360 Vegas

Most of you probably don’t know who Kenny Epstein is, but you should. He’s the owner and CEO of El Cortez. Much more than that, he’s the guy that made the conscious decision to not remodel the property but to refresh it while retaining the vintage feel the property permeates. Kenny understands what El Cortez does so well and sees the value in continuing to service those customers. So instead he upgraded just about everything in the property, all without changing the esthetic. This year, the El Cortez, and Kenny, celebrate their 80th birthday. So we took the opportunity to talk history and the El Cortez with the man himself in the first ever 360 Vintage Vegas Interview.  

Random Vegas The music video for U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, filmed in downtown Las Vegas in 1987, was done in one take, shot in less than 3 hours with a skeleton crew and an unsuspecting cast of extras. All the stuff in the video really happened.  The music video is credited with introducing, or in some cases re-introducing, Fremont St to the masses and creating a demand for the area that it hadn’t had in a long time. This would go on to spark the need to renovate the area with an attraction that would draw people to it.  Today, we know it as the Fremont St Experience.  (RJ.com)   Twitpic of the week The rebranding of a property must be an inexpensive process.  Consider how quickly Caesars Entertainment rebranded Imperial Palace into the Quad, shared by @MeltzVegas, only to rebrand the property less than two years later into the Linq.  Naming aside, we’ve been a fan of the properties transformation from what was considered by most to be one of the worst properties on the strip when it

Random Vegas Roughly 26 international destinations are reachable from Las Vegas (@lasvegasweekly) Twitpic of the week In Las Vegas, perspective is everything.  While some may look at gambling losses as a negative, those that love the city understand its part of the dance that leads to a win.  This week, @luckytraveling shared a POV that reminds one that even when passed out on a casino floor one can still find beautiful imagery.  Captured is a view of the Cromwell hallway from the floor up to the chandeliers and while it doesn’t feature anyone on the floor, its easy to make that leap in a monologue. News Street Vendor Ban G2E 2023 Voltaire Residencies High End B&E Palms sign Refurbishment Las Vegas Monorail Deals F1 pop-up experiences and exclusive culinary events  

Random Vegas Advertising at the Sphere costs approx. $450k for a one-day campaign, $650k for a week.  For comparison, traditional billboards cost $20k a month, Mekka Walgreen’s is $65k a month and a 30 second spot during the 2024 SuperBowl will run you $7.5 million. Pricing for the Sphere does include production development of the ad.  (VitalVegas & News3lv.com) Twitpic of the week Barbary Coast, in all her chasing lights glory, shown here by @las_when as she was originally introduced to the market, with a white exterior.  Even better, this picture was taken before the pedestrian walkway was installed.  This was Fremont quality exterior lighting, not found on the strip in too many places these days.  While we prefer the property it is today, Cromwell, we will always prefer this signage. News Tupac Arrest Room Fraud Rio Renovations  Rio Players Club  Rouge Roulette Area15 Expansion Sphere Parking Westgate Halloween Suite  Killer's "Your Side of Town" Music Video  

Random Vegas Because they used the shell of the Marina Hotel, the entire MGM Grand project was considered a remodel rather than new construction.  Therefore, property taxes were set at the value when the Marina was built. (@AStotland) Twitpic of the week While it may be hard to wrap your head around, motels used to dominate the Vegas strip and beyond.  They must have seen the writing on the wall when hotel towers became the future of hospitality but that didn’t stop properties like the La Concha from continuing to try and compete in the market. In 2001, the property was approved to build a 520 foot tall hotel tower, a 645 square foot condo tower and a shopping mall.  In 2004 the La Concha was closed and demolished to make room for the new project.  The iconic concrete shell lobby was carefully dismantled and donated to the Neon Museum who reassembled it and use it as the attractions lobby.  The signage, shown here by @Las_when, is on display in the neon boneyard to this day.  The project was ultimately cance

Who farted?  Do you have that one piece of media that you would like to check out, but never seem to get around to it? Like, you’re scrolling through Netflix, and there’s that one movie that you’re interested in checking out, but not this time. Or the next time, or the time after that. It’s always there, and you’re interested, but not interested enough to dive in at the moment. That, my friends, is how Blue Man Group was for me until recently. I’ve known who the Blue Man Group was for over 20 years now. I remember there was an Intel Pentium TV commercial that they starred in, and a little Googling tells me that was in the year 2000.  Sometime after that, I borrowed their album - yes, they have albums - from a friend, because I really liked the unique sound they had. And when I took my very first grownup trip to Vegas in 2002, I stayed at the Luxor, where BMG has had their Las Vegas home off and on since the year 2000. Men beat their 'bone, live on stage! I’ve never been one to mince words in my reviews,

Random Vegas While already in use at multiple other businesses in the valley, the Las Vegas Club installed the 1st neon sign on a hotel gambling establishment in 1931 (Vintage Research) Twitpic of the week While there are many reasons to not like Caesars Palace, the architecture isn’t one of them.  The move from the Sarno block exterior to an aesthetic that more appropriately reflects the time and place its representing was masterfully applied.  Even though we know these are all recreations it still projects a sense of authentic grandeur.  I mean, whose eyes aren’t drawn to statues of topless females and concrete penises.  Thanks to @las_when for sharing a great representation of what we are talking about. News Happy Hour Deals Kitchen Nightmares Fontainebleau Details MGM Cyber Attacks Zero Bond Red Rock Point Theft Planet Hollywood Fire Alarms  Rio Refurbishment 

Patreon.com/360Vegas   Something for everyone, that’s what Vegas has that makes it a magical destination.  It took decades for the market to get that way but it seems every time change is needed, the city finds a way to adapt and evolve.  At the end, the Hacienda looked miniature next to its new neighbors Luxor and Excalibur.  Like many properties before it and since, the Hacienda evolved as much as it could but ultimately had to be imploded to make room for the future of the strip.  Thankfully part of that evolution includes other properties adapting to cater to the audience that once frequented the Hacienda. For more on Hacienda, check out the following resources lvstriphistory.com  Gambling on a Dream Volume 2  The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream  Pinterest  Vintage Vegas Shirts  Battle Born Pins       

Random Vegas By 1980, the states five dominate gaming entities were publicly traded companies.  They were Harrah’s, MGM, Del Webb, Caesars World and Hilton (Neon Metropolis) Twitpic of the week The concept was unique and interesting to begin with.  City Center, a city within a city.  So big it has its own fire department onsite.  Unfortunately, what we got was essentially a very expensive office park on the strip. While not pictured, Aria is a sexy bitch, but it was designed to usurp Bellagio as the premier property in the portfolio and to date, it has done no such thing.  While Veer towers have always captured our imagination the remaining resorts on property, include Vdara and Waldorf Astoria, don’t have casinos in them so there is no reason to even visit either of these properties, in our opinion.  It is amusing that the most popular resort in the City Center portfolio is arguably Cosmopolitan, a property they had to acquire and fold into the complex.  Thanks to @TheCrybabyvegas for sharing the view from

Random Vegas There are over 130 unique employee uniform styles at the Aria.  Each uniform is equipped with a radio frequency ID chip (sincitytalk.com) Twitpic of the week Welcome to the new strip landscape, one populated by a mesmerizing giant cylindrical object proving that even LED can be done in an interesting way and not just as a giant rectangular TV.  It will come as no surprise that @maverickhelishared this new view.  Here we see the entire strip showcased with the Strat in the foreground all the way down to Mandalay Bay.  The Sphere, of course, stands out because of its uniqueness, not just to the market but in the world as the largest spherical object.  As with everything, someone will probably build one larger, probably in the middle east, unless it’s a huge flop but I don’t think Venetian owners will allow that to happen.  What the hell else are you gonna use that thing for if not its intended purpose.  Is the Sphere too big to fail or will it fail because its too big.  Time will tell.  We are hop

Random Vegas The myth is that casino carpet is busy to keep guests looking at the slots.  The fact is its to conceal stains as well as wear. (@VitalVegas) Twitpic of the week A breathtaking photo of @Caesars Palace from @maverickHeli.  An arial view of the property showing just how diverse and sprawling the property is.  This photo has it all, well, almost all.  It has the 6 different hotel towers, the Roman, Centurion, Fantasy (known today as the Nobu tower), Palace, Augustus, and Octavius towers.  It has the porte cochere and the famous fountains capped off by the Absinthe circus tent.  While I’ve been assured this tent is a permanent structure, I can’t help but wonder why Caesars didn’t build them something more on brand.  Perhaps the juxtaposition better suits the show’s theme.  Whatever the reason it’s a marvelous photo and one I’m happy to add to the Twitpic of the week collection. News Adele Disruption Fan Girl Opportunity Ticket in-Bonus Out in Testing 360 Vegas Vacation Naming SkyVue Removal Zoo Sta

Random Vegas Silver Sevens deals live roulette again. That makes 67 casinos in the Las Vegas market that offer the game. There are 71 with table games. Of the four that don't deal roulette, three are small locals that only have blackjack. The other is Main Street Station. (@John_Mehaffey) Twitpic of the week Whenever we start talking about “locations” for 360 Vegas Vacations, think of this picture from @JustWonOne when we refer to center strip.  From the Horseshoe to Aria.  Just disregard that MGM marquee as it doesn’t serve our narrative and as we all know, it’s all about the narrative.  Or maybe you don’t know that but just go with it.  For the record, we consider South Strip to be Mandalay to Park MGM and north is Cromwell to Palazzo.  We expanded it beyond Mirage thanks to Flight Club Social Darts Experience, as I’m calling it.  All seriousness, this is a great photo of center strip. News 360 Vegas #1 Best Vegas History podcast Top Las Vegas podcasts 360 Vegas Vacation 2024 More F1 Details road closures

Random Vegas Casino staff often use police code as shorthand when dealing with guests.  For example, a “408” means a drunk guest (@vitalvegas) Twitpic of the week It’s a hell of a view of west Fremont St, although not the view it used to be.  But that’s okay.  Business is business and the only constant is change.  Especially in this town.  So we’ll enjoy what we have and be grateful for it.  Or so help me I will turn this car around right now.  Anyway, thank you @cinamongirl for sharing your view from Oscar’s.  At least this view has been classed up by the giant LED showing the various former views down Fremont St.  Or was that a final shot at Plaza, showing them what they used to have, now reduced to a tv on the back of a concert stage. News Durango Las Vegas Crocodile Dumbass  The Sphere Hard Rock Guitar Hotel Fontainebleau Restaurant Details Paris Cherry Bombing More Paid Parking Flight Club Survey Legacy Club @Circa Special Events New Exterior Illumination at Mandalay Bay  Vegas Eyecandy in Usher’s new m

Patreon Exclusive Content   The Flamingo may be the most iconic property in all of Las Vegas.  Credited with bringing the luxury theme to the strip, its opulence was considered off putting to some, particularly locals, especially when they were initially informed they weren't allowed to wear their cowboy hats inside. If your interested in learning more about the Flamingo, check out... lvstriphistory.com  When the Mob Ran Vegas  After-Hours Architecture  Gambling on a Dream: The Classic Las Vegas Strip 1930-1955  the Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream  Pinterest  BattleBorn Pins  Vintage Vegas Shirts 

Random Vegas The MSG Sphere uses 150 Tera watt-hours of electricity every year. Also known as a 150 trillion watts. (@KTNV) Twitpic of the week She’s the newest and one of the sexiest neon signs in the history of Fremont St.  Carousel Bar Ginger @Plazalasvegas’s outdoor Porte cashre bar is a lovely addition to the history of neon sex downtown.  Vicki is the original neon beauty and thanks to the Steven’s group and Circa, we still have her in almost all her glory.  That kicking leg has turned out to be a money pit pain in the ass, I don’t blame them for cutting the preverbal cord.  Lady Luck and Sassy Sally all gave us imaginary additions to the conversation.  Now another physical representation is here and deserves her place in the zeitgeist of neon women in Las Vegas.  Congratulations to friend of the show @cinamongirl as she was the first person to suggest the name Ginger, inspired, in part, by the character Ginger from the movie Casino, a character who had a scene in the famous old Plaza Porte cashre.

Random Vegas Drummer for the Killers Ronnie Vannucci worked at the Little Chapel as a photographer while the band recorded their first album Hot Fuss (@tmobilearena) Twitpic of the week Some call her the dirty castle but I call her part of the unique landscape that is the strip.  Excalibur is an example of an “only in vegas” experience you can have if theming remains.  I’m not saying you have to have people dressed up in character but you need to keep the castle…and the wall decorations to help sell the theme. Leave it to @maverickhelifor capturing a picture of her all lit up and looking pretty.  Say what you will about her, she’s got a hell of an ass on her. News ·  Waldorf Astoria changes

On the next "Chicks you don't want to break up with:"   I think there’s been more talk about this show since it opened than any other Vegas show in memory.   Good or bad, people are talking about Awakening. We saw the show in late February 2023, when we were in town for the Half Marathon and 360 Vegas Winter Vacation. Before we get to the review, let’s talk about how Wynn got here.  When the resort opened in 2005, it opened with the production show La Reve. Like Awakening, La Reve had its share of problems.  Developed by Franco Dragone from Cirque, who Steve Wynn poached from Cirque.  Dragone was instrumental in developing Mystere and “O” for Wynn at Treasure Island and Bellagio. The sort-of Steve Wynn biography “Winner Takes All” talks about the mixed reactions to La Reve in the beginning, including bewildering acts like pregnant women falling from the ceiling during the show.  We almost saw Le Reve in July of 2020, but shows weren’t cleared to reopen, and our front row seats were refunded to us. Permanen

Random Vegas Caesars Palace legendary casino dome has a crystal chandelier that weighs approx 3,200 pounds and is comprised of 12,000 individual crystals (@VegasTravelNews) Twitpic of the week I may not like the city center complex on the strip but that isn’t saying they are sexy as hell buildings.  Especially Aria.  It’s a Vegas conundrum.  I never have any luck playing at the property and yet I still enjoy visiting it.  Did they crack the code on this one?  Is that the ultimate goal is to make it clear to people you are going to lose but you’re going to enjoy your stay.  @maverickheli really provides a fun perspective of the property that anchors an office park.  Thanks Murren. News 360VV12 Clarifications Caesars Meth Party More Fontainebleau Details Ole Red Pedestrian Bridge  Barbie Stadium Swim new rooms at Rio

Random Vegas The pool complex at Fontainebleau is six acres and will have seven pool experiences as well as gaming. The casino floor is 150k square feet with a sportsbook a little larger than 13k square feet. (@Meltzvegas) Twitpic of the week Look Familiar?  For most of you, it does not.  At least not in this incarnation.  This week @_GrandPaD shared a photo of the Sundance under construction circa 1979-80.  This was the last property Moe Dalitz opened in Las Vegas and before Circa was built, it was the newest property on Fremont St, opening in 1980.  Still stumped?  For a while it was known as Fitzgerald’s.  Today it’s known as the D Las Vegas News 360VV12  NBA In-Season Tournament Gaming Revenue Down The Sphere Dets Vegas Arena and Entertainment District Hostage Situation

Random Vegas The 2023 WSOP main event at Horseshoe Vegas is officially the largest of all time with 8,846 total entries (CardPlayer.com) Twitpic of the week So often people share pictures with us that we have to encourage them to share the photo via Twitter so it can be a candidate for Twitpic of the week.  This week’s winner by @TheCrybabyVegas is an example of that situation.  Here we get to see the view from his room at NYNY during his most recent trip and it’s a beauty dominated primarily by the property's roller coaster with a nice shot of MGM and Tropicana in the background.  Much like arial photographs, pictures of things like the behind the scenes needed to make the magic real of Las Vegas happen will always catch my attention.  The trick is to collect both something we’ve all seen with something most people don’t in the same photo.  You now have your mission.  Go out and impress us. News Death Defying Cirque VegasNearMe