Fountains of Bellagio

*Patreon Content Preview

Full episode available at 

Patreon.com/360Vegas 

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

*Patreon Content Preview

Full episode available at 

Patreon.com/360Vegas 

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

*Patreon Content Preview

Full episode available at 

Patreon.com/360Vegas 

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

 

*Patreon Content Preview

Full episode available at 

Patreon.com/360Vegas 

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. 

Jay Sarno

*Patreon Content Preview

Full episode available at 

Patreon.com/360Vegas 

Many regard Jay Sarno as the father of the themed casino as well as the mind behind family friendly Las Vegas.  His contributions to the strip, Caesars Palace and Circus Circus, are complete opposites on the theme and customer base scale.  While he was many things, a womanizer and a gambling addict, no one can dispute that he was also a visionary.  Jay Sarno was exactly what Vegas wanted during a time when all its current owners were being scrutinized by attorney general Bobby Kennedy; a legit guy with no previous connection to organized crime.

If you're interested in learning more about Jay Sarno, check out...

• Grandissimo 
• The Players: The Men Who Made Las Vegas 
• Sharks in the Desert 
• lvstriphistory.com 
• Pinterest 
• Battle Born Pins 
• Vintage Vegas Shirts 

Aladdin

*Patreon Content Preview

Full episode available at 

Patreon.com/360Vegas 

At times the Aladdin has been called “The Vegas Jinx”.  History has documented a long line of potential suitors who, when they took their shot, missed.  In a town where the house always wins, it’s not only an anomaly when one doesn’t, it’s also a cautionary tale.  It isn’t as simple as build it and they will come.  Theme, location, timing and in some cases luck is needed to be a successful Las Vegas resort.

If your interested in learning more about the Aladdin, check out...

• lvstriphistory.com 
• Gambling on a Dream: The Classic Las Vegas Strip 1956-1973 
• Dreaming the Skyline 
• The Strip 
• After-Hours Architecture 
• Pinterest 
• Battle Born Pins 
• Vintage Vegas Shirts 

Del Webb & the Sahara

*Patreon Content Preview

Full episode available at 

Patreon.com/360Vegas 

The Sahara used to be referred to as the start of the strip, when the strip began to develop.  During that time, people talked about the strip like they do off strip properties today, too far from the action.  Turns out what people really wanted was more options and the development of the strip over the years has been nothing short of remarkable.  The question is, does the strip have a limit to the number of properties it can support, or do the struggles facing places like Sahara fall directly on the shoulders of the properties experiencing them.  Give the people what they want and they will come.  If you follow that sentiment then the question has to be asked, do people not want what Sahara has to offer?  Is that why they are struggling?

For more information regarding Del Webb and the Sahara, check out...

• lvstriphistory.com 
• Del Webb: A Man A Company 
• Gambling on a Dream: The Classic Las Vegas Strip 1930-1955 
• Viva Las Vegas: After-Hours Architecture 
• The First 100: Portraits of the Men and Women Who Shaped Las Vegas 
• Pinterest 
• Battle Born Pins