Anthony Curtis’ nationally syndicated weekly column.
May 18, 2011
It was anything but a grand exit for the Sahara, which closed last week on the north end of the Strip. Whereas previous closings have been “events” of sorts, nothing was done to commemorate the casino’s nearly 60 years, many as one of Las Vegas’ premier casinos. By the final day, all the games were buttoned up and a single bar (with only two brands of beer available) remained open. There was a big sign at the cage that read “chips will not be sold.” Crowds were sparse and management was padlocking some of the doors well before the announced 2 p.m. closing. It seemed like an unfitting end for one of Las Vegas’ truly legendary casinos.
Jerry Follows: On the heels of the Sahara’s closing, Jerry Lewis announced that this will be his last year hosting the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Labor Day telethon. The 85-year-old comedian has served as host for 45 years, most of them at the Sahara.
Remodel at the Wynn: Though it’s been open only six years, a major remodel is reportedly underway at Wynn Las Vegas, where $99 million is being invested to renovate the resort’s 2,700 hotel rooms and suites. The upgrade of the rooms in the Resort Tower is already complete and the remaining rooms should be finished some time the second quarter of this year.
Hot Rod: Tickets for Rod Stewart’s first shows at Caesars Palace are now on sale. The dates are Aug. 24-Sept. 11 and Nov. 3-20; tickets start at $65.05.
Happy Hour Down: The formerly great happy hour in T-Bones at Red Rock is no more. Most of the happy-hour items are still on the menu, but they’re no longer priced at $5 for everything.
Question: Where can I find the schedule for Garth Brooks at Encore and what are the ticket prices?
Answer: Garth’s dates are June 3-4, 23-25; July 22-23; Aug. 19-20; Sept. 9-10, 23-24; Oct. 7-8, 21-22; and Nov. 4-5. All tickets are general admission and priced at $253. Good luck, Garth’s concerts sell out fast.
For more information about current Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons, and good deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.