Question of the Day - 28 February 2014

Like yesterday's, this is another timely query, not least because this whole confusing subject is actually the lead story in the March issue of the Las Vegas Advisor newsletter.

As it drew to a close, we began to dub 2013 the "Year of Delays," with just about every project we could think of being postponed, pushed back, or abandoned entirely. From casinos to water parks, zip-lines to Ferris wheels, hardly anything got off the ground (pun semi-intended) in a timely fashion, and some projects that bore a promised delivery date in 2013, then early 2014, still have yet to even break ground, let alone launch. Hence, it's of little surprise that the trending corporate policy appears to be a move toward ceasing any mention of completion dates and, in some instances like that of the outdoor "recreation" area underway at New York-New York/Monte Carlo, also stopping any mentioning of the originally announced name for what is almost certainly no longer going to be called The Park. But we digress...

The good news for whoever submitted this question is that the Brooklyn Bowl, which after the High Roller is set to be the linchpin of The LINQ, is still on track to open March 8, with an eclectic line-up of top musical talent already booked through June. While that High Roller is proving to be a tricky customer when it comes to pinning down a debut date (the most recent announcement that it would open for business late February is not going to be realized), we can inform those who haven't yet seen it that the thing looks amazing, especially when lit up at night. Now all we have to do is keep our fingers crossed that it goes round and round like it's supposed to and all should be good.

In the meantime, here's what we know, or have been informed about courtesy of various trusted sources, regarding the current and future status of The (missing) LINQ:

• Among the first tenants to open at The LINQ, which is described as 70 percent restaurants and bars, 30 percent retail and entertainment, were Starbucks, The Haute Doggery gourmet-hot dog joint, and the Purple Zebra novelty-daiquiri thingy. Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar is also now open for business.
• Unlike the High Roller, The LINQ's pedestrian alley, including Las Vegas' latest Yard House venue, is set to stick to its latest promised opening schedule, with a debut time as specific as 3 p.m. on Feb. 28 (hey, that's today!), although this opening has been so "soft" that people reading this column are probably the only ones, along with anyone working there, who even know about it. But trust us, it's happening, so get on over there if you're in town.
• The latest word on the High Roller observation wheel is that it should be operational at some point in April, but after so many broken promises on that score we've quit holding our breath.
• The next big event that definitely is happening at The LINQ will be the debut of the Brooklyn Bowl restaurant-cum-bar-cum-bowling alley-come concert venue on March 8. It will also open soft (there will be concerts and bowling, but the promotion will be low-key to begin with, ramping up through April and May).
• The remaining shops and bars—F.A.M.E. Asian night market, BLVD. Cocktail Company, Tilted Kilt—will come online one by one between now and May, when the entire concept that is The LINQ is really expected to be "completed." At that point, and no sooner, an official grand opening will be held.

Keep watching this space, along with Today's News and our monthly newsletter, for updates and tidbits along the way.