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- 🏨 Tropicana Implosion Marks New Chapter for Las Vegas with Planned Athletics Ballpark
🏨 Tropicana Implosion Marks New Chapter for Las Vegas with Planned Athletics Ballpark
Issue #309 - October 11, 2024
John Wu
11 Oct
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
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📆 Weekly Local Events for October 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)
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, 1225 S Main St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW), Cheyenne & Buffalo, 7550 Sauer St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8 PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 7PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
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)
Early Risers Toastmasters Meeting (In-Person - Summerlin Egg Works / Online Event: 7 - 8 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, Summerlin Egg Works, 2025 Village Center Cir, Las Vegas: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
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, SG Bar, 9580 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas: 6:30 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/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)
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)
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
⛽ Las Vegas Gas Prices
🏨 Tropicana Implosion Marks New Chapter for Las Vegas with Planned Athletics Ballpark
In just 22 seconds, the iconic Tropicana’s two hotel towers were reduced to rubble, making way for a new era in Las Vegas with the planned Las Vegas Athletics' ballpark. The early Wednesday morning implosion was part of a long-term vision to transform the historic Strip property into a $1.5 billion stadium, solidifying Las Vegas’ growing reputation as a major sports hub.
The demolition was preceded by a seven-minute firework and drone show, honoring the Rat Pack-era Tropicana, which had stood on the Strip since 1957. The event celebrated the resort’s long history in Las Vegas, where it became an iconic part of the city’s identity.
“It is honoring what the Tropicana has meant to Las Vegas,” said Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Steve Hill before the implosion. “Now we’re going to turn it into a new iconic location, which is very fitting for Las Vegas. It’s very exciting for our city to bring Major League Baseball here.”
Executives from Tropicana owner Bally’s Corp., the Las Vegas Athletics, the LVCVA, and Clark County were present to witness the monumental event, marking the next step in the transformation of the Tropicana site into a 33,000-seat, domed ballpark.
The Future Las Vegas Athletics Ballpark
The implosion of the Tropicana’s hotel towers paves the way for the construction of the Athletics' ballpark, set to occupy 9 acres of the 35-acre Tropicana site. The stadium is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility, catering to 33,000 fans, and is projected to open by the 2028 MLB season.
The project represents a substantial investment, with $1.5 billion earmarked for the stadium, funded by a combination of $850 million in equity from the Fisher family, $350 million in public funding provided by Senate Bill 1, and $300 million in debt assumed by the Athletics. The remainder of the site will be used by Bally’s to develop a new resort in the coming years.
Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s Corp., expressed excitement about seeing the long-planned project come to life. “It’s nice to see a plan coming together,” Kim said. “We’re contributing this very valuable land … to welcome the more than billion-and-a-half stadium. I think it’s going to be a game changer.”
Demolition and Road Closures
In preparation for the implosion, roads around the Tropicana were closed to create a safety zone. Starting at 11 p.m. Tuesday, streets within the area, including Park Avenue, Mandalay Bay Road, Koval Lane, and Frank Sinatra Drive, were shut down to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Reno Avenue was also closed until 6 a.m. Wednesday, ensuring the demolition proceeded without incident.
Next Steps: Stadium Construction
Plans for the Athletics' ballpark remain on track, with construction expected to begin by the second quarter of 2025. The team is finalizing agreements with the Las Vegas Stadium Authority and working with the contractor Mortenson-McCarthy to establish timelines for bidding out work contracts.
“We feel very good about where we’re at, and I think things are all moving forward according to plan,” said A’s owner John Fisher after the implosion. Bally’s will be responsible for clearing the rubble and preparing the land for the start of construction.
The ballpark will be a significant addition to Las Vegas’ growing professional sports scene, joining the ranks of venues like Allegiant Stadium (home to the NFL’s Raiders) and T-Mobile Arena (home to the NHL’s Golden Knights). Hill also noted the rising profile of Las Vegas as a destination for major sporting events, from the Super Bowl to Formula One, which will further boost the city’s reputation as a global sports hub.
“Shohei Ohtani had his humongous day a few weeks ago … I sent my family a text saying ‘This guy is going to be playing baseball in Las Vegas in four years,’” Hill said, comparing the impact of Major League Baseball’s arrival to Frank Sinatra performing on the Strip. “It’s just a fantastic location for a stadium and brings a whole new level of celebrity to our city.”
Bally’s Plans for a New Resort
While the ballpark will occupy only a portion of the former Tropicana site, Bally’s Corp. has plans to develop the remaining acreage into a new integrated resort. The resort could feature up to 3,000 rooms, convention spaces, dining, and entertainment options, catering to both sports fans and Las Vegas tourists.
Kim acknowledged the importance of diversifying the resort’s revenue streams beyond gaming. “In Vegas now, gaming is only 30 percent of the revenue, so you need to have everything else working,” Kim said, adding that Bally’s plans to roll out the resort development in phases to manage the scope of the project.
A Celebratory Implosion
The fireworks and drone show leading up to the implosion, designed by Fireworks by Grucci, was a highlight of the morning, culminating in a breathtaking display that symbolically "lit the fuse" for the towers’ demolition. Phil Grucci, CEO of the fireworks company, said the show took five months to plan and featured nearly 100 crew members working on site to ensure everything went smoothly.
The drone display included A’s logos projected over the Las Vegas skyline, adding a celebratory touch to the event and signaling the city’s bright future with the arrival of Major League Baseball.
For Fisher, witnessing his first implosion was a surreal experience, made even more significant by its connection to the Athletics' future home. “It was spectacular, it made me so happy and so proud and excited for the future,” he said. “Seeing those buildings come down so quickly was astounding.”
A New Chapter for Las Vegas
Las Vegas has long been known for imploding its aging resorts to make way for new developments, and the Tropicana’s demolition continues that tradition. As Steve Hill remarked, this is part of the city’s evolution, with each implosion giving rise to new, world-class attractions that enhance Las Vegas’ global brand.
“What this city has done with the land made available from these implosions has continued to raise our game and our brand,” Hill said, drawing comparisons to past demolitions like the Dunes, which made way for the Bellagio, and the Sands, which was replaced by the Venetian.
With the Tropicana’s towers now reduced to rubble, Las Vegas is preparing for the next big thing: a world-class baseball stadium and resort that will further cement its status as a top destination for entertainment and sports.
Watch the Tropicana Implosion video here.
🏈 Raiders Tackling Woes Could Undermine Season as Missed Tackles Pile Up
The Las Vegas Raiders are grappling with a significant problem that is crippling their defense: tackling. What was initially expected to be one of the team’s core strengths has quickly deteriorated, especially in the last few games, and it's becoming a critical issue.
The extent of the problem was glaring in their 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos, where the Raiders missed an astonishing 16 tackles. As the Raiders prepare to host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, the team knows that unless they can fix their tackling deficiencies, any improvements made by rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell might not be enough to salvage their season.
“This is the team where tackling has to show up,” Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham emphasized. “There has to be a tackling game plan.”
Tackling Woes Persist
The Raiders (2-3) have recognized the problem for weeks but have struggled to address it. According to Pro Football Focus, the team ranks dead last in the NFL in tackling proficiency, earning a dismal grade of 28.4 out of 100. They lead the league in missed tackles, totaling 66 so far this season. Six players have missed five or more tackles, with cornerback Jakorian Bennett and injured safety Marcus Epps each whiffing on seven. This poor tackling has contributed to the Raiders surrendering the fourth-most points in the league and ranking 21st in run defense.
The missed tackles result from various issues, including poor angles, over-pursuit, flawed fundamentals, and mistimed run fits that leave players out of position. While addressing these problems is complex, Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane said it starts with the players acknowledging the reality.
“The truths have been we are a poor tackling defense,” Spillane admitted. “We expect more from ourselves.”
Exploited Weaknesses
Opponents have taken full advantage of the Raiders’ inability to tackle, frequently attacking the defense with short passes and screens near the line of scrimmage. These plays allow ball carriers to break tackles and pick up extra yards after the catch. As a result, there is little need for opposing teams to take deep shots downfield. They rely on attacking the Raiders' defense underneath and exploiting their missed tackles.
The Steelers are likely to use a similar strategy on Sunday, deploying physical players like quarterback Justin Fields and running back Najee Harris to challenge the Raiders' defense. The Steelers’ tough, physical playstyle will force the Raiders to match their intensity and fundamentals. Anything less will likely result in a long and difficult afternoon.
“Football is won through the most simple things. It’s fundamentals, details and focus,” said star defensive end Maxx Crosby. “And that’s what we have to do a better job of doing.”
Efforts to Fix the Problem
Since training camp, the Raiders have prioritized improving their tackling. Coach Antonio Pierce has dedicated practice time to addressing the issue and has publicly called on his players to step up their efforts. Despite these attempts, the problem appears to be worsening instead of improving.
“It starts with me,” defensive coordinator Graham said. “I’m in charge of the defense.”
Like many NFL teams, the Raiders balance player preservation with the need for physical preparation, which limits their fully padded practices during the season. While this approach helps prevent injuries, it also reduces practice time dedicated to perfecting tackling techniques. As a result, addressing the tackling problem isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
“You’ve got to pinpoint what the main issue is,” Graham explained. “If there’s three issues, let’s chip away at one, then let’s chip away at two, let’s chip away at three. It starts with me as the defensive coordinator, and we’ve got to figure out a way to get it right. We’re working on it in practice, I can promise you that.”
Execution is Key
Ultimately, improving the Raiders’ tackling will come down to execution during games. While the coaching staff can dedicate time to it during practice, the real test comes on the field. The Raiders have failed to execute in critical moments, and it has cost them dearly in several games.
“We’ve got to go out there and execute,” Graham said. “So we could talk about it and all that stuff. It’s just got to show up.”
As they prepare for Sunday’s game against a physical Steelers team, the Raiders know they have to step up their tackling efforts. If they don’t, the tackling issue could continue to haunt them for the rest of the season, undermining any progress they make in other areas of the game.
📺 How to Watch the Vegas Golden Knights: 2024-25 TV and Streaming Guide
As the Vegas Golden Knights head into their 2024-25 NHL season, fans may be wondering where and how to watch their favorite team in action. With 70 games airing locally and 12 on national television, the Golden Knights will be available to viewers across various platforms. Additionally, all games will be available on the radio via KKGK (98.9 FM, 1340 AM). Here’s a comprehensive guide to help fans stay up to date with where to catch the Knights this season:
Local Broadcasts: Vegas 34 and KnightTime+
For the second consecutive year, the Golden Knights’ local TV partner is Scripps Sports. This means that 70 of the 82 regular-season games will be broadcast locally on Vegas 34, which can be accessed with an antenna on channel 34.1. This channel is also available on Cox and DirecTV, though Dish Network no longer carries it.
Additionally, all local games will be available on the team’s streaming service, KnightTime+, which offers a convenient option for fans who prefer to watch games on their mobile devices or smart TVs. A season pass for KnightTime+ costs $69.99 and is available on various platforms including iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Vizio devices.
National TV Coverage
The Golden Knights will appear on national television 12 times this season, spread across ESPN, TNT, ABC, and streaming platforms like ESPN+ and Hulu. Here’s a breakdown of those national broadcasts:
ESPN — 4 Games
ESPN, one of the NHL’s national TV partners, will air four Knights games this season.
Fans can watch ESPN on Cox (30), DirecTV (206), and Dish (140). It is also available on streaming services such as YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu, and fuboTV.
TNT — 5 Games
TNT will air five Knights games, including the season opener against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.
TNT is available on Cox (18), DirecTV (245), and Dish (138). In addition to the live broadcast, TNT games will be available on Max, a streaming service that offers a free sports add-on for a limited time. Three of the games will also have alternate broadcasts on truTV.
Out-of-market fans can watch the March 16 game in Detroit on TNT, but Southern Nevada fans will have to tune into Vegas 34 or KnightTime+.
ESPN+ and Hulu — 2 Games
The Knights’ games against the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 3 and the Dallas Stars on Jan. 28 will only be available on ESPN+ and Hulu.
ESPN+ subscriptions start at $10.99 per month, while Hulu plans start at $7.99 per month. Both services are available on smart TVs, computers, gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, and other streaming devices.
ABC — 2 Games
ABC will air two Golden Knights games: Feb. 8 at Boston and March 22 against Detroit. Both games will also be available on ESPN+.
How to Listen: Radio Broadcasts
Fans can also listen to every Golden Knights game on the radio via KKGK (98.9 FM, 1340 AM), with play-by-play from Jason Horowitz and analysis from Lincoln Kennedy.
Summary: Your Go-To Guide
70 local games on Vegas 34 and KnightTime+
4 games on ESPN
5 games on TNT (plus truTV for alternate broadcasts and Max streaming)
2 games on ESPN+ and Hulu
2 games on ABC (also available on ESPN+)
Radio: All games available on KKGK (98.9 FM, 1340 AM)
With a mix of over-the-air, cable, streaming, and radio options, Golden Knights fans will have plenty of ways to follow the action throughout the 2024-25 season.
🎰 Fontainebleau Las Vegas Transforms Pool Deck into Winter Wonderland for the Holidays
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is getting into the holiday spirit by transforming part of its north Strip property into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink. The luxury casino-hotel, which will mark its one-year anniversary on December 13, announced that it will convert its Oasis Pool Deck into a festive ice rink for the holiday season starting November 27.
The skating experience will be available through January 5, offering both locals and visitors a unique way to celebrate the holidays on the Strip. According to the resort, the ice rink will span approximately 8,000 square feet, consisting of two rinks, and will host both public skating sessions and private group holiday events.
In a press release, Fontainebleau President Maurice Wooden highlighted the importance of the resort's first holiday season: "As we approach our one-year anniversary on December 13, the unveiling of our Winter Wonderland makes this holiday season even more special. We are grateful for the Las Vegas community embracing us in our first year, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our guests as they discover all of the magic, the joy, and the unforgettable surprises we have in store."
In addition to the ice rink, Fontainebleau plans to adorn the resort with seasonal decor and holiday-themed events, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The Oasis Ice Rink will be open daily, with admission set at $25 per person, though Fontainebleau Rewards members can enjoy free entry for up to six guests. Skating fees, including rentals, will range from $25 to $35.
Visitors can also enjoy holiday movies at the rink, adding to the festive fun. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the new ice rink at Fontainebleau is poised to offer a magical holiday experience on the Las Vegas Strip.
❎ Vice President Kamala Harris Takes Narrow Lead in Nevada, Poll Shows Race Still Tight
Vice President Kamala Harris has edged ahead of former President Donald Trump in the latest polling for Nevada, though the race remains close. According to an Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey released Thursday, Harris holds 48 percent support compared to 47 percent for Trump, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percent, indicating a statistical tie in the battleground state.
This is a shift from the previous poll in September, which had the candidates tied at 48 percent. A similar Emerson poll from earlier in the year showed Harris leading by just one percentage point.
The tight race in Nevada reflects the broader national picture, with Trump leading in key swing states like Arizona, where he holds 49 percent compared to Harris’ 47 percent. Trump also leads by small margins in Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, while the candidates are tied in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Emerson College Polling Executive Director Spencer Kimball commented on the tightness of the race, stating, “With just under four weeks to go, the race remains too close to call in key swing states, all within the margin of error.”
Expectations of Victory
Despite the close numbers, when asked who they expect will win the presidency, 50 percent of Nevada voters said they believe Harris will be the next president, compared to 48 percent who expect Trump to win. This pattern of confidence in Harris was echoed in other swing states, where voters also anticipate her victory by varying margins.
Nevada Senate Race
The poll also provided insights into Nevada's Senate race, where Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen is ahead of her Republican challenger Sam Brown. Rosen has 50 percent support, while Brown trails with 42 percent, and 5 percent of voters remain undecided.
This marks a slight increase for Rosen, who led 48 percent to 41 percent in the previous Emerson poll.
Ballot Question 6
On the topic of Ballot Question 6, which seeks to codify abortion rights in the Nevada Constitution, 55 percent of respondents said they plan to vote in favor, 33 percent plan to vote against it, and 13 percent remain undecided.
Key Issues for Voters
The poll found that the economy remains the top issue for Nevada voters, with 36 percent listing it as their primary concern. Other important issues include housing affordability, immigration, and threats to democracy.
Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo saw a slight dip in approval, with 37 percent of voters approving of his performance and 29 percent disapproving. This compares to a more favorable view in September, when Lombardo had slightly higher approval ratings.
Nevadans continue to have an unfavorable view of President Joe Biden, with 54 percent disapproving of his job performance and 38 percent approving.
Demographic Breakdown
The poll highlighted a gender gap in support for the candidates. 52 percent of men in Nevada back Trump, while 53 percent of women support Harris. This gender divide is consistent across most swing states, with Arizona being the notable exception, where Trump leads among both men and women.
Harris appears to perform better than President Biden among Asian voters and young voters, but her support lags behind Biden’s 2020 performance with older voters and independents.
Summerlin South, NV Demographics
What is the population of Summerlin South?
What are the employment statistics in Summerlin South?
How many households are there in Summerlin South?
What are the median and average incomes in Summerlin South?
How many homeowners and renters are there in Summerlin South?
What is the level of education in Summerlin South?
What is the marital status of Summerlin South residents?
What are the most common means of transportation in Summerlin South?
Methodology & Disclaimers
Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release, the 2022 American Community Survey. The information is updated yearly, as soon as new data is made available by the US Census Bureau.
No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information modified or aggregated for specific neighborhoods and/or zip codes.
Zip codes included in this demographic data: 89135
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: October 4, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌 🏠 Summerlin South - September 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.
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Until next time, John Wu.