Sunday News this week will be a little shorter than usual. I’m dealing with complications of a high toilet and it’s making me cranky this morning. Visit squattypotty.com to understand the issues. Fun fact, I’m sitting by myself at the 3535 Bar at The Linq and laughing out loud as I write this. Anyway, on to the news.
Las Vegas Raiders Just A Few Steps From Being A Reality
It feels as though this Las Vegas stadium situation has been going on forever, but it might be coming to an end soon. On Friday, the Nevada legislature approved a plan to finance a stadium in Las Vegas. Final approval for funding by the government is expected to happen on Monday. The Oakland Raiders still need approval from the NFL to move but many seem to think that’s a no-brainer.
If and when everything is approved the stadium committee will have to pick a location to build. It looks as though the battle will be between land near Mandalay Bay and land near The Orleans. If you’re someone that looks far ahead to plan for potential players club status to get complimentary rooms for home games you might want to look at Silverton, MGM Resorts and Marquee (Tropicana/M) for the site on the Vegas Strip. Boyd Gaming and Station Casinos might be your best bet for rooms near the other location. It’s still a bit premature for this, but it’s food for thought.
Sometimes Rumors Do Come True
Remember last week when I speculated that Bruno Mars might be doing a residency at the Park Theater at Monte Carlo? Well, I woke up the day after Sunday News was posted to see that MGM Resorts and Bruno Mars entered into a long-term agreement. The deal will have him performing in Las Vegas and Maryland at MGM National Harbor. Tickets for the Las Vegas shows start at $100 + fees. This won’t be a traditional residency for Bruno Mars at the Park Theater. You can read the press release here.
Show News
Las Vegas shows have been dropping like flies this year. It seems that the tide continues to change for how people want to spend their entertainment dollars in Las Vegas. Here’s a quick look at who’s in, who’s out and who’s staying put.
- Rock Of Ages – The 80’s hair metal musical at Rio will be closing on January 1, 2017. There are no plans for the show to take up residency elsewhere.
- Gordie Brown – His show at Golden Nugget will be closing on November 27. It appears as though he might be looking to take his act elsewhere, but nothing is official.
- Donny & Marie – The duo extended their residency at the Flamingo through the end of 2017.
- Tenors of Rock – Robin Leach is reporting this group will begin a residency at Harrah’s. You can read more about the show here.
- Elton John – He added 4 shows around New Year’s Eve to his “The Million Dollar Piano” residency at Caesars Palace. New shows will be December, 28, 29, 31 and January 1.
Restaurant and Bar News
Bar and restaurant concepts change every week in Las Vegas. Even if a business is popular, there’s often a need to keep customers interested and that often comes with a new concept. Here are highlights from the past week of bars and restaurants that are opening, closing, delayed or something else.
- Blue Ribbon Sushi – This has been on the chopping block for a while. Eater is reporting that the replacement for the popular sushi bar will another location for New York’s Blue Ribbon Brasserie in 2017.
- In N Out at The Linq – The opening timeframe for the most important restaurant coming to the Vegas Strip has been pushed back to winter according to Eater.
- DB Brasserie – The restaurant at The Venetian will be closing in January. A replacement hasn’t been named yet although it seems as though Michelin Star chef, DB, might be leaving Las Vegas.
- The Dorsey Cocktail Lounge – This is the name of the bar replacing the Bourbon Room at The Venetian.
- Harley Davidson Cafe – The restaurant across the street from Planet Hollywood and Aria will be closing at the end of the month. The location is great as everyone I know seemed to visit this non-casino restaurant once. Expect a new name here soon.
- Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips – The tiny quick-serve restaurant at The Linq opened last week. It’s a grab n go restaurant that seats about 20. Expect a long line to get food and nowhere to eat inside.
- The D Adds Coffee Bar – The new coffee bar in the hotel lobby is serving up Zingerman’s coffee. This is another nod to Michigan by Derek Stevens.
Last But Not Least…
Ronda Rousey will take part in UFC 207 on December 30 at T-Mobile Arena. If you’re a fight fan, here’s a heads up that hotel rooms for that weekend will be very expensive since it’s New Year’s Eve weekend. Plan in advance for any deals and discounts.
Football Central at the Westgate Theater has closed. You’ll have to watch the games in the Las Vegas SuperBook with everyone else. There’s a chance that the special theater setting for the games could return. Keep your eyes peeled on the twitter. I’ll share any news of its return.
Since changing hands, there have been lots of rumors that Hooters casino will be changing its name. It looks like that won’t be the case and the name will remain Hooters. Viva la Hooters!
Introducing Benét the AVIATION QUEEN ZORK
Get Your Slots On At Nevada’s Two Commercial Airports
Be sure to check out the fascinating US Presidential Election Odds series by David Walton
We only email one weekly update which includes our popular Sunday News.
