Las Vegas History Timelines V

Added on November 22, 2024, in Las Vegas by Gambling Gurus

Text: V Timelines of Las Vegas History

Las Vegas History Timelines V | 2007 to 2011

The Mega Hotel-Casino Resorts in operation today started around the late 1950’s, mid 1960’s and early 1970s. The first was The Tropicana and then Circus-Circus, which appears as a big circus tent, it’s the largest permanent big top in the world today.

These mega resorts were designed to offer everything and then some to those visiting Vegas.

They offer everything so people don’t actually need to leave, although they surely appreciate the opportunity to see all of the other sights and sounds of the city!

Las Vegas has come a long way since it all began, but it has still held onto many of those things people appreciated about it!

Continued From: Las Vegas History Timelines ~ Part IV

2007 Continued – MGM Grand’s, ‘The Signature’ completed it’s third and final tower. The Las Vegas Springs Preserve opened to the public. This 180-acre, cultural and historic attraction, considered the “birthplace” of Las Vegas, features museums, galleries, the Nevada State Museum and more. Las Vegas hosts first MTV Video Music Awards at The Palms Casino Resort. Harrah’s Entertainment announced a $1 billion dollar expansion of Caesars Palace including a new Octavius Tower. The Luxor unveils its new renovation plans. FIBA Americas Championship was held in Las Vegas for the first time.

2007 Continued – Harrah’s Entertainment and AEG announced plans for a 20,000-seat, state-of-the-art sports arena complex. The Silverton Casino Lodge began it’s $130 million expansion. The Frontier Hotel & Casino was imploded to make room for a multi-billion dollar project from the Elad Group modeled after New York’s Plaza Hotel. Michelin unveiled it’s first-ever restaurant and hotel selections for Las Vegas. One of only four U.S. cities to be written up by this guide, Las Vegas joins New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

2007 Continued – Plans and details were announced for Anthony Marnell’s ‘The M Resort, Spa and Casino’. The Neon Museum began the reassembly of the historic La Concha Motel lobby at the site of the Neon Boneyard. The La Concha was planned to serve as part of a permanent museum building for the non-restored historic signs. Town Square Las Vegas, a new retail, dining and entertainment project, opened on South Las Vegas Boulevard. The Palazzo Hotel & Casino Resort celebrated its grand opening.

2008 – The Golden Nugget completed a $60 million dollar expansion which included adding new convention space and a new nightclub. Caesars Palace raised it’s table game limit ceiling to the highest in Las Vegas. Bette Midler became the new resident headliner at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, replacing Celine Dion who had a very successful five-year run.

Lake Las Vegas ownership switched over to the Atalon Group. September 1st; ‘The Star Trek Experience’ closes at the Las Vegas Hilton after 12 successful years. In Oct., Donny and Marie headlined at the Flamingo. On Nov. 11th the Aliante Station celebrated it’s grand opening. In Dec. the Encore Las Vegas opened for business. The Michelin Guide Las Vegas2008 featured 127 restaurants and 30 hotels.

2009 – In Jan., the CityCenter started accepting applications for more than 12,000 job openings and Mamma Mia ended its record-breaking engagement at Manadalay Bay. In March the ‘M Resort Spa & Casino’ opened for business and Terry Fator opened a show at The Mirage. On April 12th the Las Vegas Convention Center Celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary.

In May, Las Vegas celebrated the third annual Vegas Uncork’d presented by Bon Appetit. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino unveiled The New Joint and headliner Carlos Santana. Also on May 15th, Disney’s The Lion King opened at Mandalay Bay and on May 26th The Smith Center for the Performing Arts celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony. Also noteworthy for 2009; Caesars Casino Online launch’s!

2009 Continued – On June 18th the National Hockey League hosted its 2009 Awards in Las Vegas at The Pearl at Palms. On July 31st, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino introduced the new 490-room Paradise Tower. On August 10th the Hotel 32 at the Monte Carlo Resort opened for business. Also in August, Charo debuted her all new show at the Riviera Casino & Hotel. In Sep., Pink’s Hot Dogs opened it’s first location at the Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. Las Vegas participated in the Third Annual Restaurant Week from Aug. 31 – Sept. 6, and on Sep. 9th, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman and wife Carolyn renewed their wedding vows publicly on Fremont Street.

2009 Continued – In Oct., the Hard Rock opened a New Flagship Cafe on The Vegas Strip. On Oct. 5th, the World’s Largest Helium Balloon called Cloud Nine took flight over the Strip. On Oct. 14th, “Mr. Las Vegas Himself”, Wayne Newton, celebrated his 50th year of entertaining audiences with a new production at the Tropicana called, “Once Before I Go” and on Oct. 25th, British Airways started Daily Non-Stop Service between London Heathrow and Las Vegas. On Nov. 14th, the Clark County Museum inaugurated the restored Candlelight Wedding Chapel and on Nov. 20th, the Golden Nugget’s new Rush Tower opened for business.

2009 Continued – In Dec., the Vdara Hotel & Spa, the Mandarin Oriental and Crystals opened at CityCenter. On Dec. 3rd, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Celebrated 25 Years in Las Vegas. On Dec. 4th, for the first time ever, Las Vegas hosted the NASCAR Champion’s Week festivities. On Dec. 6th the Las Vegas Strip closed to vehicular traffic for the first time in marathon history for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. The country music legend, Garth Brooks came out of retirement to perform several special engagements at the Wynn Las Vegas. On Dec. 16th, the ARIA Resort & Casino opened at CityCenter. On Dec. 28th, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino opened it’s All-Suite HRH Tower. On Dec. 28th, Planet Hollywood opened it’s Westgate Resorts Tower.

2010 – Historic neon signs were installed in the Cultural Corridor. The Lou Tuvo Center for Brain Health opened in downtown. USA Sevents Rugby Tournament moved to Las Vegas for a multi-year commitment. The Stratosphere introduced the worlds’ highest “Skyjump” attraction. The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino celebrated it’s 20th anniversary. The Tropicana Las Vegas began a property-wide renovation project. The MGM Mirage re-brands and becomes MGM Resorts International.

2010 Continued – Las Vegas hosts the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant. Harrah’s Entertainment re brands and becomes Caesars Entertainment. Master Magician Lance Burton ends his historic run at Monte Carlo Resort. The Liberace Museum closed its doors. The 75th Anniversary of Hoover Dam dedication is held. The Mike O’Callaghan/Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge opened high above the Colorado River overlooking the Hoover Dam. On Dec. 15th, The Cosmopolitan Hotel opened its doors.

2011 – Air traffic at McCarran International Airport rose 5% in January, marking the largest increase in more than three years. The Stratosphere Tower started a $20 million remodeling program with guest rooms being upgraded, new landscaping and the addition of a valet area. The Las Vegas Strip was shut down after some nut-job threatened to jump from the Stratosphere tower. The Cosmopolitan Resort, was named to Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Hot List. In February, Las Vegas saw its 12th consecutive month of increased visitation according to numbers recently released.

2011 Continued – In March, Caesars Palace announced it was teaming with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s hospitality company to transform the 180-room Centurion Tower into a NOBU-branded hotel, restaurant, and lounge. Vegas Casinos backed Online Casinos & Gambling as Wynn Resorts announced a partnership with PokerStars, stating the two companies would work toward the passage of federal legislation to regulate gambling on the Internet. Wynn plans to launch PokerStarsWynn.com if online gambling is legalized. The DesertXpress high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Victorville, CA., moved to the next stage in the process to final approval from the Federal Railroad Administration.

 

Related Articles:

Las Vegas History Timelines Part I

Las Vegas History Timelines Part II

Las Vegas History Timelines Part III

Las Vegas History Timelines Part IV