Amanda Finnegan

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Recent Stories (view all stories)

Two more CityCenter structures earn high green ratings: Mandarin Oriental and Veer Towers both get LEED Gold certifications; Friday, Nov. 20, 2009; Mandarin Oriental and Veers have both reached the high environmental standard, bringing the total of LEED Gold certified facilities to six. Others include Crystals retail district, Vdara, ARIA’s hotel tower and separately, its convention center and theater.
Golden Nugget opens new tower downtown: New, larger rooms feature amenities such as upgraded pillow-top mattresses, feather down comforters and 42-inch plasma televisions; Friday, Nov. 20, 2009; The Golden Nugget will welcome the first guests to its new 500-room Rush Tower today, marking the completion of the hotel-casino’s $150 million expansion. The new guest rooms are 20 percent larger than the Golden Nugget’s North and South Tower rooms.
Organizers declare Global Gaming Expo a success: Friday, Nov. 20, 2009; Exhibitors and organizers feared the worst going into the 2009 Global Gaming Expo, but they changed their tone Thursday as the convention came to a close, calling it an overall success. The American Gaming Association reported a 7 percent increase in conference attendees for the first two days of the show compared to 2008, an increase that no one was expecting.
Boyd chief: Recession forcing Vegas back to roots: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009; The recession is forcing Las Vegas to return to its roots as a more value-oriented destination, and that’s not a bad thing, Boyd Gaming President and Chief Executive Keith Smith said.
“The town has now evolved back to its original roots,” Smith said Wednesday at the Global Gaming Expo. “I think the industry will continue to evolve and refine itself and eventually find a norm between value and high-end.”
South Point's Michael Gaughan inducted into Gaming Hall of Fame: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009; South Point owner and longtime casino operator Michael Gaughan was honored today for his 40-plus years of service to the gaming industry and Las Vegas. Gaughan was inducted into the American Gaming Association Hall of Fame this morning at the Global Gaming Expo, placing him among the ranks of other gaming legends like Bill Harrah, Steve Wynn and his father, Jackie Gaughan. “He never seeks the limelight yet Michael Gaughan has been a major figure in our industry for the last 40 years,” AGA President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Fahrenkopf said.
Gaming association: Industry rebound will trail national economy: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009; As the national economy begins to recover, the gaming industry will follow. That was the message American Gaming Association President Frank Fahrenkopf delivered at a media briefing today during the first day of the Global Gaming Expo.
Gaming’s financial execs weigh in on tough times: Panelists detail recession’s woes during start of industry trade show; Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009; It’s no secret that the recession has hurt the gaming industry. It’s forced companies to adapt business strategies to the changing market, curb development projects and make some hard financial decisions.
New Year's Eve fireworks returning to casino rooftops: Friday, Nov. 13, 2009; Fireworks will be returning to Las Vegas Strip casino rooftops this New Year’s Eve. After a shortage of “ohhs” and “ahhs” during last year’s display, Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced today that they have worked with the Clark County Fire Department to move the displays from ground locations back to the rooftops. The displays will be shot from seven casino rooftop locations.
Stratosphere owner narrows loss as revenue falls: Friday, Nov. 13, 2009; American Casino & Entertainment Properties, owner of the Stratosphere, reported a net loss today of $1.8 million during the third quarter of 2009, which improved from a net loss of $8 million in the same period of 2008.
Vegas tourism companies embrace social media strategies: Executives outline use of interactive media at Las Vegas conference; Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009; With social media taking hold as a valuable marketing tool around the globe, Las Vegas tourism businesses are developing techniques to ensure they aren’t left behind.

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Recent Blog Posts (view all entries)

Planet Hollywood offers $60 rooms -- 10 rooms at a time: Monday, Nov. 16, 2009; Planet Hollywood has rolled out a new promotion that makes rooms at the Strip resort cheaper than many of Las Vegas’ budget hotels.
Blue Man Group at half price for locals: Monday, Nov. 9, 2009; Tickets are normally 30 percent off for locals but from now until Jan. 31, residents can purchase Blue Man tickets for 50 percent off, making tickets as low as $42 before taxes and fees.
From $9 rooms to $99 weddings, deals on display for 9/9/09: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009; Though not as lucky at 7/7/07 or symmetrical as 8/8/08, casinos and restaurants are trying to cash in with deals for 9/9/09.
Rio buffet, M Resort pool and meals at half price: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009; The Rio is doing some locals appreciation at its buffet that will go a little easier on the wallet.
Short on cash? $1 deals are aplenty: Friday, July 24, 2009
Strip resorts offering kid-friendly deals for locals: Friday, July 17, 2009
Southwest Airlines, Strip hotels team up for offer: Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Cost of two hotel nights, slot play for locals? Nothing: Thursday, June 18, 2009
Family movie deals ramp up for summer: Friday, June 12, 2009
Wolfgang Puck takes 25 percent off for locals: Thursday, June 4, 2009

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