Las Vegas Getting a National Hockey League Franchise?

Las Vegas is ready to host a professional hockey team on the grounds of the MGM Grand. Jerry Bruckheimer is rumored to be owner of a new team in Las Vegas. Will it be an existing team that relocates or will the NHL be expanding the league?

Las Vegas is rumored to be at the top of the list for a major hockey franchise possibly owned by Hollywood Mogul Jerry Bruckheimer. It will be the first major professional sports franchise in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Wranglers are a professional hockey team in the East Coast Hockey league which is the AA affiliate of the National Hockey League. The Wranglers used to call Orleans Arena their home ice until he Boyd Gaming company refused to renew their lease. The ECHL averaged almost 5k fans per game in 2013-2014 season and Las Vegas could definitely fill the 20-22k seat capacity of a professional hockey franchise if I was located near the Las Vegas Strip.

Why Vegas hasn't has a major professional sports franchise

Las Vegas has never had a major professional sports franchise because of antiquated rule that said that sports gambling and professional sports had no business marrying. The NFL has issued such drastic measures that they refuse to sell advertising promoting Las Vegas tourism during the Super Bowl and has threatened legal action on any hotels holding Super Bowl parties which has been nothing but a veiled threat with plenty of bark but no bite. Numerous obstacles have been the proper location for a major event and the fact that any event would have to compete with the many other attractions and shows Las Vegas has to offer it's visitors.

 

Bet on Las Vegas

Las Vegas has been a proven winner in the entertainment and sports industry. Basketball by UNLV, Professional Boxing and The UFC have all given us enough comparisons to see that a major sport will have no issue in Las Vegas getting their share of the entertainment dollar and attention of the local population as well as the tourists. Some sports are more suited for Las Vegas than others. Baseball could never work because of the sun unless it was an enclosed indoor stadium. Football will be ideal bu it would be a gamble that the NFL could sell out 60k seats every Sunday and sell Personal Seat License. Basketball and Hockey are the sports that would have the easiest time creating sell outs and the average arena in both sports holds at capacity at maximum of 22k fans and as little as 15k in the smaller venues.


Who wants to put a team in Las Vegas

Jerry Bruckheimer has been a longtime fan of the NHL and has deep enough pockets to absorb the initial cost of buying a team or relocating an existing one. The question remains, where in Las Vegas will they play and will it be an expansion team or a new team that rules the Las Vegas Strip. What I would find interesting would be the “away”team record playing in “Sin City” with all the inherent distractions.

 

When and Where

The team probably wouldn't arrive until the earliest the 2016 season and most likely the 2017 season but ground has been broken on the MGM Grand property which would give it an ideal location and an experienced promoter of world class concerts and sporting events.

 

Source: The Hockey News, Kukla's Corner, Fox 5 Vegas

Cowabunga Bay Water Park Opens Near Las Vegas Strip July 4, 2014

Cowabunga Water Park opening in Henderson on July 4, 2014. Big weekend for the residents of Henderson and the surrounding Las Vegas area. The weather here in the desert exceeds 100 degrees normally on any summer day and this park will be a fun oasis in the desert for all ages. Operating on 12 acres, it offers many great water rides and uses over 1.5 million gallons of recycled water a day. The park also employs over 400 people so it is a welcome arrival to the teens and college students looking for a great summer job.

 

Park Info

Directions

Park Hours: 10:30AM to 8PM

Season passes are available as well as abbreviated summer evening passes at a discount admission

Entry Prices: General Admission is $35.99

Military Family is $29.99 each up to 4 people

Children under 48” tall is $27.99

Seniors: $9.99

Children Age 2 and Under are Free

Parking is $5 and Preferred is $10

Cabana Rental: Mon -Thursday is $149 and Friday thru Sunday is $169. Cabana Room service is available by Cabana servers so no need to wait inline for food and drinks and the bill is paid at the end of the stay so no lugging around a wallet, pocketbook and money.

 

The Rides

Zuma ZOOMa

A water slide with a trap door activated launch system that plunges it's "victims" into a high speed horizontal loop after free falling 73 feet. This ride is sure o excite even the toughest critics. Enjoy the 8 story climb to the top of this platform where you will have no problem seeing the Las Vegas Strip.

Wild Surf

An exclusive ride created for Cowabunga Bay Water park, this four person raft ride drops from 55 feet into the largest wave pool in the world. The raft then enters the wave and rides the crest like a Hawaiian surfer.

Surfin' USA

This is a 6 person lane slide where people slide down this giant slide fast first on a boogie board that even features an uphill section. Everyone can race to the bottom creating a unique experience. Ready, Set Go!

Beach Blanket Banzai

A giant raft slide with 600 feet of twists and turns with a drop into a splash pool.

Point Panic

This is a cool ride in a fully enclosed water slide where no light is visible except for strategic areas of installed light that will make you think you are going faster than you really are. This ride makes all your senses come alive from the intentional darkness of taking this water ride in the pitch dark.

Rock-A-Hoola

This 300 foot long slide concludes with a few laps around a bowl before being flushed into a the middle pool. Think of a dentist rinse bowl and you are the rinse.

Good Vibrations

A 600 foot long slide with two giant chambers which cause the inner tube to climb he walls and create a feeling like it will jump the sides. A roller coaster and a water slide built in one.

Surf-A-Rama Wave Pool

35,000 Square foot wave pool set in the theme of a 1950's Drive-In movie theater will make it seem like they are on a beach as the surf breaks on the beach with waves as high as 4 feet. This wave pool will be one of the biggest in the State.

Cowabunga River

Float down this river lazily on an inner tube and enjoy some quiet time or chat with a friend. You will float past some cool sites including a 1967 VW Hippie Bus.

 

For the Little kids and Toddlers

Cowabunga Kids Cove

Designed for the younger children and toddlers in mind. Young children and toddlers can play in an area that is patrolled by extra lifeguards and has a controlled entrance and exit.

Slides and Splash Features

Scaled down slides and unique rides so the smaller children don't feel left out.

 

The park does allow sealed bottles of water and baby food but doesn't allow any other food or beverages brought into the park. There are many places where people can buy all types of food and refreshments at reasonable prices. There is a no smoking policy in the pool but outside the gates are designated smoking areas.

New 2014 Las Vegas Strip Attractions

New attractions for the 2014 Las Vegas Strip include The High Roller Observation Wheel, The Quad, The LinQ, the Brooklyn Bowl and the Voodoo Zip-line add for more fun times for tourists and locals.

 

The High Roller Wheel is a new feature attraction at The LinQ. It is a giant observation wheel with enclosed glass air conditioned cabins that offer a day or nighttime view from 550 feet above the Las Vegas Strip. The cost for tourists is $19.95 for a day ride and $34.95 for an evening ride. The ride lasts 30 minutes for it to make it one revolution. Locals only receive a $5 discount and kids under 12 years of age ride for free with an adult ticket purchase. There is a bar to buy drinks near where you board and drinks can be taken on the ride as well. Fashioned off the London Eye, it has 2,000 LEDs at night make it the new centerpiece overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.

 

The LinQ was a massive renovation project undertaken to transform the Imperial Palace hotel and O'Sheas into a 200,000 square foot open air entertainment center. It cost over $500 million dollars to complete and is absolutely amazing. With many places to eat that encompasses every cuisine and budget, The LinQ is sure to thrill every tourist.

 

The Brooklyn Bowl at The LinQ is modeled after the famous Brooklyn Bowl in downtown Brooklyn, New York, but BIGGER. The Vegas Brooklyn Bowl a he LinQ will be a massive 78,000 square feet and house a restaurant, bar, bowling alley and a concert venue. The concert hall seas 2,000 so every seat is a great one and provides for an intimate setting A entertainment menu that will run 7 days a year and be centered around all major holidays. An events calendar makes it easy to plan your next Vegas Vacation months in advance.

 

Voodoo zipline at Rio Hotel and Casino is a brand new attraction that sends a rider on a zip line at over 30MPH between the two towers of the Rio Hotel at almost 500 feet off the ground. The attraction is open from 12 noon to Midnight, seven days a week. You can choose a solo or tandem ride so you can have your BFF there for support and a shoulder to scream on. For safety reason, you must be at least 4 foot tall. One person weight limit must be below 300 pounds and the tandem weight limit is 450 pounds to ride. Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster and the cost is $27.49 each

Downtown Container Park in Las Vegas on Fremont Street

An Eco-friendly Outdoor Mall of Locally Owned Businesses with Free Children's Park and Entertainment.

 

Downtown Container Park

• 707 E. Fremont Street


• Las Vegas NV 89101


• (702) 869-9848


• Directions


• Admission: Free


• Hours: Mon-Sat. 10AM to 9PM, Sun. 10AM to 8PM


• Food and Beverage Hours: Sun. to Thurs 11AM to 11PM, Fri and Sat. 11AM to 1AM

 

Downtown Container Park is two blocks east of the Fremont Experience in Las Vegas. It was conceived to be a neighborhood improvement project dreamed up by Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos online shoe store. Tony is the visionary who oversaw this endeavor to build an eco-friendly, self-sustaining community of businesses run by locals and built using recycled materials and 250 square foot shipping containers as the store fronts. These containers are stacked two high in most places to a three story height in others and surround the perimeter of the park. Even an elevator is made from these shipping containers stacked vertically. Quite ingenious use of materials that would otherwise be decaying in some landfill for the next 100 years.

 

Park Design

The entrance is on Fremont street and is guarded by a 55 foot tall steel praying mantis built on the carcass of a dump truck. Some evenings marking holidays and special events, you may see the mantis shooting flames out of it's antennae. Next to the mantis is another sculpture that changes colors and is called the Catalyst Dome for its igloo shape. Not sure on the meaning of the structure but I am sure there is one. Anyone find out, please let me know.

 

Entrance

You enter Downtown Container Park and immediately see a giant jungle gym set up for children on a recycled sand base. An amazing assortment of slides, swings, climbing nets, and tunnel slides to keep any child happy. A shipping container was also used to construct a 30 foot tall treehouse in the middle. There is also an electronic game, called NEOS where the children have to race around extinguishing buttons that light up. It's a race against the clock sure to leave any child giddy and breathless.

 

Shops and Food

The east side of the park is dedicated to shops selling fashion items and accessories such as hats and shoes. The west side of the park is dedicated to the "arts," such as art galleries, leather crafting stores and jewelry makers. Really neat shops with neat people. Food shops are sprinkled throughout the park. Check my article below on the best Mexican food in Las Vegas which is located in Downtown Container Park. My favorite is Pinches Tacos.

 

Entertainment

Downtown Container Park has an amazing assortment of free entertainment such as childrens programs, Magic acts, and music by top talent ranging from classic rock to bluegrass country. For further details on entertainment offerings check the event schedule.  Bring the kids and enjoy an entertainment filled night under the stars or during the day. Frequent a local business and feel good about leaving no footprint on Mother Earth. Las Vegas has surprisingly mild temperatures in the winter evenings so dress appropriate and in the summer, wear loose casual clothing and bring sunscreen.

Best Karaoke Bars and Private Rooms in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has many venues for late night entertainment and has Karaoke bars scattered across the valley. Some cater to the tourists on Las Vegas Blvd. but the best ones pamper the locals and surround the Strip. Knowing where to go can be a vacation saver. Go to the wrong Karaoke place and you will have a wasted evening filled with experiences that approach the surreal. Let a Las Vegas local guide you to the best Karaoke bars in town. Save yourself some time and money and enjoy your night out.


Best Las Vegas Karaoke Bars

Dino's

• 1516 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, 89104


• Directions


• Phone: (702) 382-3894


• Karaoke hours: Thurs-Sat. 10PM-???


• Host: KJ Danny G.


• Facebook


• Website

Easily the best place to do Karaoke in Las Vegas and the last of the neighborhood bars in existence. It is a bit of a dive joint in a shady part of town in Naked City, a few blocks north of the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. Popcorn on the bar, buckets of beer and a monthly contest for "Drunk of the month" make this place a must visit for any one visiting Las Vegas who loves Karaoke. Video gaming on the bars and a pool table room highlight why Dino's has been around for over 50 years. Danny G., the KJ, is what makes this venue special with the small stage facing a crowd of 50 people sitting at small round tables and high bar stools adding charm with it's intimate atmosphere. Rating 10/10.

 

Hot Shots Bar

• 3430 E Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89121


• Directions


• Phone: (702) 547-6600


• Karaoke hours: Call for details


• Host: KJ Frankie


• Facebook


• Website

Another "Dive bar" so don't think it's a palace. Dark and smoky but has a cool vibe with Cheez-its on the bar to compliment the cheap priced drinks. Two pool tables, a Jukebox and a Golden tee arcade system gives the non-singer gives alternative ways to have fun. KJ Frankie has a huge book of songs to choose from it's charming set-up that most singers will enjoy. The bartenders are super friendly, so bring a group of friends and I guarantee you an awesome night that won't break the budget and will be a nice vacation from the Strip and it;s over priced commercialism. Rating 8/10


XO Karaoke Room

• 4550 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas NV 89119


• Directions


• (702) 739-9011


• Karaoke hours: Call for details


• Host: Rotating


• Facebook


• No website

Near University of Nevada Las Vegas main campus does attract a younger crowd but it is very affordable and has a great selection of drinks and food. It is a private Karaoke place with your own rooms so ideal for the publicly shy or the person working on their routine for the next Karaoke contest. A huge book of songs and a great place to come and make your own party. Free water to keep those vocal cords in good shape. These also offer an option to record your songs and take home your own CD of top hits. Awesome!! Rating 9/10 because of the inadequate air conditioning.

The Last Las Vegas Drive-in Movie Theater

West Wind Las Vegas 5 Drive-IN
Location: 4150 West Carey Avenue
(702) 646-3565
Facebook (no website)
Hours of Operation
M-TH 7:30-Midnight
Friday and Sat. 6:30 to 1:00am
Sunday Closed

The days of the Drive-In movie theater have come to an end...almost. The curtain will be drawn soon. The eulogy has been written but it is still unspoken. The price of real estate and the advent of movie theater upgrades like Dolby sound, stadium seating, and digital cinema have made the days of packing the family into the car and watching a flick under the stars a relic of days past. Soon a generation won't understand the nights when you cranked down the window, hung a speaker on the window and watched a movie from the comfort of your vehicle. In Las Vegas, there is ONE drive-in remaining.

 

Showtimes and Admission

Yahoo movie showtimes lists showtimes much like any movie theater. West Wind Drive-in is an amazing value with it's offerings and pricing. Adults are $6.50 each and children, ages 11 and under, are $1. Most nights, they run a double feature, that's right, two new release movies for $6.50!! They also have a concession stand with the usual offerings of hot dogs, soft drinks, popcorn, nachos, etc. at reasonable prices. Tuesday nights are "Family Night" and that already ridiculous low price drops to $5 per adult.

Your Car

The best part of a drive-in is it's your car and you can do as you like, within reason. You can bring whatever food you like and have a "picnic at the movies". If you smoke cigarettes or anything else, no one is going to object as long as you aren't a fire bug and dispose responsibly. No more hanging the speaker from the window as the movie plays over a dedicated channel on your FM car stereo. So if you have that awesome upgraded audio system, enjoy the soundtrack and special effects like you are in a state of the art theater. If you have a bit of a hearing problem, you can raise the volume and not disturb others. You can even fall asleep and no one is gonna care if you snore.

Starry Night

If the weather is nice, you can bring a couple of beach chairs and sit in front of you car and use ear buds on your smart phone to dial in the sound. Another fun way is if you have a minivan, u can open the back, reverse park it and the kids can watch from the cargo area. But, to me, a drive-in brings back memories of date night. A nice evening with my girlfriend cuddling in the "front seat" watching a movie. Not sure how much of the movie we saw, but the memories will last a lifetime.

So before, the last theater is torn down in your area. Make sure you include it as a great date night or a wonderful time for some family bonding and a cheap night out amongst the stars. You will look back on this time fondly as I do.

5 Free Las Vegas Attractions

All types come to Las Vegas. From the rich, high roller to the family looking for something besides slot machines and table gaming. Welcome to Las Vegas. Long maligned as an adult only vacation spot, Las Vegas is mainstreaming to be a travel destination for families. Many attractions that will appeal to people of all ages and budgets. This is the best guide cause all things listed are totally FREE and fit for all age groups.

Fremont Street Experience

Downtown
Viva Vision show times: every hour on the hour from dusk to midnight. Price: Free

The Viva Vision canopy is 90 feet above the ground and runs 5 football fields covering 3 blocks, making it the world's largest TV screen. More than 12 million LEDs and 550k watt sound system drive this once in a lifetime experience. The six minute show is a collage of pictures and special effects choreographed to an awesome soundtrack collection from famous musicians. Some of the most popular show themes are from Queen, Bon Jovi, and Kiss. There are 15 different shows in the library so any and all can be shown at any time. 180 strobe lights and 8 robotic mirrors per block make this an event that can't be missed as evidenced by the 19 million viewers per year. Besides the canopy, The Fremont Experience offers people dressed as their favorite characters, street performers like the famous Carl Ferris on Saxophone and casinos lining both sides of the three blocks. Make sure you detour to the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino and look at their free indoor Aquarium. The Fremont also offers great dining and drink specials and live entertainment in the casino lounges. A destination unto itself.

Fountains at the Bellagio
Bellagio Casino at the corner of Flamingo and The Strip. Hours of operation:

• Monday - Friday: 3 pm. - 7 pm. (with shows every half hour), 7 pm. - midnight (with shows every 15 minutes).


• Weekends and holidays: Noon - 7 pm. (with shows every half hour), 7 pm. - midnight (with shows every 15 minutes).

Price: Free

One of the most famous of all Las Vegas attractions as seen as the backdrop to many Hollywood movies. This amazing show on a beautiful man made lake features over 1,000 choreographed water jets shooting almost 500 feet in the air. The dancing water moves effortlessly as songs from celebrated artists like Elvis Presley, Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson all play in the background. 30 different songs play on a rotation so each performance can be a totally different experience. A Must see for anyone from a 1st timer to a repeat visitor. A perfect place to ask for that hand in marriage.

Mirage Volcano
Front sidewalk of the Mirage Casino on Las Vegas Blvd.
Shows beginning at 7PM and running every hour till 11PM.
Price: Free

Watch an eruption and feel the heat of a Volcanic eruption as a soundtrack from various artists is synced perfectly. Shows may be canceled in the event of high winds.

Hoover Dam

Boulder City, NV
Price: Free

A quick 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas. Built during the Great Depression, the dam is located on the Colorado river and was built to create Lake Mead which is the largest man-made lake in the United States. A free self guided walking tour of the dam is allowed and free parking is on the Arizona. Make sure you bring what is necessary as there is little shelter and can be quite hot in the summer months. Don't forget your camera as there are many breath taking picture opportunities.

Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour and Botanical Cactus Garden
1 Sunset Way Henderson (702) 458-8864
Open 7 days a week with free parking
Price: Free

4 miles east of the strip, the factory only operates Monday thru Thursday.. A self guided factory tour of an operating chocolate factory. You will be able to see how they make their world famous chocolates and also taste them. Yummy! Next door, they have one of the largest collections of cacti in Nevada, boasting over 300 species.