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Published Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008 | 1:09 p.m.
Updated Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008 | 11:35 p.m.
Beyond the Sun
UPDATED: Fireworks mark opening of Aliante Station
Station Casinos opened the doors Tuesday night of its latest venture, Aliante Station.
Set on a 40-acre lot within the Aliante community, Aliante Station general manager Joe Hasson calls the property “a resort for locals.” Station executives said they aimed for the high-end feel of Red Rock Resort and Casino and Green Valley Ranch, but with cheaper rates and more gaming to appeal to locals.
"Aliante Station was designed to be a warm, welcoming, exciting entertainment destination for locals that blends the natural beauty of the area with all the amenities and conveniences that have become synonymous with the Station Casinos brand," Hasson said.
The $662 million joint venture between Station Casinos and the Greenspun Corporation, which publishes the Las Vegas Sun, began with a groundbreaking in February 2007.
Aliante is opening during a rough time for the Las Vegas economy. On Monday, Station reported a loss of $23.4 million for the quarter ending Sept. 30. That compares to income of $3.7 million for the third quarter in 2007.
Station's earnings, before certain expenses, fell 13 percent in the third quarter to $108.7 million. The company said Monday it was unclear when market conditions might improve.
The hotel has 202 guest rooms and nine upscale suites. Standard room rates will range from $49 to $189.
Gaming options will include 2,500 slot machines, 40 table games, a 12-table poker room and a 170-seat race and sports book with 96 feet of plasma TVs. Aliante will have six restaurants, including T.G.I Friday’s, The Original Pancake House, Pips Cucina, Wine Bar and MRKT Sea and Land.
Aliante marked its grand opening Tuesday night with an 11-minute fireworks show for the property’s first guests and gamers.
tonight = fireworks
tomorrow = the sound of crickets
"The company said Monday it was unclear when market conditions might improve."
Two things have to happen before "market conditions might improve":
1. Station has to LOOSEN its machines. I remember when you went to a Station casino because you actually WON there. That stopped around the time they changed their rewards program.
2. The economy has to improve.
This isn't rocket science nor does one need an MBA to determine the causes for Station's losses.
Shame on Stations Casinos for the way they treated their invited guests to the grand opening of Aliante Station!
The finer restaurants, lounge and showroom were closed to all but the Fertitta family and friends.
Their loyal players (whose money built their resorts) were left to eat at the buffet, TGI Friday's or off plastic plates with plastic forks in their Mexican Restaurant.
We were told that their "surprise entertainment" would be at 8 pm, only to learn later that the showroom was only for family and friends. We were left to watch on TV screens in the casino. The show began a half hour late, with poor sound.
Meanwhile, we were served cheap wine with the "Fertitta" label.
Thanks for the headache! We left at 8:40, only to meet other unhappy guests waiting at valet for their cars.
We had been treated so well at the opening of Red Rock Casino, I suppose we were naive to think the appreciation for our business would continue.
Thank you also for driving me to more appreciative casinos for my entertainment. After years of loyalty to Stations I will be one of many to take my business elsewhere.