360 Vegas

E-360: Recollections & Laughter

Random Vegas
More than 19,000 conventions were held in Vegas in 2011 (@only_vegas)
Twitpic of the week
How do you explain the 70s without saying a word?  Like @pixvegas777 does with this week’s winner.  A postcard that captures the Stardust in all her mobbed up glory.  There are always people who mourn the loss of a Vegas property but I think it goes beyond that with the Stardust.  The closing of the Stardust was one of the biggest mistakes in Las Vegas history.  And what is replacing it isn’t going to be better than what Stardust was.  It will be more expensive and fancy but not better than the strip with the Stardust.  Thankfully much of her glory is still alive today at the Neon Boneyard.
News
Celebrate Episode 360
Resorts World Dining and Lounge Options 

E-359: Whimsicalness

Random Vegas
2004: Rehab Beach Club opens, pioneering the idea of a daytime club and forever changing the city’s party scene. (latimes.com)
Twitpic of the week
It’s like a reset button.  No matter how things were at the tables the previous day, as the sunrises so does opportunity, oblivious to the past.  The mind begins to plot out your new day and the excitement returns as soon as you are conscious.  Moving from one property to another, a warm glow caresses the skin while the air is still fresh and crisp.  @davidcharnsshares ethereal imagery, infinite possibility; Las Vegas.  Simply said, complex to define.
News
Rio Rebrand
Resorts World Residencies

E-358 Man Shaft

Random Vegas
Bruce Willis was offered the role of Danny Ocean in Ocean’s 11 remake and he turned it down (Vital Vegas)
Twitpic of the week
The Dunes.  Probably the #1 place I wish I saw before they destroyed it.  I’m sure it wouldn’t live up to the hype I’ve created in my mind over the years but it doesn’t reduce my desire to see it.  Perhaps it’s better I didn’t because I have such an idealized vision of the property that was reportedly a grind joint at the end of its life cycle.  But still, I shall fondly continue to put the property, and specifically that sign, on a Pedi stool.  Forever in love with the concept and the legend that was the Dunes, showcased in all its glory by @summacorp
News
Evolution of Vegas Video Series
Sands Sold
Murder/Suicide at Wynn

E-357: Amateur Cult Follower

Random Vegas
Cosmopolitan has booked 9.3 million room nights since it opened Dec 15th 2010 (Vital Vegas)
Twitpic of the week
It’s such a different experience to drive up to a Porte Cashere; have people rush up to take your keys and bags while welcoming you to whatever property you’ve selected to enjoy.  Their hustle to take care of you as fast as they can is engrained to prevent any further delay in getting you on your way to whatever adventure awaits you this trip.  I know its an experience available at any hotel in the world but in Vegas, it’s just a tad more grand and alluring, as showcased here by @Summacorp of the original Aladdin.  The VIP experience starts right from the moment you get out of your car.
News
Mirage shows relocate to Park Theater 
Caesars Forecasting 
Travel Fanboy Table Minimums 
Absinthe Tickets 

E-356:Hmm

Random Vegas 
Visitation to Las Vegas was down 55% in 2020 or 19 million people.  The pandemic impacted gambling revenue down by only 34.6% compared to 2019 (Vital Vegas) 
 
Twitpic of the week 
 
The Monte Carlo is an interesting story.  It’s an example of a company lost and looking for an identity, unhappy with the one they’ve already established.  It all started with the addition of Diablos, evolved into a reimagining of the frontage and eventually evolved into a rebranding as Park MGM.  The problem is the Vegas market has something for everyone and when you take one of those options away, something has to replace it.  In this case, the needle not only didn’t recast Monte Carlo’s lot in the market, it degraded it.  Taking a property that pulled in $80 million a year and reducing it to $62 million a year after spending $550 million to rebrand.  Park MGM isn’t going anywhere but MGM Resorts didn’t intend for their new brand to be a discount option for visitors.  Thanks to @las_when for reminding us of a better time. 
 
News
360 VVX Update 
Covid Restriction Relaxed
Cosmopolitan Fire 
At the Sands Spotify

PCP - Bob Stupak, Vegas World and the Stratosphere

Today, Bob Stupak is considered just another colorful character in the history Las Vegas and properly credited as the visionary behind Stratosphere.  His tacky taste, public antics and wacky persona are all just part of his legend.  The truth is, Bob embodies everything negative you've ever been warned about gambling and the industry.  He didn't want to just take your money, he wanted to make you look foolish while he did it.  His nickname might as well have been "fine print Stupak” because just about everything he did had a catch to it or a technicality he hoped you would miss so he could exploit.  He preyed on those that didn't know better.  But what's wrong with that?  Most people know there is a mathematically proven way to play some games and yet willfully choose to ignore them in favor of strategies that increase the odds already stacked against them.  Some people believe the earth is flat.  The fact is we all have access to the same information, especially in the Internet age.  The only disadvantage one person has over another is self-imposed.  An intellectual isn't discourage from using their acquired knowledge so why is gambling any different?  Morality, you say?  Well, as Canada Bill Jones said, it's immoral to let a sucker keep his money.  I’m pretty sure Bob just thought it was fun. 

E-355: Tearing Up Carpet

Pinball Hall of Fame Update, Circa Power Outage, Caesars Stadia Bar, 360 FHE and Listener Feedback.

E-354: Canopy Conspiracy

Pinball Hall of Fame GoFundMe, 360VVX Update, The Evolution of Vegas Series, Las Vegas Sands New CEO, New Rio Owners and listener feedback.