Saturday, June 27, 2015

May 2015 Revenue and Visitation Numbers

The May 2015 Gaming Control and LVCVA numbers are out.

Many people were expecting a huge month as a result of the May-Pac fight and Rock In Rio. While visitation increased 4.8%, gaming revenue on the Strip was only up 1.39%. Baccarat was the biggest culprit for the Strip's mild numbers. Statewide baccarat was down 36.39% from last May.

Downtown had a better result, with gaming revenue jumping up 15.45%. This is good news for The Plaza and Downtown Grand - two recently refreshed properties that have struggled a bit to find their footing after reopening.

The Boulder Strip and North Las Vegas were also up double digits. This shows strength in the Las Vegas locals market.

What I'm seeing from these numbers is strong tourist trends, and seemingly good locals numbers as well. If you discount the baccarat numbers May 2015 was a really strong month for Las Vegas.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Alon Las Vegas Resort Planned

Alon Las Vegas is a planned resort on the North Strip. The location will be the New Frontier land between Fashion Show Mall and Resorts World, directly across from Encore Beach Club. The hotel will feature 1100 rooms along with gaming and other integrated resort amenities.

Last year I wrote about billionaire James Packer acquiring the land. His company Crown Resorts will likely be the operator of Alon. Former Wynn executive and MyVegas founder Andrew Pascal is CEO & co-chairman of the project. Former SLS president Rob Oseland has also been recruited to the Alon management team.

Fox 5 Las Vegas had story about the development revealing a few renderings and plans:



Photos: Fox 5 Las Vegas.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Vanessa Rousso is on Big Brother 17

Las Vegas poker pro Vanessa Rousso is on the newest season of Big Brother, which started last night - June 24, 2015.

Rousso wasn't featured on the first episode. She will enter the house on the second night which will air tonight - June 25, 2015.

Since learning Rousso will be on Big Brother I've been wondering if she will reveal that she's a professional poker player. I'm guessing that she won't - but one of the other house-guests Da'Vonne Rogers is a poker dealer, so she might recognize Rousso.

Appearing on Big Brother means Vanessa Rousso will likely miss this year's World Series of Poker Main Event which begins on July 5, 2015.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Hockey to Las Vegas One Step Closer

Hockey in Las Vegas is gaining momentum, as the NHL has formally began the expansion process. This doesn't guarantee a new team will be granted, but it opens the door to the possibility.

Las Vegas is seen as one of the favorites for an expansion team. The team already has a new arena in place, and some 13,000 people have put down deposits on season tickets.

Many people think the NHL to Vegas will happen. MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren thinks a team could be in place in time for the 2017 season.

Seattle and Quebec are the other cities being mentioned for an expansion team.

Related: Can Las Vegas Support an NHL Team?

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

EDC and Rock In Rio - Thoughts on Future

With Rock In Rio and Electric Daisy Carnival 2015 both in the rear view mirror, it got me thinking about the future of these two massive Las Vegas music festivals.

Rock In Rio seemed to have a lukewarm reception and there were rumors that attendance was a disappointment. That being said, the organizers appear to be going ahead with future events, insisting that Rock In Rio 2017 will be bigger and better. I agree that the second time around will likely be better. Marketing an event that already exists will be much more effective. Taking a year off will also help build some pent up demand for festival goers.

EDC appeared to be a huge hit this year, sparking major buzz across social media. It even featured celebrity guests. With a major event like this I can't help but think the hotel operators on the Strip will want to get in on the action eventually (other than having sold out rooms and a shuttle to the event). MGM Resorts boss Jim Murren has touted bringing more music festivals to the Strip. Could an EDC move to the City of Rock / Rock In Rio / North Strip location be an eventual possibility? Maybe not, since that site is much smaller than the Las Vegas Speedway, but having part of the festival on the Strip could be an idea.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Walter White was at EDC

Bryan Cranston aka Walter White was at EDC Las Vegas 2015 this weekend helping to intro his namesake song by Above & Beyond.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Kirk Kerkorian Flash Mob

The rarely seen personal life and "lighter" side of the late Kirk Kerkorian was seen when he was treated to a flash mob on his 95th birthday.