Las Vegas Metro Development News

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LV Sun

Water park plans to blow away visitors with new attraction
By Brian Nordli (contact)
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 | 2 a.m.

With warmer weather pushing out the cool, winter months, swimmers should prepare for a tornado at Wet ’N’ Wild Las Vegas – but not the weather kind.

Wet ’N’ Wild plans for its newest, multimillion-dollar thrill slide, the Tornado, to open on Memorial Day weekend. The slide looks like a sideways funnel connected to a straw. The slide drops four riders in a tube about 35 feet into a funnel and then whips them around its edges at a near-vertical angle, before draining them into the pool, according to park officials.

The Proslide-designed slide is made to make riders feel like they’re falling as they spin around, giving thrill-seekers a dose of adrenaline. The ride will become the park’s newest attraction, adding to a collection of towering, twisting slides with nicknames like The Constrictor and Zip, Zap, Zoom.

We’ve increased the size of our parking lot. The top two things from last year was heat the water in the children’s area and add some more shade, and we’re doing both those things. The other thing we wanted to add was another great ride. We thought by adding another major attraction like the Tornado, we could not only add something from a marketing perspective, but it would reduce the lines as well.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2014...ew-attraction/

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by vegas.com

The ACM Party for a Cause Festival marks the first major event offering by The Linq, an open-air shopping and entertainment district, and is expected to draw tens of thousands of country music fans April 4 and 5 to the Las Vegas Strip.

The two-day festival, headlined by country music stars Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban, is planned for The Linq’s event space between its valet and Koval Lane.

http://blog.vegas.com/las-vegas-show...estival-44251/
http://www.acmcountry.com/pfac-welcome.html

[JMK]

Quad Room Remodel To Begin Within 'Weeks'

While Caesars Entertainment shows us there are still things we will never see coming by selling four of its resorts to itself (huh?), we're finally able to retire the use of "may," "rumor has it," and question marks in our posts about the remodel of The Quad's accommodations.

As part of Caesars Entertainment's announcement that it was transferring Bally's Las Vegas, The Cromwell, The Quad and Harrah's New Orleans to Caesars Growth Partners, it was released that $223 million would go towards the continued renovation of The Quad. (Some $90 mil has already been spent revamping its casino and facade.) A press release states that guest room renovations "will begin in the coming weeks when three of the resort's towers will close to accommodate remodeling." Officials say no public spaces will be impacted.

In addition to the room renovations, meeting spaces will be expanded, new dining destinations will be introduced (Guy Fieri's joint as well as a possible O'Sheas restaurant?), and the pool and spa will be upgraded, too. Funds will also be directed towards the "completion of the exterior facade" which, hopefully, means buh-bye blue roof tiles leftover from the hotel-casino's days as the IP.

Execs hope to reveal a fully transformed resort in the first half of 2015. No word yet on when the new rooms will begin to come online.

http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/20...in+%27Weeks%27

[dragonsky]

Linq Visitors Being Treated To Free Rides On High Roller
• Video Link
http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/20...On+High+Roller

First Video From Inside A High Roller Pod
• Video Link
http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/20...igh+Roller+Pod

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LV Sun

FUKUBURGER FINDS A SPOT ON THE STRIP
LAS VEGAS’ BEST-KNOWN FOOD TRUCK TO OPEN INSIDE F.A.M.E. AT THE LINQ
Brock RadkeThu, Apr 3, 2014 (11:02 p.m.)

Finally.

Fukuburger, the ubiquitous Las Vegas food truck, is set to open a brick-and-mortar location in its hometown, right smack in the middle of the Strip.

Fukunaga said his standard menu will be faithfully recreated at F.A.M.E., everything from the beloved Tamago Burger and Jazz Fries to the spicy Karai Burger and crispy Chicken Katsu sandwich. “Why change it? It will be the same burger, and we’ll have secret menu [items] and we’ll add a vegetarian option.”

A veteran of the local restaurant scene, Fukunaga launched the truck in 2010, one of the first of a wave of stylized mobile vendors to hit the Vegas streets. (His original partner, Robert “Mags” Magsalin, is no longer with the company.) Fukuburger’s fusion of classic American burgers with bold Asian flavors became an instant hit, and expanding into restaurant form quickly became Fukunaga’s top objective. “That’s always been the dream,” he says. “This is a huge deal, a chance to get our feet wet with a really cool project we couldn’t say no to.”

http://lasvegasweekly.com/dining/din...144.1380947134

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Project Neon

Demolition for Project NEON Phase 1 is Progressing

Package “B” demolition activities are scheduled to start on Monday, April 7, 2014, on nine (9) NDOT acquired properties that consist of seven residential and two commercial parcels. The demolition contract has been awarded to Baldwin Development, LLC.

All utility services have been requested to be shut off and will be coordinated by CH2M HILL, NDOT and the contractor.

As required by federal, state and county regulations, all structures scheduled to be demolished were surveyed for the presence of regulated materials such as asbestos. Identified materials will be removed (abated) and disposed of by licensed contractors as necessary prior to the demolition process.

Air quality sampling may be conducted after abatement activities or structure demolition to comply with applicable Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Enforcement and Clark County Department of Air Quality regulations. Survey reports, abatement documentation and corresponding sample results are part of the project record and available for public review as they are completed.

http://www.ndotprojectneon.com/

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LV Sun

• Video Link

MGM Resorts, Cirque to build 33-acre, open-air venue to host Rock in Rio in Las Vegas
By Robin Leach (contact)
Published Monday, April 21, 2014 | 1:30 p.m.
Updated Monday, April 21, 2014 | 5:50 p.m.

Rock in Rio, one of the world’s largest music festivals, is set for Las Vegas in May 2015 and is a partnership among MGM Resorts International, Cirque du Soleil, billionaire Ron Burkle (who owns the Fresh & Easy grocery story chain here) and Roberto Medina, who founded the headliner concerts 30 years ago.

MGM plans to transform 33 acres of prime real estate near Sahara Avenue and its property Circus Circus into a permanent City of Rock open-air concert venue to host the first Rock in Rio USA with a daily capacity of 80,000 people to view five stages.

Bill Hornbuckle, president of MGM Resorts International, said: “It will serve as a major tourism driver for Las Vegas expected to draw well over 300,000 people to our city over the four days of the concert.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdelu...-cirque-build/

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by shaggers_jr

Mandalay Bay Convention Center expansion: http://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/apr...503.1396909551

$66 million expansion planned for Mandalay Bay convention center

STEVE MARCUS
A view of Mandalay Bay taken from a helicopter Monday, May 21, 2012.

By Michelle Rindels, Associated Press
Published Thursday, April 24, 2014 | 8:51 a.m.
Updated Thursday, April 24, 2014 | 8:36 p.m.

The Mandalay Bay resort in Las Vegas announced a $66 million expansion project that will boost its convention center from the seventh-largest to the fifth-largest in the United States.


Hotel officials said Thursday that the 350,000 square feet of new exhibit space and extra underground parking will help it attract larger trade shows, and will allow conferences already there to expand.

"One of the real strengths of the recovery is in meetings," Mandalay Bay President and COO Chuck Bowling told The Associated Press. "We have pent up demand for growing our shows."

The convention center will encompass 2 million total square feet after the expansion, putting it behind only McCormick Place in Chicago, the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands Expo, also in Las Vegas.

Construction at Mandalay Bay, which is owned by MGM Resorts International, is scheduled to begin in late fall of this year. Some new spaces will open in August 2015, and the full project is expected to wrap up in January 2016.

The Trade Show News Network recently named Las Vegas the No. 1 trade show destination in the U.S. for the 20th year in a row. The city hosted 53 of the nation's 250 largest trade shows last year, more than any other U.S. city.

Tourism officials are backing efforts to hold the distinction, such as a $2.5 billion Las Vegas Global Business District project that includes revamping the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Las Vegas is also in the running for both the Democratic and Republican conventions in 2016.

"This is not necessarily targeted to that, but it speaks to how we can do something as important as the Republican National Convention or Democratic National Convention," Bowling said of the expansion.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpo...&postcount=633

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LV Weekly

• Video Link

MGM Resorts International today announced expanded plans for the Park, an “interactive neighborhood environment” connecting its New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip with the planned 20,000-seat area currently in development. The Park is set to open in 2016.

Shake Shack and Tom’s Urban are the two restaurants that have already been announced to take the place of the existing Sporting House, located at the northern end of New York-New York. Bars and restaurants unveiled today include: Bruxie, a fast-casual gourmet waffle sandwich joint from Orange County; Sake Rok, an energetic Japanese joint geared toward late-night business with servers spontaneously breaking into dance and lip-sync routines; Beer Garden, offering a meat-centric menu, craft beer, live music and bar games in an indoor/outdoor environment; Robert Mondavi Jr. Wine Experience, a restaurant, lounge and wine bar seeking to transport guests to Napa Valley, also with an outdoor patio; Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, an American gastropub with lots of beers on tap and lots of live music, of course; and Cuba Libre, a Havana-style restaurant, bar and night spot from James Beard Award-winning chef Guillermo Pernot.

These venues will all be located along the Park’s carefully cultivated and landscaped pedestrian parkway, a realigned version of what is now Rue de Monte Carlo running west from Las Vegas Boulevard toward the arena site. Mature trees and 50-foot, tulip-like structures will offer shade during the day, and the shade structures will emit LED sequences at night. Water wall features along the Park’s entrance will stretch longer than 100 feet.

http://lasvegasweekly.com/dining/201...144.1380947134

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LV Sun

A zip line that swoops riders past the vintage casinos of downtown Las Vegas and under the giant video canopy of the Fremont Street Experience is now open for business.

The lower zip lines on the $12 million SlotZilla attraction opened to the public Sunday after 14 months of construction, while a set of higher lines is expected to open a little later this spring.

The high-flying rides start from a 12-story tower designed to look like a giant slot machine. Riders can now take the 77-foot-high zip lines, in which visitors are harnessed in a sitting position and glide 850 lateral feet to a platform near The D and 4 Queens casinos.

A "zoom line" opening later this spring launches riders from 114 feet up and sends them soaring in a horizontal "Superman" position 1,700 feet across the entire pedestrian mall. That attraction uses a power boost to ensure riders make it the full distance of the wire.

Zip line rides cost $20, while zoom line rides will cost $30.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2014...own-las-vegas/

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LV Sun

MGM Resorts arena groundbreaking

It’s two years out, but for the opening weekend of the new MGM Resorts arena, it will be a three-day spectacular the likes of which Las Vegas has never seen. That’s the promise execs made at today’s groundbreaking, and the cast of VIPs who picked up shovels to turn the first earth proved that they want first crack.

Unbeaten boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., UFC President Dana White, NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton and two-time Stanley Cup winner Luc Robitaille, now president of business operations for the L.A. Kings, were all center stage.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdelu...ther-opening-/

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LV Sun

$4 billion Strip casino project crosses major hurdle
Associated Press
Wednesday, May 7, 2014 | 1:20 p.m.

A Malaysian conglomerate that hopes to build a $4 billion Asian-themed resort at the site of a long-stalled hotel construction project on the Las Vegas Strip crossed a major regulatory hurdle Wednesday.

Officials with the Nevada Gaming Control Board recommended a gaming license for Genting Berhad, the investment arm of Genting Group. The matter is scheduled for a second round of scrutiny May 22 before the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Officials with Genting, which operates casinos in the Asia, the United Kingdom, the Bahamas and New York, told regulators they plan to break ground this year on Resorts World Las Vegas. The project would incorporate 80 percent to 85 percent of the buildings in the partially built Echelon project and directly create about 8,500 jobs.

The initial phase is expected to include 3,000 hotel rooms, a large casino, a 4,000-seat theater with a rotating schedule of shows and a lush garden attraction. Company officials said they're also considering adding a 20th Century Fox theme park similar to one planned at a Genting property in Malaysia.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2014...s-major-hurdl/

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Genting’s Strip project may house studio tour-type theme park
By HOWARD STUTZ
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Posted May 7, 2014 - 11:28am Updated May 7, 2014 - 1:43pm

There may not be pandas, but the Strip may house a studio tour-type theme park once Malaysia-based Genting Berhad finishes developing an 87-acre site for Resorts World Las Vegas.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board on Wednesday recommended Genting be given a preliminary finding of suitability to hold a state gaming license. The Nevada Gaming Commission will take up the matter May 22.

Genting will still need to apply for a full gaming license before Resorts World Las Vegas can open.

Construction of the development will take place over multiple years and include at least two or three phases.

The initial phase will cost $4 billion and will include 3,000 hotel rooms, a casino with a combined 3,500 slot machines and table games, 30 food and beverage outlets, a 4,000-seat theater and an elaborate garden attraction that will serve as the property’s front door to the Strip.

Genting will also build a rooftop sky park and observation deck atop the 674-foot-tall tower, whose height has already been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, company officials told the Control Board during a presentation at the Sawyer Building that lasted more than two hours.

Other attractions include a 50,000 square foot, 58-foot-tall aquarium that will feature a variety of exotic fish.

Christian Goode, who oversees Genting’s Americas division, said site development is already underway on the northern Strip land parcel on which the unfinished Echelon buildings stand.

Goode said Genting plans to incorporate 80 percent to 85 percent of the Echelon buildings into the Resorts World development. He said it will take 24 to 36 months to complete the project’s first phase on the former Stardust site

“You should see some major development by the second half of the year,” Goode said.

While describing Resorts World Malaysia, Genting President and Chief Operating Officer Kong Han Tan told the Control Board the company will add a 20th Century Fox World studio tour-style theme park that is expected to open in 2016.

When questioned by Control Board Chairman A.G. Burnett, Tan said the company is considering adding a similar theme park to one of the next phases of Resorts World Las Vegas.

Control Board member Sean Reid asked whether the company was still considering a live panda exhibit at the Strip resort.

Goode said there are many hurdles to clear with the Chinese government before the company could get a panda permit.

“It’s a complicated process,” Goode said. “We’re looking into it.”

Genting Chairman KT Lim told the regulators that Resorts World Las Vegas would increase visitation to Southern Nevada, primarily from foreign destinations. The company has a customer database with more than 1 million names.

“Cannibalizing the Las Vegas existing market is not an option,” Lim said. “We think we can drive new visitation to Las Vegas.”

http://www.reviewjournal.com/busines...ype-theme-park

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LV Sun

Las Vegas could be getting a Major League Soccer franchise.
By Ray Brewer (contact)
Published Wednesday, May 14, 2014 | 12:25 p.m.
Updated 4 hours, 18 minutes ago

Findlay Sports and Entertainment and The Cordish Companies today announced plans to build a 24,000-seat stadium downtown at Symphony Park. The stadium would be designed specifically for a pro soccer team.

Cordish has been in a development contract with Las Vegas since 2008 to build a stadium at the 61-acre site and negotiate with professional leagues for a team to play there. The park already includes the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

The agreement between Cordish and Las Vegas expires May 31. During the May 21 City Council meeting, the Cordish and Findlay groups plan to ask for an extension and request a change to the proposal to include both organizations.

An official from MLS confirmed discussions to bring a franchise to Las Vegas.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2014...pecific-stadi/

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LV Sun

Steve Wynn pays $28.2 million for Jeff Koons’ sculpture of Popeye
By Robin Leach (contact)
Thursday, May 15, 2014 | 1:32 p.m.

Hotel tycoon Steve Wynn peeled off a lot of greens to buy the life-sized sculpture of cartoon character Popeye created by pop-modern artist Jeff Koons at the Sotheby’s auction in New York on Wednesday night.

In fact, $28.2 million greens, and he did it by phone from his desk at his Strip hotel. It was part of a two-night sale of postwar and contemporary art that brought in more than $1 billion in record sales.

The shiny, mirrored sculpture of Popeye will go on display in the lobby of the Wynn within the month. Steve is a fan of Jeff: He purchased “Tulips” in 2012 for $33.6 million.

Jeff Koons’ sculpture Tulips is on show at the Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas. Steve Wynn purchased it in 2012 for $33.6 million.

http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2...ceneOnSunPromo

[JMK]

^^
Wow, I would have only paid $27.9 million

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by LV Sun

Gaming Commission OKs developer of $4 billion Strip casino
By Cy Ryan (contact)
Thursday, May 22, 2014 | 3:46 p.m.

CARSON CITY — A Malaysian company received preliminary approval from the state Gaming Commission today for a $4 billion Asian-themed resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

Commission members found Genting Berhad, the investment holding and management arm of Genting Group, suitable for a state license.

Construction on the first phase of the project, Resorts World Las Vegas, is scheduled to start later this year, and opening is planned for 2016. It is planned for 87 acres at the site of the former Stardust hotel-casino.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2014...lion-strip-ca/

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by Vegas.com

The Las Vegas Strip gets sweeter with Hershey’s Chocolate World opening June 3

It’s the sweetest announcement we’ve received in a while. Hershey’s Chocolate World has picked Tuesday, June 3 as its opening date.

An 18-foot Reese's Peanut Butter Cup is installed on the Hershey's Chocolate World sign on May 21, 2014. Hershey's Chocolate World is scheduled to open on June 3.

The 9 a.m. June opening will include a Kiss for Las Vegas — actually 1 million Kisses. Hershey’s Chocolate World will give out the 1 million Kisses as part of the opening ceremonies.

The opening date announcement came the same day the store installed an 18-foot Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup as part of its signage on New York – New York Hotel & Casino.

http://blog.vegas.com/las-vegas-attr...-june-3-47041/

[N830MH]

Originally Posted by dragonsky

http://blog.vegas.com/las-vegas-attr...-june-3-47041/

Absolutely not! I can't have a candy anymore. Too much sugar. I have stay away from there. I cannot accept that.

[dragonsky]

Originally Posted by vegaschatter.com

An official grand opening is set for this Tuesday, June 3, but you don't have to wait that long to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Hershey's Chocolate World quietly opened Wednesday evening at New York-New York.

http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/20...n+On+The+Strip