Vegas News April 18, 2021
Vegas – Get Ready To Party
Like I mentioned last week, we’re starting to see the light. Las Vegas is very much on the rebound. At this point, it feels as though demand is ramping up faster than businesses can handle. We’ve been slowly detailing this for weeks and months. So, Vegas – get ready to party in July!
This week felt as though the government is catching up and a return to (somewhat) normal is just around the corner. The government is now targeting June 1 for a return to 100% capacity for all businesses. You can read about the specifics here.
Local municipalities will come up with plans for their part of the state starting May 1. You can see the plan for Clark County here. In case you’re not familiar, that’s where the Vegas Strip is located. The Nevada Gaming Control Board will create an updated health and safety plan for casinos.
Most casino operators are making it easy for employees to get a coronavirus vaccine. Some casino operators like Cosmopolitan are incentivizing employees with extra money to get vaccinated. This will matter more to some visitors than others.
We’re already seeing larger crowds than casinos, bars and restaurants can handle. Just about every business in Las Vegas is hiring or rehiring employees. At least, they’re trying to hire people to meet the demand.
Vegas – Back To Work – Maybe?
There’s actually a lack of interest for some people to return to work. We’ve seen this with rideshare drivers but it’s really an issue for a lot of businesses throughout Las Vegas. Side note, you might want to check out Indeed or LinkedIn if you’re looking for work and don’t mind moving to Las Vegas.
Sell-Outs, In Minutes
Las Vegas will feel very much the same place people love in July. Tickets for UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10 sold out in minutes. Garth Brooks has a sold-out show at Allegiant Stadium that same night.
Cirque Du Soleil shows “O” at Bellagio and “Mystere” at Treasure Island are also planning to reopen in July.
Return to Normal-ish
Vegas – Get Ready To Party
The return to normal-ish for Las Vegas seems to be escalating quickly. I feel like I’ve received messages from people planning to visit Las Vegas for work or play every day for the past week. I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends from the east coast sooner than later.
Expect to hear much more. For now, let’s get to the rest of the Vegas News.
Las Vegas Quick Hits
Las Vegas Quick Hits
Speaking of escalating quickly. You can read about the photos below of a car stuck on a pedestrian bridge here.
What happens in Vegas… 🤦🏻♂️ This evening the DUI Strike Team arrested this driver on suspicion of DUI, and yes that’s a pedestrian bridge, for people not cars. #drivesober #lasvegas #DUIStrikeTeam #nhpsocomm pic.twitter.com/k6j2DZkRHk
— NHP Southern Command (@NHPSouthernComm) April 17, 2021
- The big casino news of the week is that the Tropicana was finally sold. Bally’s (the casino operator that has nothing to do with the Las Vegas casino) essentially paid $0 for the property. You can read about the deal here.
- The $0 price isn’t exactly true. Neither is the $300 million price you’ll see in most headlines. The company essentially swapped the land of two non-Vegas casinos for the casino operations in Las Vegas. Bally’s is a fascinating company. I’m happy to have an excuse to pay closer attention. Check their news releases from the past two years to learn more about the company.
- The sale of Tropicana is expected to close early next year.
- Maybe Caesars will rebrand Bally’s Las Vegas now that Bally’s Corp. will be entering Las Vegas. For what it’s worth, the company hasn’t said if they’ll change the name of the Tropicana. Read about a potential rebrand of Bally’s LV here.
- Resorts World keeps dropping information about the property that’s scheduled to open this summer. This week they shared details about retailers and Tiesto. The latter is leaving his gig at Hakkasan at MGM Grand.
- Sugar Factory American Brasserie is opening another Las Vegas location. This one will be a three-level bar and restaurant at Harmon Corner that will open this summer. Read more here.
- This isn’t exactly new but I was waiting for some official information to share. Read about Uber surge pricing in Las Vegas here.
- There’s a new comedy club opening on Main Street in downtown Las Vegas. There are plenty of beer bars in the area to make a full night out in the area. Read more here.
- Have you heard about Usher bucks? I hope Usher returns to Sapphire for Monday Night Football later this year. If not, read more here.
- Maybe Usher can get these dudes and get down for a new Sapphire song.
- There might be a huge boxing match with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua at Allegiant Stadium later this year. Read/see/hear more here.
- Who’s down for doughnuts and hot dogs in Chinatown? Read more here.
- Arizona Charlie’s is getting a Dunkin Donuts. Read more here.
- A new expo center opened in downtown Las Vegas this week. Who knew?! Read more here.
- The Boring update this week includes potential ride times and prices when the entire Vegas Loop is complete. Read more here.
