Sunday News

Sunday News is typically a column that offers Las Vegas news before it’s actually news. Typically you’re reading about events that won’t happen for a few weeks, months or years. Knowing things before they happen is both fun and enlightening. This week is a little different as there is plenty happening now. Before we get to news and rumors about what will or might be happening in Las Vegas, let’s look at a couple of things that you can enjoy right now.

Happening Now In Las Vegas

Restaurant Week
Consider yourself lucky if you plan on being in Las Vegas this week. The 10th annual Las Vegas Restaurant Week is currently underway until June 17. This is a cause that rewards both the charity and the people helping to make the donation. A portion of proceeds from Restaurant Week will help Three Square in its fight to end hunger in Southern Nevada. While this is a great cause it’s not without a benefit for you.

Restaurants all over Las Vegas from the Vegas Strip to the suburbs offer special Restaurant Week menus for guests. Most of the special menus offer a discount from the normal prices at the participating restaurants. This is a great way to try a restaurant that you might not be able to afford normally. Sometimes the discounts are a good incentive to try a new restaurant. Whatever the case, you get something, the restaurant gets something and Three Square gets something. You can find participating restaurants and special menus at helpoutdineoutlv.org.

Seven Magic Mountains
The “Seven Magic Mountains” art installation is about 15-30 minutes outside of Las Vegas. The art installation was defaced shortly after opening to the public last month. Well, the graffiti is gone and the neon Stonehenge-like art in the middle of the dessert is once again open to the public. “Seven Magic Mountains” is one of the largest land-based art installations made in 40-years and took 5 years to create.

This might be the kind of attraction you have to see if you’re looking for something different when visiting Las Vegas. This installation will be around for two years. After that, you’ll be able to find one of the structures at The Park on the Vegas Strip. Here’s a quick fly through the installation.

Many Las Vegas Casinos Are Short Pouring Your Drinks
Last week Vital Vegas learned that MGM Resorts has been short pouring alcoholic beverages by nearly 20%. Instead of using the traditional 1.5 ounces of liquor per drink they’re using 1.25 ounces. That’s 17% less than you’re typically served.

The day after Vital Vegas found this information out, local ABC affiliate KNTV, shared a statement from MGM Resorts International that confirms they’ve been using 1.25-ounce pours since 2015. Additionally, they indicate in the statement that other casinos are short pouring. If you’re concerned about your booze you might want to drink beer and/or wine from a bottle.

First Riviera Implosion
The first of two implosions at the Riviera will take place Tuesday, June 14 at 2am. If you want to see the action in person check out the viewing party at The Barrymore at Royal Resort. This might be your best location to watch the boom. They’re planning another viewing party for the final implosion of the Riviera later this year if you’re looking to make plans.

M life Rewards Credit Card
The M life Rewards Credit Card is now available. We’ve already previewed the card for you here.

Construction On The Vegas Strip
Let’s tie this next story to MGM Resorts International since this public project benefits them. After all, it wouldn’t be “Sunday News” without something new happening with MGM Resorts. Construction begins this week on the four pedestrian bridges near Tropicana and the Las Vegas Blvd.

The work will mostly happen overnight until December 23rd but expect foot and auto traffic as all 16 escalators and glass panes along the 1,200 walkways will be replaced. If you’re not familiar with the street names that cross the Vegas Strip, these are the bridges connect the MGM Grand, Tropicana, Excalibur and New York-New York.

Might Be Happening In The Future

NHL in Las Vegas
Ever since MGM Resorts International started building T-Mobile Arena there have been rumors that an NHL team will become one of the main tenants. This rumor has been floating for years but confirmation might be just around the corner. Earlier this week Sinbin.Vegas tweeted that this is a done deal and that an NHL team would be coming to Las Vegas. Still, this hasn’t been confirmed by the NHL.

That tweet was followed by numerous reports that the NHL sent out instructions to the existing teams on how to prepare for an expansion draft. The NHL Board of Governors conveniently meet at Encore on June 22 and they’re expected to announce that Las Vegas will receive an expansion hockey team. This looks more like a reality every day.

Las Vegas Grand Prix May Actually Happen
The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix has been rumored for years. I first wrote about this potentially awesome event a couple years ago for Vegas Chatter. It didn’t seem likely then and it doesn’t seem likely now despite the new rumors. The BBC  is reporting that F1 could hit the Vegas Strip as soon as next year. Even though they claim to have funding I only give this a 30% chance of happening anytime in the near future. I hope I’m wrong. It would be rad to see cars zipping down the Vegas Strip at 200 miles per hour.

Fontainbleau May Have A Buyer (again)
The big blue eyesore on the north end of the Vegas Strip is rumored to have found a buyer for at least the second time this year. Like F1 on the Vegas Strip, it would be great if this is true but I don’t trust the source. What’s the saying “Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me?” I’ll believe it when I see it.

Jersey Boys Closing
The longest-running Broadway musical on the Vegas Strip will end an 8-year run later this year. “Jersey Boys” will have its final show at Paris Las Vegas on September 18. If you have tickets for a later date, they will be refunded from your point of purchase. No plans have been announced for the next show or performer at the 1,500-seat theater yet.

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We’re giving away 2 human nature tickets to their newest show JUKEBOX!