Las Vegas Podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight » Las Vegas News

Michael Knight Returns to Las Vegas

Tim — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 21:46:15 +0000

November is shaping up as a huge month for touring headliners in Las Vegas. Big-name acts rolling through town include The Eagles (Nov. 5 and 19 at MGM Grand), Katy Perry (Nov. 19 at Mandalay Bay), Morrissey (Nov. 25 at Cosmopolitan), Sting (Nov. 25 at Caesars Palace) and Janet Jackson (Nov. 27 at Caesars Palace). One name, however, rises above them all.

In an extremely rare U.S. concert appearance, multi-talented renaissance man David Hasselhoff is scheduled to perform in The Orleans Showroom on Nov. 18-20. Tickets are $50. So pack up your German friends in your talking car, grab a sack of cheeseburgers and head to Las Vegas. The Hoff is back!

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But Where Will I Play “Official Beer Games”?

Tim — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:13:03 +0000

Remember back in May when we told you about plans for an all-year beer fest planned for the parking lot behind Bally’s? Even amidst our excitement at the idea of a new Las Vegas drinking experience, we always felt that the whole thing seemed a little off. And we were definitely skeptical about the Las Vegas World Beer Fest’s likelihood of sticking around for a full year.

So, it comes as no surprise that the Las Vegas World Beer Fest start date of Oct. 13, 2011, has been delayed indefinitely. The organizer’s website says new dates will be announced soon. Riiiiight.

Let’s examine where this falls on the official Five Hundy by Midnight “Things That Will Never Actually Open in Las Vegas, but Let’s Pretend They Will” List, in order from soonest to latest.

Fontainebleau
Exotic Animal Encounter (aka The Pocket Zoo)
Las Vegas World Beer Festival
Parabounce
Crown Las Vegas
Las Vegas WET
SkyView ~~observation~~ ferris wheel
The Moon Resort and Casino
Countryland USA

Linq: Sort of a Big Deal

Tim — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:13:21 +0000

There was a time when the notion of Imperial Palace and O’Shea’s going away would have bummed me out. Unfortunately, under the ownership of Caesars Entertainment, most of the charm of these two joints has eroded. So with VegasTripping’s report today that both casinos are likely to undergo much more than the “reskinning” previously revealed, I’m just sort of meh about the whole thing. VT reports that we should know more when Caesars discusses the mighty Linq during a press conference on Wednesday.

The days of BEER Fun! Fun! Fun! are long gone.

Once again, the VegasTripping crew is on fire. If you’re not visiting VT daily, you’re missing the most interesting and entertaining Las Vegas news on the Websternets.

Update (8/17/11)
It’s official. For all of the details, read this and this and this and this.

KISS Coffeehouse Planned for Las Vegas

Tim — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:21:57 +0000

A rock band needs energy if it’s going to rock ‘n’ roll all night and party every day. The secret for KISS is apparently coffee. KissOnline reports that during a Q&A at the fifth anniversary of the KISS Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, S.C., drummer ~~Peter Criss~~ ~~Eric Carr~~ Eric Singer and lead guitarist ~~Ace Frehley~~ ~~Vinnie Vincent~~ ~~Mark St. John~~ ~~Bruce Kulick~~ Tommy Thayer mentioned plans to open a Las Vegas location next year.

No word on whether KISS Coffeehouse will be located near the KISS mini golf course opening this fall.

I think Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley might be on to something with this whole KISS licensing idea. They should consider lending the band’s name out for a few other items.

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I Can Name That New Las Vegas Stage Show in Two Notes

Tim — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:34:04 +0000

The 1970s were a simpler time—a time when a man could appear on a game show, identify a few shitty songs and win a year’s supply of Turtle Wax, an organ or a brand new Datsun. Magic happened every day. Lives changed.

On Aug. 18, that magic returns when Name That Tune Live opens at Imperial Palace. Expect an official announcement with showtimes and ticket prices soon.

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Hash House Comes to Downtown

Tim — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:28:08 +0000

Although we’re still bummed about Firefly’s Plaza location closing, today’s announcement that Hash House a Go Go is taking over the hotel’s old buffet space is welcome news.

The new location is scheduled to open in early September to coincide with the freshly renovated Plaza’s reopening. For more details on how things are shaping up at Plaza, check out the interview Steve Friess conducted with CEO Tony Santo.

It’s Official: Firefly Isn’t Coming Back to Plaza

Tim — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:51:29 +0000

As we speculated on the podcast a few weeks ago, tasty tapas restaurant Firefly will not return when Plaza reopens later this year. In a Las Vegas Weekly article today, Steve Friess spills all of the dirt. It turns out the downtown crowd was just looking for a cheap view of Fremont Street.

The other two Firefly locations are still alive and well, and a third location is on the way. They’re a bit of a pain for us tourist shmucks who like to stick close to the Strip and Fremont Street. However, if you didn’t make it to the Plaza location during its short 18-month life, you may want to grab a cab and check one of them out.

Caesars Palace Gets Twaingy

Tim — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:10:44 +0000

Rumored for several months, Shania Twain announced this afternoon that she will be joining Celine Dion, Elton John and Rod Stewart as a resident performer at Caesars Palace. Her two-year residency will begin on Dec. 1, 2012, with 60 shows per year.

Although I’ve never been a huge country music fan, Shania has a slew of moderately tolerable, poppy hits—some of which are only a couple guitar solos, a mullet and a one-armed drummer from being Def Leppard songs (thanks to the work of ex-husband and DL producer Mutt Lange).

This show seems like a good fit for the Caesars Palace Colosseum. Shania has a decent-sized fanbase and caters to a broad audience. I just like her because we have similar fashion sensibilities.

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Enter the Ho

Tim — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:18:08 +0000

During our most recent Las Vegas trip, crews at Planet Hollywood were putting the finishing touches on the casino’s renovated entrance. Gone is the generic Casino Entrance sign, in favor of a new Planet Hollywood sign and a metallic overhang.

In September 2010, Planet Hollywood proposed several changes to the entrance, including:

Installing balconies above both Las Vegas Strip casino entrances, one of which would add outdoor seating for Japanese restaurant Koi.
Replacing the Casino Entrance signs.
Adding moving spotlights that would shine three lights into the sky. (How very Hollywood.)
Modifying the entrance ramp to lead visitors closer to the casino entrance rather than PF Chang’s.

No word on whether the outdoor seating thing is going to happen, but it didn’t appear any railings were being installed yet on the overhang/potential balcony.

What’s the Deal with Brunch?

Tim — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:29:53 +0000

Brunch annoys me. I don’t like the word or the concept. It’s completely unnecessary. Breakfast is just fine on its own. Lunch is a perfectly acceptable meal as well. There’s no need to combine them and call it something else. If you enjoy breakfast food during the normal lunch time, fine. Go somewhere that serves breakfast around the clock. (Mmm… Denny’s.)

Restaurants typically serve brunch as a way to jack up prices on weekends. Anyone visiting a favorite Las Vegas buffet on Saturday or Sunday has likely been smacked with weekend brunch pricing $5 to $20 more than what they would pay during the week. Sure they’ll throw in mimosas or bloody marys, but unless you were planning on getting shit-hammered with your meal anyway, that alone doesn’t make brunch much more appealing than breakfast.

So when we arrived for breakfast at Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon buffet (complete review coming soon on the podcast), I wasn’t thrilled to learn they had replaced breakfast and lunch with brunch seven days a week. Because Cosmo is new, it’s not surprising that they’re making adjustments, but the price bumps are Caesars-like.

December 2010 Hours and Pricing
Breakfast: 7 – 11 a.m. ($15)
Lunch: 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ($19)
Dinner: 5 – 10 p.m. ($27)
Saturday and Sunday Brunch: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. ($23)

May 2011 Hours and Pricing
Monday through Friday Brunch: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. ($22)
Sunday through Thursday Dinner: Sun-Thur 5 – 9 p.m. ($35)
Friday and Saturday Dinner: 5 – 10 p.m. ($35)
Saturday and Sunday Brunch: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. ($36 or $29 w/o booze)

Brunch defenders, I invite you to try to change my mind.

Ooh! That Smell. Can’t You Smell That Smell?

Tim — Tue, 31 May 2011 22:22:00 +0000

Walking past Caesars Palace in the summer, Las Vegas visitors frequently catch a whiff of a mystery odor resembling that of steamed ass. Much to my dismay, I discovered during last week’s Strip visit that the stench has multiplied. Halfway across the Paris Las Vegas entryway toward the recently opened celebutard magnet known as Sugar Factory, the stink couldn’t be avoided.

Does anyone know the origins of this foul odor? I have only one theory.

Beer! Fun! Fun! Fun!

Tim — Sun, 29 May 2011 18:19:22 +0000

We at Five Hundy by Midnight get a little tingly whenever we hear about an event combining two of our loves, Las Vegas and drinking obscene amounts of alcohol. So when we heard about the Las Vegas World Beer Fest, we were intrigued.

Every weekend beginning Oct. 13, 2011, the Beer Fest will take over the parking lot behind Bally’s. Tickets are available from $10 (entry only) with drink coupons for $1.25 each. I’m guessing a beer will run about six coupons. Of course, I’ll be shelling out $163 for the Platinum Package, because Michele and I want matching Las Vegas Beer Fest cowboy hats, glasses and t-shirts.

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I’m glad the organizers are featuring only “official beer games.” I hate unofficial beer games. However, I’m wondering if the assurance of “beautiful people” is guaranteed, and whether they’ll be beautiful upon entry or only after I’ve pounded a dozen brews. Also, someone may want to work with the voiceover guy on his pronunciation of “Bellagio” and “Palazzo” and let the video editor know Cosmopolitan isn’t part of CityCenter. But I’m nitpicking.

This Seems Familiar

Tim — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:33:30 +0000

New York New York found a new tenant to fill the recently shuttered ESPN Zone’s old space. The Sporting House Bar and Grill opened yesterday. ESPN Zone fans who mourned the loss of the old joint will probably feel right at home in the new place. Based on the logo, I’m guessing few changes are in store.

Why I Won’t Be Seeing Dirk Arthur at O’Shea’s

Tim — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:51:04 +0000

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out this video of a lion at MGM Grand attacking one of the trainers. Yikes. Vegas Happens here has an interesting article about the Vegas media’s delayed coverage of the attack.

What We Know About Planet Ho

Tim — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:24:42 +0000

We just returned home from our latest Las Vegas adventure—a trip coinciding with Harrah’s takeover of Planet Hollywood. Many Five Hundy listeners have inquired what changes are in store. Here’s what we witnessed and learned:

Most video poker paytables have not yet changed. Machines at the Extra Lounge bar were downgraded before we arrived. Most other machines were the same as before—not full pay, but not as bad surrounding properties.
On Feb. 21, about 30 percent of the slot and video poker machines were labeled with stickers notifying gamblers the machines would be shut down at 9 p.m. By the next morning, dozens of machines were taken offline and crews were removing them from the slot floor. Three days later, they were still rearranging the slot floor. Signs around the casino assured visitors that we’ll love their new look. Removal of machines is standard operating procedure when Harrah’s takes over existing casinos. They instituted the less-is-more slot floor concept when acquiring Imperial Palace, Barbary Coast and O’Shea’s too.
Planet Hollywood’s A-List players club will merge into Harrah’s Total Rewards players club on April 1, 2010. A-List points will be converted into TR reward credits and will be added to players’ TR tier score. A-List gold card holders will receive TR platinum cards; A-List platinum card holders will receive TR diamond cards. No word on what happens for those of us with both TR platinum status and A-List gold status. I’m hoping platinum + gold = diamond. FAQ cards are available at the A-List desk. FAQ 1. FAQ 2.
Planet Hollywood will have its own diamond lounge. Construction is underway near the hotel registration desk.

Venezia Tower Reservations? Not from The Venetian.

Tim — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:34:23 +0000

I learned long ago not to spend too long trying to figure out why Las Vegas hotel operators make the decisions they do or my brain may explode. The latest interesting strategy comes from The Venetian, where customers are no longer able to book rooms in the Venezia Tower online or by calling the reservation line. When Five Hundy listener tpet tipped me off to this development, my first thought was that the tower was temporarily shut down until the economy improves and there’s more demand. Not so.

A friendly Venetian reservations rep told me Venezia rooms are still available but only from The Venetian’s casino marketing department or Expedia. She had no idea why management made this decision or how long the new policy will be in effect. Sure enough, a quick check of Expedia’s Web site yielded Venezia Tower suites for at least the next several months.

Way to serve your customers, Venetian!

PH Towers: The Montecito’s Magic Returns

Tim — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:40:10 +0000

One of the few things I miss about the TV series “Las Vegas” is seeing where The Montecito would appear on The Strip each week. From season to season, episode to episode and sometimes even scene to scene, the hotel’s location varied. Although many of the exterior shots placed The Montecito on the south end of Las Vegas Blvd., shots from Big Ed’s office placed the resort across the street from The Venetian and Harrah’s.

Well, the magic of The Montecito is returning in the form of PH Towers. This new hotel/timeshare sister resort of Planet Hollywood is scheduled to open in November. While I’m anxious to check out the suites, the Celebrity Buffet and the pool area, the most impressive feature is PH Towers’ defiance of the laws of both space and time.

For almost three years, construction of PH Towers has taken place on land behind Planet Ho. On the resort’s Web site, both a map and a room photo showing Bellagio and Caesars across the street confirm this location.

Additional photos on the site, however, indicate some of the resort’s rooms are located just north and south of The Venetian. These rooms include not only fantastic views of The Strip, but apparently views from at least three years ago. Do you miss Stardust (RIP 2006) and New Frontier (RIP 2007)? Thanks to PH Towers, they’re back.

Few details about the Anywhere/Anytime Strip Suites have emerged, so I’m not sure what other views are available. Michele is hoping for a room overlooking the rotating shoe at The Silver Slipper, while I’d just like to see the “Future Home of Countryland U.S.A.” marquee one more time.

Danny Gans Dies

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:37:52 +0000

Some sad and surprising news came out of Las Vegas today. Impressionist Danny Gans died at home early this morning. Find details here, here and here.

We’ll be discussing Gans’ Las Vegas career on the next podcast.

MGM Mirage Sells Treasure Island

Tim — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:58:03 +0000

It seems like just yesterday when we were talking about how nothing major was going on in Las Vegas. How quickly things change. MGM Mirage announced this morning it is selling Treasure Island to former New Frontier owner Phil Ruffin. What does this mean for TI? Will Sirens’ Cove be filled with mud for the return of Cold Beer, Dirty Girls? Will Christian Audigier: The Nightclub be replaced by Gilley’s? Will Sigma Derby return to the north end of The Strip? Will Ruffin resurrect his plans for either City by the Bay or Montreux? We’ll ponder these and other questions about Treasure Island on the next show.

Second City Las Vegas Closes on Aug. 1

Tim — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:59:25 +0000

Five Hundy by Midnight has learned The Second City Las Vegas is closing its doors on Aug. 1. The Las Vegas branch of the legendary improvisational comedy theater has occupied the small showroom at Flamingo since 2001. Considering the revolving door of mid-priced shows on The Strip in that time, a seven-year run is pretty impressive. No word yet regarding what Flamingo has planned for the showroom nor whether The Second City is seeking a new Las Vegas home. An official announcement about the closing is expected later this week.

ARIA: It’s official

Tim — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:01:30 +0000

MGM Mirage today confirmed ARIA is the name of the resort and casino at CityCenter.

Goodbye Harrah’s Entertainment, Hello Caesars Entertainment

Tim — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:10:54 +0000

Harrah’s Entertainment, the ginormous casino owner we love to hate and hate to love, announced today it is changing its name to Caesars Entertainment. This isn’t a huge surprise, as the Caesars name carries more prestige.

In 2004, Park Place Entertainment, then-owner of Flamingo, Bally’s, Paris and Caesars Palace along with a bunch of casinos outside of Las Vegas, changed its name to Caesars Entertainment. Harrah’s Entertainment acquired Caesars Entertainment a few months later.

So what does this name change mean? When we complain about diminishing diamond lounge benefits and 10 minutes later rave about free room offers, we’ll be calling it Caesars instead of Harrah’s. Other than that, probably not much.

Goodbye Hooters

Tim — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:28:29 +0000

If your heart (or other part of your anatomy) is set on staying at Hooters Casino Hotel, now is the time. New owners plan to dump the Hooters theme.

Do You Believe in Life After Love?

Tim — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:43:37 +0000

Rumored for more than a year, Cher is headed for Las Vegas. Tomorrow, Caesars Palace is expected to announce Cher will be performing more than 200 shows over the next three years at the Colosseum beginning on May 6. Get ready for an onslaught of media coverage, beginning with appearances on Good Morning America tomorrow morning and Nightline tomorrow night.

Another Delay for Palazzo

Tim — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 02:18:13 +0000

For the second time, the Palazzo soft opening has been delayed. Hunter broke the news earlier today, and a quick check of the hotel’s online reservation page suggests the new opening date for the hotel is slated for Jan. 6.

Update: Perez Hilton is reporting that Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club at Palazzo now may miss its opening date due to a failed building inspection.

Update 2: Parts of Palazzo opened last night, including 40/40 and the casino. Steve Friess posted some photos on his blog early this morning. The hotel remains unoccupied.

Harrah’s Safety Issues Move to Flamingo

Tim — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 15:04:10 +0000

As work to bring Harrah’s Las Vegas and Rio up to code, Flamingo now gets its turn. According to a report in today’s Las Vegas Review Journal, recent work put visitors at risk.

Donny and Marie Osmond Replacing Toni Braxton?

Tim — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 02:22:49 +0000

According to a KVBC report, Donny and Marie Osmond are in the final stages of negotiation with the Flamingo to replace Toni Braxton next year. If the report is true, the Osmonds’ gig will keep them in the showroom at the Flamingo for 40+ weeks annually for several years.

Oddly, Donny and Marie announced just a couple weeks ago that they’ll be performing together for a week in July 2008 at MGM Grand.

Viva Laughlin, Oct. 18, 2007–Oct. 21, 2007

Tim — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 21:20:11 +0000

Viva Laughlin, the CBS television musical drama based on the British series Viva Blackpool, was pronounced dead today following a four-day struggle with poor writing, bad acting and devastating production numbers. VL leaves behind several unaired episodes, expected to be adopted by cbs.com or an as-yet-unidentified cable network.

Atlantic City Sands Implosion

Tim — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 02:57:47 +0000

It’s may not be Las Vegas, but casino implosions in other cities are cool too. Atlantic City experienced its first casino implosion tonight when the Sands fell to make room for a shiny new Boardwalk resort. See the video here and here.

Busted: Harrah’s Renovation Shortcuts Extend Beyond Rio

Tim — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:33:49 +0000

During this week’s podcast, we speculated that if Harrah’s skirted Clark County’s permit regulations for renovations at Rio, they probably did the same at some of their other properties. Well, today comes news that 600 of the rooms at Harrah’s Las Vegas have been closed as a safety precaution as part of an internal investigation into the company’s remodeling practices. Most noteworthy is the revelation that “several larger remodeling projects at Harrah’s on the Strip took place without the necessary permits.” No word yet on what other Strip properties may be affected.

UPDATE: Clark County officials are now defending their role in this mess.

UPDATE 2: The story continues to unfold, as the county inspector get reassigned.

Imperial Palace Isn’t Going Anywhere Soon

Tim — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 14:51:52 +0000

Since recording show #129, a couple news items caught our attention.

Since HET acquired all of the property on the east side of the Strip from Harrah’s to Paris, everyone has been awaiting the company’s “master plan” for redeveloping their holdings. Everyone assumed Imperial Palace would be the first to go. Well, don’t expect an implosion of IP anytime soon. A blurb at the bottom of today’s Inside Gaming column indicates Harrah’s is converting Imperial Palace to the Total Rewards players club—a sure sign IP will be around for awhile.

The Las Vegas Strip was the site of yet another shooting yesterday when a couple people got capped at Caesars Palace. The Las Vegas hotel and casino industry is pretty good at sweeping these stories under the rug quickly, but when multiple incidents occur over just a couple months, questions about safety on the Strip are sure to increase.

MGM Mirage’s North Strip Land Grab

Tim — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 11:29:56 +0000

Las Vegas Review Journal reports that MGM Mirage will announce today the acquisition of the property across Las Vegas Boulevard from the Sahara as well as the land next to Circus Circus where Maxim magazine was planning to build.

MGM’s plans to redevlop the land include making Circus Circus “the gateway to our new development, similar to what Monte Carlo is to Project CityCenter.” If by “gateway” they mean “casino people walk past to get the the other properties in the area,” then this all makes perfect sense.

Owner Confirms New Frontier Sale is Near

Tim — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:10:38 +0000

Owner Phil Ruffin has confirmed to Reuters that yesterday’s rumor that he is close to selling New Frontier to Elad Properties for $40 million an acre are indeed true.

Barbary Coast to become Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon

Tim — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 22:33:04 +0000

According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, Harrah’s plans to change Barbary Coast’s name to Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon after taking ownership from Boyd Gaming. The new name is apparently a tribute to Harrah’s founder Bill Harrah.

Boyd Gaming is trading Barbary Coast to Harrah’s for the land where Westward Ho formerly stood. The Nevada Gaming Control Board has recommended approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission of the transaction.

Update: The Review Journal now has a few more details.

Harrah’s Deal Finally Official

Tim — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 23:56:08 +0000

After more than two months since the initial offer, Harrah’s Entertainment’s board of directors has accepted a $17.1 billion bid from Texas Pacific Group and Apollo Management to take the company private. What this means for the company’s Las Vegas Strip masterplan is anyone’s guess. Will major renovations go ahead as planned? Will pieces of the company be sold off over the next few years? Will the new owner be content to sit back and rake in big bucks for five or six years before taking the company public again? Stay tuned.

Details of the deal can be found here and here and here.

Prince’s 3121 Official Announcement

Tim — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 05:00:00 +0000

After months of speculation, it’s official. Prince’s 3121 and 3121 Jazz Cuisine open Nov. 10 at Rio in Las Vegas. Here’s what visitors can expect:

Wednesdays: Prince Presents, featuring various artists TBA (friends of Prince and special guests). Ticket prices begin at $31.21.
Thursdays: 3121 Latin Libido Night. $31.21 cover.
Fridays and Saturdays: Prince Live. Tickets are $125.

Tickets will be available at the Rio ticket office and through Ticketmaster beginning later this week.

3121 Jazz Cuisine will open daily at 5 p.m., featuring a menu created by Executive Chef Lena Morgan.

Prince Gets a Restaurant Too

Tim — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 01:00:52 +0000

Look for an announcement this week from Harrah’s about the long rumored Las Vegas club deal with Prince we’ve talked about on several recent podcasts. One detail that has not yet been widely reported is that Prince’s personal chef is getting his own restaurant too. Look for Rio to replace its steakhouse, Fiore, with the new place, which will likely be named 3121 Jazz Kitchen or something similar.

Love LOVE? Get the Soundtrack

Tim — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 22:53:47 +0000

Apple Corps and EMI Music announced today the release on Nov. 20 of The Beatles LOVE album, featuring the music from the Las Vegas show of the same name. The album will be released on CD and DVD, with the DVD version containing a the album in surround sound with three extra minutes of music. This show and the music have been getting rave reviews, and The Beatles have a few fans, so this CD will probably sell a few copies.

Michael’s Moves

Tim — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 02:46:09 +0000

One of our favorite restaurants, Michael’s, is relocating from Barbary Coast to South Coast (soon to be South Point), according to the Las Vegas Business Press. We heard rumors about this several weeks ago, but Boyd Gaming’s spokesman was unable to confirm the rumors at that time. Turns out it’s true. We’re glad to see this Las Vegas gem will be around for years to come.

Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act Coverage

Tim — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 00:25:44 +0000

Anyone interested in following the fallout from the bullshit anti-Internet-gambling act Bush signed into law today should head over to the page Card Player magazine set up to track all of the latest info. It contains the most complete coverage I’ve seen.

Bye Bye Barbary Coast

Tim — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 15:22:19 +0000

It’s official. Harrah’s is acquiring Barbary Coast.

Harrah’s also has announced it is the target of a $15 billion buyout bid.

The Harrah’s Rumor Mill Keeps Churning

Tim — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 10:46:17 +0000

Norm Clarke reports that Harrah’s is on the verge of a corporate name change, Bally’s is set to become the Horseshoe and Prince will be headlining in Las Vegas soon. Norm has a great track record with this kind of stuff (although I’m still waiting for Aladdin/Planet Hollywood to follow through on his report more than a year ago that Motley Crue would be the hotel’s regular headliner).

The Bally’s Project?

Tim — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 23:26:50 +0000

Interesting info from the Las Vegas Business Press about a vague reference to something happening with Bally’s, but no real detail. One thing is becoming evident about Harrah’s Las Vegas Strip plans—Flamingo isn’t going anywhere.

Boyd Gaming Sells South Coast

Tim — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:33:06 +0000

Las Vegas Review Journal is reporting that Boyd Gaming has agreed to sell South Coast to Michael Gaughan, former Coast Casino owner. Gaughan, who is leaving Boyd to operate South Coast, sold Coast Casinos to Boyd two years ago and, from what I understand, still called the shots at the Coast properties. I can’t help but wonder what this move will mean for the other Coast properties.

Update: Las Vegas Business Press provides additional details.

Rio for Barbary Coast Trade?

Tim — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 10:20:31 +0000

Las Vegas Business Press is reporting the rumor that Harrah’s may trade Rio to Boyd Gaming in exchange for Barbary Coast. Harrah’s really wants that Barbary land, so it’s possible. Still just a rumor though. We’ll keep you updated.

If that weren’t enough excitement for the day, a listener (thanks, Honolulu G-man) reports that Headlights and Tailpipes at Stardust has closed without notice. First Avenue Q and Hairspray close early, and now this. Shocking.

Goodbye O’Shea’s?

Tim — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 12:06:19 +0000

Norm Clarke reports that Vince Neil from Motley Crue is opening a tattoo shop as part of a “rock and roll vibe” in the building currently occupied by O’Shea’s (between Flamingo and Imperial Palace). Construction is set to begin in 10 days. I’m going to miss that place.

Prince Does Vegas

Tim — Fri, 26 May 2006 23:28:47 +0000

Those overpriced Prince shows at Empire Ballroom this weekend that we talked about on the past two podcasts may be just the beginning of a purple summer on the Strip. Word has it His Royal Badness may be taking up residency at Empire Ballroom (renamed Club 3121 for his performances) all summer. The shows would likely include big-name guest appearances.

Being huge Prince fans living in his hometown, we’ve seen Prince something like 35 times—mostly intimate, late-night shows at Paisley Park Studios. These Club 3121 shows in Vegas sound a lot like the shows he performed just about every weekend in July, August and September 1995. Those of us who went never knew what he would play or what time in the morning we’d be rolling home. Simply amazing shows. Good times. Very good times.

We’ll be saving our pennies because if this rumor comes to pass and Prince is performing during our July trip, there’s no way we’ll miss it.

Boardwalk Falls

Tim — Tue, 09 May 2006 23:38:20 +0000

What’s more fun than a Las Vegas hotel implosion?

In case you missed the fun, take a look at the excitement here. I’m not sure what’s more entertaining—the implosion, the painful reporting before the Boardwalk fell or the interview with Dane. That guy rules.

By the way, the clown head still stands.

RIP Sky Lounge

Tim — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 00:44:33 +0000

I am sad to report that Sky Lounge, our favorite little-known Vegas bar with a view, has closed. I guess this shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to anyone who heard us describe during show #60 how empty the place was on a Saturday night during March Madness, but still quite a bummer. Located at the top of the Polo Towers, Sky Lounge had a great view and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. The bartenders were friendly and the drinks were tasty. It will be missed.

Thanks to listener rjgottaplay for the info. A call to Polo Towers confirmed the bar closed about three weeks ago (just after our last visit) with no plans to reopen.

Las Vegas Works to Revitalize Fremont East

Tim — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 16:16:55 +0000

Las Vegas Business Press reports on plans by the city of Las Vegas to turn Fremont Street east of the Fremont Street Experience into a new Bourbon Street (the actual street—not the fallen casino).

Beacher’s Rockhouse to Replace Tequila Joe’s

Tim — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 17:22:10 +0000

Norm Clarke reports that Imperial Palace will be replacing Tequila Joe’s with a new bar from Jeff Beacher, the star of Beacher’s Madhouse at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Beacher’s Rockhouse will open in approximately three months.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Changing Hands

Tim — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 22:31:04 +0000

The Hard Rock issued a rather brief statement yesterday that the property may be changing hands. No details on who the potential buyer is.

Shortage of Bargain Rooms on the Horizon

Tim — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 13:24:57 +0000

The Las Vegas Review Journal carries an article today about the decreasing number of low-priced rooms on the Las Vegas Strip. Our friends at Vegas Tripping featured a thorough analysis of this problem weeks ago.

Drama at Harrah’s

Tim — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 21:01:21 +0000

Harrah’s was the scene of a tense stand-off this morning, and it wasn’t the result of customers upset over the Caesars Connection Card transition to the Total Reward Card. Read about the drama on KLAS-TV’s site or the AP story via the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Bourbon Street Falls Tonight?

Tim — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 01:21:24 +0000

The Las Vegas Advisor is reporting that Bourbon Street is being imploded tonight at 2 a.m. Not much advance notice from owner Harrahs, but I’m sure we’ll all be seeing video on the news and all over the Web tomorrow.

Update: The Bourbon Street implosion blurb has disappeared from the LVA site, so maybe it’s not happening tonight after all.

You Just Can’t Make Up Stuff Like This

Tim — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 01:03:14 +0000

You know how I know you have a gambling problem? Because you’d wager on how long the new show at the Stardust will run. By the way, I’m setting the line at two weeks.

Lighten Up, Francis

Tim — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 22:37:47 +0000

CNN reports on a bunch of jerks causing enough trouble to shut down the Strip between Bellagio and MGM Grand last night. I like a good riot as much as the next guy, but I really prefer them to be confined to European football games and Guns n’ Roses concerts.

Tropicana Plans Proceed at a Snail’s Pace

Tim — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 18:23:15 +0000

Today’s Las Vegas Sun reports on the latest in a long line of signs that the Tropicana will undergo major changes. One of these days, it may actually happen, but if I was a betting man (which I am), I wouldn’t bet on anything changing real soon.

Get the latest here.

Stardust Bites The Dust

Tim — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 11:35:17 +0000

Another Las Vegas legend is not long for this world, as Boyd Gaming announces plans for its answer to MGM Mirage’s Project City Center. The new complex will sit on the 63-acre site currently home to the Stardust, which will remain open through 2006.

Echelon Place will include the Echelon Resort, two towers managed by Boyd; the Shangri-La Hotel; the Delano Hotel; the Mondrian Hotel; the Las Vegas ExpoCenter at Echelon Place; and 350,000 square feet of retail space.

March of the Penguins

Tim — Sat, 31 Dec 2005 02:26:20 +0000

In January, those cute little African penguins that make their home in the Flamingo’s wildlife habitat are moving back to the Dallas Zoo, which has loaned them to the Flamingo for the past many years. No word on what Harrahs, which owns the Flamingo (and Paris, Ballys, O’Sheas, Caesars Palace and Imperial Palace), has planned for the space currently inhabited by the penguins. I’m not sure whether this should be considered a sign of other changes ahead for the Flamingo or not. Either way, this sucks. We always make sure to see the penguins at least once during each trip. They’ll be missed.

Goodbye San Remo. Hello Hooters!

Tim — Sat, 31 Dec 2005 02:15:16 +0000

San Remo, that little casino that sits next to the Tropicana, just off the Strip, is closing on Jan. 2 for a little more than a month. It will reopen on Feb. 6 as the long-awaited Hooters Casino Hotel. Visitors will flock to Hooters for the one thing they are known for—chicken wings.

Stratosphere Rollercoaster Closing

Tim — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 02:49:13 +0000

The Strat is permanently closing its rollercoaster on Friday, according to KLAS TV. The deconstruction will take three months. A new ride is planned for the space the coaster now occupies.

Lady Luck To Close for One Year

Tim — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 10:37:22 +0000

Info here.

Bye Bye Boardwalk

Tim — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 13:13:33 +0000

Thanks to MGM Mirage for stepping up to the plate with a replacement for our Bourbon Street farewell drink. Boardwalk is closing Jan. 9. .

So Much for Saying Goodbye

Tim — Tue, 18 Oct 2005 21:30:36 +0000

We were planning on having a drink at Bourbon Street this weekend to say goodbye to the old pit. So much for those plans. Maybe we’ll pour out a 40 ouncer in its honor before entering the Ho one final time.

Westward Ho Closing?

Tim — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 23:35:09 +0000

Rumors are swirling that Westward Ho is shutting its doors on Nov. 17. According to the hotel’s Web site, Nov. 16 is the last night reservations are being accepted. As a tribute, the next podcast will feature recordings from our visit to the casino in July.