Vegas News November 15, 2020
We’re going to start off with a slew of news that happened this week while I was researching coronavirus in Las Vegas. The information that follows is kind of all over the place, but it’s all somehow related to coronavirus. Plus, we will touch on some Virgin Vegas news.
Vegas Corona Update
I’d much rather focus on fun things happening in and around Las Vegas but this just won’t go away. Coronavirus cases continue to spread around the country and Las Vegas is no different. You can see the data here if you’re curious about specifics.
RIO To Reopen
The scene was looking positive mid-week when Caesars announced RIO All-Suite Las Vegas Hotel and Casino would reopen in December. As we speculated in Quick Hits last week the hotel will only be open on the weekends. Most of the casino and its amenities will be open seven days a week.
It’s probably not a coincidence that a day later Caesars announced that the World Series Of Poker will have the final table of the Main Event recorded for ESPN live at Rio All-Suite Hotel in late December. Time will tell if this actually happens as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise. Caesars says it could postpone the live event.
No word if and when a baseball stadium will open at Rio. Please ask someone else with closer ties to this rumor.
Governor Sisolak has COVID-19
On Friday night, just about every news outlet reported that Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has COVID-19. He wasn’t showing any symptoms at the time but a positive test isn’t good for an older fella. In the past four months since casinos reopened 712 visitors, have tested positive for coronavirus. The vast majority tested positive for the virus in Las Vegas. The newspaper says that Las Vegas saw 5.7 million visitors during this period.
Buffets, Classic Cars and Strip Clubs
As we’ve been mentioning all year it appears as though some buffets won’t be returning to Las Vegas. This week, Eater is reporting that Circus Circus will replace its buffet with a food court. This probably has nothing to do with a kid shooting someone last week.
Las Vegas is all over the place with news as it relates to the evolution of the town as it relates to coronavirus. Mecum Auctions is selling classic cars in Las Vegas this weekend. The company is taking safety protections for buyers. This isn’t my cup of tea but it’s nice to see something happening in Las Vegas that will bring a smile to someone’s face.
Rhino and Sapphire
It appears as though Spearmint Rhino and Sapphire have reopened too. This should also put a smile on some faces. The Sapphire song by Hard Nox from seven years ago always puts a smile on my face. (Also see: Vegas Strip Clubs Get the Okay to Reopen but Only Secretly.)
A few weeks ago we shared information about a sex worker suing Nevada to work. I’m not sure how I missed this last week but a karaoke bar is also suing the state.
Vegas Holiday Attractions and Show Updates
On a positive note, the holiday cactus garden at Ethel M chocolate factory no longer has socially distant spaces available to reserve. You can walk up but they’ll only allow someone in if there’s a cancellation. This might sound like bad news but people doing things and visiting a local business feels like a good thing. You can read more about the annual attraction here.
How about some more good news? The limited-edition egg nog is back at Ellis Island! You can read the press release here. The Ratpack is Back show returns to Tuscany. Speaking of shows returning, “Extravaganza – The Vegas Spectacular” will reopen at Bally’s on November 23.
Stadium Swim at Circa will host a concert and benefit on New Year’s Eve featuring Zowie Bowie. The 4,000 capacity venue will only have 400 people in attendance. The show and benefit will also be on TV. You can read more here.
Of course, the good news and bad news are all pending. Nobody really knows what the future holds for the spread of coronavirus. There’s really a lot to take in about this.
There’s good, bad, and ugly. There’s no perfect next step for everyone. Some people continue to visit Las Vegas while many others stay away from Vegas according to what we see and this small sampling of TravelZork followers on Twitter.
Hopefully, keeping up with Vegas news will help you make the right decision for you.
Las Vegas Quick Hits
Quick Hits
Not everything happening in and around Las Vegas links back to coronavirus. Let’s take a look at some other news that happened this week.
PRESS ▶️ TO SEE OUR EPIC ROAD TRIP!
— Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (@VirginHotelsLV) November 12, 2020
Book Now. https://t.co/KRnH5iuxKd pic.twitter.com/EA2RUoMP4l
Virgin Vegas Updates
- Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is now taking reservations. Initial prices for rooms aren’t cheap but it appears as though Virgin Vegas does not have a resort fee yet. Note there are different portals for Virgin loyalty club and Mohegan Sun loyalty club members. Hilton members save a few bucks too. Also, Rakuten members get 2.5% cashback reserving through Hilton. (Also see: Virgin Vegas on Hilton Website)
- A real estate developer purchased land on Paradise near Virgin. There’s a “cool project” coming someday. Read more here.
- Resorts World Las Vegas released details about its nightlife. There’s info about a few venues at the property including the sweet day club above. You can see a few more renderings here.
- Lucky the Leprechaun is leaving O’Sheas. Vital Vegas has details here.
- Bazaar Meat at Sahara has a new bar menu. It looks like some of the prices are a buck or two less expensive. Read more here.
- The Henderson Silver Knights revealed their jerseys this week. Dig em? You can read and see more here.
- Flock and Fowl is closing in downtown Las Vegas. The owners will have a new concept soon. Read more here.
- There’s a new Shakira Viva Vision show at the Fremont Street Experience. Read more here.
- Stiffs and Georges has some positive info about Station Casinos from a stock analyst. This reiterates the info we’ve been sharing from recent earnings calls. Note, the info starts on page one and continues.
- Caesars Palace Las Vegas is renovating its food court. I probably spent more time here than any individual location inside the casino the last time I stayed at Caesars Palace. No other thoughts, just sharing.
- Las Vegas will continue to hold NASCAR races through 2031. Read more here.
