Westgate Las Vegas

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
The property as seen in 2018
Location Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
Address 3000 Paradise Road
Opening dateJuly 2, 1969; 55 years ago (1969-07-02) (as The International)
No. of rooms2,956
Total gaming space54,923 square feet (5,102.5 m2)
Permanent shows
  • The Magic of Jen Kramer
  • Manilow: The Hits Come Home
Notable restaurants
  • Benihana
  • Edge Steakhouse
  • Fresco Italiano
  • Silk Road Asian Bistro
Casino typeLand-based
OwnerWestgate Resorts
Operating license holderGVII LLC
ArchitectMartin Stern Jr.
Previous namesInternational (1969–1971)
Las Vegas Hilton (1971–2012)
LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino (2012–2014)
Renovated in1975, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1995, 1999, 2014–2016
Websitewestgatelasvegas.com

The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is a hotel, casino, and timeshare resort in Winchester, Nevada. Located near the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip, it is owned by Westgate Resorts. It opened in 1969 as the International Hotel, and was known for many years as the Las Vegas Hilton, then briefly as the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. From 1981 to 1990, it was the largest hotel in the world.

Facilities

[edit]

The Westgate is located on a 64-acre (26 ha) site on the east side of Paradise Road, approximately 0.4 miles (0.64 km) east of Las Vegas Boulevard. It is adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center to the south and Las Vegas Country Club to the east.

The hotel has 2,956 rooms.[1] The hotel tower is 375 feet (114 m) tall, with 30 floors.[2] The top floor consists of three "Sky Villas" geared towards "high roller" customers, each with a private swimming pool and at least 12,000 square feet (1,100 m2) of space.[3][4]

The casino has 54,923 square feet (5,102.5 m2) of gaming space as of 2017, with 576 slot machines, 38 table games, 10 poker tables, and a race and sports book.[5][6] The casino's sportsbook, the SuperBook, is billed as the largest in the world.[7][8]

The Westgate has various eateries, including fine dining restaurants, a buffet, and a food court.[9] Benihana Village, opened in 1974, is a Japanese-themed area with streams and gardens, with several restaurants centered around its namesake teppanyaki grill.[10]

The Westgate's convention center has 225,000 square feet (20,900 m2) of event space, including the 70,000 sq ft (6,500 m2) Paradise Event Center (formerly the Hilton Center) and the 43,000 sq ft (4,000 m2) Pavilion (formerly the Hilton Pavilion).[11]

Recreation amenities at the Westgate include a 5-acre (2.0 ha) pool deck,[4] a fitness center,[12] a 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) spa,[13] and six tennis courts.[14][15] The hotel also has several retail shops,[16] a wedding chapel,[17] and a business center.[18]

The Westgate station of the Las Vegas Monorail is located at the front of the property.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Layout of the property as seen in 2003, facing southward
1
Hotel tower, east wing
2
Hotel tower, north wing
3
Hilton Pavilion
4
Hilton Center
5
Marquee sign
6
Main entrance
7
Star Trek: The Experience
8
Monorail station
9
North parking garage
10
Hilton Grand Vacations building
11
Las Vegas Convention Center
12
Las Vegas Country Club
13
Paradise Road

History

[edit]

International Hotel (1969–1971)

[edit]
A photo postcard of the International Hotel
Newspaper advertisement for the 1969 grand opening of the hotel

The hotel site was previously part of the grounds of Las Vegas Park, a defunct racetrack.[19] In 1965, the 400-acre (160 ha) track site was purchased by National Equities, a real estate development firm chaired by Marvin Kratter.[20][21] Kratter announced development plans for the site to include a 40-floor, 1,500-room hotel, as well as a golf course and private homes.[20][21]

Meanwhile, Kirk Kerkorian, the chairman of Trans International Airlines and landlord of Caesars Palace, began formulating plans to build a 1,000-room casino hotel in Las Vegas.[22] After considering several potential locations, he selected the racetrack site, reasoning that it was natural to put a hotel next to the Convention Center.[23] Kratter had decided not to build a hotel himself, and in 1967, National Equities sold a 65.5-acre (26.5 ha) portion of the site to Kerkorian for $5 million.[24][25] Kerkorian announced that he would build a 30-story hotel with 1,510 rooms, at a cost of $50 million.[24][26] Some believed it was very risky to build such a property away from the Strip, but Kerkorian believed that it would spark the development of a "second Strip" along Paradise Road.[27][28][29]

Kerkorian's hotel would be named the International Hotel, matching the name of Kratter's International Country Club (now the Las Vegas Country Club).[24][30] He hired airline executive Fred Benninger to oversee the development, and Martin Stern Jr., who had designed several noted Las Vegas high-rises, as the hotel's architect.[24][31][32] The general contractor selected to build the hotel was Taylor Construction Co.[33] Construction began with an elaborate groundbreaking ceremony in February 1968.[34]

With planning for the hotel underway, Kerkorian purchased the Flamingo casino, to serve as a training ground for the International's staff.[35][36] Later, during the International's construction, Kerkorian formed the publicly traded company International Leisure to own the two casinos.[37]

Howard Hughes, the eccentric billionaire who had purchased several Las Vegas casinos, saw Kerkorian as a rival and the International as unwelcome competition.[38] He attempted to deter Kerkorian from building the project, first by making a sham announcement of a major planned expansion of his Sands Hotel, and then by conveying false claims to Kerkorian about damage to buildings from nearby nuclear tests.[38][39] When these ruses failed, Hughes schemed to buy the project from Kerkorian and halt its construction, but this plan came to nothing.[38] Ultimately, Hughes decided to compete head-on with the International by purchasing the unfinished Landmark Hotel and Casino, located across the street.[40][41] Hughes completed construction of the Landmark and opened it one day before Kerkorian's hotel.[42][43]

The International Hotel opened on July 2, 1969.[44] At the time, it was Nevada's tallest building and largest hotel.[45][46] Entertainment director Bill Miller signed Barbra Streisand to open in the showroom, along with Peggy Lee performing in the hotel's lounge.[47][48]

In keeping with the hotel's name, rooms were furnished with different international decors, with each floor featuring either a Spanish, Italian, or French theme.[49][50] There was also a complex of international restaurants, offering Bavarian, Italian, Japanese and Mexican cuisines.[49][51] Employees were outfitted in costumes from different cultures, such as Scottish kilts, Slavic shirts, and French gendarme uniforms.[49][50][52]

On July 31, 1969, immediately following Streisand's engagement, Elvis Presley performed the first show of what would become a seven-year run at the hotel, encompassing 636 consecutive sold-out shows. Many of the performers who worked the International before Presley were upset at their disrupted prospects.[53]

Late in 1969, Kerkorian made plans to raise $29 million through a secondary offering of International Leisure stock.[54][55] He needed the money to help pay off loans that he had taken out to purchase major stakes in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Western Airlines.[56][57] The offering was rejected, however, by the Securities and Exchange Commission, because the company was unable to provide five years of financial history for the Flamingo.[56][58][59] Short on cash, Kerkorian was forced to put International Leisure up for sale.[57]

Las Vegas Hilton (1971–2012)

[edit]
The Las Vegas Hilton in the early 1970s

In 1970 and 1971, Kerkorian sold his shares of International Leisure to Hilton Hotels.[60][61] The International was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton in July 1971.[62] Hilton took complete ownership in 1972, acquiring all outstanding shares of International Leisure.[63][64]

The hotel had performed unevenly in its early years as the International, but as the Hilton, it soon came to be regarded as the most successful hotel in Las Vegas.[27][65]

An east tower extension with 620 rooms was completed in 1975 at a cost of $20 million.[66][67] In 1977, the hotel opened the Hilton Pavilion, a $7.5-million venue for sports and entertainment events, with a seating capacity of up to 5,000 people.[68][69] A $23-million expansion added another 644 rooms to the north tower. The general contractor selected to build the expansion was Del E. Webb Corporation. Ground was broken in 1977 and it was completed in 1979.[67][70][71]

1981 fire

[edit]

On the night of February 10, 1981, a major fire occurred at the Hilton. Philip Bruce Cline, a hotel busboy who was under the influence of drugs, set fire to a curtain in an elevator lobby on the eighth floor of the east tower.[72] The fire spread to the exterior of the tower and then traveled up to the top of the building within 25 minutes.[73] Eight people were killed, and approximately 350 were injured, including 48 firefighters.[74] Among the victims treated for smoke inhalation was singer Natalie Cole.[75]

The casino and hotel reopened nine days after the fire with 1,000 available rooms.[76][77] The rest of the rooms were repaired over the following three months, at an estimated cost of $10 million.[76][78]

Cline was convicted in 1982 of arson and murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.[79] Hilton and other companies involved in the hotel paid a $23 million settlement to victims.[80] The tragedy, in combination with the MGM Grand fire that had occurred months earlier, inspired major changes to Nevada's fire safety regulations.[81][82][83]

1981–2012

[edit]
Hotel with former Hilton logo and branding.

Around the end of 1981, another extension to the north tower was completed, adding 391 rooms at a cost of $21 million.[84][85][86] This made the Las Vegas Hilton the largest hotel in the world, with a total of 3,174 rooms.[85][87] (The Rossiya Hotel in Moscow had more rooms, but was not deemed to be a larger hotel by the Guinness Book of World Records because many of its rooms were used as dormitories.)[88] It held this title until 1990, when it was surpassed by the Flamingo.[88]

In 1984, the hotel completed construction of the $10-million Hilton Center, a 70,000-square-foot (6,500 m2) convention and event space at the southwest corner of the property, west of the Hilton Pavilion.[89][90]

In 1986, amid growing popularity of sports betting in Nevada, the Hilton opened its race and sports book, the Superbook, at a cost of $17 million.[91][92][93]

In 1991, the Hilton was at the center of the Tailhook scandal, in which numerous United States Navy officers were accused of acts of sexual assault during a convention at the hotel.[94] One of the victims, Paula Coughlin, sued the Hilton for providing inadequate security for the convention, and eventually was paid a $5.2 million judgment.[95][96] The lawsuit led Hilton to successfully lobby for the so-called "Tailhook bill", a state law shielding hotels from liability for injuries to patrons caused by third parties.[97]

The Las Vegas Hilton sign, at 279 feet (85 m), is the tallest free-standing advertising sign in the world

The hotel completed a new 362-foot (110 m), $4-million marquee sign in 1994.[98] Later that year, however, it was partially destroyed by a windstorm.[98] The sign was reconstructed in 1997 for $9 million with a reduced height of 279 feet (85 m), making it the world's tallest free-standing advertising sign.[99][100]

In 1994, the hotel entered an arrangement with the Sahara Country Club, which was renamed as the Las Vegas Hilton Country Club.[101] This lasted until 1997, when the course became the Las Vegas National Golf Club.[102] Hilton attempted to buy the neighboring Las Vegas Country Club the following year, but its $60-million offer was rejected.[103]

In 1995, the Hilton completed a $40-million renovation of its penthouse floor to construct the Sky Villas.[104][105][106] The hotel also spent $12 million on a new room for baccarat, a favorite game of Asian high rollers.[106][107] The Hilton at the time was one of only four Las Vegas casinos able to compete for the business of the "whales", the top tier of high rollers.[104]

In 1998, Hilton spun off its casino properties, including the Las Vegas Hilton, as Park Place Entertainment.

Hilton's timeshare arm, Hilton Grand Vacations, began construction of a complex at the northeast corner of the property in 1998.[108][109] It opened in 1999 with 230 suites.[110]

Around 1999, Park Place began seeking a buyer for the Las Vegas Hilton, because the company hoped to concentrate on its properties on the Las Vegas Strip, especially the newly acquired Caesars Palace.[111] In 2000, Park Place agreed to sell the Hilton to Edward Roski Jr. for $365 million.[112] Roski planned to transform the Hilton to shift its focus away from high rollers and toward convention attendees.[112] The deal fell through, however, and the property was locked up in litigation between Park Place and Roski until 2003, when they settled their claims against each other.[113]

The Las Vegas Monorail opened in 2004, with one of its stations located at the Hilton.[114] The system had been under construction since 2001.[115] Hilton had led the group of hotels that had promulgated the proposal for the monorail as early as 1996.[116][117]

In June 2004, Caesars Entertainment (formerly Park Place) sold the Las Vegas Hilton to Colony Capital for $280 million.[118] Colony partnered in the purchase with Goldman Sachs, which also lent $200 million of the purchase price.[119][120] In 2005, the Hilton was placed under the banner of Colony's newly formed casino affiliate, Resorts International Holdings, which was headquartered at the property.[121][122]

The Hilton prospered in its first few years under Colony's management, but began losing money in the face of the Great Recession and an oversupply of hotel rooms in Las Vegas.[123][124] In June 2011, the Hilton began defaulting on payments to Goldman Sachs on the loan.[124] The same month, Hilton Worldwide opted to terminate its franchise agreement with the property, effective at the end of the year, because the facilities had fallen below the standards of the Hilton brand.[125][126]

Goldman Sachs issued a foreclosure notice in September 2011.[127] At Goldman's request, a court appointed a receiver to take control of the property.[128][129]

LVH (2012–2014)

[edit]

On January 3, 2012, the Las Vegas Hilton became the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, as the contract to use the Hilton brand ended.[130]

Colony Capital initially tried to fight against foreclosure of the property,[131] but ultimately concluded that its equity in the LVH was worthless, and agreed to let the foreclosure proceed.[128][129] Goldman Sachs formed a joint venture with Gramercy Capital to acquire the property.[132] They bought the property at its foreclosure auction in October 2012, where they were the only bidder.[133] The Navegante Group was retained to manage the LVH on their behalf.[133]

In 2013, the LVH affiliated with the Leo Hotel Collection, a network of independent hotels newly created by Red Lion Hotels.[134][135]

Westgate Las Vegas (2014–present)

[edit]

On June 30, 2014, timeshare developer Westgate Resorts bought the LVH from Goldman and Gramercy for a price between $150 and $170 million.[136][137] Westgate CEO David Siegel was hoisted to the top of the hotel's sign the following day to begin removing the letters "LVH" to make way for the property's new name, Westgate Las Vegas.[138] Siegel stated that the company would spend at least $160 million on renovations, and that it would begin converting hotel rooms into timeshare units.[139] According to Siegel, the timeshare conversion would take 15 to 20 years, and, even after its completion, at least 30 percent of the units would remain available as hotel rooms at any given time.[139]

Westgate retained Paragon Gaming to replace Navegante as the property's manager in 2015.[140] In 2020, GVII LLC, a company formed by former gaming regulator Mark Lipparelli, replaced Paragon as the casino manager.[141][142]

In 2023,[143] a tunnel was drilled to the resort for a future Las Vegas Convention Center Loop underground Tesla shuttle service station.[144]

Architecture

[edit]

Martin Stern designed the hotel in the International Style of architecture.[145] Architect Stefan Al described the building's aesthetics as a milestone in the corporatization of Las Vegas: "Characterized by its rectilinear forms and bare surfaces, stripped of ornamentation, this elite form of architecture stood miles away from the Mafia-tainted neon of existing casinos."[145] Architecture critic Alan Hess also noted the simplicity of the International (and the nearby Landmark Hotel) in comparison to older casinos: "As singular, self-contained forms, they showed none of the complexity of the different pieces and sequential additions that made the original Strip visually and urbanistically richer."[146]

The UNESCO Headquarters building, which inspired the Y-shaped plan for the hotel tower

The Y-shaped plan for the hotel tower was inspired by the UNESCO Headquarters building; it was chosen to maximize the number of rooms that could be fit into a square plot while allowing each room to have a satisfactory view.[145][147] This design was imitated by later Las Vegas hotels such as the Mirage, Mandalay Bay, and Venetian.[147][148]

The International has been cited as the first Las Vegas "megaresort"[149][150] (though that distinction is often instead credited to the Mirage, opened in 1989).[151][152] It was the first to house all of the hotel's functions in a single large structure, whereas earlier casinos had housed them in separate buildings.[145] The design of the property, along with the next Kerkorian/Stern project, the original MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, had a major influence on the development of the modern casino resort. As gaming historian David G. Schwartz describes it:

The casino resorts designed by Kerkorian and Stern became the favored models for both the next generation of Strip resorts and the resorts that, after 1978, could be found throughout the United States. When you enter a casino with a sweeping porte cochere, attached parking garage, barn-like casino/entertainment/retail complex, and high-rise hotel towers, you are in a design first realized by Stern and Kerkorian.[153]

Entertainment

[edit]

International Theater

[edit]
Las Vegas Hilton marquee in 1993. The Landmark Hotel is visible off to the right of the picture.

The property's main entertainment venue is the 1,607-seat International Theater.[154] Since 2018, the theater hosts Barry Manilow's residency show, The Hits Come Home.[154]

From the opening of the hotel in 1969, the main showroom was a "star policy" venue,[155] meaning that popular musical artists and comedians were booked to perform for two to four weeks at a time.[156] The typical schedule comprised two shows per night: a dinner show at 8 pm and a cocktail show at midnight.[157]

One of the most famous engagements at the hotel was that of singer and pianist Liberace.[158] A longtime mainstay of Las Vegas showrooms, Liberace debuted at the Hilton in 1972,[159] and began appearing regularly in 1973.[160][161] He performed in the showroom for as many as 17 weeks out of the year, earning as much as $175,000 per week.[162] Liberace's shows were known for his flamboyant costumes and for his being driven onstage in a Rolls-Royce limousine.[163][164] He appeared at the Hilton as late as 1982.[165][166] Hilton chairman Barron Hilton remembered Liberace as "one of the most popular entertainers ever to grace the stage of the Las Vegas Hilton showroom."[167]

In 1982, the production show Bal du Moulin Rouge opened in the theater, featuring a cast of acrobats, dancers, and variety acts.[168][169] The show centered around a 45-minute slot for a headline performer, which was filled at times by Suzanne Somers, Charo, and others.[170][171] Shifting to a production show was intended to reduce the Hilton's entertainment costs by avoiding the need to book bigger stars, whose salaries had been spiraling ever higher.[171][172] The show closed in 1986, and the theater returned to star policy.[173][174]

Singer Wayne Newton, another longtime Las Vegas star, headlined the Hilton showroom from 1987 to 1993.[27][175] By the end of his run, he was performing there twenty weeks out of the year, and was described as the highest-paid entertainer on the Las Vegas Strip.[176][177][178] Newton's shows were known for beginning with him descending onto the stage in a spaceship amid a laser show.[179][180][181] He made over 950 performances in total.[182]

In 1993, the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Starlight Express opened in the main theater. The Hilton Showroom was renamed as the Hilton Theatre, and underwent a $12-million renovation to add bridges and embankments to accommodate the show, which features performers on roller skates.[183][184] The opening of the show was cited as part of a trend in Las Vegas toward family-friendly attractions and away from individual headliner acts.[185][186] The show was signed to a five-year contract, but closed early in 1997 amid lagging ticket sales.[99][187][188] The hotel then adopted a "limited star policy" for the theater, booking headline acts for runs of less than a week at a time.[189]

In the early 2000s, the theater kept a rotating stable of headliners who each performed for ten weeks out of the year, including at times The Commodores, The Righteous Brothers, Sheena Easton, The Fab Four, Engelbert Humperdinck, and The Smothers Brothers.[190][191][192]

Manilow began an extended run at the Hilton in 2005.[193] His engagement was an early example of the trend of major recording artists establishing residency shows in Las Vegas, which was begun by Celine Dion at Caesars Palace in 2003.[194][195] His show began as Manilow: Music and Passion, and was then revamped in 2008 as Ultimate Manilow: The Hits.[196][197] The show ended in 2009.[198] In November 2018, Paula Abdul revealed she was initially offered to do a show in the International Theater in 2005 but felt she wasn't the right artist to perform in it as it was “so special and magical”, so she told Hilton Hotels to offer it to Manilow.[199]

During the summer of 2006, Reba McEntire performed her residency show, Reba: Key to the Heart, which ran for five non-consecutive weeks.[200]

The American TV Game Show Hall of Fame logo

The $250,000 Game Show Spectacular ran from October 2007 to April 2008. The show rotated through three hosts: creator Bob Eubanks, Chuck Woolery, and Jamie Farr.[201] A temporary "American TV Game Show Hall of Fame" opened and closed on site in conjunction with the show,[202] inducting Peter Marshall, Hugh Downs, Wink Martindale, and Monty Hall. The concept was originated by entertainment publicist Jerry Digney. The logo was designed by Dan Acree.

Recent long-running shows in the theater include the classic rock tribute show Raiding the Rock Vault, from 2013 to 2014,[203] and the Prince tribute show Purple Reign, from 2016 to 2017.[204]

Westgate Cabaret

[edit]

Smaller shows are hosted in the 400-seat Westgate Cabaret.[205] This venue hosts magician Jen Kramer (since 2018),[206] Motown tribute act Soul of Motown (since 2019),[207] and the comedy night Comedy Cabaret (since 2023).[208]

Starting in the 1990s, the venue was known as The NightClub.[209] Combining elements of a dance club and a traditional Las Vegas lounge, it helped pave the way for dance clubs to open in many Las Vegas casinos.[210]

The NightClub was renamed as the Shimmer Cabaret in 2004 when the Hilton came under the ownership of Colony Capital.[211][212] Long-running acts at the Shimmer Cabaret included comedian David Brenner (2004–05),[213] musical comedies Menopause the Musical (2006–09)[214] and Nunsense (2010–13),[215] show band The Scintas (2007–09),[216] singer Lani Misalucha (2009–10),[217] topless revue Sin City Bad Girls (2009–10),[218] impressionists Greg London (2011–12)[219] and Rich Little (2012–13),[220] a Rat Pack tribute show led by Sandy Hackett (2011–13),[221] Purple Reign (2014–16),[204] and the "Icons of Comedy" series (2011–12), featuring comedians such as Gilbert Gottfried and Hal Sparks.[222]

In 2015, after the hotel was purchased by Westgate, the room was given its current name.[223][224] Previous productions and headliners at the Westgate Cabaret include the adult revue Sexxy (2015–21),[225] funk band Cameo[226] and comedian Vinnie Favorito,[227] (both 2016–17), comedian George Wallace (2018–21),[205] and rock band The Bronx Wanderers (2021–22)[228]

Sign outside of the Star Trek attraction

Star Trek: The Experience

[edit]
Main article: Star Trek: The Experience

In January 1998, Star Trek: The Experience opened, featuring a motion simulator ride, a museum, and Quark's Bar.[229] A portion of the casino floor was transformed into the SpaceQuest Casino, a space-themed casino complete with high-tech table games, which served as the gateway to the Experience.[230][231]

In March 2004, a new Borg Invasion 4D ride was added.[232][233]

The attraction closed in September 2008, after the operator, Cedar Fair, could not agree on terms for a renewed lease with the Hilton.[234][235]

Elvis performances and legacy

[edit]

Elvis Presley was signed for a four-week engagement in 1969 as the second performer to appear in the International's showroom, following Barbra Streisand.[236][237] It would be his first public stage appearance in eight years.[237] Presley's first show proved so popular that the hotel immediately signed him to a five-year contract for two month-long engagements per year.[238][239] He would go on to perform a total of 636 shows at the hotel from 1969 to 1976, with every show sold out.[240] Presley's run of performances at the Hilton was cut short by his death in August 1977.[239]

During his engagements at the hotel, Presley famously resided in the 5,000-square-foot (460 m2) Imperial Suite on the 30th floor.[241][242] Years after his death, the suite was renamed as the Elvis Presley Suite.[243][244] It was demolished in 1994 to make way for the Sky Villas.[3][244][245]

Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, lived at the Hilton for several years after Presley's death, and was a fixture at the hotel as an entertainment consultant for much of the remainder of his life.[246][247][248]

Advertisement for Always Elvis, a convention held in the Hilton Pavilion in 1978 for Presley's fans

The hotel has recognized and capitalized on Presley's legacy in assorted ways through the years. A year after his death, a bronze statue of Presley was unveiled at the hotel;[249][250] it has since occupied various spots around the property.[240][251][252] Various festivals and conventions for Elvis fans and impersonators have been held at the hotel.[253][254][255][256][excessive citations]

Elvis: An American Musical, a multimedia production incorporating archival footage with live songs and re-enactments, premiered at the Hilton showroom in 1988, where it ran for two months before going on a national tour.[257][258] Elvis impersonator Trent Carlini performed at the Hilton in various runs, both on the main stage and in the cabaret, from 2000 to 2004 and again from 2010 to 2015.[192][259][260][261][262][263][excessive citations]

"Elvis: The Exhibition" opened at the Westgate in April 2015 in the former Star Trek attraction space.[264] The exhibit, developed in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, featured 28,000 square feet (2,600 m2) of artifacts and memorabilia from the singer's life.[264][265] In conjunction with the opening of the exhibit, the hotel's theater was renamed as the Elvis Presley International Showroom, and was set to feature rotating shows inspired by Presley, starting with The Elvis Experience.[266] The show fared poorly in its two-month run, however, and the plans for further shows did not materialize.[267][268] The exhibition closed suddenly in February 2016, leading to a protracted legal dispute.[269][270]

In 2016, the Westgate successfully petitioned to rename the street leading from the hotel to Las Vegas Boulevard as Elvis Presley Boulevard.[271]

[edit]

Television

[edit]
  • Ann-Margret – When You're Smiling, a 1973 NBC television special starring actress and singer Ann-Margret, was recorded mainly in the Hilton showroom.[272]
  • Perry Como, Las Vegas Style, a 1976 NBC special starring singer Perry Como, was recorded at the Hilton.[273][274]
  • The game show Let's Make a Deal filmed its 1976–77 season in the Hilton showroom.[275][276][277]
  • The Mrs. America Pageant was televised from the hotel annually from 1977 to 1983,[278] in 1986, 1987, 1996, and 1997,[279] from 2015 to 2019,[280] and in 2021.[281]
  • Liberace recorded parts of two CBS specials, 1978's Leapin' Lizards, It's Liberace and 1979's Liberace – A Valentine's Special, and the 1980 Showtime special, Liberace in Las Vegas, at the Hilton.[162][163][282][283][284][excessive citations]
  • The CBS New Year's Eve special, Happy New Year, America, was anchored at the Hilton's Grand Ballroom in 1979 and 1980,[285][286] and included segments at the Hilton in 1981 and 1982.[287][288]
  • In 1980, singer Lou Rawls starred in two specials recorded at the Hilton, An Evening with Lou Rawls on HBO and The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars on CBS.[289]
  • On May 2, 1982, the National Cable Television Association held its annual convention in the ballroom of the Hilton for the inaugural telecast of The Weather Channel.
  • Wayne Newton Live in Concert, a 1989 pay-per-view special, was aired live from the Hilton showroom.[179][290][291]
  • Two episodes of Roseanne were taped here in 1991.
  • Prime Time Country, a nightly talk show on The Nashville Network, came to the Hilton theater four times between 1997 and 1999, recording a week's worth of episodes on each occasion.[292]
  • The Oak Ridge Boys Live, a variety show starring country music group The Oak Ridge Boys that ran for one season on the Nashville Network, was taped over the span of two weeks in the Hilton Theatre in 1998.[293][294][295]
  • Penn & Teller's Sin City Spectacular, an FX variety show that ran for one season starting in 1998, recorded some of its episodes at the Hilton theater.[296]
  • Two live pay-per-view concert specials were televised from the Hilton theater under the name For the Record in 1998 and 1999, starring, respectively, Alabama and Merle Haggard.[297]
  • The syndicated game show Wheel of Fortune came to the Hilton four times, taping two or three weeks of episodes on each occasion. The show was aired from the Hilton Center in 1998, and from the theater in 1999, 2002, and 2005.[298]
  • The Mrs. World pageant was recorded at the Hilton in 2000, 2001, and 2003, to be aired on Pax TV.[299]
  • In 2001, the game show Jeopardy! taped two weeks of episodes in the Hilton theater, comprising one week of Celebrity Jeopardy! and one week of International Jeopardy![300]
  • The Entertainer, a 2005 reality competition series on the E! network starring Wayne Newton, was set primarily at the Hilton, with contestants living in the Sky Villas.[301]
  • The 2006 PBS special Barry Manilow: Music and Passion was filmed during one of the singer's shows at the Hilton.[302]
  • World Series of Blackjack, a Game Show Network series, recorded its 2006 and 2007 seasons at the Hilton.[303]
  • Louis Theroux: Gambling in Las Vegas, a 2007 BBC documentary, was filmed mainly at the Hilton, where it follows several of the casino's regulars and employees.[304]
  • The 37th and 38th Daytime Emmy Awards ceremonies were held in the Hilton's theater in 2010 and 2011.[305][306]

Film

[edit]

Sporting events

[edit]

Boxing

[edit]

The hotel has a history as a prominent professional boxing venue.[311] In 1969, the showroom hosted the first major boxing match held at a Las Vegas hotel, Sonny Liston vs. Leotis Martin (previous fights had been held at the Convention Center).[312][313] The Hilton Pavilion was the site in 1978 of Leon Spinks's victory over Muhammad Ali for the world heavyweight championship, which is remembered as one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history.[314] The hotel then took a seven-year hiatus from hosting boxing matches.[315]

In 1985, Donald Curry defeated Milton McCrory at the Hilton Center to unify and become the undisputed welterweight champion.[316] The success of the Curry–McCrory fight led the Hilton to begin pursuing more major matches, to challenge Caesars Palace as the premier boxing venue in Las Vegas.[317] The hotel struck a deal to host several fights in the heavyweight unification series, a tournament to establish an undisputed heavyweight champion.[315] A 14,600-seat outdoor arena was temporarily erected in the Hilton's parking lot for some of the fights.[318] The series culminated in Mike Tyson's defeat of Tony Tucker at the Hilton Center in 1987 to unify and become the undisputed champion.[319]

By 1995, the Hilton had reportedly backed away from seeking to host the biggest fights, because of escalating costs.[320] The hotel hosted no boxing matches between 2002 and 2008; since then, it has occasionally hosted minor fights.[321]

Other sports

[edit]

The Hilton Pavilion hosted two nationally televised tennis events in 1978: the WCT Tournament of Champions[322] and the World Team Tennis All-Star Match.[323][324]

The hotel was the venue for Evo 2014, a major competitive video gaming tournament.[325]

[edit]
  • As seen in 2006
    As seen in 2006
  • As seen in 2013
    As seen in 2013

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino". Westgate Resorts. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  2. ^ "Las Vegas Hilton". The Skyscraper Center. Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  3. ^ a b Hilton, Spud (January 21, 2007). "Suite excess: High rollers' Las Vegas hangouts can be yours for a [high] price". SFGate. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Leach, Robin (March 9, 2015). "Top Westgate Las Vegas execs talk future plans for former Hilton property". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  5. ^ Listing of Financial Statements Square Footage (PDF) (Report). Nevada Gaming Control Board. March 6, 2018. p. 10. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  6. ^ Nonrestricted Count Report (XLS) (Report). Nevada Gaming Control Board. June 30, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  7. ^ King, Bill (April 16, 2018). "A peek inside the world's largest sportsbook". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  8. ^ "Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook". Westgate Resorts. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  9. ^ "Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino introduces exciting new onsite dining options" (Press release). Westgate Resorts. August 3, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  10. ^
  11. ^ Heilman, Jeff (June 2017). "Las Vegas properties are celebrating longtime anniversaries". Meetings Today. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  12. ^ "Fitness Center". Westgate Las Vegas. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  13. ^ Williams, Anna (April 2, 2017). "Serenity Spa by Westgate is off-Strip casino's newest amenity". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  14. ^ Csencsits, Joseph (February 16, 2010). "Las Vegas Hilton: Vegas' legendary off-Strip hotel". Winston-Salem Examiner – via NewsBank.
  15. ^ "Tennis". Westgate Las Vegas. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  16. ^ "Shopping". Westgate Las Vegas. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  17. ^ "Chapel of Crystals". Elle LLC. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  18. ^ "FedEx Business Center". Westgate Las Vegas. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  19. ^ Miech, Rob (April 29, 2008). "A sad saga: horse racing in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  20. ^ a b "$150 million development set in Vegas". Reno Gazette-Journal. AP. August 9, 1965 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ a b Wade, Dell (April 10, 1966). "Parade of Progress". Las Vegas Sun – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  22. ^ Rempel, William C. (2018). The Gambler: How Penniless Dropout Kirk Kerkorian Became the Greatest Deal Maker in Capitalist History. HarperCollins. pp. 111–112. ISBN 978-0062456793.
  23. ^ Rempel, William C. (2018). The Gambler: How Penniless Dropout Kirk Kerkorian Became the Greatest Deal Maker in Capitalist History. HarperCollins. pp. 116–118. ISBN 978-0062456793.
  24. ^ a b c d "Architect appointed for Las Vegas hotel". Los Angeles Times. July 9, 1967 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ Moehring, Eugene P. (2000). Resort City in the Sunbelt: Las Vegas, 1930-2000. University of Nevada Press. pp. 120–121. ISBN 9780874173567.
  26. ^ "Las Vegas hotel to be 30 stories". Los Angeles Times. September 7, 1967 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ a b c "Off-Strip location made Hilton one of LV's biggest gambles". Las Vegas Sun. July 12, 2000. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  28. ^ Deni, Laura (September 19, 1970). "It takes a business analyst to know who owns what in Vegas". Billboard. p. 40.
  29. ^ Purcell, Frank (December 3, 1967). "He plans 2d Vegas Strip". San Francisco Examiner – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "30-story tower will cap Las Vegas International". San Bernardino County Sun. October 13, 1968 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "Fred Benninger, 86, former chairman of MGM hotel and studio". New York Times. AP. March 5, 2004. Retrieved September 30, 2018.
  32. ^ "Benninger joins Tracy Investment". Los Angeles Times. July 8, 1967 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "taylor-usa.com | HOME". www.taylor-usa.com. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  34. ^ Campbell, Don G. (February 14, 1968). "All that glamour for a bit of soil". Arizona Republic – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ Lawrence, John F. (March 2, 1969). "Vegas must reckon with a new name as well as that of Hughes". Los Angeles Times – via Newspapers.com. (Part 2 of article)
  36. ^ "Gaming Commission approves Flamingo sale". Reno Gazette-Journal. August 17, 1967 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ Moskowitz, Milton (March 16, 1969). "The money beat". Arizona Republic – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ a b c Barlett, Donald L.; Steele, James B. (2011). Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness. W. W. Norton & Company. pp. 317–320. ISBN 978-0393078589.
  39. ^ Greenspun, Brian (June 22, 2015). "Kirk Kerkorian builds; Howard Hughes buys". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  40. ^ Evans, K.J. (February 7, 1999). "Howard Hughes". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  41. ^ Moehring, Eugene P. (2000). Resort City in the Sunbelt: Las Vegas, 1930-2000. University of Nevada Press. pp. 119–120. ISBN 0874173566.
  42. ^ "Las Vegas gets new palaces". Palm Beach Post. UPI. July 6, 1969 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ Rempel, William C. (2018). The Gambler: How Penniless Dropout Kirk Kerkorian Became the Greatest Deal Maker in Capitalist History. HarperCollins. pp. 149–150. ISBN 978-0062456793.
  44. ^ Champlin, Charles (July 4, 1969). "Miffed Barbra's act opens Vegas hotel". Los Angeles Times – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ "New Vegas hotel state's tallest". Nevada State Journal. August 24, 1969 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ "Hilton hotel chain to buy into Las Vegas gambling". Reno Gazette-Journal. AP. June 17, 1970 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ Scott, John L. (March 15, 1969). "Peggy Lee signs new hotel pact". Los Angeles Times – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ Wilson, Earl (July 5, 1969). "Barbra wagers with top wages". Philadelphia Daily News – via Newspapers.com.
  49. ^ a b c "Las Vegas International opens Wednesday". Las Vegas Sun. June 30, 1969 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  50. ^ a b "International Hotel advertisement". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. June 29, 1969 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ^ International Hotel. "In the whole wide, wide, wide, wide world... there's never been such a place!" (1969) [Pamphlet]. International Hotel/Casino promotional and publicity material, 1969-1972. Special Collections & Archives, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
  52. ^ International Hotel. "General Hotel Story" (1969) [Press release]. International Hotel/Casino promotional and publicity material, 1969-1972. Special Collections & Archives, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
  53. ^ Glaviano, Cliff; Abani, Chris (April 1, 2014). "The Secret History of Las Vegas". Library Journal. 139 (6).
  54. ^ "Gaming board backs offering of stock". Reno Gazette-Journal. AP. September 17, 1969 – via Newspapers.com.
  55. ^ "Kerkorian's net worth is $274 million". The Times. Shreveport, LA. UPI. October 27, 1969 – via Newspapers.com.
  56. ^ a b Torgerson, Dial (1974). Kerkorian: An American Success Story. The Dial Press. pp. 236–239. ISBN 0803744218.
  57. ^ a b Steiger, Paul E. (May 23, 1970). "Kerkorian may sell off part of Vegas holdings". Los Angeles Times – via Newspapers.com.
  58. ^ "Offering deferred by International Leisure". Los Angeles Times. December 19, 1969 – via Newspapers.com.
  59. ^ Steiger, Paul E. (March 19, 1970). "Kerkorian's firm calls off plan for secondary offering". Los Angeles Times – via Newspapers.com.
  60. ^ Steiger, Paul E. (March 12, 1971). "Hilton to buy 6% more of International Leisure". Los Angeles Times – via Newspapers.com.
  61. ^ "Kerkorian sells last million International Leisure shares". Los Angeles Times. August 20, 1971 – via Newspapers.com.
  62. ^ Hilburn, Robert (July 22, 1971). "5th anniversary show at Caesars Palace". Los Angeles Times – via Newspapers.com.
  63. ^ "Hilton Hotels will merge with International Leisure". Lincoln Journal Star. March 12, 1972 – via Newspapers.com.
  64. ^ 1972 Annual Report (PDF) (Report). Hilton Hotels Corporation. March 15, 1973. p. 2. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  65. ^ Aarons, Leroy F. (December 21, 1973). "Lavish Grand (Vegas) Hotel may mean end of MGM productions". Cincinnati Enquirer. Washington Post – via Newspapers.com.
  66. ^ Wilson, Earl (April 9, 1975). "Las Vegas Hilton opens tower". The Journal Herald. Dayton, OH – via Newspapers.com.
  67. ^ a b "Vegas Hilton expansion to begin by year's end". Los Angeles Times. November 9, 1980 – via Newspapers.com.
  68. ^ "Righetti underdog to Spinks". Philadelphia Inquirer. November 18, 1977 – via Newspapers.com.
  69. ^ "Vegas Hilton addition". Progress Bulletin. Pomona, CA. BW. August 28, 1977 – via Newspapers.com.
  70. ^ "March 1 completion due for Hilton tower". Los Angeles Times. January 24, 1979 – via Newspapers.com.
  71. ^ "Webb Spinner 1975-1978" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 16, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  72. ^ Haynes, Brian (February 6, 2011). "Killer says deadly Hilton blaze in 1981 'wasn't meant to hurt anybody'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  73. ^ Jones, Jon C. (May 1981). "A Brief Look at the Hotel Fire Record". Fire Journal. National Fire Protection Association: 44. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  74. ^ "Investigation Report on the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel Fire". Fire Journal. National Fire Protection Association: 57. January 1982. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  75. ^ Clarke, Norm (January 2, 2016). "Natalie Cole's memoir recounts her unforgettable brush with near-death". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  76. ^ a b "Hilton Hotels says Las Vegas Hilton to reopen tomorrow". Dow Jones News Service. February 18, 1981 – via Factiva.
  77. ^ Mele, Mary Ann (February 20, 1981). "Hilton gate reopens to eager fans". Las Vegas Sun. p. 17.
  78. ^ "Hilton Hotels sees rise". Dow Jones News Service. May 7, 1981 – via Factiva.
  79. ^ "Ex-busboy gets 8 life terms in Las Vegas Hilton hotel fire". New York Times. AP. March 26, 1982. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  80. ^ "Victims OK settlement in '81 Las Vegas Hilton fire". Los Angeles Times. AP. October 16, 1985. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  81. ^ Koch, Ed; Manning, Mary (November 18, 2000). "MGM Grand fire altered safety standards". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  82. ^ Whitely, Joan; Vogel, Ed (January 26, 2008). "Ex-lawmaker Neal takes pride in sprinkler law". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  83. ^ Finnigan, David (February 10, 1991). "MGM, Hilton tragedies pushed state to toughen hotel fire codes". Las Vegas Review-Journal.  – via ProQuest (subscription required)
  84. ^ "Hilton expanding". Los Angeles Times. November 30, 1980 – via Newspapers.com.
  85. ^ a b "Hilton addition topped off". Arizona Republic. November 22, 1981 – via Newspapers.com.
  86. ^ "Out of sight". The Miami News. August 10, 1982 – via Newspapers.com.
  87. ^ Schnedler, Marcia (April 27, 1986). "In world's largest hotel, 43,583 dirty dishes a day". Chicago Sun-Times – via NewsBank.
  88. ^ a b "Biggest hotel in the world: 4,032-room "castle" to open in Las Vegas". San Francisco Chronicle. AP. May 28, 1990 – via NewsBank.
  89. ^ "Hilton to get $10 million expansion". Reno Gazette-Journal. UPI. September 27, 1983 – via Newspapers.com.
  90. ^ "Hilton to open new convention-meeting facility". Los Angeles Times. October 7, 1984 – via Newspapers.com.
  91. ^ Lamb, David (November 20, 1987). "Sports odds: Wanna bet? It's done by the book". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  92. ^ Murray, William D. (November 2, 1986). "Sports world's billion-dollar wheel of fortune: The Nevada sports and race book industry". UPI – via NewsBank.
  93. ^ "Vegas Hilton sports book". Reno Gazette-Journal. December 5, 1986 – via Newspapers.com.
  94. ^ "Deepening shame". Newsweek. August 9, 1992. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  95. ^ "Verdict against hotel upheld in Tailhook case". New York Times. AP. May 5, 1997. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  96. ^ Cohn, Laura (December 15, 2016). "Sexual harassment survivors talk about the aftermath of going public". Fortune. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  97. ^
  98. ^ a b "Cause of Vegas sign's collapse is unknown". Los Angeles Times. AP. July 20, 1994. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  99. ^ a b Paskevich, Michael (September 14, 1997). "Hilton showroom may be turned into dining area". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  100. ^ Form 10-K405: Annual Report (Report). Park Place Entertainment. March 31, 1999. p. 4 – via EDGAR.
  101. ^ Krane, Elliot S. (September 25, 1994). "Nevada casinos win a record $627 million in July". The Press of Atlantic City – via NewsBank.
  102. ^ Hilderbrand, Brian (October 7, 1997). "New Badlands nine forgiving". Las Vegas Sun – via NewsBank.
  103. ^ Bhatt, Rob (August 31, 1998). "Country club rejects Hilton buy offer". Las Vegas Business Press.  – via EBSCOHost (subscription required)
  104. ^ a b Goodman, Michael J. (February 18, 1996). "Courting the heavy hitters". Los Angeles Times Magazine. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  105. ^ Della Cava, Marco R. (May 20, 2001). "Top of the mark". Battle Creek Enquirer. Gannett – via Newspapers.com.
  106. ^ a b Form 10-K: Annual Report (Report). Hilton Hotels Corp. March 22, 1996. p. 6 – via EDGAR.
  107. ^ Liggett, Byron (June 4, 1998). "Baccarat attracts wealthy players". Reno Gazette-Journal – via Newspapers.com.
  108. ^ "Gamers impressed by LV timeshare prospects". Las Vegas Sun. April 21, 1998. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  109. ^ Haughton, Natalie (September 20, 1998). "Gambling mecca on the move". Daily News of Los Angeles – via NewsBank.
  110. ^ Strow, David (May 22, 2000). "Hilton may buy parcel on Strip". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  111. ^ Berns, Dave; Hogan, Jan (July 12, 2000). "Silverton owner agrees to buy Las Vegas Hilton". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  112. ^ a b Snedecker, Lisa (July 12, 2000). "Los Angeles developer plans to transform Las Vegas Hilton". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  113. ^ Smith, Rod (March 4, 2003). "Park Place, developer settle casino dispute". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  114. ^ Sofradzija, Omar (July 15, 2004). "Launch is hailed". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  115. ^ Weissenstein, Michael (August 17, 2001). "Strip monorail: Ceremony kicks off project". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  116. ^ Sebelius, Steve (December 19, 1996). "City, county officials briefed on private monorail plan". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  117. ^ Sebelius, Steve (February 24, 2017). "From the archives: Next stop, Suckerville!". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  118. ^ Smith, Rod (June 19, 2004). "Caesars completes sale of Hilton for $280 million". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  119. ^ Sargent, Carolyn (November 22, 2004). "The high rollers take on casinos". Investment Dealers' Digest – via NewsBank.
  120. ^ Form 10-K: Annual Report (Report). Colony Resorts LVH Acquisitions, LLC. March 31, 2005. p. 2 – via EDGAR.
  121. ^ Stutz, Howard (November 18, 2005). "Reorganization approved for Las Vegas Hilton ownership". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  122. ^ Benston, Liz (November 7, 2005). "Extreme makeover". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  123. ^ O'Reiley, Tim (December 14, 2011). "Las Vegas Hilton will be run as split operation". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  124. ^ a b Sieroty, Chris (August 10, 2011). "Las Vegas Hilton faces loan default, second-quarter earnings drop". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  125. ^ Sieroty, Chris (June 30, 2011). "Hilton takes back its name". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  126. ^ Camenga, Bruce (November 18, 2011). "Signs of life on the Strip". The Press-Enterprise. Riverside, CA – via NewsBank.
  127. ^ Green, Steve (September 14, 2011). "Las Vegas Hilton lender files foreclosure notice". Vegas Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  128. ^ a b Green, Steve (January 10, 2012). "Judge signs off on LVH casino takeover". Las Vegas Sun – via NewsBank.
  129. ^ a b Green, Steve (February 17, 2012). "LVH hotel-casino receiver seeks cash for signs, repairs". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  130. ^ "Las Vegas Hilton will take on its new moniker today". Las Vegas Review-Journal. January 3, 2012 – via NewsBank.
  131. ^ O'Reiley, Tim (October 20, 2011). "Las Vegas Hilton owners get more time in battle for property". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  132. ^ Green, Steve (August 29, 2012). "Goldman Sachs, partner in deal to buy LVH hotel-casino". Vegas Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  133. ^ a b Green, Steve (October 31, 2012). "LVH hotel-casino in Las Vegas sold at foreclosure auction". Vegas Inc. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
  134. ^ Sylvester, Ron (February 4, 2013). "LVH joins forces with Red Lion to boost hotel occupancy". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  135. ^ "Leo Hotel Collection Debuts with the LVH - Las Vegas Hotel & Casino" (Press release). Red Lion Hotels Corporation. March 5, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2018 – via PR Newswire.
  136. ^ Katsilometes, John. "Westgate ready to change marquee as purchase of LVH is official". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  137. ^ "Westgate Resorts announces the acquisition of the LVH - Las Vegas Hotel & Casino" (Press release). Westgate Resorts. July 1, 2014. Retrieved July 19, 2018 – via PR Newswire.
  138. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (July 1, 2014). "High altitude: New hotel chief removes 'L' from LVH marquee". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  139. ^ a b Radke, Brock (February 19, 2015). "At Westgate Las Vegas, David Siegel wants middle Americans to feel like Rockefellers". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  140. ^ Stutz, Howard (May 28, 2015). "Paragon Gaming approved to take over Westgate Las Vegas operations". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  141. ^ Richard N. Velotta (July 30, 2020). "Ex-gaming board chairman's company to manage Westgate casino". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  142. ^ Howard Stutz (July 30, 2020). "Management team led by ex-regulator Lipparelli approved to operate casino at Westgate Las Vegas". CDC Gaming Reports. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  143. ^ "2023 left a mark on Las Vegas: Big positives and some intense growing pains". 8NewsNow.com. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  144. ^ "Las Vegas Loop tunnel reaches Virgin Hotel near UNLV, company announces on X". 8NewsNow. Nexstar Media. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  145. ^ a b c d Al, Stefan (2017). The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream. The MIT Press. pp. 112–115. ISBN 9780262338226.
  146. ^ Hess, Alan (1993). Viva Las Vegas: After Hours Architecture. Chronicle Books. p. 92. ISBN 081180111X.
  147. ^ a b Schwartz, David G. (2003). Suburban Xanadu: The Casino Resort on the Las Vegas Strip and Beyond. Psychology Press. p. 152. ISBN 9780415935562.
  148. ^ Curtis, Anthony (March 30, 2007). "Question of the Day". Las Vegas Advisor. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  149. ^ Schumacher, Geoff (2004). Sun, Sin & Suburbia: An Essential History of Modern Las Vegas. Stephens Press. p. 77. ISBN 9781932173147.
  150. ^ Langley, Monica (December 2, 2006). "Why a gambler, snubbed by GM, folded his hand". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 25, 2018. (subscription required)
  151. ^ Radke, Brock (June 14, 2018). "How 2020 could remake the Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  152. ^ Curtis, Anthony (November 22, 2009). "Famous Mirage turns 20". Honolulu Advertiser – via Newspapers.com.
  153. ^ Schwartz, David G. (2003). Suburban Xanadu: The Casino Resort on the Las Vegas Strip and Beyond. Psychology Press. p. 157. ISBN 9780415935562.
  154. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (May 25, 2018). "Las Vegas mayor drops the gloves (and caps) in Stanley Cup wager". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
  155. ^ Delaney, Joe (January 17, 2002). "The saga of the MGM Mirage entertainment scene". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  156. ^ McKay, Janis L. (April 12, 2016). Played Out on the Strip: The Rise and Fall of Las Vegas Casino Bands. University of Nevada Press. p. 39. ISBN 978-0874179996.
  157. ^
  158. ^ Rindels, Michelle (July 1, 2014). "Westgate Resorts buys former Las Vegas Hilton". Salt Lake Tribune. AP. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  159. ^ Marshall, Gloria (June 23, 1972). "Liberace opens at Las Vegas Hilton". The Van Nuys News – via Newspapers.com.
  160. ^ haber, Joyce (November 25, 1973). "Grand Hotel: Looking back at the glory of MGM". Arizona Republic. Los Angeles Times – via Newspapers.com.
  161. ^ Hilburn, Robert (June 7, 1973). "Diana Ross returns to Caesars". Los Angeles Times – via Newspapers.com.
  162. ^ a b "Liberace in 'Leapin' Lizards' special". Kingsport Times-News. UPI. January 29, 1978 – via Newspapers.com.
  163. ^ a b "Liberace sends his love". The Desert Sun. Palm Springs, CA. January 20, 1979 – via Newspapers.com.
  164. ^ Segell, Michael (October 1, 1981). "It's all wunnerful for Liberace". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  165. ^ McCann, Steven (June 13, 1982). "The Liberace Show to play the LV Hilton". Arizona Republic – via Newspapers.com.
  166. ^ "Las Vegas". San Bernardino County Sun. June 25, 1982 – via Newspapers.com.
  167. ^ "Liberace: Friends affectionately recall the flashy pianist". Santa Maria Times. AP. February 5, 1987 – via Newspapers.com.
  168. ^ "Cosby/Sayer appear at the Las Vegas Hilton". Arizona Republic. July 25, 1982 – via Newspapers.com.
  169. ^ "'Bal du Moulin Rouge' staged at Vegas Hilton". Los Angeles Times. September 12, 1982 – via Newspapers.com.
  170. ^ Spatz, David (January 24, 1986). "Former Olympic skater puts icing on Trump's entertainment cake". Central New Jersey Home News – via Newspapers.com.
  171. ^ a b Kelley, David (November 6, 1983). "Top performers avoiding Vegas". United Press International. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  172. ^ Spatz, David (April 4, 1986). "Trump surrounds stars with revues, specialty acts". Central New Jersey Home News – via Newspapers.com.
  173. ^ "Murphy, Cosby and Dangerfield sign up for hotel performances". Los Angeles Times. April 27, 1986 – via Newspapers.com.
  174. ^ Hunt, Dennis (March 17, 1987). "Davis, Lewis bring star power back to Vegas". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  175. ^ "Singer Wayne Newton signs long-term pact with Hilton". UPI NewsTrack. January 7, 1987 – via NewsBank.
  176. ^ Ishoy, Ron (March 8, 1993). "Wayne Newton is reorganizing finances and life". Miami Herald – via NewsBank.
  177. ^ "Mr. Las Vegas to revisit Orpheum". Omaha World-Herald. June 21, 1992 – via NewsBank.
  178. ^ "Newton's debts put at $20 million". Buffalo News. August 18, 1992 – via NewsBank.
  179. ^ a b Briggs, Joe Bob (December 29, 1989). "Newton turns Las Vegas Hilton into Heartbreak Hotel". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  180. ^ Birnbach, Lisa (February 1992). "What does Wayne Newton mean?". Spy. pp. 42–51.
  181. ^ Curtright, Bob (May 18, 1991). "Miss USA fails to break jinx". Wichita Eagle – via NewsBank.
  182. ^ Campbell, Cynthia V. (July 11, 1993). "Vegas finds tourists seek more than gaming". The Advocate. Baton Rouge, LA – via NewsBank.
  183. ^ "'Starlight Express' on track at Las Vegas Hilton Theatre". Los Angeles Times. January 9, 1994 – via Newspapers.com.
  184. ^ Paskevich, Michael (January 31, 1997). "Riders must settle for effects and action, not plot, in Starlight Express". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  185. ^ "Vegas gambles on 'Starlight Express'". Rocky Mountain News. Denver, CO. September 19, 1993 – via NewsBank.
  186. ^ Richie, David (November 19, 1993). "Las Vegas moving toward more family fun". The Press-Tribune. Roseville, CA – via Newspapers.com.
  187. ^ Paskevich, Michael (June 15, 1997). "Webber show prepares to roll into the sunset". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  188. ^ "Brett's Vegas View". Albuquerque Journal. December 7, 1997 – via Newspapers.com.
  189. ^ Cruz, Sherri (August 25, 1997). "Re-defining entertainment at the Las Vegas Hilton". Las Vegas Business Press.  – via ProQuest (subscription required)
  190. ^ Weatherford, Mike (December 24, 2002). "Ventriloquist tries his luck at Golden Nugget". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  191. ^ Weatherford, Mike (December 9, 2003). "Amazing Johnathan hopes to head back to Golden Nugget". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  192. ^ a b Weatherford, Mike (July 15, 2004). "Changing of guard at Las Vegas Hilton leaves showroom in flux". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  193. ^ Clarke, Norm (February 26, 2005). "Manilow basks in the limelight". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  194. ^ Wener, Ben (March 13, 2005). "Sin City shows get hot again". Orange County Register – via NewsBank.
  195. ^ Di Nunzio, Miriam (March 20, 2005). "'A New Day': Vegas gamble pays off for Celine Dion". Chicago Sun-Times – via NewsBank.
  196. ^ Weatherford, Mike (February 25, 2005). "Here's to Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  197. ^ Brown, Joe (October 1, 2008). "Manilow show gets update, and this time it's 'ultimate'". Las Vegas Sun – via NewsBank.
  198. ^ "Eyewitness at 4 (transcript)". KLAS-TV. December 30, 2009 – via NewsBank.
  199. ^ "Paula Abdul talks Vegas connections, 'Forever Your Girl' and more". Las Vegas Weekly. November 8, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
  200. ^ http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/arts_life/story.html?id=062d95b3-b558-4378-8a21-36a8b3349ee7 canada'com
  201. ^ Freiss, Steve (April 30, 2008). "R.I.P. $250,000 Game Show Spectacular". Vegas Happens Here. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  202. ^ "Game shows get hall of fame". Los Angeles Times. October 11, 2007. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  203. ^ Weatherford, Mike (September 24, 2014). "'Rock Vault' closes abruptly at Westgate after Tropicana raids it". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  204. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (October 13, 2017). "Purple Reign's departure has International impact". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  205. ^ a b Jones, Jay (June 8, 2018). "He's back: Comedian George Wallace has returned to Las Vegas". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
  206. ^
  207. ^ "'Soul of Motown' opens new residency at Westgate Las Vegas". KSNV-TV. December 3, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  208. ^ John Katsilometes (January 19, 2023). "Carrot Top's Tahoe adventure: 'The craziest tour ever'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  209. ^ Weatherford, Mike (June 8, 2013). "Retro-cool rooms nod to vintage Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  210. ^ Weatherford, Mike (January 9, 1998). "Dance fever". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  211. ^ Hevener, Phil (July 6, 2004). "New ownership, new look". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  212. ^ "Brenner makes change at LV Hilton". Las Vegas Sun. September 17, 2004. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  213. ^
  214. ^
  215. ^
  216. ^
  217. ^
  218. ^
  219. ^
  220. ^
  221. ^
  222. ^
  223. ^ Katsilometes, John (March 29, 2015). "Famed Westgate venue shimmers with history; 'Duck' director drives Lincoln musical". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  224. ^ Katsilometes, John (May 19, 2015). "Suzanne Somers sizzles; 'Alice' at Vinyl in benefit; Michael Grimm also turning up at HRH". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  225. ^ John Katsilometes (October 21, 2021). "A 'Sexxy' sendoff: Topless show spun to 1,000 performances at Westgate". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  226. ^
  227. ^
  228. ^
  229. ^ Snedeker, Lisa (January 5, 1998). "Hilton's Star Trek takes maiden voyage". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  230. ^ "Casino is out of this world". Las Vegas Sun. November 14, 1997 – via NewsBank.
  231. ^ Farber, Jim (January 8, 1998). "Trek to Vegas: Intergalactic attraction inspired by outer space classic". The Daily Breeze. Torrance, CA – via NewsBank.
  232. ^ "VegasBeat — Timothy McDarrah: Palms performs a popular impression". Las Vegas Sun. March 18, 2004. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  233. ^ Scherzer, Barbara (March 19, 2004). "New Star Trek attraction blasts off". Las Vegas Business Press – via NewsBank.
  234. ^ Taylor, F. Andrew (September 9, 2008). "All good things must come to an end: last call at Quark's Bar". Henderson View – via NewsBank.
  235. ^ Garcia, Oskar (August 30, 2008). "Trekkies head for Vegas for one last Experience". San Jose Mercury News. AP – via NewsBank.
  236. ^ Weatherford, Mike (January–February 1995). "Elvis: The Vegas Years". Nevada Magazine. Archived from the original on July 29, 2018. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  237. ^ a b "Vegas hotel signs Presley". Fort Lauderdale News. AP. February 27, 1969 – via Newspapers.com.
  238. ^ Jeansonne, Glen; Luhrssen, David; Sokolovic, Dan (2011). Elvis Presley, Reluctant Rebel: His Life and Our Times. ABC-CLIO. p. 184. ISBN 9780313359040.
  239. ^ a b Manning, Mary (May 15, 2008). "Elvis has yet to leave the building". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  240. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (April 26, 2015). "Was number of Elvis' consecutive sold-out shows in Las Vegas 636 or 837?". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  241. ^ Greene, Bob (August 13, 1989). "A room at the top – and Elvis lived in it". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  242. ^ Goldman, Albert (January 4, 1982). "Elvis fed needs for shelter, escape in Las Vegas suite". Springfield Leader and Press – via Newspapers.com.
  243. ^ Bronikowski, Lynn (August 16, 1992). "Career provides a lifetime worth of Elvis memories". Rocky Mountain News. Denver, CO – via NewsBank.
  244. ^ a b Ferguson, Lisa (August 15, 1997). "All the King's men remember the reign of Elvis". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  245. ^ "Las Vegas through the ages: A timeline". Los Angeles Times. July 18, 1999. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  246. ^ Nash, Alanna (2008). The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley. Simon and Schuster. pp. 328–29. ISBN 9781439136959.
  247. ^ Nadler, Art; Koch, Ed (January 22, 1997). "Col. Parker active until death at 87". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  248. ^ Connolly, Ray (2017). Being Elvis: A Lonely Life. Liveright Publishing. p. 368. ISBN 9781631492815.
  249. ^ "Elvis statue draws fans". The Tennessean. AP. September 9, 1978 – via Newspapers.com.
  250. ^ "Elvis immortalized in bronze". The Dispatch. Moline, IL. UPI. September 13, 1978 – via Newspapers.com.
  251. ^ Yannicos, Trina (July 20, 2010). "Elvis Presley impersonator recreates The King's famous concerts at Las Vegas Hilton". Life Examiner – via NewsBank.
  252. ^ Schwartz, David G. (2003). Suburban Xanadu: The Casino Resort on the Las Vegas Strip and Beyond. Psychology Press. pp. 158–59. ISBN 9780415935562.
  253. ^ "Elvis fans are 'all shook up' over commercialism". Tampa Bay Times. Los Angeles Times. September 10, 1978 – via Newspapers.com.
  254. ^ "Las Vegas Hilton hosts Elvis tribute". Los Angeles Times. August 9, 1987 – via Newspapers.com.
  255. ^ "Elvis Presley Festival returns to Vegas this summer at legendary Hilton hotel". Entertainment Examiner. June 21, 2011 – via NewsBank.
  256. ^ Domanick, Andrea (July 11, 2013). "Weekend best bets". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  257. ^ O'Brian, Dave (July 4, 1988). "Reviving Elvis: His life, times splash onto stage in hype-ridden Vegas spectacular" – via NewsBank.
  258. ^ Kaplan, David A. (June 4, 1989). "The Elvis revue and the art of the deal". New York Times. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  259. ^ Elfman, Doug (August 15, 2000). "Carlini salutes Elvis at Las Vegas Hilton". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  260. ^ Weatherford, Mike (November 16, 2006). "Another girlie show bites the dust as 'Cover Girls' closes". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  261. ^ "Pussycat Dolls plan to use extra lives". Las Vegas Review-Journal. March 11, 2010. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  262. ^ Weatherford, Mike (July 22, 2010). "Hilton shaking up its shows". Las Vegas Review-Journal – via NewsBank.
  263. ^ Katsilometes, John (February 16, 2015). "No Elvis show at Elvis' old hotel". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  264. ^ a b Taylor, F. Andrew (August 16, 2015). "Westgate welcomes back Elvis in form of exhibit". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  265. ^ Katsilometes, John (April 21, 2015). "Priscilla Presley ready to return Elvis — for real — to Las Vegas". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  266. ^ Kreps, Daniel (February 28, 2015). "Elvis Presley Graceland exhibit coming to Las Vegas". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  267. ^ Katsilometes, John (March 6, 2016). "Elvis exhibits in need of a makeover". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  268. ^ Katsilometes, John (August 5, 2015). "Sean & John back in the saddle with Steven Tyler; Elvis residency in Las Vegas still a possibility". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  269. ^ Leach, Robin (March 1, 2016). "Elvis Presley Estate wants memorabilia at Westgate returned to Graceland". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  270. ^ Katsilometes, John (January 7, 2018). "Elvis fans celebrate the legend's 83rd birthday". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  271. ^ Moore, Thomas (January 11, 2017). "Finally, Elvis honored with a street name". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  272. ^
  273. ^ Henniger, Paul (August 30, 1976). "Despite rumors, Bert Parks will host Miss America pageant again". San Bernardino County Sun – via Newspapers.com.
  274. ^ "Como style still relaxed amid Vegas razzle-dazzle". Statesman Journal. Salem, OR. September 5, 1976 – via Newspapers.com.
  275. ^ Katsilometes, John (July 6, 2009). "Monday List: 40 at 40, a look at the Las Vegas Hilton on a landmark anniversary". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  276. ^ Keaton, Bob (July 31, 1976). "Summer season not over; Gleason returning to TV". Fort Lauderdale News – via Newspapers.com.
  277. ^ "Friday briefing: People". Chicago Tribune. December 24, 1976 – via Newspapers.com.
  278. ^
  279. ^
  280. ^
  281. ^ Areia Hathcock (April 10, 2021). "Robinson takes the stage at Mrs. America competition". The Paducah Sun. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  282. ^ Wener, Ben (November 13, 1998). "Rhino rocks with concert video series". Orange County Register – via Newspapers.com.
  283. ^ "Showtime for: Bo makes her debut and Eastwood gets upstaged by chimp". Ukiah Daily Journal. August 28, 1980 – via Newspapers.com.
  284. ^ Carman, John (November 30, 1984). "And now PBS viewers can get an eyeful of Liberace". Atlanta Constitution – via Newspapers.com.
  285. ^ "'CBS' Happy New Year, America' airs Monday night on Channel 13". Tampa Times. December 28, 1979 – via Newspapers.com.
  286. ^ "Happy New Year! on CBS". The News Leader. Staunton, VA. December 28, 1980 – via Newspapers.com.
  287. ^ "CBS to broadcast holiday special". Clarion-Ledger. Jackson, MS. December 27, 1981 – via Newspapers.com.
  288. ^ Peterson, Bettelou (December 30, 1982). "Les Brown has all the work he can handle". Detroit Free Press – via Newspapers.com.
  289. ^
  290. ^ "Wayne Newton, live from Vegas". San Jose Mercury News. May 23, 1989 – via NewsBank.
  291. ^ Voorhees, John (May 22, 1989). "Gripping docudrama deals with kidnapping, manipulation". Seattle Times – via NewsBank.
  292. ^
  293. ^ Bonsall, Joseph S. (2015). On the Road with the Oak Ridge Boys. Harvest House. p. 209. ISBN 9780736964197.
  294. ^ Rush, Diane Samms (April 3, 1998). "Oaks add new glitz to TV variety format". The Wichita Eagle – via NewsBank.
  295. ^ Iddings, Bill (February 8, 1998). "Live with the Oak Ridge Boys: Edgar Struble". Muskegon Chronicle – via NewsBank.
  296. ^