Random Vegas 

City Center cost $8.5 billion to build and was the most expensive project in the western world (@vegas_only) 

Twitpic of the week 

Welcome back to the 90s in Las Vegas.  A time apparently before MGM new that Asian gamblers didn’t like to walk under the head of a lion because it’s bad luck or some other superstition.  But for a time, there she anchored the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd in all her oversized glory.  @summacorp provides even more context to this week’s winner, clocking that the MGM Marquee sign is shown under construction, which would date this picture early 94, after the introduction of the Hilton marquee was erected as the largest sign in the city and before MGM built a larger sign. 

News

• MGM Buys and sells City Center
• Plaza Evolves
• Problems @Pinball Hall of Fame

 Random Vegas 

Wayne Gretzky’s ‘brand ambassador’ deal with BetMGM cost MGM Resorts around $10 million, according to someone familiar with the details.  It also included $1 million in casino Free Play (@lasvegaslocally) 

Twitpic of the week 

It’s here, finally.  The project that started with the closing of the Stardust in 2006 has finally open as Resorts World Las Vegas.  True its location is still a liability but we now have a resort that extends the strip north again to Circus Circus.  It even makes an argument that Sahara and Stratosphere are once again located on the strip.  As always, @maverickheli gives us an ideal view of the newest property to join the Las Vegas strip and captures the hope that it brings to returning the market to the number one tourist destination in the world. 

News

• Resorts World Opens
• Tribal Expansion
• FSE Concert Series
• Mandalay Restaurants Reopening
• Station’s Stand

 Random Vegas 

Celebrity chef deals with Caesars Entertainment require the personality to visit his or her Las Vegas restaurant(s) at least once each year for at least 24 consecutive hours.  Contracts also require the chef to be photographed in their restaurant(s) (Vital Vegas) 

Twitpic of the week 

A sizzling photo of just how sexy lightbulbs can be when you group thousands of them all together. Throw a couple mirrors strategically placed to overwhelm the senses in the best way it can be done legally and you get Plaza’s porte cashere, shared by @LasVegasLocally with a hat tip to @Summacorp.  Once your senses get done absorbing all this glowing awesomeness you realize the easter egg, the view down Fremont St as it was before Slotzilla and the canopy came to be.  Since we don’t see the Mint signage it can be determined that this photo is at least post Binion’s 1988 acquisition of the property. 

Tropicana is the kind of property in Vegas that everyone knows about but most don't spend much time at, which is a real shame.  Its contribution to the experiences available in the market is a unique blend of classic intimacy and affordable luxury.  Many properties in Vegas seek to transport you from everyday life to a personal version of paradise but the use of bright spaces gives it a feeling of warmth and carelessness.  Without excessive ornamentation or theming, Tropicana has succeeded in what can best be described as that happy place on a beach people can retreat to when the stressed of life reaches levels requiring such a place.   A truly transformative experience, all with the convenience of virtually any other imaginable adventure available just outside, brought to you as only the Las Vegas strip can.