Thoughts & Opinions

No, not the temperature (year-round it's still warmer than most of the country). We're talking the equivalent of the 'common cold', uncomfortable, but short-lived.

For many Vegas influencers, calling Vegas 'dead' has become a means to get hits (be aware, influencers, this shall pass and many among us will remember how you 'influenced' our city).

Despite fewer visitors, casinos have actually seen a significant increase in gaming revenue - the Strip more profitable by about 6% and downtown over 8%.

What is the impact on number of tourists though? About 3.5 million fewer in 2025 - a 12% reduction.

That's a lot of people but it still leaves a lot of people - over 38 million will visit Las Vegas this year - over 730,000 every week!

For more than two months annually, the entertainment capital of the world makes its most well known attractions partially or completely unavailable. The world renowned Bellagio Fountains blocked by massive viewing stands, the Venetian 'canal' drained, overpasses visually blocked (lest a non-paying passerby may see an F1 car for the millisecond it takes to roar past at 200 mph). Lighting, fencing, road closures, lane reductions, barricades and restricted access all along and near the 3.75 mile 'track' surrounding the Strip.

The race lasts about two hours.

Sound crazy?

There is that $1,000,000,000 (that's billion, with a 'B' as they say) spent by the 175,000 visitors that week.

It will take some getting used to.

It's been a while, but with recent the demolition of the Mirage and Tropicana, it's appropriate to review the fate of another of the original iconic Vegas resorts.

Opened in 1955, the Riviera was the first skyscraper and tallest building on the Strip. Over the years, it represented Vegas in films like Ocean's Eleven, Casino and the Hangover, along with providing millions of visitors enduring memories of the 'old days' that many lament.

In 2015, 60 years later, 'the Riv' (as it had become affectionately known) was demolished to make way for the expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

A full decade after its demolition, an empty ten acres of the Riviera land facing the Strip now serves as a reminder of its contribution to the lore of old Vegas.

It also serves as the most expensive unused parking lot in Las Vegas - maybe the world.

No one knows how many cones, barrels and barricades there are on the roads of the Las Vegas Valley, but likely it represents the most per capital in the United States, if not the world. 

Locals, in fact, have facetiously dubbed the orange obstructions Nevada’s state flower.

In fact, recognizing this dubious achievement of the Clark County Public Works Department there actually is an Arts District exhibit entitled ’State Flower’ showcasing traffic cone art (surprisingly there were actually some available for the display). 

The multitude of work zones void of humanity would suggest there aren’t remotely enough employees to work on the repairs and improvements needed on the many roads obstructed by the little nuisances.

Therefore, it seems they are simply being stored in plain sight, suggesting progress is imminent.