360 Vegas

E-363: Covid Condoms

Random Vegas
In 1968, just before his 2-week residency in the lounge at the Riviera was coming to an end, Shecky Greene was informed that plans were to turn the showroom into a Keno lounge.
In an attempt to be funny, Greene came to the stage that final night and began chopping up the stage floor and giving out pieces to guests in attendance as souvenirs
The next morning, unaware of this antics, ownership informed Greene they were going to extend his run in the lounge for another month. (Vintage Riviera Research)
Twitpic of the week
The legend as I’m sure she’s looked to many of her patrons on many a nights.  This is El Cortez after a case of Coors Light and a tough night at the tables.  Magnificent and frightening.  Somehow sticky too, all communicated via their classic signage and usage of neon.  @zotaramichael shares with us a view askew.  A journey that no doubt comes with a story for the ages.
News
Palms Sale Confirmed
Wynn returns to 100% Occupancy
Star Trek Returns
2022 NFL Draft
A-Lot at Area 15

E-362: Question Mark?

Random Vegas
Tiesto and Zedd will make $250k per set during their residencies at Resorts World.  The average headliner club set lasts about 2 hours (@LasVegasLocally)
 
Twitpic of the Week
Possibly the best sign in Vegas history, the gold and maroon turret at the Dunes.  The biggest mistake in Vegas history was losing that sign to a publicity stunt as part of the implosion of the Dunes.  We can’t live in the past but thanks to pictures like @summacorp we can visit it.  Don’t lament that they are gone but appreciate what she gave us while she was around.
 
News
Palms Purchased
Harmon Site Purchased
Tao acquires Hakkasan
 
 

E-361: Then You Ruined It

Random Vegas
Mohegan Sun pays Virgin $18 million a year in rent (@VitalVegas)
Twitpic of the week
Only Vegas makes, or use to make, signage that is entertainment in and of itself.  This week’s winner by @Vegasnvrsleeps shows us two classic icons no longer with us, the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo plumb sign.  The two of them are mesmerizing.  Signage, when done right, tells a story about an experience.  In Vegas, that experience typically comes with a story about the best times you’ve had in your life.
News
Vegas RisesKaraoke ReturnsUsher Residency
Resorts World Commercial 
Brewery Row 

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