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- 🌎 Sphere's Emoji: The Digital Darling of Las Vegas's Night Sky
🌎 Sphere's Emoji: The Digital Darling of Las Vegas's Night Sky
Issue #112 - March 28, 2024
John Wu
28 Mar
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📆 Weekly Local Events for March 2024
Regular weekly events in or near Summerlin, Las Vegas are listed below.
Visit here to lookup specific venue information or for upcoming and/or non-weekly events on Meetup.
Monday
Monday Classes At Latin Blendz: (Every week on Monday @ 10AM)
Lunch and Rummikub Mondays at IHOP Summerlin (Every week on Monday @ 12PM
Socially Vegas - Monday Night Bowling @ The Orleans Bowling Center: Must arrive/check-in before 7pm; 7 - 10pm (Every week on Monday); COST (CASH Only) $10 for 2 games (includes shoes) COST: $12 for 3 games (includes shoes)
Monday Night TRIVIA at ReBAR: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Terrific Tuesday Fun Pickleball @ Police Memorial, Bring a Chair: (Every week on Tuesday @ 2PM)
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW): (Every week on Tuesday @ 5:30 - 7:30PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
Wednesday
Business Leads Group - Networking Breakfast @ Summit Restaurant, Eagle Crest Golf Course, 2215 Thomas W Ryan Blvd, Las Vegas: Cost $20 cash, 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Wednesday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Speakers & Leaders of Summerlin Toastmasters Meeting: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Live Music Yoga w/ Cheryl Slader @ Blue Sky Yoga: (Suggested Donation $12); 5:30 - 6:45 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Country Swing Level 1 @ Rhythms Dance Studio & Event Center: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Wednesday until December 17, 2024); $15 drop-in rate
$50 for the whole month. Pay and register on the website.
Thursday
Abundance Business Networking Group Online Event: 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Thursday). Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for networking. Steps to access our BNI Online™ Virtual Chapter Meeting, visit website.
Las Vegas Real Estate Investors Association - Weekly Power Lunch For Real Estate Investors: 11 AM - 1 PM (Every week on Thursday). Request to join here.
Free Salsa Classes @ Feel The Music Dance Studio: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Thursday). Visit the website to register online.
Summerlin Bitcoin Happy Hour: 7 - 9 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Friday
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Flow & Yin W / Noé Hilyard @ Yoga Sanctuary: 6 - 7:15 PM (Every week on Friday) View Yoga Sanctuary's full schedule.
Swing Dancing in Las Vegas Vintage and Modern Swing Dances @ The Mint Tavern: 7:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Friday)
Saturday
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Saturday Morning Meditation with Practitioner Selina Kelly @ Yoga Kandy, LLC. Cost: Love Donation $5-$10 suggested. 11 - 11:45 AM (Every week on Saturday)
Vegas Hikers - Ike’s Peak 4.3 Mile (southwest) 2 groups: 1:30 - 4:30 PM (Every week on Saturday until March 15, 2024)
Sunday
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Sunday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Sunday)
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
🌤 Summerlin South, Las Vegas Weather
⛽ Las Vegas Gas Prices
✝ A guide to Easter brunches in Las Vegas for 2024
Easter Sunday is swiftly approaching, landing on March 31 this year, prompting those celebrating to start planning their brunch reservations. While Easter can vary significantly in its calendar placement, this year falls on the earlier side, making it an excellent time to explore the diverse brunch offerings in and around Las Vegas. From traditional fare to unique culinary experiences, here's a concise guide to some of the most enticing Easter brunch options available:
Off the Strip
Aliante Casino's Farm: Enjoy a three-course menu featuring honey mustard-glazed ham, available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at $29.95.
Amari Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop: Offers a brunch with seasonal focaccia, appetizers, and main courses from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $49.
Arizona Charlie’s: Both locations serve a three-course menu with baked ham from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at $17.99 with a True Rewards card.
Durango's Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant: Presents specials including lamb shank barbacoa from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., priced $13 to $42.
DW Bistro: Hosts its fifth annual Gospel Brunch featuring a buffet and live music from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., priced at $89, with an additional unlimited bar package for $50.
On the Strip
Fashion Show's Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse: Offers its rodizio experience with 17 cuts of meat and more from noon to 9:30 p.m. for $72.
Forum Shops at Caesars' Water Grill: Presents three specials, including wild Ross Sea Chilean sea bass, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., priced $42 to $55.
Ocean Prime: Available for brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. atop 63 Las Vegas.
Park MGM's La Macelleria: Serves breakfast items including skirt steak and eggs from 8 to 11 a.m., priced $18 to $42.
The Venetian's Buddy V’s Ristorante: Offers a brunch with over 50 items from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $75 adults, $35 for children under 10.
Additional Noteworthy Options
Emerald Island Grill: Features a three-course menu with choices of honey-glazed ham or herb-stuffed leg of lamb from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., priced at $14.99 for ham and $16.99 for lamb.
Silverton's Twin Creeks Steakhouse: Brunch buffet includes croque madame waffles and country fried prime rib from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., priced at $60 adults, $30 for children 12 and under.
South Point's Garden Buffet: Buffet with Colorado leg of lamb and Nebraska prime rib from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., priced at $29.95 for players members, $32.95 for nonmembers.
🌎 Sphere's Emoji: The Digital Darling of Las Vegas's Night Sky
Las Vegas's Sphere, with its world-leading LED screen, has transcended technical marvel to become a cultural phenomenon, largely thanks to a smiling yellow Emoji. This simple yet captivating figure has emerged as the $2.3 billion venue's most beloved piece of content, charming audiences with its playful interactions and childlike curiosity. The Sphere, recognized in The New York Times’ 71 Most Stylish "People" of 2023, owes much of its public persona to this Emoji, which has captivated viewers from its immense canvas of nearly 580,000 square feet.
The Sphere's exterior, adorned with over 1.2 million LED pucks, each capable of displaying over a billion colors, has hosted a range of visual spectacles, from realistic eyeballs to Emoji donning novelty glasses. These displays, described internally as "clips," are a testament to the creative prowess of the Sphere Studios team in Burbank, California. The collaborative process behind these clips involves animators, graphic designers, and technical experts who bring to life everything from playful holiday themes to stunning visual art pieces.
Emoji's fame soared following a viral moment with golfer Joseph Demare, propelling it to the status of a pop culture icon capable of bringing a unique blend of emotion and playfulness to the Sphere. Its presence was especially notable during events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Emoji humorously interacted with the action.
Beyond Emoji, the Sphere has dedicated itself to showcasing artistic talent through its XO/Art program, inviting renowned artists like Refik Anadol and David Oku to create exclusive works. These pieces, ranging from digital canvases celebrating space and nature to tributes to cultural and sports milestones, reflect the Sphere's commitment to blending entertainment with artistic expression.
Behind this innovation is James L. Dolan, the visionary behind Sphere Entertainment Co., who champions the Exosphere as a platform for community engagement and cultural contribution, rather than just an advertising space. This approach has resonated with audiences, amassing a significant following and setting the stage for the Sphere to continue dazzling Las Vegas and visitors with its blend of entertainment, art, and digital innovation.
🏀 UNLV's NIT Run Ends in Defeat to Seton Hall: A Season Concludes
In their second visit to New Jersey within a week, UNLV's promising National Invitation Tournament (NIT) campaign came to an abrupt end. The Rebels, unable to find their rhythm early on, succumbed to a decisive 91-68 loss against Seton Hall at Walsh Gymnasium in South Orange. The defeat on Wednesday marked the end of UNLV's season, with their record standing at 21-13.
Seton Hall (23-12) showcased a dominant performance, earning them a spot in the NIT semifinals against Georgia. Despite a valiant effort and a previously successful tournament run, including victories over Princeton and Boston College, UNLV fell short. Assistant coach Barret Peery reflected on the game's outcome, suggesting the team "officially ran out of gas."
The game started unfavorably for UNLV, with early turnovers contributing to Seton Hall's 11-2 lead. Despite a brief rally that brought the Rebels within six points, missed opportunities and a scoring drought allowed Seton Hall to widen the gap. By halftime, the lead had expanded to 18 points, and a series of 3-pointers from Seton Hall's Al-Amir Dawes early in the second half further cemented their advantage.
Senior forward Keylan Boone and guard Justin Webster expressed disappointment but also pride in their team's effort and unity throughout the season. Webster, in his first postseason appearance, highlighted the team's camaraderie and the personal significance of playing in the NIT.
Keylan Boone's twin brother, Kalib Boone, led UNLV with 16 points, while Webster and Rob Whaley also made significant contributions. Despite the loss, UNLV continued its streak of making a 3-pointer in consecutive games, now extending to 1,227 games.
Seton Hall's efficient shooting and balanced scoring, with five players reaching double figures, were key factors in their victory. The Pirates now look forward to their upcoming challenge in the NIT semifinals.
🍩 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Rolling into McDonald's Nationwide by 2026
Krispy Kreme and McDonald's are stirring up the breakfast scene with a freshly baked collaboration. The iconic doughnut company and the global fast-food chain have disclosed plans to bring Krispy Kreme's beloved doughnuts to McDonald's outlets across the United States. This sweet deal is set to begin its rollout phase later this year, aiming for nationwide availability by the end of 2026.
While McDonald's, with over 13,500 locations in the U.S., hasn't specified the number of participating franchises, Krispy Kreme's President and CEO, Josh Charlesworth, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. He anticipates it will provide "unprecedented daily access" to Krispy Kreme's array of glazed, filled, and frosted doughnuts, promising to double the doughnut chain's access points by 2026.
McDonald's sees this partnership as an opportunity to expand its breakfast offerings and sweeten its all-day menu. Customers can look forward to indulging in three Krispy Kreme doughnut varieties at McDonald's: the original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles, and a filled chocolate iced version. These treats will be sold individually or in boxes of six, available until the day's supply runs out.
This collaboration is not the first of its kind, as major restaurant chains have frequently partnered with popular food brands to entice consumers. From Taco Bell's Doritos-flavored tacos to Wendy's Cinnabon "pull-apart" treat, such partnerships have proven successful in drawing interest and expanding menu offerings.
Krispy Kreme's products are already a familiar sight beyond its own stores, available at Walmart, Kroger, and other grocery chains, as well as through its e-commerce platform. This partnership extends the doughnut chain's reach, operating in 35 countries with over 14,000 points of access.
The announcement of the partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme saw an immediate impact on the market, with Krispy Kreme's shares surging nearly 30% and McDonald's experiencing a slight increase. The details of the deal, exclusive to the U.S. through 2026, remain undisclosed, with both companies keeping financial specifics under wraps.
🎰 Lucky Streak: Three Big Wins at Caesars Palace Totaling $667,750
A fortuitous guest at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas hit the jackpot not once, but three times this week, amassing a total of $667,750 in winnings. The remarkable winning streak began on Tuesday evening when the player won a $125,000 jackpot at 9:30 p.m., followed by a massive $383,500 jackpot just over an hour later at 10:58 p.m. The player's luck didn't run out there; by early Wednesday morning at 12:27 a.m., they secured another jackpot, this time $159,250, according to a news release from Caesars Entertainment.
This streak of wins marks the third occasion in just one week that guests at the famed Strip property have walked away with over half a million dollars in jackpot prizes. Last Wednesday saw two six-figure jackpots totaling $299,437.50. The lucky streak continued into Friday morning with a player winning a $100,000 jackpot. In a surprising turn of events, another guest hit two $200,000 jackpots on the same machine at the casino, further adding to the property's reputation for substantial payouts.
🏀 March Madness Viewing Parties Across Las Vegas
Las Vegas is gearing up for the NCAA Tournament with a host of viewing parties across the city. From the Strip to Downtown and beyond, venues are offering unique experiences for basketball fans, including theater seating, private rooms, specialty drinks, and more. Here's a roundup of some of the top viewing parties happening throughout the tournament:
2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Schedule (times are Pacific Standard/PDT):
Selection Sunday: March 17, 2024, starting at 3:00 p.m. PST on CBS.
First Four: March 19-20, 2024 (exact times to be announced).
First Round: March 21-22, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. PST, followed by afternoon sessions from 3:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST.
Second Round: March 23-24, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. PST, followed by afternoon sessions from 3:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST.
Sweet Sixteen: March 28-29, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. PST, and afternoon sessions will be from 3:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST.
Elite Eight: March 30, 2024, will take place from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. PST.
Final Four: April 6, 2024, will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. PST.
Championship Game: April 8, 2024, will start at 9:00 p.m. PST.
2024 Women’s NCAA tournament schedule, dates:
Selection Sunday: 5:00 p.m. PST Sunday, March 17 on ESPN
First Four: March 20-21
First Round: March 22-23
Second Round: March 24-25
Sweet 16: March 29-30
Elite Eight: March 31-April 1
Final Four: Friday, April 5 at 7:30 and 6:00 p.m. PST on ESPN, hosted at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio
NCAA Championship Game: Sunday, April 7 at 12 p.m. PST on ABC, hosted at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio
On the Strip:
Caesars Palace: Offers "Hoops on the Strip" viewing experiences at various bars and lounges, including Stadia Bar and Montecristo Cigar Bar.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Hosts "Brackets and Bass" at The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails and viewing packages at CliQue Bar & Lounge.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas: BleauLive Theater presents the "Bleau Buckets" viewing experience with an onsite sportsbook and complimentary arcade games.
HyperX Arena at Luxor: Opens doors for a premium viewing experience including seating options and drink tickets.
The Venetian: "Brackets at The Stadium" offers stadium-style seating and a full-service sports betting, with menu items ranging from breakfast selections to nachos.
Downtown Las Vegas:
Circa: Features the "Mega March" viewing experience at Circa Sportsbook and "Mania Under the Sun" watch parties at Stadium Swim.
The D: Hosts "March Hoops" viewing parties with multiple high-definition TVs and private "Man Caves" for groups.
Plaza: Viewing parties in the showroom with unlimited draft beer and two free well drinks included in the ticket price.
Off the Strip:
Palms: Offers free admission to Palm Pool’s Basketball Bonanza with multi-game viewing and special packages.
South Point: Hosts a "Massive Madness Party" with free admission, food, and drink specials.
Green Valley Ranch Resort: Viewing parties in the Estancia Ballroom with large screens and first come, first-served seating.
Unique Experiences:
Fashion Show Mall: "Hoops in the Hall" features viewing screens, a jump shot challenge, and more in the Great Hall.
Ellis Island: The Front Yard Beer Garden offers unlimited food and drink during morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions.
With a wide range of viewing options available, fans can enjoy the March Madness tournament in a style that suits their preferences, from luxurious lounges and sports bars to outdoor pools and private rooms. Whether you're looking for a high-energy atmosphere or a more laid-back setting, Las Vegas has something for every basketball fan this tournament season.
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: March 22, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌🏠 Summerlin South - February 2024
*Median Sold Price By Bedroom Count
This is the middle price for which all homes in the area were sold based on the number of bedrooms. Half of all the homes sold were below this price, and half were above.
Visit here to see the entire report.
📌✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
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