Hammered History - Kerkorian

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Josh drinks excessively and attempts to tell us the story of one of the pioneering names in Vegas history.

 

Evolution of the Strip

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What constitutes a Vegas resort?  We have to go to the original, universally agreed to be the first resort on the strip, the El Rancho.  Small casinos, nightclubs and motels existed on highway 91 before the El Rancho opened,  but it was the combination of a hotel/motel and a casino on property that made it a Vegas resort.  It’s with this template that we have created the definitive order for Las Vegas resorts and their evolution on the strip. 

The Sands

 

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It’s a Vegas icon, even to this day.  The Sands presided over the golden age of Las Vegas, both in entertainment and in the zeitgeist.  When you think of cool you think of the Rat Pack at the Sands.  It’s a Vegas legend that actually only lasted a month but the legend lived on far beyond the run of shows.  And yet with all her history she wasn’t able to keep up with the competition and had to be imploded to make way for the future.  But no matter how successful her new incarnation is she will never equal the mythic status achieved by the Sands.

If you're interested in learning more about the Sands, check out the book, At the Sands

Fountains of Bellagio

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The Fountains of Bellagio are one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.  You’ve seen them on TV, in movies and even cartoons.  The Fountains transcend pop cultural trends that phase out over a decade or two and instead has become one of the unofficial ambassadors of the city of Las Vegas, as identifiable as the strip itself and the Welcome to Vegas sign.  Sadly, it is the last of the free shows Steve Wynn gave us while he was remaking the strip in his image.  As beloved as it is, we have to prepare ourselves.  Remember, especially in Vegas, everything has a shelf life.  It is inevitable that this too shall pass.

Who knows what the future holds for the Fountains of Bellagio.  One thing we do know is everything in Las Vegas has a shelf life.  How long that will be is indeterminable at this time.  So enjoy that last groundbreaking, free attraction from the mind of Steve Wynn still in operating condition in Las Vegas.  An idea so great that many of Wynn’s other properties around the world also feature smaller versions of the fountains and the concept has been borrowed from all around the world.

For more information about the Fountains of Bellagio, check out the book by the same name

360 Vintage LOST Vegas E-3: Moulin Rouge

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Okay.  Let’s start by addressing the Elephant in the room.  Las Vegas was racist.  Really, really racist.  Not Alabama bad but Las Vegas was known as the “Mississippi of the west” and I’m certain it wasn’t a compliment.

360 Vintage LOST Vegas E-2: Royal Nevada

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Nothing special is probably a very good way to describe the Royal Nevada.  Not that it wasn’t nice or well located, it just wasn’t memorable.  Think Monte Carlo Vegas and its luxury on a budget theme.  Mix that with the opening of 4 new Vegas properties in 1955 and the answer to the question is yes, Vegas was over built. 

360 Vintage LOST Vegas E-1: Moon Hotel & Casino

 

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This is one of those projects that I would have loved to see make it to the strip; and who knows, we may still get it one day.  Yes a space theme has failed before in Las Vegas but come on, it was Bob Stupak behind it.  Just like Luxor before it, I wonder how long those themed attractions will last.  Another problem with a space themed resort is how quickly things can look dated. $5 billion dollars is a crazy price tag for a concept that is clearly targeting the middle class. Only time will tell if this concept comes to market but considering its Vegas, I wouldn’t bet on it.