. See earlier and future posts in this column for details on both of those. In the meantime, if green beer and hoops aren't your thing, here are some other options to keep you amused:
-- Mark Curry's back at the Las Vegas Hilton (3/16-3/20)
-- David Spade does stand up at the Venetian (3/18-3/19)
-- Jay Leno makes 'em laugh at the Mirage (3/18-3/19)
-- In celebration of St. Patty's Day, Flogging Molly performs at Mandalay Bay (3/18)
-- Juanes takes the stage at the Hard Rock (3/18)
-- The South Point welcomes Sha Na Na (3/18-3/20)
-- Aaron Lewis, Lead Singer of STAIND, entertains at Green Valley Ranch (3/19-3/20)
-- Bon Jovi Live's at MGM Grand (3/19)
-- Clint Holmes performs at the Suncoast (3/19-3/20)
-- Don Rickles takes the stage at the Orleans (3/19-3/20)
-- George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic are at Planet Hollywood (3/19)
-- And Regis Philbin's out at Buffalo Bill's (3/19)
Anthony Curtis' weekly column for Seven magazine is out, with a handy guide to where to catch the March Madness action. You can access the article at LVA in the Media. Look out for more viewing venue tips coming your way in "Today's News."
It's a big event in the Las Vegas calendar, with festivities rolling on through the weekend. Check out our guide to St Patrick's Day in "Special Events" for the lowdown on parties, promotions, corned beef-eating contests, and other shenanigans. Sláinte!
We're working with some expert partners in the field to bring you the very best in current and future travel deals on rooms, shows, airfare, and more. The first generation is already in place (see the LVA home page) but we're now beta-testing a more advanced version and would appreciate your feedback via the Free-for-All discussion board on the forums. Tomorrow's QoD will have further information, too, so stay tuned.
Matt O'Brien, best-selling Huntington Press author of My Week at the Blue Angel: And Other Stories from the Storm Drains, Strip Clubs, and Trailer Parks of Las Vegas and the internationally acclaimed Beneath the Neon author Matthew O'Brien, is scheduled to discuss creative nonfiction and how it differs from other forms of nonfiction at the Las Vegas Writers Group meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Tap House Bar & Grill. The public's welcome to attend; there's a $5 meeting fee.
McCormick & Schmick's hosts its 7th Annual National Cabby's Day celebration tomorrow, with a complimentary breakfast buffet for cabbies from 8 to 10 a.m., plus drivers can stop by anytime before 3 p.m. to receive a complimentary gift certificate, while supplies last. George Wallace will also be present, giving away tickets to his show at the Flamingo.
O'Sheas 3-day block party kicks off tomorrow, but that's only one of the numerous events around town; check out our still-growing
A high wind warning will be in effect for the Las Vegas valley and the Spring Mountains until 10 p.m. tonight, with wind gusts of up to 60 mph expected throughout the day.
Back in October, 2010 we attempted to answer a QoD about the construction work taking place at the Las Vegas Outlet Center at the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard, but were unable to elicit any information from mall management, only that a 66,092-square foot expansion was underway (and this via a spokesman for Clark County).
Now Simon Property Group, Inc. has announced that the project will be unveiled tomorrow, March 17, under the new name of Las Vegas Premium Outlets - South. New stores to open include Guess, New Balance, True Religion, and Under Armour, with others to follow. An upgrade of the existing interior, exterior, and parking facilities has also been completed.
There's an open discussion panel with Hank Goldberg and Jerry Tarkanian at Lagasse's Stadium at the Palazzo from 5-7:30 p.m. this evening, to celebrate the 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Watch this space for other updates about viewing parties and fun places to catch the March Madness action.
As @DailyFiasco captured on camera, the second Double Helix winebar is due to open soon at Town Square in the space formerly occupied by the Grape, while Chef Carla Pelligrino, formerly of Rao's at Caesars, recently opened her new Bratalian bistro in Henderson and is due to debut Baci at the Tropicana early April.
Eating Las Vegas co-author Al Mancini is a guest on "X" Radio 107.5 FM tomorrow morning at 8:15. By coincidence, he's also the author of tomorrow's QoD and a welcome addition to our esteemed panel of Contributing Experts.
As just Tweeted by @LASairport, on this day in 1963, McCarran relocated its terminal from Las Vegas Blvd. to its current location off Paradise Rd. The new building featured modern architecture, an expanded ticketing area, multiple gates and a distinctive "clam shell" structure that'[s part of today's A and B Concourses.
Gossip columnist Robin Leach reports that MGM Grand's CEO and president Scott Sibella will be featured on "Undercover Boss" this coming Sunday on CBS, working as a dealer and a guest-services check-in rep.
Singer Celine Dion returns to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace tonight with the first performance of her new show, titled simply Celine. Click the link for the schedule of dates announced so far.
The notoriously decadent Sunday pool party at the Hard Rock is back, with the first Rehab of the 2011 season taking place April 17. This year, however, the party will be minus the TruTV cameras, following the cancellation of the reality-TV series that's followed patrons and staff over the past couple of summers.
Anthony Curtis is quoted in today's Las Vegas Sun, where gaming columnist Liz Benston exaimines how baccarat and penny slots have overtaken blackjack as the Strip's biggest casino earners.
This April Las Vegas will get its second Tasti D-Lite frozen-dessert venue when a new store opens at Binion's downtown. The original Las Vegas location is at 3755 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Naked, the European-style pool at the Artisan, and Gossip, the pool at the new boutique Rumor resort, are holding auditions for runners, bartenders, bar backs, cocktail servers, and cashiers. Applicants must audition in swimwear and bring a head shot and resume. The open call takes place at Rumor from noon to 3 p.m. today and tomorrow; the pools are due to open in April. Check out Cool Pools for more updates on the 2011 "daylife" scene.
Although the official opening date isn't until April 16, Daydream Pool Club
at M Resort has debuted early today and will open be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Wednesday.
Blue Man Group is holding an open call for performers in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Blue Man Group Theater inside The Venetian. The audition is part of a national search to find Blue Men (and women). Basic criteria include, heigh between 5’10" and 6’2" with an athletic build, excellent acting/physical theater/improvisation skills, a good sense of rhythm (drumming skills are an advantage), and a willingness to relocate if necessary. For more information visit bluemancasting.com.
It's just been announced that Gladys Knight will be headlining at the Tropicana in the newly named Gladys Knight Theater beginning April 5. Tickets will start at $65.
The Riviera has just launched an incredible deal, offering up to two nights stay for free, Sunday through Thursday (subject to availability), if you have a valid players card from any casino. Call 800/637-5687 or 702/794-9571 for more information or to make a reservation. Rooms are limited.
This April 14 through 17 the Silverton will host the 10th Annual Pure Aloha Festival and concert series, featuring 100 island craft and merchandise booths, food vendors, and amusement rides. Tickets ($7) go on tomorrow at the Silverton box office.
Morton’s The Steakhouse celebrating national Pi Day (and Einstein's birthday) today by offering patrons a slice of their Key Lime Pie for just $3.14.
The latest edition of Newsweek carries a feature titled "Rich Vegas, Poor Vegas," examining the significance of Celine Dion's return and the effect of the economy on Las Vegas, including life in the storm drains beneath the Strip as exposed by Beneath the Neon author Matt O'Brien.
Today's New York Times carries a feature on how "bots" have invaded the online poker world and what sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt are doing to combat them.
March Madness hits Thursday and there will be lots of events to choose from, but here's an early recommendation. The Gold Coast is already advertising a free viewing party with $1 hot dogs and $2 beers. Boyd casinos will also run a free contest for the tournament, which you can enter from any Gold Coast kiosk.
As yet another bill that would legalize online poker was introduced to the Nevada legislature last week, it seems only a matter of time before one of them sticks. There's a lot at stake, with the most recent revenue estimate we've seen for online wagering pegged at $24 billion this year.
The Mirage's topless party-pool opens for business tomorrow with an open bar. Check our Cool Pools feature for updates on upcoming openings, party schedules, concerts, and more all through the summer.
We'd be remiss if we didn't add our reminder to push your clocks ahead by one hour tonight for the Daylight Savings Time adjustment. We wouldn't want you to miss "getting down" on one of the league championship games tomorrow.
Tonight from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. enjoy the inaugural monthly Vegas StreEATS fest at the El Cortez, featuring live art, music, fashion, streetwear, and food trucks, including Slidin' Thru, Fukuburger, Sloppi Jo's, Tasty Bunz, Curbside Cafe, Snow Ono Shaved Ice, Island Breeze, and Cheese Steak. No cover.
Enjoy live music and sample beers from more than 50 breweries today at Brew's Best out at Lake Las Vegas. Tickets are $30 on the door and earn you a tasting mug, beer sampling guide, and unlimited samples of beer. Proceeds from the event benefit New Vista Community, a facility for housing and empowering adults with disabilities in Nevada.
It's bad news for football fanatics, but even worse news for the sports books. Cantor Gaming chief Lee Amatis says that the loss of revenue from football wagering would be a "disaster." The betting handle for a single regular-season week is about $15 million.
Here's a reminder that, starting at 11 a.m. today, the Stratosphere is hosting a fundraiser for the American Lung Association, with participants invited to "scale the Strat" -- all 108 floors and 1455 steps. A top 50 "climb off" will take place tomorrow.
The Hawaiian Tropic models will be in the Surf Shop at Mandalay Beach from 1-3 p.m. today.
Businessweek magazine has compiled March Madness-style brackets, pitting the best of the nation's gourmet food trucks against one another. Although Las Vegas has a burgeoning food truck scene, with our first @VegasStreats food and arts festival downtown tomorrow night, not a single Las Vegas mobile eatery was included. Shame!
PBR Rock Bar & Grill hosts the official after party for the Reign in the Ring event tonight, following the heavyweight title at Planet Hollywood Theater featuring Tye Fields vs. Michael Grant, and Joel Casamayor vs. Manuel Leyva. Attendees of the event will be eligible for a complimentary drink when they present their ticket stub.
Today from 3 p.m. the EXPRESS "Rock the Sidewalk" Fall 2011 Runway Show will take place outside the Venetian on the Strip. At 3 p.m. gondoliers will start passing out drawing cards and at 4:30 p.m. ten random "ultimate style package" winners will be randomly drawn. The fashion show kicks off at 3 p.m. and there's an after party at TAO nightclub.
Anthony Curtis is quoted in USA Today on the significance of Celine Dion's return to Las Vegas. Visit LVA in the Media to read the article and click the link to purchase discounted online tickets to Celine.
Here we go! Wet Republic at MGM Grand and Moorea Beach at Mandalay Bay both open for the new "daylife" season today; other party pools follow suit this weekend. Check our Cool Pools feature for updates and schedules all summer long.
Stanley Ho, the Macao casino tycoon, had released another statement saying that a "full and final" agreement has been reached with members of his family, whom he has previously accused of trying to rob him of his empire. In the past two months he's launched legal action more than once, only to subsequently withdraw it.
The Sahara Hotel & Casino has announced will close May 16, reports Channel 8. "We are working with our partners to assess a variety of options for the property, including a complete renovation and repositioning," said Sam Nazarian, CEO of sbe Entertainment Group, which owns and operates the property. "While no final decisions have been made at this point, the continued operation of the aging Sahara was no longer economically viable."
According to a news release, the hotel and casino will remain fully operational until the closure. The Sahara will be honoring all room reservations and players' club events until that time. We understand the property's been working with MRI on possible solutions for both customers and employees.
April 1 the pool at the Mirage will host "Sake Fever" poolside partym, featuring more than 100 premium sakes presented by Japanese Brew Tickets are $50.00 in advance and $75.00 at the door. Click here for more info and tix.
The really interesting-sounding Match Cosmopolitan Tapas restaurant, located out at 1263 E. Silverado Ranch, has closed before we even got to try it out. Commiserations; we'd heard great things about you.
Las Vegas mixologists took second and fourth place in the Fifth Annual Shake it Up! mixology contest, which took place during the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show here in town this week. Congrats to Chris Hopkins of the Vesper Bar at The Cosmopolitan, who took second place, and Darren West of Aria's JG Steakhouse, who came in fourth.
The American Lung Association is staging a fundraising event at the Stratosphere this weekend, inviting fit individuals to "scale the Strat" -- all 108 floors and 1455 steps. A top 50 "climb off" will take place on Sunday. Click here for more information and to register.
On the 15th of every month, which happens to be a Tuesday in March, The Cosmopolitan will host an ongoing series of exclusive demos and dinners by renowned chefs. This month's featured chef is chef Rafih Benjelloun, who will be preparing an authentic Moroccan feast. Tickets are $100.
Everyone's gearing up for March Madness and St Patrick's Day next weekend, but there's still plenty to look forward to right now, with downtown definitely the place to be if you're looking for some alternative fun:
-- Kenny G performs at the MGM (3/10-3/12)
-- The Las Vegas Hilton welcomes Hal Sparks (3/9-3/13), followed by The Stars of BeatleMania (3/11-3/12)
-- Tim Allen does stand up at the Venetian (3/11-3/12)
-- Wanda Sykes makes 'em laugh at the Mirage (3/11-3/12)
-- Disturbed and Korn rock the Hard Rock (3/12)
-- Huey Lewis & the News take the stage at Green Valley Ranch (3/12)
-- Lake Las Vegas hosts the Brews Best beer fest, with sample beers from more than 50 breweries (3/12)
-- And the Neon Reverb music festival takes place downtown along with the Vegas Streats Festival featuring art displays, live music, and food trucks including Slidin Thru, Fukuburger, Sloppi Jo's, Tasty Bunz, Curbside Cafe, and others (3/12)
Station Casinos has reached an agreement with lenders to purchase Green Valley Ranch for $500 million and keep it in the Stations family, reports the LV Sun. The agreement includes an option for GVR partner the Greenspun family to maintain an equity stake.
Public relations firm The DCI Group has released new research revealing a state-by-state ranking of each state's state's Twitter and Facebook participation rates, according to which Nevada ranks No. 1 in Twitter participation, reports today's LV Sun. Apparently 1.74 percent of Nevada's 2,700,551 residents -- or 47,000 -- having a Twitter account.
We actually have four active accounts you can follow, depending on your interests: @LVA_Tweet is the official Las Vegas Advisor Twitter, where you can read an aggregated feed of Question of the Day, Today's News, plus other items we post and ReTweet manually that we think might be of interest; for anyone interested in environmental news, @GreenVegas keeps you up-to-date with "green" lifestyle news and issues in Las Vegas and Nevada; @SinCityAdvisor is the precursor to our adult-oriented sister site, which we hope to launch this year, covering news and updates from the nightlife, adult, and body-modification scene; and @toplessvegas is the companion Twitter to our recently updated Topless Vegas guide, featuring the latest news from the city's gentlemen's clubs, erotic revues, and European-style pools.
Anthony Curtis nationally syndicated weekly column was just posted at LVA in the Media.
Check out David McKee's Stiffs & Georges blog for the latest developments with regard to Nevada legalizing online gambling.
The US 95 is now fully open to traffic again, following an accident earlier this morning involving an NHP trooper.
Panevino, the restaurant and winebar out by the airport on Sunset, has added a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes to the menus in both the winebar and the deli. Click the link for our complete guide to vegetarian-friendly dining in Las Vegas.
The board of directors for the Nevada state fair, which has taken place every August since 1874, have decided to cancel this year's event. The fair is more than $200,000 in debt and only reached only a fraction of its goal in recent fundraisers.
Vdara's only restaurant has now officially closed; there's no word as yet as to what will take its place.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries, the no-advertising franchise popularized by a surprise visit from President Barack Obama a couple of years back, opened its 762nd outlet -- and first in Nevada -- in Henderson today. The restaurant's open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and burgers start at $4.99.
State regulators report that the casino win on the Strip was down about 2.5 percent in January, compared to the same month last year. Statewide, the win was down 0.7 percent, but is up 1.2 percent for the first six months of the fiscal year.
Allegiant President Andrew Levy has expressed the airline's likely move to introduce fares for carry-on bags, following the lead of other discount airlines like Spirit.
Nevada Gaming regulators yesterday gave a tentative green light to financier Barry Sternlicht's purchase of the Riviera. "It is an iconic asset and we need to figure out an inexpensive way to bring it up to task," Sternlicht is quoted as saying in today's R-J. According to the deal, he Sternlicht will control 79 percent of the Riviera while Derek Stevens, who owns 50 percent of the Golden Gate, will own the other 21 percent.
TPG Capital and Apollo Global Management LLC are among the creditors poised to take over Aliante Station as soon as next week, reports Bloomberg News. The deal would hand over the resort to its creditors at a fraction of the property's original $662 million cost. The Fertittas would continue to manage Aliante Station under the proposed accord.
An accident involving a Nevada Highway Patrol motorcycle trooper, who had to be airlifted to hospital, shut down all lanes at the Rancho Drive exit earlier this morning. One lane was reopened about 8:40 a.m., but the other lanes were expected to remain closed for several hours.
Flamingo headliner George Wallace, is offering free tickets to college students up to the age of 23 throughout the month of March. Must show proof of valid college I.D.
Lenders, who filed a $276.5 million trustee's deed against the property last week, have completed their takeover of Town Square from Turnberry Associates. The complex is currently being managed by Forest City Enterprises, which also owns the Galleria at Sunset mall in Henderson and is developing the new Las Vegas City Hall.
Comedy magician Nathan Burton is adding a second 2 p.m. performance to his schedule beginning March 29. There's a 2-for-1 offer for this show in the 2011 MRB.
For the first time ever, this year's Rock 'n Roll Marathon will take place at night. The event takes place December 4 and now through 5:45 p.m. PST on March 10 there's an early-bird sign-up rate of $121. Thereafter, registration will be closed until May 31, when the entry fee goes up to $140.
Rice & Company Asian bistro is due to open at the Luxor late this spring. Located on the second floor of Mandalay Place, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant, sushi bar, and lounge will offer contemporary Chinese and Japanese cuisine and an expansive sake menu.
Today's USA Today reports how a promotional $9 fare between Los Angeles and Las Vegas from Spirit Airlines has sparked a price war with fellow discount airlines Southwest, JetBlue, and Allegiant. Spirit has now dropped its lowest introductory fare to just $1 for the route, although that works out to $39 when taxes and fees are added.
The next generation of our Topless Vegas guide is out, with new reviews, details of new specialty nights, and much more. Sign up for a full year's worth of online updates for just $6.95 -- pool season's just around the corner and the next version will give you the lowdown on the whole European-style pool scene.
The first episode in season 25 of MTV's "The Real World," filmed at the Hard Rock, Las Vegas, airs at 10 p.m. tonight.
Pinnacle Entertainment, which operates seven casinos around the nation, but none in Las Vegas, is partnering with Wynn to reward high rollers who rack up enough points to be eligible for three-night trips to Wynn and Encore. The trips will be jointly sponsored by Wynn Resorts.
Sin City Comedy, currently performing in the V Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops, just revealed via Twitter that the show's just closed the deal on a new room. We'll let you know when they reveal which one...
The Monte Carlo is hosting the season's first major pool party (excluding the ongoing "Spring Break" happenings at the Palms) this Saturday with Cee Lo Green vs. The Ting Tings: Red Bull Soundclash. La La Anthony hosts, with sounds by Mick Boogie. Tickets are $10, plus a $2 booking fee and the event starts at 7 p.m. Click here for more details. The Monte Carlo will host parties throughout the summer, but due to space restrictions, most will be open to hotel guests only. For updates on poolside events open to the general public, be sure to check in regularly with our Cool Pools feature.
Traffic lanes in both directions are closed on Cheyenne Ave. between Martin Luther King Blvd. and Revere St. due to an injury accident. The lanes are expected to be closed for several hours as Metro investigates. (This item posted at 3 p.m.)
With some of the city's most opulent suites renting for $40,000/night or more, here's a great deal from the adult-only, non-gaming Rumor Boutique Hotel: From June 15 through December 27, subject to availability, you can book the entire 150-room hotel for a night for just $13,000.
Florida-based discount airline Spirit has announced that it will begin five daily non-stop flights between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, starting May 5. To mark the launch, the airline is offering $9 fares each way based on round-trip purchase, available for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between May 10 and June 15. While Spirit is known for cheap seats, it's also been criticized for the number of add-on fees that bump up the cost of its seemingly low fares.
Las Vegas has been ranked #3 on a list of the 25 most dangerous U.S. spring break destinations, behind Orlando and Daytona Beach. The list was compiled using data including the number of violent crimes, murders, rapes, and fatal car crashes.
Sinatra Dance With Me, currently performing at Encore, will be extended through April 30. The show had been slated to end its run April 2. Also, the cost of a General Admission ticket has been raised from $69 to $95, plus tax and service charge. The show plays at 7:30 p.m. on March 8-12, 14-16, 20-24, and 27-31 and April 1-2, 5-7, 10-16, 18-23, and 25-30.
Azure Pool Club at Palazzo opens April 9; Naked, the topless pool at the Artisan, and Gossip, the pool at Rumor, open in April and are holding open casting calls for bartenders, barbacks, cocktail servers, cashiers, and runners on March 15 and 16 from noon to 3 p.m. at Rumor (455 E. Harmon). Marquee nightclub at The Cosmopolitan will launch its poolside "Dayclub" April 9, too, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
The Cosmopolitan does not permit smoking in any hotel rooms, reports today's LV Sun, but smokers are permitted to light up on their balcony. It's the only casino-resort to ban smoking in all rooms.
We've had a great response to the current Reader Poll; if you haven't already voted, you have until midnight tonight.
Villaggio del Sole, the main pool deck at M Resort, opens April 1; the adult-only DayDream Pool Club opens April 16. Check our Cool Pools feature for updates about parties, concerts, and other special events and celebrity appeareances throughout the summer.
American Superstars, the long-running celebrity-tribute show at the Stratosphere that currently features Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Kid Rock, Charlie Daniels, Carrie Underwood, Elvis, and others, is apparently set to close March 31, according to R-J gossip columnist Norm! We haven't had official confirmation of this, as yet, and the Box Office was still selling tickets through April when we called, but we recommend you take advantage of the twofer offer in the 2011 LVA MRB while you still can.
The Siena Hotel, Spa and Casino in Reno, which is due to reopen April 21, is looking to hire 350 new employees and will host a job fair on Tuesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 10 from noon to 8 p.m.
The 14th Las Vegas-hosted NASCAR Sprint Cup event last weekend saw its 10th consecutive sellout, while TV ratings increased 29 percent from 2010. Carl Edwards won for the second time in four years.
The Artifice Bar, a new venue opening downtown next month, is hosting job fairs today and tomorrow at its location at 1025 First Street. Click the link for details.
Nevada apparently ranks as the 44th happiest state in the U.S. according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. The list is topped by Hawaii; West Virginia had the lowest "happiness index" score.
A wind advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. for Clark County, southern Nye county, and northwest Arizona, with gusts expected to reach 50 mph throughout the day. There's also a slight chance of rain for the valley.
Caesars Palace has announced that it's teaming with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's hospitality company to transform the 180-room Centurion Tower into a NOBU-branded hotel, restaurant, and lounge. The project is expected to be completed in 12 to 15 months. This will be the world's first NOBU hotel.
If you want to wait for the TV airing, don't read this report. After finishing second last year to Annie Duke, Erik Seidel went all the way this year, defeating Chris Moneymaker in two straight matches to win the NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship. On the way to the win, Seidel beat Allen Cunningham, Jennifer Harman, Phil Gordon, Vanessa Selbst, Andrew Robl, and Moneymaker. The $750,000 first prize reportedly vaulted Seidel past Daniel Negreanu to the top of the all-time money-winners list with $14.7 million in winnings.
It's Erik Seidel and Chris Moneymaker in the finals of the Heads-Up tournament. This is Seidel's second consecutive final in this tournament; he lost last year to Annie Duke. We'll post a full round-up of the tourney tomorrow.
Chris Moneymaker defeated David Oppenheimer in today's first Heads-Up quarterfinal match and Jonathan Duhamel beat Olivier Busquet in the second. The two WSOP Main Event champs (Duhamel won last year) will meet in the semifinal round later today.
The sports book at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has opened. It's another one run by Cantor Gaming, and thus features Cantor's In-Running wagering technology (Cantor will also offer its eDeck wireless-gambling system in the casino). The book is located on the second floor and there are two satellite betting windows in the Book & Stage lounge.
Only eight remain and a champion will be crowned today in the National Heads-Up Poker Championship. Play begins at 10:45 a.m. with quarterfinals matching Olivier Busquet and 2010 WSOP Main Event champion Jonathan Duhamel; Chris Moneymaker against David Oppenheim; Andrew Robl against David Benyamine, and Vanessa Selbst against last year's runner-up, Erik Seidel.
This weekend's cover story is about Las Vegas and March Madness. It's a big story, which was also Anthony Curtis' focus in the March LVA's "Couponomy" lead.
Round 1 in the National Heads-Up Poker Championship is completed and the field of 64 has been cut to 32. The biggest celebrity upset of the round was former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith defeating David Williams. Big names who have been eliminated include Daniel Negreanu, Gus Hansen, Vanessa Rousso, Joe Hachem, Chris Ferguson, Scotty Nguyen, Huck Seed, Phil Hellmuth, and Phil Ivey.
The MTV series takes over at the Palms today through Wednesday, with poolside performances from Jason Derulo, Pitbull, Wiz Khalifa, and Lupe Fiasco, plus DJ Pauly D on the decks.
Tommy Rocker's is celebrating Fat Tuesday early, in honor of Tommy's birthday tonight, with the Big Mardi Gras Party, featuring cajun food, music, (Po' Boy Rocker & the Swamp Dogs), giveaways, and drink specials.
Several venues around town are raising money for the St Baldrick's Foundation for children's cancer today. McMullan’s Irish Pub at Tropicana and Cameron, Boulder Station, and Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York have joined forces with simultaneous head-shaving events at 2 p.m. today, with the goal of raising $100,000 for the organization.
It's the Sprint Cup Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway all through the weekend, with associated events around town, including drink specials, auctions, live bands, and autograph-signing sessions, at venues including the Stratosphere, Sam's Town, the Orleans, Rick's Cabaret, Crazy Horse III, Sahara's NASCAR Cafe, Rock & Rita's, Cabo Wabo, and elsewhere. See the Las Vegas Sun for details
Some of the big names out on Day 1 of the NBC Heads Up Championship at Caesars include John Juanda, knocked out by Andy Bloch, Antonio "the Magician" Esfandiari, Ted Forrest, Scotty Nguyen (eliminated by Barry Greenstein), Huck Seed, Allen Cunningham, Mike Matusow, and actor Jason Alexander.
The LA Times picks its Top Five Burgers in Las Vegas; in a few instances, our Eating Las Vegas authors beg to differ when it comes to their picks for the city's "Best Burgers." Check out the back section of ELV for other casual dining options, including "Best Pizza," "Best Cheap Eats," and "Best Desserts."
For other LVA reader picks, see the Poll Archives for previous survey results for "Best Pizza" (New York and Chicago-style), "Best BBQ," "Best Desserts," "Best Hot Dogs," "Best Breakfast," "Best Mexican," "Best Sandwich/Sub," "Best Prime Rib," "Best Bloody Mary," and "Best Buffet" in Las Vegas.
The action gets underway at approximately 1:30 p.m. today in the poker room at Caesars Palace as the Heads-Up National Championship kicks off. The tournament concludes Sunday and is open to the public to view.
A 25-year-old man committed suicide shortly before 6.30 a.m. this by jumping from a ledge at the Cosmopolitan, reports the LV Sun. Officers and police negotiators attempted to talk the man out of jumping but were unsuccessful. Eastbound and westbound traffic on Harmon Avenue from I15 to Las Vegas Boulevard was closed briefly after the man jumped. The Cosmpolitan is one of the few Strip hotels with room balconies; it's unclear where the man jumped from, however.
Today's Chicago Tribune carries a feature on Las Vegas cabbies and advice on how not to get long-hauled. Check out our Taxi Tips feature for more advice and information from a real-life Vegas cab driver.
Tonight sees the much-hyped grand opening of Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas, the latest venture from the "couture" lollipop store beloved by celebrities. Those expected on the red carpet tonight include Kim Kardashian, who will unveil the world’s only Million Dollar Couture Pop, Holly Madison, Mel B, David Arquette, Nick Cannon, Esai Morales, J.D. Nicholas, and others. It's a busy weekend for Paris: Tomorrow night sees the opening of the new Château nightclub, with special guest Drake.
It's the monthly arts fest downtown, with street vendors, food trucks, open house at the galleries, and after parties on Fremont East. Should be nice weather for it; click for a First Friday map of participating venues.
The Wall Street Journal's "Middle Seat Terminal" blog today covers frequent-flier promotions, including a collaboration between Hawaiian Airlines and the Las Vegas Hilton that rewards passengers with an offer of $75-worth of gaming chips for 10,000 miles.
This August 12-13 The Mirage will host the first World Mermaid Awards, reports Robin Leach in his blog. The Full Moon weekend events, including awards for best environmental mermaid, best YouTube mermaid, youngest mermaid, best merman, and best mermaid, will raise funds for Purity of Water.
On April 16, Victorian Casino Antiques (4520 S. Arville St.) will host the 1st Annual Southern Nevada Collectors' Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5. June 23-25 sees the 19th Annual Casino Collectibles Convention at South Point, featuring 100 dealer tables, educational seminars, and a live auction of casino chips and memorabilia. Admission is $10.00 Thursday and Friday, free on Saturday.
Wynn Las Vegas is partnering with celebrated vegan chef and cookbook author Tal Ronnen to create innovative new vegan menus with the chefs of Wynn and Encore. In 2010 Wynn/Encore became the first resort on the Las Vegas Strip to offer an extensive vegan culinary program following owner Steve Wynn's conversion to veganism. Click the links for our listings of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and our eco-friendly dining guide.
Upcoming Huntington Press author and poker pro Annie Duke defends her title at the 7th Annual National Heads-Up Poker Championship, which takes place today through March 6 at Caesars Palace. The tournament will be aired on NBC on six consecutive Sundays throughout April and May. This year's total prize pool is $1.8 million.
Today's LA Times carries a feature about top Las Vegas venues for catching March Madness, with Lagasse's Stadium at Palazzo, Harrah's Sports Pit, and the Race & Sports Book at MGM Grand all making the cut. Click here for a complete list of Las Vegas' sports bars, plus check out our previous LVA Reader Polls for suggestions on where to catch major sporting events.
For the third consecutive year, Wynn Las Vegas is Forbes' Magazine's pick for the most admired casino operator, reports today's LV Sun, ranking high for quality of products and services, and for innovation.
MTV's reality-TV series celebrates the debut of its 25th season next Wednesday, March 9, with a return to Sin City. In 2002 "The Real World" filmed at the Palms; the seven-member cast of the new series, which airs at 10 p.m., inhabited a penthouse at the Hard Rock -- home to the infamous Rehab pool parties.
Getting ready for green beer time? Our St Patrick's Day guide just went live in "Special Events," and we'll keep adding to it as more shenanigans are announced, so keep checking back.
Anthony Curtis' nationally syndicated weekly column is now live and available to read at LVA in the Media.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. is being investigated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over allegations of antibribery-law violations in its operations in Macau. The company said it will cooperate with the federal investigations and has, according to the Macau Daily Times, countered by filing a criminal suit against former CEO Steve Jacobs, who made the allegations of misconduct against his former employer.
Gov. Chris Christie today vetoed a bill that would have re-introduced online gambling to New Jersey, reports the WSJ. Christie had previously said he would veto the bill if he had any legal or constitutional questions.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is the main event, with lots of related happenings around town, but it's also a big weekend for comedy, and Tiësto's back at the Hard Rock:
-- Mark Curry's at the Las Vegas Hilton (3/2-3/6)
-- Bill Engvall makes 'em laugh at TI (3/3-3/4)
-- Comedian Ralphie May's at South Point (3/4-3/6)
-- Tim Allen does stand-up at the Venetian (3/4-3/5)
-- The Palms welcomes Nick Cannon (3/5)
-- The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series takes place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (3/4-3/6)
-- NASCAR Driver Michael Waltrip presents the Michael Waltrip Comedy Garage at the Mirage (3/4-3/5)
-- Eric Clapton takes the stage at the MGM (3/5)
-- Uncle Cracker's at Sam's Town (3/5)
-- And Tiësto In Concert returns to the Hard Rock (3/5)
The first official Guinness store in the U.S. will have its grand opening inside the Shoppes at Mandalay Place on St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 17, selling branded merchandise, including exclusive Vegas-themed products. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Palms Pool & Bungalows is due to open March 14, it's just been announced. Stay tuned to our Cool Pools feature for more updates on openings, parties, concerts, and more throughout the summer.
Caesars Palace announced today that James Beard award-winning Chef Michel Richard will bring a version of his popular Washington D.C restaurant Central 24/7 to Las Vegas. Scheduled to open late this summer, it will occupy the current Augustus Café space adjacent to the hotel lobby and will be open 24/7, serving "American favorites with a French accent."
Guess how many candies are in Keenan's jar for the chance to take part in a music video with him at NOVE Italiano at the Palms on March 5. Contest ends today, so get counting!
It's just been announced that the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas resort will be hosting a new "Fight Night" series in association with Warriors Boxing and Blue Wave Group, commencing March 25. The events will be televised live on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights" and tickets are currently on sale, priced at $50, $75, and $250 for the VIP experience. The events will take place inside The Chelsea and the premiere fight will feature several members of the next generation of undefeated Cuban boxing stars, including light middleweight Erislandy Lara (15-0, 10 KO's) in the main event.
This just out via @TheMirageLV Twitter: Check in on @whrrl social networking platform mobile app at Cravings buffet at The Mirage and get unlimited Bud Light with a buffet purchase. Don't forget there's a 2-for-1 offer for this buffet in the 2011 LVA Member Rewards Book, too.
Today's Las Vegas Sun reports that the Morgans Hotel Group yesterday finalized the end of its disastrous management relationship with the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, control of which has now been turned over to lender Brookfield Asset Management Inc. of New York. The article also details the checkered history of the resort over the past few years, which has featured periodic high-profile scandals, including a recent $650,000 fine levied by state regulators for sex and drug violations at the property's Vanity nightclub.
The Clark County Commission has OK'd plans for the nearly 10-acre amusement park featuring a Ferris or "Sky Wheel" proposed for the southern Strip across from Mandalay Bay (see "Today's News" 2/19), reports their Twitter. For the long and convoluted story of the various plans for a Las Vegas Ferris or observation wheel, check out the Question of the Day for 5/9/2010 in the QoD Archives (you'll need to log in - it's LVAmembers-only).
We're proud to announce that the East Coast buyer for Barnes & Noble has selected Surviving the Mob to be featured on the New Arrivals table in 65 Barnes & Noble stores in the New York City Metro area, due to promising early sales. The title is currently our highest-selling book in both eBook and Print arenas and is available from our online store at a 25%-off publisher's discount. Fans of Las Vegas' mob past can also find other best-selling titles from Huntington Press in the Mob section at ShopLVA.com.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today released its 2010 list of top 10 states for LEED-certified commercial and institutional green buildings per capita, based on the U.S. 2010 Census information. The District of Columbia leads the nation, with 25 square feet of LEED-certified space per person in 2010, but Nevada is the leading state, with 10.92 square feet per person last year.
Check out our unique Las Vegas Green Guide for details on eco-friendly restaurants, activities, and hotels in town, and follow @GreenVegas on Twitter for the latest news about sustainability, recycling, and "green" lifestyle options in Las Vegas.
Today's Wall Street Journal reports how New Jersey legislators are moving closer to legalizing online gambling in that state, with laws set to sidestep the current federal rules that effectively prohibit Internet wagering. Republican governor Chris Christie, who has yet to publicly disclose his stance on the subject, has until Thursday of this week to veto or sign the bill. If passed, it will make New Jersey the first state to sanction online gambling, although other states, including Iowa, Florida, and California, are considering legalizing "intrastate" Internet wagering for their own residents.
Today's Las Vegas Review-Journal carries coverage of the ongoing feud between Macau casino billionaire Stanley Ho and various members of his family, including daughter and MGM Macau partner Pansy, who along with her sister is being sued by their father for allegedly trying to divest him of the family business against his will.
Video poker expert Bob Dancer's latest weekly column is live and the topic of this week's musings is bankroll and how you should gauge the significance of your ups and downs. This is pertinent to all gamblers, not just video poker players, so check it out.
Despite having added numerous new routes over the past year, and having been named one of America's "100 Best Small Companies," for its remarkable sales and earnings growth by Forbes magazine last November, Channel 8 "Eyewitness News" has just reported that Allegiant Airlines has laid off 165 people, with the layoffs due to take effect May 3. Apparently, a company spokesperson said the layoffs stem from outsourcing.
If you're looking for an aeronautical adventure less wallet-crushing than the Zero G experience, check out Las Vegas' latest thrill, Air Combat Ace. Starting at $499, you can experience what it's like to be a Top Gun fighter pilot. Click the link for more details.
A Las Vegas justice of the peace has set bail for Edward Land and Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, two of the three men charged in connection with the armed robbery of $33,200 in gaming chips from a Pai Gow table at the Rio last week. Both are currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center. A third suspect, Steven Gao, who authorities say was the disguised gunman in the heist, is believed to have fled to California. Land has entered a not-guilty plea, while Yamaguchi, the suspected get-away driver, entered no plea.
Commencing at this week's Los Angeles Poker Classic at California's Commerce Casino, the World Poker Tour embarks on a collaboration with Poker Road Radio that will see the latter's broadcasts become a fixture at most domestic WPT stops.
The Huffington Post interviewed HP author Matt O'Brien about his latest title, My Week at the Blue Angel and Other Stories from the Storm Drains, Strip Clubs, and Trailer Parks of Las Vegas, commending his sensitive treatment of the "real, raw stories of the desert homeless who were drawn to the Strip's intrigue but now live unseen, below the surface of the city."
Wolfgang Puck's
The current issue of Vegas Magazine details where some of the city's celebrity chefs choose to dine themselves; you can find additional reviews of all but one of their picks in Eating Las Vegas.
Market Café, the new "grab-and-go" food and beverage outlet at Vdara Hotel & Spa, opens today, serving breakfast and lunch selections from Chef Martin Hierling (of Bellagio's Sensi), plus the chance to purchase groceries to take to your suite or condo. It's open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m and features all-natural and organic products.
Here are details of the first pools to announce their opening dates for this summer's season. Follow updates about debuts, pool parties, concerts, and more in our Cool Pools section throughout the summer, and feel free to share info and pose questions to us and other readers on the LVA Pools forum:
MRI's struggling metaresort continues to improve its accessibility and appeal with the addition of additional signage, reports today's Las Vegas Sun. The improvements began last year, when Aria added additional interior signage to aid visitors having difficulties navigating the resort; improvements are now also being added to the landscaping and exterior signage in a move aimed to lure in passing foot traffic and distinguish the resort complex from its Cosmopolitan neighbor.
The Fontana Bar at Bellagio is to be replaced by a new nightclub, reports today's LV R-J. Hyde Lounge, a succesful nightlife venue from SBE Entertainment, which owns the Sahara and runs 24 clubs and restaurants in Los Angeles and already shares a customer loyalty program with Bellagio, expects to debut its first nightlife venue in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve.
Just in time for "March Madness," Leroy's is testing an Android sports-betting app, which will let bettors wager on sporting events from anywhere within Nevada, reports today's Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The long-awaited Las Vegas Mob Experience debuts today at the Tropicana. The exhibit is not fully up and running yet, so for now a $10 donation to the Keep Memory Alive Foundation is requested; from Saturday, the full $39.95 cover will apply. Fans of Las Vegas' mob past should check out the "Mob" section at ShopLVA.com, where you'll find best-selling books, DVDs, CDs, and more. Also, don't forget the twofer offer for the Vegas Mob Tour in the 2011 LVA Member Rewards Book and please remember to add your comments and rating to any Las Vegas exhibit you visit.
Triumph - It Runs on Steam, the "steampunk" show that opened last year at the Las Vegas Hilton, has closed.