Vegas News August 15, 2021

Vegas COVID-19 Update

Let’s start with the number one topic I’m asked about every week. You got it, here’s another Las Vegas COVID-19 update! First of all, regardless of vaccination status, you have to wear a mask inside casinos unless you’re eating, drinking, or smoking. There’s still no timeline on this.

The COVID-19 news breaking this week is that you may have to have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to inside some venues in Las Vegas. If you plan on seeing a show and want to play it safe, make sure you have proof of vaccination or have a negative COVID-19 test before visiting Las Vegas.  

Overview of Venues | COVID-19 vaccination or test result

Here’s a quick overview of some of the venues that will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result for entry. If you have serious concerns, read the articles or go directly to the venue for specifics.

Beginning October 1, All AEG venues will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result. AEG venues include the Las Vegas Festival Grounds across the street from Sahara, The Theater at Resorts World, and The Theater at Virgin. Read more here. 

AEG is a partner with MGM Resorts at T-Mobile Arena and Park Theater at Park MGM. These venues do not require proof of vaccination at this point. Read more here. On a related note, there’s no vaccination requirement to see the Las Vegas Raiders or Vegas Golden Knights. Read more here.

Beginning Oct. 4, Live Nation will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result at its venues. Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq and House of Blues at Mandalay Bay are both Live Nation venues in Las Vegas. Read more here. 

The Smith Center in downtown Las Vegas will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result. Read specifics here.

No Las Vegas casinos require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result yet. Harrah’s New Orleans is currently the only casino in the US with this requirement. Read more here. 

A Fluid Situation – Vegas COVID-19 Update

This is a fluid situation and you should expect this situation to evolve. Again, check the websites of venues for entry requirements before visiting to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.

Let’s get to the rest of the news in and around Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Quick Hits

There was lots of news in and around Las Vegas this week. The big news isn’t that a laundromat was recommended for a gaming license this week. I underestimated how excited people would be for the reopening of Main Street Station. I’ve always had fun there but never fell in love with the property. The casino will be reopening sooner than expected. Since it’s on my mind, let’s start Quick Hits with the details on Main Street Station reopening.

• Boyd Gaming announced that Main Street Station will reopen at 6 am on Sept. 8. Read more here. 
• The Main Street Station buffet will reopen for brunch daily and dinner on Friday and Saturday. See hours and more specifics from the press release here.
• Last week I was talking to my crew about their scheduled visit later this year. Someone mentioned getting a stogie to celebrate the occasion. A day later, I learned that Eight Lounge Cigar Bar will open at Resorts World this fall. Read more here.
• We also decided to visit Starlight Lounge On 66 at Resorts World when visiting the casino. It wasn’t open when I visited to review the Conrad Hotel room so I’m not familiar with this space. This week I learned that the lounge has video poker. 
• Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is one of the most popular restaurants in Las Vegas. It will be expanding. Read more here.
• It looks like the Old Homestead at Caesars Palace Las Vegas has joined Giada at The Cromwell Hotel and Casino in charging guests for bread. See the tweet here.
• DraftKings might be coming to Las Vegas sooner than later. The sportsbook operator signed a deal with the Golden Nugget to rebrand its sportsbooks. Read more here. There’s no timeline on this yet…
• …The Nevada Gaming Control Board could change its stance forcing sports bettors to register for sports wagering accounts in person next week. If the in-person requirement changes, DraftKings could be more inclined to enter the Las Vegas market. Read more here.
• There will be a shuttle from Treasure Island to Raiders games if you’d like to avoid parking fees. Read more here. 
• I thought renovations to Waldorf Astoria happened already. This article says otherwise.
• There will be lots of entertainment in Las Vegas for Mexican Independence Day. Read more here.
• Somewhat related, the Mexican Baseball Fiesta will take place at Las Vegas Ballpark in September. Read more here.
• Are you ready for Christmas in Vegas? The Glittering Lights will be back at Las Vegas Motor Speedway starting November. Read more here.
• The CBS Las Vegas affiliate must have a quota to hit for its news programming. Here’s another update on the train that’s never happening. It’s surprising the newspaper wasn’t first with this. Maybe they’re on pace to meet their news quota this month.
• Another group of investors wants to bring an MLS team to Las Vegas. Read more here. 
• Jeff Dunham will be performing monthly at Caesars Palace starting September. See specific dates here.
• Adele will not have a Las Vegas residency. Read more here.
• Adele may have a Las Vegas residency. Read more here.
• It looks like The Linq will have more Stadium Gaming soon. For what it’s worth, the existing installation is one of the more popular I’ve seen on the Vegas Strip.
• The Stiffs and Georges blog has some thoughts and info on the MGM Picasso cash grab. Read more here.