Category: Vegas

On This Date: July 2, 1971 The Union Plaza in Downtown Las Vegas Opened

July 2, 2017

The Plaza, originally named the Union Plaza (Photo by: LasVegas360.com)

Photo by: LasVegas360.com

 

The “Union” was removed in 2011 (Photo by: LasVegas360.com)

Opened on July 2, 1971 with the owners including local businessmen: Sam Boyd, Frank Scott, Howard Cannon and Jackie Gaughan. Its original name was Union Plaza, in reference to the Union Pacific railroad station that originally stood at the site.

In the 1971 James Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever, the construction of the Union Plaza is visible in the background. In the 1989 film Back to the Future Part II, a model of the Plaza serves as the hotel tower.

The hotel portion closed on November 11, 2010. The hotel re-opened September 1, 2011 as the Plaza.

Re-modeled rooms of the Plaza in 2011

Re-modeled rooms of the Plaza in 2011

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On This Date: July 2, 1958 The Stardust Hotel & Casino Opened

Stardust

The Famous Stardust Hotel & Casino Sign

On this Date, July 2, 1958, The Stardust Resort and Casino opened along the famous Las Vegas Strip. When the hotel opened, it had the largest casino and swimming pool in Nevada and the it was the largest hotel in the Las Vegas area. Although most of the modern casino complex, including its main 32-story tower, was built in 1991. The Stardust was originally a outer space themed hotel with planets, stars and galaxies on its facade.

Stardust Postcard

Stardust Postcard With the Orginal Spaced Themed Facade

But most remember the 188 foot tall neon sign that represented a shower of stardust around the words STARDUST. In 1991, the Stardust sign’s spaced themed lettering was replaced with a subdued typeface.

The Stardust officially closed on November 1, 2006 after operating continuously for 48 years. It was imploded on March 13, 2006

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The Gambling Lifestyle in Las Vegas

July 1, 2017

Winning in Las VegasEach city has its own allure achieved by unique traits, historical background or just welcoming locals. For Las Vegas, specifically, there is a bit more than that. The lifestyle in Vegas is often described by stating that it is both everything and nothing that meets the eye.

In order to understand life in Las Vegas, people need to realize that there is much more than just the gambling industry. Although this is the driving force which has kept this city alive during the sweltering summer heat and constant movement, people in Vegas are able to experience much more. Locals are able to witness concerts, shows and performances of the greatest world-famous stars in show business without travelling to a distant city.
Not too far from the neon lights, people are also able to experience quite a number of outdoor activities. The Vegas valley is enclosed by mountains and rough terrain, allowing visitors and locals to explore various extreme sports.

Yet, the majority of people who visit Vegas are inclined towards gambling. The gambling lifestyle as seen in movies and on TV mainly aims to attract as many gamblers as possible, which is why it is often portrayed as a luxurious, easy-money, care-free way of life. After all, Vegas has been facing some serious threats of extinction. NetBet and similar popular online casinos rapidly replaced the land-based lobbies of entire resorts filled with tables and slot machines.

Still, there are a few characteristics of the gambling lifestyle in Las Vegas which make the experience exciting and irreplaceable.

Time Stands Still in Las Vegas
This characteristic of the gambling lifestyle in Las Vegas is one of the many tactics employed by hotel and resort managers in an attempt to keep players on the casino floor. They tend to provide a full-service experience and a place to eat, drink, sleep, party or even shop within their establishment in order to prevent players from leaving. Thus, gamblers often get carried away and end up spending too many sleepless nights in the lobby without any idea of the actual time.

Gambling Is Also a Profession
Although this could also be true for any other town where gambling is legal and regulated, Las Vegas does offer greater variety when it comes to developing your gambling skills. Previous generations have already set the basics for the industry, leaving youngsters with a done product which simply needs some refurbishing now and then.

In order to enjoy your stay in Vegas, you need to understand that this is not an easy way to make a living. Despite stereotypical beliefs, there is only a very small portion of gamblers who actually accumulate all their income from gambling and can sustain themselves and their family.

Gambling Etiquette
Just like any other official business, gambling in Las Vegas casinos is done under certain unwritten rules. Small things like asking whether the chair is free or not, or simply learning the rules of the game before placing your bet and throwing a fit for losing your money often mean a lot to the typical Las Vegas gambler.

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On This Date: July 1, 1969 The Landmark Hotel Opened

The Landmark Hotel and Casino

The Landmark Hotel and Casino in 1969

On this date, the Landmark opened on July 1, 1969. It took more than 8 years to complete and was bought up by Howard Hugues 6 months before its completion.

The Landmark Tower was a 525 rooms hotel/casino located at 364 Convention Center Drive on the corner of Paradise Rd. and Convention Center Drive. The Landmark opened on July 1, 1969 and closed on August 8, 1990.

The Landmark played host to famous celebrities such as Danny Thomas, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Freddy Fender’s first appearance. The Landmark was one of the few hotel properties not located on the Strip or in downtown Las Vegas but across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Landmark was closed on August 8, 1990. and on November 7, 1995, it was imploded. The demolition was filmed and used in the movie “Mars Attack”. The Landmark was also featured in such movies like Viva Las Vegas, Diamonds Are Forever, Casino, and The Cooler. Also seen in TV Shows like Vegas and Crime Story.

Photo By: University of Nevada, Las Vegas University Libraries

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Daily Neon: Smokin’ Good Times in Las Vegas

Smokin' Good Times

Smokin’ Good Times on the Corner of Odgen and 3rd Street in Downtown Las Vegas Nevada

Photo by: lasvegas360.com
Date Taken: December 29, 2011

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Daily Neon: Fükü Burger Truck in the Neon Lights of Downtown

June 30, 2017
Fukuburger in Downtown Las Vegas

Fuku Burger Truck  in Downtown Las Vegas

Photo by: LasVegas360.com
Photo Taken: 1/28/2012

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