Amanda Finnegan

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Las Vegas expecting more visitors this Thanksgiving: Convention and Visitors Authority projecting 278,000 for holiday weekend, up 3 percent from 2008; Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009; The Las Vegas Valley is expected to see an increase in Thanksgiving visitors this year, local tourism officials said. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is projecting 278,000 visitors will be in town for the holiday weekend, up 3 percent from 2008.
Golden Nugget opens $150 million, 500-room tower: Tower is the first to open in downtown Las Vegas in two decades; Monday, Nov. 23, 2009; The Golden Nugget celebrated a milestone Monday for downtown Las Vegas. The hotel-casino had a grand opening celebration for its Rush Tower, the first new hotel tower to be added to the downtown area since Golden Nugget’s Carson Tower opened in 1989.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Zappos CEO talks company culture at marketing conference: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009; Make company culture a first priority and the rest — including marketing and customer service — will fall into place.
That was the message Zappos Chief Executive Officer Tony Hsieh hoped to drive home with entrepreneurs and marketing executives at Tuesday’s keynote address at PubCon 2009, an annual social media and search marketing conference.
Encore, M Resort added to Forbes Travel Guide list: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009; Nevada has racked up six more hospitality honors, the Forbes Travel Guide announced today. The Forbes Travel Guide, formerly known as the Mobil Travel Guide, unveiled its four- and five-star recipients for its first-edition travel guides. The brand transfer from Mobil to Forbes was announced earlier this fall.
Las Vegas sees first monthly visitor increase since May 2008: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009; Las Vegas saw some signs of relief during the month of September as the city recorded its first year-over-year increase in visitor volume since May 2008. The number of visitors during the month of September increased from about 2.9 million visitors in September 2008 to more than 3 million in September 2009.
Hard Rock sees higher revenue on quarterly loss: Monday, Nov. 9, 2009; The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino saw higher revenue during the third quarter of 2009 with the addition of its Paradise hotel tower and an expanded concert venue, the property reported in a filing today with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Vegas area adds three resorts to elite AAA list: New additions bring number of Nevada properties on list to 13; Friday, Nov. 6, 2009; Las Vegas is home to three more AAA Five Diamond winners, AAA Travel announced today. Nevada and Florida tied by adding three properties to the list -- more than any other state. The latest additions include The Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas, Encore Las Vegas and the Palazzo in the hotel category. Nevada now has eight Five Diamond properties, trailing only California and Florida. Other resorts earning the coveted award are repeat winners. The Bellagio has received the award for nine consecutive years while the Skylofts and Wynn Las Vegas both have won for the last four.
Former Fontainebleau executive joins Tropicana: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009; A second former Fontainebleau Las Vegas executive is joining the Tropicana Las Vegas, the company announced today.
IGT swings to loss in quarterly earnings: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009; International Game Technology saw its profit swing to a loss during the fourth quarter of 2009, the Reno-based gaming supply company reported today.
Ameristar Casinos reports profit increase in quarter: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009; Las Vegas-based casino operator Ameristar Casinos reported relatively unchanged profit during the third quarter despite a drop in the company’s revenue.
Halloween brings out sugary side of Las Vegas notables: Celebrities, politicians make plans for trick-or-treating visitors; Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009; Halloween isn’t just for the kids. Local celebrities, politicians and prominent members of the Las Vegas community are planning to take part in today’s festivities. The Las Vegas Sun found out how they are spending their holiday -- and how they're contributing to bags of Halloween treats.
Steve Wynn’s move to ‘protect fans’ leaves sour feelings: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009; Hours after his resort sold out of tickets for Garth Brooks’ first 20 shows, Steve Wynn instituted an unusual anti-scalping procedure that has angered fans and ticket brokers alike.
Bally Technologies reports increase in income: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009; Bally Technologies saw higher income in the first quarter of 2010, the company said in its first quarter earnings report today.
Pinnacle Entertainment reports loss in third quarter: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009; Pinnacle Entertainment today reported a net loss of $2.19 million, or 37 cents per share, during the third quarter compared to a loss of $11.8 million, or 20 cents per share, a year earlier, the Las Vegas-based casino operator said today.
CityCenter employees receive uniforms, gear up for opening: Getting outfitted with new work attire symbolizes fresh start for those coming off unemployment; Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009; With CityCenter’s first opening date just a month away, thousands are gearing up for new jobs at the property. CityCenter brought hundreds a step closer to work on Wednesday as it handed out uniforms to new employees. For those who have been out of a work, the uniform is symbolic of the beginning of new opportunities.
Wynn Resorts sees profit decline in quarter: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009; Wynn Resorts saw its profit fall during the third quarter of 2009 as gamblers continued to spend less and operating costs increased due to the addition of Encore Las Vegas. The company reported net income of $34.2 million.
Wynn sends stern message to Garth Brooks ticket sellers: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009; Garth Brooks tickets are sold out for his first five weekend shows, and Wynn Las Vegas is doing everything it can to make sure fans don’t get their hands on unauthorized tickets. With some tickets on sale for more than $1,000 over their face value on several ticket broker Web sites, Wynn has come up with its own approach for dealing with would-be scalpers. Tickets, which Wynn is selling at $143 apiece (a $125 base price, plus a $5 service charge and $13 in taxes), are being resold for as much as $7,500 for five tickets on sites like eBay, where nearly 100 results can be found for Brooks tickets.
Hard Rock Hotel owner reports profit decline: Monday, Oct. 26, 2009; Earnings tumbled at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino during the third quarter, one of the property’s joint-venture partners reported today.
Tickets sell out for Garth Brooks shows in Las Vegas: Wynn Web site flooded with requests for tickets to see legendary country music star; Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009; Tickets for Garth Brooks first five weekend shows at Wynn Las Vegas sold out just hours after they went on sale at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Bill Clinton in Las Vegas, plans to see U2 concert: Traffic congestion expected from 5 p.m. to midnight around Sam Boyd Stadium; Friday, Oct. 23, 2009; Former President Bill Clinton is expected to attend tonight’s U2 concert, which has security taking extra precautions in and around the area of Sam Boyd Stadium for his arrival.
Gaming execs credit stimulus with saving Nevada jobs: Three companies respond to recent comments from Wynn, Murren; Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009; Despite Nevada’s tough economic climate and growing jobless rate, casino executives today said they are seeing the benefits of federal stimulus dollars flowing to Las Vegas. In the wake of national media appearances by two high-profile Las Vegas casino executives, Harrah’s Entertainment, Station Casinos and Hilton International hosted a teleconference Thursday to chime in on the Obama administration and the effects of the federal stimulus on the industry.
Penn National sees profit slide, discusses Fontainebleau: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009; Penn National Gaming said this morning that while its revenue held steady in the third quarter, its profit tumbled.
Garth Brooks coming to Encore Theater for extended stay: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009; Garth Brooks confirmed this morning what many had been speculating for months. The country music star announced during a Nashville news conference that he would be coming out of retirement with an extended stay at the Encore Theater.
Moody’s raises outlook on Wynn Resorts: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009; A second credit rating service has raised its outlook on Wynn Resorts this week as a result of the company’s initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Moody’s Investor Services raised its outlook from negative to stable.
CityCenter's Aria to house MGM Mirage's largest spa: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009; MGM Mirage today released details of its Spa at Aria, which is part of the CityCenter complex.
Balloon ride offers view 500 feet above the Strip: Company launches land-tethered balloon across from Mandalay Bay; Friday, Oct. 9, 2009; The Las Vegas Strip got a new skyline attraction Thursday. Cloud Nine, the world’s largest helium-filled, land-tethered balloon, opened for business after an opening ceremony for VIPs and the news media. Taking flight across from Mandalay Bay, the balloon can bring up to 30 guests nearly 500 feet above the Strip. The balloon is seven stories wide and 11 stories tall and contains 210,000 cubic feet of helium. It’s tethered to the ground by a pulley system.
New Wynn trip package offers private jet to Vegas: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009; Wynn Resorts is offering a new deal aimed at getting California guests in the door without them having to fly commercial or drive. The company announced this week that the Wynn Las Vegas and Encore will begin offering a vacation package that pairs private jet service with the resorts' accommodations.
Casinos prepare to pull plug on pool parties for season: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009; As the fall chill creeps over the valley, the hosts of Las Vegas’ pool parties will close their umbrellas and pack up their cabanas until next spring.
While most adult pools will remain open through October, some have already wrapped up their season.
'Top Chef' just the right recipe for marketing M Resort: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009; Few were surprised when the Bravo network made the official announcement in June that Las Vegas would serve as backdrop for the sixth season of “Top Chef.” After all, rumors had been swirling for months, chefs were spotted around town and guest judges were leaking info via Twitter. It quickly became know as the city’s worst-kept TV secret.
Trial dates set for women on Sapphire Pool prostitution charges: Attorney says women should have never been arrested in 'sting operation that fizzled'; Friday, Sept. 25, 2009; At least five women arrested in a Metro Police undercover operation in July at the Rio’s Sapphire Pool have had trial dates set, their attorney said Thursday. Tobi Sorenson, Elizabeth Corbin, Melissa Essmaker and Jennah Lieboff pleaded not guilty to prostitution charges in Justice Court on Thursday. Galiana Georgieva pleaded not guilty to prostitution charges on Wednesday.
Former Venetian executive takes Palms job: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009; A former Venetian executive will be taking on a new role at the Palms resort. Former Venetian executive vice president Paul Pusateri has been named president and general manager at the Palms.
On Strip, Hard Rock has a touch of interactivity: Restaurant’s second Las Vegas location brings debut of technology; Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009; It’s not often that fans can reach out and touch one of Madonna’s famous bustiers or Michael Jackson’s bejeweled gloves. Armed with new technology and thousands of pieces of memorabilia, Hard Rock’s newest location on the Las Vegas Strip is making that possible — at least in the virtual sense. Hard Rock International unveiled its first Strip location Labor Day weekend but gave an up-close tour of its new technology on Tuesday. A rock 'n' roll theme still reigns but the new location has layered in a secondary theme: interactivity.
160,000 applications later, CityCenter makes job offers: Most employees will start work in November for opening the following month; Monday, Sept. 21, 2009; For 23-year-old Mollie Ehrman, Monday meant a new start in a new city. Ehrman received a job offer for a salon receptionist at Aria at CityCenter’s employment center. It made her decision to move to Las Vegas finally official. The $8.5 billion complex on the Strip was extending offers to between 500 and 700 people.
Ground broken on casino that Station will manage: Friday, Sept. 18, 2009; A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Thursday on the American Indian casino in Michigan that will be managed by Station Casinos.
CityCenter to begin making nearly 12,000 job offers Monday: Friday, Sept. 18, 2009; CityCenter will be extending employment offers to roughly 12,000 employees Monday in preparation for a December opening. The first new employees are expected to gather at CityCenter’s employment center to receive and celebrate their official offers.
Caesars Palace dealers protest on Strip: Dealers, Harrah's Entertainment have been unable to negotiate a union contract since December 2007; Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009; Hundreds of dealers and Transport Worker Union members gathered in front Caesars Palace Thursday afternoon to show their support for the casino’s dealers during prolonged union contract negotiations. Tourists weaved in and out of the sea of TWU members, dealers and supporters as they tried to make their way down Las Vegas Boulevard. Demonstrators, dressed uniformly in red union T-shirts, held signs reading “Contract now” and “Give Caesars dealers a fair deal.” Their chant: Two years is too long.
Tropicana opens restaurants tied to $125M renovation: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009; Tropicana Las Vegas announced today it has added two new restaurants in an effort to further revamp the property.
DA: Two won’t face charges in probe of Rio’s topless pool: Monday, Sept. 14, 2009; The Clark County District Attorney’s office won’t file charges against two women arrested in a Metro Police undercover operation in July at the Rio’s Sapphire Pool.
New 'CSI' exhibit at MGM Grand turns visitors into sleuths: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009; Dead bodies, dark alleys and blood-spattered rooms aren’t exactly things that come to mind when you dream up the ideal vacation. A science lesson probably isn’t on the list either. But for visitors looking for a little danger and mystery during their stay, MGM Grand is about to offer it up.
CityCenter hotel plans three job fairs next week: Friday, Sept. 11, 2009; CityCenter’s Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas will host three job fairs next week to fill some of its 500 open positions, the hotel announced today.