June 9, 2010
Although the center-Strip Encore has been open for more than a year, it wasn’t considered finished until this month’s debut of the Encore Beach Club. The gigantic $68 million 60,000-square-foot pool complex, which includes a nightclub called Surrender, has a capacity of 2,400 people and the public is welcome for an admission charge currently set at $30 for non-hotel guests.
Its 26 cabanas and eight two-story bungalows rent out at prices from $1,000 to $15,000. The Beach Club will host parties and special events throughout the summer. In addition, poolside blackjack and a topless sunbathing area are open to hotel guests only.
Hot: Speaking of pools, they were in high demand all over town last week, as temperature records tumbled. The mercury reached 110 degrees on one day. Summer’s here!
Zone Closing: The ESPN Zone at New York-New York will close June 16. It was a popular bar and restaurant for several years, but the bad economy has forced the closing of several in the chain. There’s been no announcement of what will go into the NY-NY space.
Yard Opening: Las Vegas’ second Yard House (the other is in the Town Square shopping district off the Strip) has opened at Red Rock Resort. The bar boasts 130 beers on tap and has an extensive food menu.
Nice Bluff: Get a free drink at the new Crown nightclub at the Rio by mentioning Bluff magazine. The poker mag has a deal with the club that runs until July 17.
Question: Will the World Cup soccer tournament be a big deal in Las Vegas?
Answer: Not as big as March Madness or the Super Bowl, but probably bigger than any of the previous Cups. Places with big plans include the Las Vegas Hilton, calling itself “World Soccer Central,” and Lagasse’s Stadium at the Palazzo, billing itself as “the place” to watch the games. All of the town’s many English pubs will also carry the games (see a complete list at the website listed below).
