Las Vegas' Newest Gem: Fontainebleau Resort Debuts with Distinctive Style

In this issue of SummerSouth Insider

📆 Featured Events in the Summerlin South, Las Vegas Area

📆 This Weekend’s and Upcoming Events in Summerlin South & Nearby

💨 Today’s Weather

🚄 Biden Backs Vegas-L.A. Rail: Major Step Toward 2028 Olympics Connectivity

🎲 Las Vegas' Newest Gem: Fontainebleau Resort Debuts with Distinctive Style

👮‍♂️ Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

🏀 LeBron's Lakers Triumph: A Prelude to His NBA Ownership Dream in Las Vegas?

🏈 Raiders Hope for Playoff Run in Upcoming Games Against Vikings and Chargers

✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

Featured Events in the Summerlin South, Las Vegas Area

Santa Claus Parade in Downtown Summerlin

The annual Holiday Parade is a highlight of the festive season in Summerlin, part of a series of holiday events that kick off in November. The parade, beloved for its lively and festive atmosphere, started on November 17 and runs every Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. through December 16, 2023. It's a free event, lasting approximately 50 minutes, offering an engaging experience for the whole family. Alongside the parade, other holiday activations include the arrival of Santa Claus and the opening of the Rock Rink outdoor skating rink, adding to the celebratory ambiance of the season​​​​​​​​.

This year's parade at Downtown Summerlin offers a blend of traditional holiday cheer and modern entertainment, set in the vibrant and community-centric atmosphere of Summerlin. The parade is a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

Enchant Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark 

Featuring the “World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze”

Enchant Christmas at the Las Vegas Ballpark is a festive event featuring the "World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze." The event includes live entertainment, a magical Christmas Village, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. This holiday attraction is open from November 24th to December 30th, with tickets starting at $34 for adults and $25.50 for children ages 3 to 17. Children 2 years old and younger can enter for free. Enchant Christmas offers a unique and immersive holiday experience for visitors of all ages.

This Weekend’s and Upcoming Events in Summerlin South & Nearby

December 10th

Craft Festival at Tivoli! - December 10th, 10:00AM to 4:00 PM - Tivoli Village: Shop for the holidays, eat from the best food trucks in town, and enjoy a nice day out at Tivoli Village with cool weather. Join 8 delicious food trucks and 80+ artists with the most unique selection of crafts and gifts. LV Craft Shows® will be at Tivoli Village at 400 S Rampart Blvd. Outdoor event 🐶 Dogs welcome 🍲 Delicious food & dessert trucks!! 80+ artists with original crafts, handcrafted & handmade items, cottage foods, vintage, art, cottage foods, and other unique gifts. 🖼️ Free admission & covered parking. Let us know you’re coming.

Hanukkah Celebration - December 10th, 4:00 PM - Downtown Summerlin: Join the community in celebrating the Festival of Lights at the Hanukkah Celebration. Enjoy live entertainment, traditional food, and the lighting of the menorah. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about and experience the rich traditions of Hanukkah.

December 11th

Winterfest Holiday Celebration - December 11th, 12:00 PM - Henderson: Just a short drive from Summerlin, the Winterfest Holiday Celebration in Henderson offers a day of family-friendly fun. Activities include ice skating, a tree lighting ceremony, holiday crafts, and even a visit from Santa Claus. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the season!

December 12th

Las Vegas Ice Theatre presents 'The Nutcracker' - December 12th, 6:00 PM - The Rock Rink at The Lawn: Experience the magic of The Nutcracker as performed by the talented skaters of the Las Vegas Ice Theatre. This enchanting holiday classic is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Happy Hour for Single Seniors - December 12th, 5:00 Pm - 7:00 PM - Via Brasil Steakhouse offers the finest Rodizio Dining experience, Saturday and Sunday Brunch, as well as, a Happy Hour nightly. This group is designed for Older Men and Women that would like to meet new friends. RSVP online.

December 13th

Happy Hanukkah! - December 13th, 4:00 PM - Downtown Summerlin. Join @JewishNevada and the Las Vegas community for a special Hanukkah celebration. Mark your calendars for to be a part of this festive event. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in traditional Hanukkah festivities and connect with the local community during this joyous season!

December 15th

Holiday Parade - December 15th @ 6:00 PM to 6:50 PM - Downtown Summerlin: Don't miss the annual Holiday Parade featuring festive floats, holiday characters, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself! It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a fun evening with family and friends.

80’s Night - December 15th @ 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM - Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort: If you're an 80's music lover, you don't want to miss this event.
Visit the Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort. 1011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135. Doors open at 8pm, Show 9pm-11pm.
No Cover, Must be 21+ to attend

December 16th

Holiday Parade - December 16th @ 6:00 PM to 6:50 PM - Downtown Summerlin: Don't miss the annual Holiday Parade featuring festive floats, holiday characters, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself! It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a fun evening with family and friends.

Biden Backs Vegas-L.A. Rail: Major Step Toward 2028 Olympics Connectivity

President Joe Biden announced a significant federal grant of $3 billion for the Brightline West high-speed rail project between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. This funding, part of a larger $8.2 billion federal investment in 10 major passenger rail projects, marks a substantial step towards realizing the 218-mile rail system. The announcement was made at the Carpenters International Training Center near the proposed Las Vegas station site.

The grant, administered by the Nevada Department of Transportation, is the largest in NDOT's history. Wes Edens, co-founder of Fortress Investment Group, which owns Brightline, expressed gratitude for the government support and eagerness to commence construction. The project's remaining cost will be covered by tax-exempt bonds from Nevada and California, alongside private capital.

The planned route includes stations in Hesperia, Apple Valley, and Rancho Cucamonga in California, with a connection to downtown Los Angeles via Metrolink from Rancho Cucamonga. The anticipated travel time between Las Vegas and L.A., including the Metrolink transfer, is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Construction is set to begin in 2024, aiming for completion before the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This high-speed rail is expected to facilitate travel for national and international visitors attending the Olympics, potentially bringing more tourists to Southern Nevada.

Additionally, the federal funding will support other rail projects, including the nation's first high-speed route in California's Central Valley, extending to San Francisco and Los Angeles. Other projects receiving funding involve corridor upgrades in Virginia, North Carolina, Washington, western Pennsylvania, Maine, and Chicago’s Union Station.

Las Vegas' Newest Gem: Fontainebleau Resort Debuts with Distinctive Style

Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a new resort-casino, is set to open, highlighting a unique design feature: bow ties incorporated throughout the property. These bow ties are a tribute to Morris Lapidus, the original architect of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, known for wearing them daily. The design elements are found in various aspects of the resort, including carpets, signs, chandeliers, furniture, and more.

Mark Tricano, the President of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, emphasized the project's attention to detail, aiming to attract customers who appreciate such craftsmanship. The resort, valued at $3.7 billion, has been in development for 18 years. The project was initiated by Jeffrey Soffer, CEO of Fontainebleau Development and owner of the Miami property. The Las Vegas project faced challenges, including the 2009 economic downturn, bankruptcy, and changes in ownership, before being reacquired by Soffer's team and Koch Real Estate Investments in 2021.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Nevada's tallest occupiable building, the 67-story, 3,644-room is now preparing for its grand opening, with thousands of workers finalizing room setups, restaurant training, and planning a lavish opening event. It has been designed to offer an intimate and easily navigable experience despite its size. The central casino features 1,300 slot machines, 128 table games, and impressive 42-foot ceilings, with views from the second floor retail and food hall areas.

The resort boasts 36 food and beverage outlets, including new-to-market names like Mother Wolf and Papi Steak, aimed at attracting East Coast and Southern California visitors familiar with these popular establishments. Despite these offerings, Mark Tricano, President of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, does not consider it primarily a food-centric resort. He highlights the significant convention and meeting space totaling 550,000 square feet and the 55,000-square-foot Lapis Spa as key attractions.

Tricano emphasizes the resort's aim to be a fully integrated facility, balancing various business elements for long-term success. The resort also connects to its Miami Beach counterpart, with features like the Collins lobby bar named after the famous avenue in Miami and several replicated eateries. Art is a significant aspect of the resort's décor, including a notable 48-foot-tall sculpture in the south lobby.

LeBron's Lakers Triumph: A Prelude to His NBA Ownership Dream in Las Vegas?

LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers forward, delivered an extraordinary performance during the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals against the New Orleans Pelicans. In just 23 minutes, he scored 30 points, including three 3-pointers, two from midcourt, contributing to an 11-point run in the second quarter. This led the Lakers to a decisive 133-89 victory at T-Mobile Arena. Lakers coach Darvin Ham praised James' exceptional skills, highlighting his unique talent.

At 39, James continues to defy age expectations and is set to play in the finals against the Indiana Pacers. His continued excellence on the court is matched by his aspirations off it, particularly his interest in owning an NBA franchise in Las Vegas. James has frequently expressed his desire to bring an NBA team to the city, noting Las Vegas' growing sports market.

The likelihood of Las Vegas becoming an NBA city is high, with expansion plans potentially advancing after the 2024-2025 season. James, as a potential franchise owner, is expected to be a strong contender due to his commitment to success and his extensive experience in basketball and business.

James' career has been marked by numerous accolades and a clean record off the court, making him a respected figure in the sports world. His approach contrasts with Michael Jordan's tenure as the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, with James expected to be more involved and effective in team management.

Finally, James' remarkable physical fitness and dedication to his sport suggest that he could continue playing at a high level into his 40s, further solidifying his legacy in basketball history.

Raiders Hope for Playoff Run in Upcoming Games Against Vikings and Chargers

The Las Vegas Raiders, holding a 5-7 record, are preparing to host the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium this Sunday, marking the start of a crucial five-day period that includes two pivotal games. This stretch is vital for the Raiders' slim playoff chances, as they face the 6-6 Vikings followed by a game against the Chargers on "Thursday Night Football." These matchups are seen as a final evaluation for interim coach Antonio Pierce and rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell.

Game Details:

• Teams: Raiders vs. Vikings

• Time: 1:05 p.m. Sunday

• Location: Allegiant Stadium

• Broadcast: TV on KVVU-5; Radio on KRLV-AM (920), KOMP-FM (92.3)

• Betting Line: Vikings -2½; total 40½

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