How come? Well, here’s a fr’instance: I was chatting with one of our regulars yesterday and he volunteered an idea that gave me one of those, “Wow! I could have had a V-8” moments.
In discussing beloved but hard to find games like Sigma Derby, he suggested that a Downtown casino with floor space to spare (like the Plaza or Binion’s Gambling Hall) might clear out some of its Joe Average slot inventory in favor of a kind of Slot Machine Hall of Fame. It would feature games that don’t have mass appeal but still are remembered fondly. In addition to Sigma Derby, you could have Lion’s Share or some of the many, many, many themed slots that IGT, Bally Technologies and others poured onto the market in the early part of the decade — Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, S&H Green Stamps, etc.
It’d be gambling’s answer to the Pinball Hall of Fame, newly ensconced near the Liberace Museum. The Pinball HoF gives you the best time-on-device value in Las Vegas, in my humble opinion. Why couldn’t the casino industry take a page from its book? And, hey, if Downtown doesn’t pick up the gauntlet perhaps the Tropicana could be the one to give it a whirl. After all, that casino’s got “nostalgia” writ large. If you’re reading this, Alex Yemenidjian, just remember that S&G‘s advice is worth exactly what you’re paying for it.
Seriously, that is good advice. There is just too much sameness in Las Vegas circa 2010. A fun, hard to find, older slot mackine or game like Sigma is going to bring me into the casino that featues a little variety. The same formula just won’t work everywhere. City Center, especially, needs less formula and more fun.
Nice idea, hopefully they’ll take suggestions too. As I have an unhealthy addiction to a former vp machine/game.
Excellent idea! & where (downtown or else where) could you find more space to spare, and need for something, ANYTHING,to draw people, than Neonopolis?
Can they make a section dedicated to the beloved Elviras???
Love your blog –
But you seriously like KornHoler over Gruden? Sorry, I just couldnt forget that from months ago. I was traumatized.
Best to Mr. Bit
Can’t stand Gruden on MNF. He’s not hogging the mike quite as much but they need more Jaws, less Chuckie, IMO. Or Jaws & Tommy Jackson. Those two can break down a play like nobody’s business.
Good idea, David (& unnamed S&G reader).
Binion’s would be good. I remember years ago when they still featured some of the old mechanical “one-armed bandits” for nostalgia’s sake; I wonder if Becky sold them, too, for ready cash.
I agree that the Plaza would be an appropriate location. I suggest that another could be the Vegas Club’s “back room”; from what I saw on a couple of recent trips, its night club act just ain’t attracting any business.
Neonopolis would be a bad place to set up this kind of attraction at this time. It needs a lot more attractions than just one to tempt customers: it’s just too big, with too many “spooky” empty spaces. The place really needs better management for any attractions to have any chance to succeed there.
Another comment:
Maybe, if a downtown casino would install such a “retro-games” area, it could be advertised as a tie-in to the next “Neon Reverb: Downtown Music Festival”. This time the festival could be spread out even more to include bands playing in established casinos’ open spaces, and reel in some of us Fremont Street tourists who don’t usually venture out to the new entertainment areas of Downtown.
Another thought: Maybe a bunch of bands could be enticed to play in rooms at Neonopolis during the Festival, in addition to their gigs at Downtown bars & casinos.
I think this is a great idea. Of course, they would have to have food like the Ho hotdog, .99 shrimp cocktail, and $1 beer/frozen margarita.
The place would rock.
arm53-
That’s another good idea. Maybe… “A Taste of Downtown Vegas”.
Flyers – In addition to the various bands, coupons for the various venues:
– 3 free plays on “retro games” (wherever they’re set up)
– 1 $1 beer at specified venues
– 1 $.99 shrimp cocktail at specified venues
– 1 frozen yogurt at specified venues
– 1 free pull on a slot machine at specified casinos
– 1 2-for-1 payback (on minimum bet) table game at specified casinos
– 1 10% discount on “graveyard specials” at specified venues
– 1 free trinket at specified venues
– etc.
Agree with more Jaws – would love to see TJ work the booth. Well, we can always hope for next year…