The character of the closing of the Sahara in 140 characters or less

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 | 12:25 p.m.

Story archives, video, photos and more on the Sahara closure

The Sahara marquee on the day of closing. (6:30 a.m. May 16)

Sun columnist John Katsilometes moved into the Sahara for the iconic Vegas casino’s final four days. Over those 96 hours, Johnny Kats posted nearly a message an hour on Twitter. Limited to 140 characters per message, here are a few highlights of those posts:

The promissory note from Sam Nazarian closes the show. #sahara

2:20 p.m. May 16

Was just told by Sahara Chief of Security Lois Wright to leave. And I will. Shortly. #sahara

2:10 p.m. May 16

Unbelievable, Don Claus, bell captain and a 47-year employee, was just asked by a beery guest to send two carts to the 27th floor. #sahara

12:55 p.m. May 16

Gotta love former Runnin’ Rebel Tony Smith, still smiling and helping run the front desk. “Til the end!” he says.

12:45 p.m. May 16

A good way to catch the attention of security is to try to enter the elevators at the Tangiers Towers. I did not try this, mind you. #sahara

12:25 p.m. May 16

John Katsilometes

A stranger, singing on the Casbar Lounge stage, which had been reopened from last night. (10:15 p.m. May 15)

Look for a character called Eddie The Hat to be the last person to leave the Sahara. He’s been playing poker at the hotel since ‘53. #sahara

11:40 a.m. May 16

Just talked to SBE Entertainment chief Sam Nazarian. “It is an emotional day, but you try not to be overcome by emotion.” #sahara

10:30 a.m. May 16

The casino floor at Sahara, in its final throes. But not throws - crap tables are closed.

9:30 a.m. May 16

Souvenir shoppers, the blackjack tables at the Sahara are running out of $1 chips. #sahara

6:45 a.m. May 16

Can someone airlift ketchup to NASCAR Cafe? They are out! #sahara

7:42 p.m. May 15

All that’s left at NASCAR Cafe is burgers. Or, are burgers. I forgot to eat today, which runs in concert with forgetting to sleep. #sahara

7:30 p.m. May 15

John Katsilometes

The final order at Island Bar, and it's candid! Candid! #sahara (1:45 a.m. May 15)

“Paying our respects,” is the catch phrase at Sahara, where I have returned after a visit to Firefly with @triciamccrone @DorimarBonilla

12:15 a.m. May 15

Bulletin: House of Lords just ran out of prime rib. But the Sprite flows freely! #sahara #SheckyKats

7 p.m. May 14

The Sahara poker room. Good poker faces in here. #sahara

7:15 p.m. May 13