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How to build an at-home wine collection, plus what wine to serve when.
The Vegas Golden Knights lineup has a new look and feel to start the season.
After more than six decades on the Strip, the Tropicana will say its final goodbye in a celebratory implosion this week.
Exterior of the Tropicana, which is set to be imploded on October 9 to make way for a Major League Baseball stadium. (Brian Ramos/Sta )
Vegas filmmaker J.T. Mollner on directing Strange Darling and making time to run the Freakling Bros. haunted houses.
Comics, workshops and films will feature at the Laugh After Dark ComedyFest in the Arts District this weekend.
Mark Wahlberg’s Flecha cantina moves into Town Square with “Mexican redefined.”
SUPERGUIDE
THURSDAY OCT 03 FRIDAY OCT 04 DO IT ALL S U P E R G U
PRESEASON: VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. COLORADO AVALANCHE
7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com
HAMILTUNES
8 p.m., the Space, thespacelv.com
GARTH BROOKS
8 p.m., & 10/5-10/6, the Colosseum, ticketmaster.com
THAT MEXICAN OT 7 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, ticketmaster.com
ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY
7 p.m., & 10/4, Myron’s, thesmithcenter.com
GEL
With MsPaint, Destiny Bond, The Mall, 6 p.m., Eagle Aerie Hall, dice.fm
BIT BRIGADE: SUPER MARIO WORLD & F-ZERO
8 p.m., the Usual Place, dice.fm
(Courtesy/Michael Wong)
REGGAE RISE UP
With Stick Figure, Iration, Wiz Khalifa, Rebelution, Atmosphere, more, thru 10/6, noon, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, tixr.com
8 p.m., & 10/5, Pearl Concert Theater, ticketmaster.com
KOOL & THE GANG
7:30 p.m., & 10/5, Westgate International Theater, ticketmaster.com
XG
8 p.m., Theater at Virgin, axs.com
TWO FEET
8 p.m., House of Blues, concerts. livenation.com
AL DI MEOLA
8:30 p.m., Summit Showroom, ticketmaster.com
GLASS TIGER
8 p.m., the Space, thespacelv.com
HENDERSON HOT ROD DAYS
5 p.m. (& 10/5, 9 a.m.), Water Street Plaza, cityof henderson.com
RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS
Thru 10/6, times vary, Thomas & Mack Center, unlvtickets.com
RON WHITE
8 p.m., the Chelsea, ticketmaster.com
DIPLO
10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com
LIL JON
10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, taogroup.com
WIZ KHALIFA
10:30 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub, drais group.com
RAKIM With DJ Jazzy Je , 7:30 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, ticketmaster.com.
LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC: THE BEATLES 60TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
In February 1964, The Beatles made a series of appearances on Ed Sullivan’s CBS variety show. More than 70 million people watched, and the band’s legend was sealed. The Las Vegas Philharmonic, under the direction of conductor Matthew Kasper, pays homage to those fateful broadcasts with a symphonic tribute to the Fab Four, featuring nearly two dozen of their songs. Adding to the atmosphere of giddy Beatlemania is a display of band memorabilia, courtesy of Paul Casey Entertainment. The Phil’s set list is a (magical) mystery, but it seems likely that some songs from the Sullivan appearance—which included “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You”—are likely to get the full orchestra treatment. That is, if you can even hear them over the grown-up teenagers screaming their heads o . 7:30 p.m., $45-$157, Reynolds Hall, Center, the smithcenter.com.
SOMMER RAY 11:30 a.m., LIV Beach, livnightclub.com
With The Scratch, 6:30 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, ticketmaster.com.
(Courtesy/Emanuela Giurano)
When you really stop and look around, you’ll find many corners of Las Vegas feature some kind of art; hand-painted power boxes, murals, metal sculptures and even rock landscapes become Easter eggs that tell this city’s unique story. This fall, the Las Vegas art community is celebrating these artistic contributions with Art in Public Places, curated by Darren Johnson, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s art collection and galleries manager. The exhibit features 35 pieces that reflect the town’s distinct character through the eyes of its residents. Participating local artists include Bobbie Ann Howell, Mikayla Whitmore, Jenny Baham, Harold Bradford and more. Mediums, subject, size and meaning will vary from piece to piece, making your walk-through rich with eclectic style. The city is furthering its support of the artists by purchasing 11 of the exhibited pieces, and the best part is that the show is free for visitors. Thru 10/24, Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Historic Fifth Street School, lasvegasnevada.gov. –Gabriela Rodriguez
EXHIBIT: HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Thru 11/2, daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Las Vegas Natural History Museum, lvnhm.org
TROPICANA IMPLOSION WATCH PARTY 10:30 p.m., Foundation Room, houseofblues.com
DJ PAULY D 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com DO IT ALL
WEDNESDAY OCT 09
(Courtesy/Ed Mason)
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. COLORADO AVALANCHE
7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com
DILLON FRANCIS
10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com
EARTH, WIND & FIRE
8:30 p.m., Venetian Theatre, ticketmaster.com.
LIONEL RICHIE 8 p.m., Encore Theater, ticketmaster.com.
JAZZ VEGAS ORCHESTRA
With Michelle Johnson, Naomi Mauro, 7 p.m., Myron’s, thesmith center.com
LOCAL H
With Radkey, 7 p.m., Sinwave, dice.fm.
ARCHITECTS
With We Came
As Romans, Brutus, 7 p.m., Theater at Virgin, axs.com
BEHIND THE CELLAR DOOR
CATER TO YOURSELF.
Release any stereotypes about what a wine collection should entail. “The most important thing with wine, like art, is nding what you like,” says Partage restaurant owner and wine director Nicolas Kalpokdjian. “It starts by being curious, being adventurous, and being open to discovering different regions, di erent grapes,” Kalpokdjian says.
How to build a wine collection that’ll make you want to stay home
BY CINDI MOON REED
WORK WITH YOUR BUDGET.
It’s almost too easy to go out for great wine in Las Vegas. Pop a bottle and the cork is likely to hit a world-class sommelier. But what if you want the restaurant experience Fortunately, it’s also easier than you think to build a great wine collection in the comfort of your home—no designated drivers needed.
You don’t have to be rich to collect wine. Eric Prato, owner of Garagiste Wine Room & Merchant, enjoys o ering cool and interesting bottles at the $20-$25 price point. “It’s not a crazy investment, and you may really get turned on and want to keep going down this wine rabbit hole with us,” Prato says. For fabulously a ordable wines, he recommends eschewing famous regions such as Napa in favor of hidden gems from Portugal, South Africa and New Zealand. He advises choosing a few basic avor pro les, then
(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration) + What wine to serve when, and where to get it (see page 18)
BE A JOINER.
One of the most fun (and cost e ective) ways to expand your palate is to attend local wine tastings. For example, Vegas Valley Winery and Pine Hollow Winery both o er curated ights of six or more wines for about the price of a single cocktail. Take tastings to the next level by joining a local wine club. Partage, Garagiste and Vegas Valley Winery all offer clubs or memberships, which include special events, tastings, education and more. “If you’re part of a wine club, you can be exposed to a lot of wines that you might not pick on your own,” Kalpokdjian says. His French wine club even hosts an annual trip to France.
MAKE SHOPPING A DESTINATION.
PROTECT YOUR
LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS.
If the prospect of building your own collection still sounds too daunting, you can always pay somebody else to do it. Garagiste’s custom cellar curation service involves a private tasting to learn the client’s preferences, goals and budget. “It doesn’t have to be anything grandiose,” Prato says. “It can be a 12-bottle wine refrigerator that they want to have
fee, you can even drink
wine experience. Be sure to make use of the experts
Local institution Khoury’s Fine Wine & Spirits is mainly a retail store, but they have a bar area that hosts occasional wine events and sells wine by the glass. For a $5 corkage fee, you can even drink any purchased bottle on premises. Inversely, both Partage and Garagiste have retail that accompanies their bar and dining areas. Either way, the social aspect enriches the wine experience. Be sure to make use of the experts on hand by asking for their recommendations.
INVESTMENT.
AC, the Vegas heat “kills wine extremely quickly,” Prato says. Whether using a wine fridge, your actual fridge or an elaborate climate-controlled cellar, keep it cool. The ideal temperature window for
Fahrenheit, with 65 being the hottest.
Wine that isn’t going to be consumed quickly (in the next couple months) should be stored laying down so that the wine keeps the cork moist, preserving the seal, Prato advises.
If your collection outgrows your wine cooler,
wine is 45 to 62 degrees Kalpokdjian recommends re lled every quarter.”
renting a wine locker at Nevada Wine Storage (nevadawinestorage. com), a climate-controlled self-storage facility.
TRY AN APP. Harness the power of technology with an online wine butler. Partage restaurant owner and wine director Nicolas Kalpokdjian recommends the app Alfred Private Collectors, which helps collectors manage their inventory and keeps track of when wines mature.
WHAT WINE TO SERVE WHEN
So you’ve got a fully stocked wine fridge … and some major indecision. Truly, there is no wrong answer when the question is what to drink. But here’s a few helpful hints to get the wine flowing.
WINE WHERE TO BUY
Garagiste Wine Room & Merchant 197 E. California Ave. #140, 702-954-3658, garagistelv.com.
Partage 3839 Spring Mountain Road, 702-582-5852, partage.vegas.
EVERYDAY DRINKING.
For a weeknight dinner, Garagiste owner Eric Prato follows this truism: “What grows together goes together.” He pairs an Italian red with pizza, sh with white wine and steak with Syrah from the Rhône Val-
A CLASSIC HOST GIFT. With wine on hand, you always have a readymade gift. While the choice should match your friends’ drinking styles,
Pine Hollow Winery Charleston Blvd., pinehollowwinery.
BY CASE KEEFER
Welcome to Vegas Golden Knights 3.0.
At the risk of sounding too dramatic, the upcoming NHL season feels like the dawn of a new era for Las Vegas’ most locally popular professional sports team.
The Golden Knights’ 2017-2018 expansion season will forever stand alone in franchise lore for the way a hastily assembled roster of discarded and disparate parts de ed all expectations by reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
The immediate triumph and the ensuing push for more ushered in a cutthroat mentality that’s come to de ne the franchise—at least as it pertains to personnel matters.
Team owner Bill Foley’s day one vow, “Cup in Six,” might have hinted at the ethos, but the upgrade-at-any-cost approach was applied more aggressively than anyone could have ever imagined.
And though some may foolishly continue
to argue otherwise, it worked. Hoisting the Stanley Cup at the conclusion of the 20222023 season validated a half-decade worth of controversial moves employed by president of hockey operations George McPhee and general manager Kelly McCrimmon.
And they pulled most of them o so deftly that the Golden Knights got a rare bonus last season—a postscript with more or less the same championship roster.
The 2024-2025 season marks a new day for the Golden Knights , and excitement should come with the unknown
But after a hard-fought, seven-game series loss to the Dallas Stars at the start of the playo s in April, the bill became due, and a few extra charges were tacked on to make the total more prohibitive.
Like many championship teams before it, Vegas became a victim of its own success with no route to retain its full core under the NHL’s salary cap rules. The Golden Knights bled beloved talent this o season, with Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Marchessault (who signed with the Nashville Predators in free
agency) the Strip marquee-worthy headliner.
The additional departures of champions like Chandler Stephenson (signed with Seattle), William Carrier (signed with Carolina), Alec Martinez (signed with Chicago), Logan Thompson (traded to Washington) and Paul Cotter (traded to New Jersey) only intensi ed the sting.
But most of their departures were inevitable, especially with the way Vegas attacked the trade deadline the last two years and attached themselves long-term to prized acquisitions like Ivan Barbashev, Tomas Hertl and Noah Hani n.
The count of “Golden Mis ts” left from the inaugural team are slashed in half from last year, down to three—William Karlsson, Brayden McNabb and Shea Theodore. (Zach Whitecloud also appeared in one game the rst year.)
That’s cause for a lot of fans to fret, but that urge should be fought. Just listen to the
SHEA THEODORE
NOAH HANIFIN
pillars still left on the roster who admit to missing their swath of departed teammates but are invigorated by the “youthful energy,” in the words of captain Mark Stone, of all the newcomers.
“You’re used to what you’re used to, but the new normal is what we have in this locker room,” Stone said. “I couldn’t be more excited with what we have right now.”
Three holdovers from seven seasons ago isn’t all that out of ordinary for any NHL team. The same is true for having 14 returners from two seasons ago. It might be vicious, but this is the usual cycle of the league.
The joy comes in the unknown.
It’s not like the rst set of players arrived in Las Vegas pre-christened “Golden Mis ts.” It took career years from players like Marchessault and Karlsson to earn the moniker and grow into it.
Golden Knights’ fans should particularly treasure still having Karlsson around, and
the fact that he might be shouldering the most responsibility he’s had since the magical initial run. The perennial Selke Trophy candidate will likely be bumped up to the second line where he could form a dynamic duo with Stone.
improve the rest of his game.
Ditto for Pavel Dorofeyev, who thrilled as a rookie for the Golden Knights last year and now will have the opportunity to take the next step as a rare homegrown talent for the franchise.
The Sweden native is enjoying the vibes in the rebuilt locker room considering the two highest-pro le new forwards are fellow countrymen—wingers Victor Olofsson and Alexander Holtz.
The 29-year-old Olofsson, signed after six seasons with the Bu alo Sabres, is coming o a down year but is still in his prime and could bene t from linking back up with former teammate Jack Eichel.
Devils’ fans bemoaned losing Holtz, a 22-year-old former No. 7 overall draft pick, as part of the Cotter trade. Holtz may not have put it all together yet in his NHL career, but he has a rousing scoring touch and has talked openly about his desire to
Maybe a new generation of skaters will overachieve and put Vegas in position for another playo run. Perhaps the trio of Swedes proves a sweet combination.
The games may not feel as familiar, but that’s no reason to fuss. The Golden Knights still have the pieces to compete, and seeing how the team puts them all together will make for a fascinating start to a new age for the organization.
“There are going to be some great opportunities in our lineup this year and someone is going to bene t from that,” McCrimmon said. “It’s a two-fold process. There has to be opportunity, but then who is going to step up and take those opportunities?”
(AP Photos/Photo Illustration)
PAVEL DOROFEYEV
IVAN BARBASHEV
JACK EICHEL
(Christopher DeVargas/Sta
BY JACK WILLIAMS
This could be the season where Jack Eichel emerges as the face of the Golden Knights.
Vegas hasn’t seen a single player rise above the rest of the roster in terms of popularity since the early days of the organization with goalie Marc-André Fleury. Jonathan Marchessault was certainly celebrated as a Conn Smythe Trophy winner and the team’s leading goal-scorer in each of the last three seasons, but he was never platformed above the rest of the team.
The Golden Knights had the luxury of depth and relied on balance in recent seasons. That might not be as true this year.
With a handful of players leaving via free agency including Marchessault and Eichel coming o his best season since getting traded to Vegas in 2021, it could be the right time for the organization to rally around a star. Eichel unquestionably has the most star power after having already established himself as a perennial All-Star while just now hitting his traditional prime at 27 years old.
the team, but at the same time, we picked up some really good players and guys we feel like t in and can be impactful for us this season,” Eichel said.
“It’s a combination of other guys stepping up and taking on bigger roles.”
Golden Knights may need Jack Eichel to emerge as the go-to guy to cash in on championship aspirations
became second nature.
Eichel is con dent another big season is ahead of him after putting up 68 points a year ago, but he’s dismissive of any insinuation than he’ll need to carry the Golden Knights. The team’s spread-thewealth identity will remain the same as past seasons even after all the personnel changes, according to Eichel.
“Guys are going to be in and out, and yeah, you lose some key components to
Eichel knows there’s more pressure on him, though. He frequently deferred to Marchessault on the rst line a year ago, but may need to be more sel sh this year.
A few players got the chance to ll Marchessault’s role as the primary winger next to Eichel in training camp, but Victor Olofsson has emerged as the favorite.
Olofsson played with Eichel for three full seasons in Bu alo before the blockbuster trade that sent the latter to Vegas. The two tapped back into their previous bond quickly and easily.
“I think it’s important to get out to a good start to our season, and it starts here in training camp ... putting the work in every day and building that team chemistry,” Eichel said. “Maybe some guys had some injuries last year at the end of the season, or others were still getting adapted to living in Vegas and being here. They’ve had more time here, and they should be more familiar with everything.”
Can the connection be that strong with Olofsson?
The expectations are high. Although the Golden Knights’ Paci c Division forecast is tougher than it’s been in years, Eichel said the team’s goal remains to win the Stanley Cup.
They’ll do whatever it takes to get there, and feel like they were closer last year than most remember. The Golden Knights might have lost in seven games in the rst round to the Dallas Stars, but Eichel still thinks it could have easily gone the other way.
“At the end of the day we didn’t make enough plays in Game 7 to win,” Eichel said. “They scored one more goal than we did and that’s why we went home.
The early portion of the season should be huge to see if Olofsson can complement Eichel anywhere near as well as Marchessault did the past couple years. Eichel seemed to always know where Marchessault was and wanted to be on the ice at all times. Feeding him the puck
“There’s odd bounces and some weird goals in that game, so who knows what would’ve happened? That’s the game of hockey.”
The Golden Knights might not be everybody else’s targets like they were after winning the Stanley Cup in 2023, but they’re holding themselves to the same standard and employ the same driving force.
There just may now be a bigger onus on one player to get them there. Eichel might be approaching the season the same way, but it’s now his time to shine more than ever.
“Every opportunity to get on the ice is a chance to get better,” Eichel said. “I don’t think our mindset changes.”
BY JACK WILLIAMS
Noah Hani n’s arrival in Las Vegas was sudden, and so was his impact on the Golden Knights.
Vegas acquired the veteran defenseman at the trade deadline last season from the Calgary Flames for a handful of draft picks. That left the 27-year-old Boston native with little to no time to create chemistry with his new teammates amidst a ght for playo positioning.
But unlike several other players who have been put in that position over the years, Hani n excelled anyway. He immediately took to coach Bruce Cassidy’s scheme and was awarded with an eight-year, $58.8 million contract extension within a month of joining the team.
Now at the start of a new season, Hanin has become more acquainted with his surroundings. He feels like he’s found his place in one of the league’s most veteran and experienced defenses and therefore could be even better than he was last season.
Going into his 11th season, Hani n ts the Golden Knights’ defensive identity perfectly. Fellow blue-liners Alex Pietrangelo and Brayden McNabb have also been in the league for more than a decade, while Shea Theodore is hitting that milestone this season.
The Golden Knights are an experienced team across the roster, but its defensemen particularly have seen everything. And they expect to see even more this year.
“The standards here are really high,” Hani n said. “We want to win Stanley Cups here and I think that’s everybody’s goal. Just to kind of prepare their bodies and their minds for the long season and the grind of going on a long run this year.
“It’s a real, real special D-core and I think it’s one of the best in the league,” Hani n said of the Knights’ blue line. “Just to add to that and be a part of that is awesome. It makes me a better player and we have a lot of veteran guys.”
“I feel great, and I’m excited to get rolling.”
Hani n raves about the combination of size and speed in the Golden Knights’ defensive core and cites the combination as something that could contribute to a deep postseason run.
He might have been one of the biggest guys on his past teams, but that’s not the case in Las Vegas. Frequent preseason pairing partner Nic Hague, at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, has towered over the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Hani n.
Hani n scored a career-high 13 goals last year between Calgary and Vegas with 34 assists, falling just one point short of his career-high 48 points. He played in 80 games, hitting that milestone for the third consecutive year to showcase his consistent durability.
Hani n’s build is nearly identical to Pietrangelo’s and they both their frames to not just win battles for the puck but create space on the o ensive end of the ice.
Hani n’s knack for playmaking shined in the Golden Knights’ seven-game series loss to the Flames as he scored a pair of game-winning goals and chipped in three assists.
“When you get into the grind of playo hockey, and getting on those hunts end of
Golden Knights expect to have one of the NHL’s best defenses, largely on the back on Noah Hanifi n
the season, you need that size, you need that physicality,” Hani n said. “I think that’s something we can bring.”
An improved o ensive arsenal is one of the biggest ways Hani n believes his game has grown over the past few seasons, but he still thinks it can level up.
A challenge for Cassidy will come in how to maximize Hani n’s full potential, whether that be skating him with Hague all season or perhaps bumping him up to create an enviable top pair with Pietrangelo.
Considering what he’s done in Vegas so far, Hani n could easily become a fan favorite.
“I’m pretty con dent in my abilities defensively, and I think now I’m kind of turning a corner of just the con dence with the puck and making a lot of plays,” he said.
Hani n will be playing for something bigger this season. It’s been di cult to gear up for another campaign without having two former teammates on his mind—Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
The hockey world was stunned in late August when a drunk driver struck and killed the brothers while they were biking in their hometown of Oldmans Township, N.J. Hani n played with Johnny for four seasons in Calgary and with Matthew while at Boston College for the 2014-2015 season.
“I was really close to them and with that family,” Hani n said. “It’s just a horrible tragedy. I’m going to miss Johnny and Matty a lot, and I’m just praying for their families. It’s just something that’s a good reminder, of just how life’s fragile. You have to take advantage of every day you have here.”
BY JACK WILLIAMS
A team from the Pacific Division has represented the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final in backto-back years. Likewise, the team with the worst record in the NHL in back-to-back years has called the Pacific Division home.
For many years previously, the Pacific was considered the league’s weakest set of teams. That’s no longer necessarily true as it now looks more like the division with the widest discrepancy between championship contenders and bottom-feeders with the highest odds to win the draft lottery. Could that change with a new season on the horizon? Here’s where everything falls for the other seven teams around the Golden Knights in the Pacific.
ANAHEIM DUCKS
Last year’s record: 27-50-5 (seventh place)
Games against the Golden Knights this year: Oct. 13 at Vegas, Nov. 13 in Anaheim, Dec. 4 in Anaheim, Dec. 23 in Anaheim
The Ducks finished last in the league in 2022-2023 and were only marginally better last year despite a hot start. This doesn’t look like the year the bottomdwelling will cease considering Anaheim traded one of its best centers (Adam Henrique) to Edmonton and might have the league’s worst defensive core.
A team-by-team preview of the divisional opponents in the way of the Golden Knights this season
CALGARY FLAMES
Last year’s record: 38-39-5 (fifth place)
Games against the Golden Knights this year: Oct. 28 at Vegas, Dec. 29 at Vegas, Apr. 5 in Calgary, Apr. 15 in Calgary
The Flames look like they’re trending towards a rebuild but haven’t quite blown everything up just yet. They have a strong veteran presence who consistently produces in Nazem Kadri, but he’s been the subject of trade rumors and might get dealt by the deadline.
EDMONTON OILERS
Last year’s record: 49-27-6 (second place)
Games against the Golden Knights this year: Nov. 6 in Edmonton, Dec. 3 at Vegas, Dec. 14 in Edmonton, Apr. 1 at Vegas
LOS ANGELES KINGS
The Oilers came within a victory of winning the Stanley Cup a year ago and are always a threat to get back with the superstar duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But to break through they will their defense to play better consistently. It’s the guys who aren’t dominating the statistical sheets that Edmonton needs the most.
Last year’s record: 44-27-11 (third place)
Games against the Golden Knights this year: Oct. 22 at Vegas, Oct. 30 in Los Angeles, Feb. 24 in Los Angeles, Mar. 9 at Vegas
SEATTLE KRAKEN
Last year’s record: 34-35-13 (sixth place)
Games against the Golden Knights this year: Nov. 8 in Seattle, Dec. 21 at Vegas, Apr. 10 at Vegas
Can the Kings be more than a sacrificial lamb for the Oilers in the first round of the playo s? Edmonton has eliminated Los Angeles in that spot for three consecutive years. The Kings might need a youth movement to take some burden o 37-year-old Anze Kopitar and 34-year-old Drew Doughty.
SAN JOSE SHARKS
Last year’s record: 19-54-9 (eighth place)
Games against the Golden Knights this year: Oct. 26 at Vegas, Dec. 27 in San Jose, Jan. 7 in San Jose
The Sharks were one of the worst teams in recent memory last year, and it’s looking like more of the same this season. Macklin Celebrini, the top overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft, brings hope to the Bay Area and will debut this season but it should be a few years before the team can build a supporting cast around him.
The Kraken are hoping former Golden Knight Chandler Stephenson can spark their non-existent o ense, but the seven-year, $43.75 million contract they gave him was widely panned as an overpay. Seattle looks like it has a ceiling of average at best and should miss the postseason for a second straight year.
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Last year’s record: 50-23-9 (first place)
Games against the Golden Knights this year: Dec. 19 at Vegas, Feb. 22 at Vegas, Apr. 6 in Vancouver, Apr. 16 in Vancouver
The Canucks broke out last year, and the pieces are still intact to make a run at the Stanley Cup. Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes leads the way on defense with three 70-point scorers (J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser) among the forward group. This is the best chance the Canucks have to get to the promised land since a runner-up finish in 2011.
(AP Photos/Photo Illustration)
MARK STONE
WILLIAM KARLSSON
Here’s how the Golden Knights’ depth chart should look to start the season
FIRST FORWARD LINE
Ivan Barbashev, Jack Eichel, Victor Olofsson
This is worth trying, but it may not stick for long. Eichel passed more to Jonathan Marchessault last year, so this combination will depend on Olofsson or Barbashev taking on a lot more of the scoring load.
Olofsson scored only seven goals last season with the Sabres, but he does have experience playing with Eichel in Bu alo that Cassidy deems valuable. If Olofsson struggles to score for the second straight year, can Barbashev step up with a 50- or 60-point season? That’s a big ask after he had 45 last season, 19 goals and 26 assists.
SECOND FORWARD LINE
Pavel Dorofeyev, William Karlsson, Mark Stone
FOURTH FORWARD LINE
Keegan Kolesar, Brett Howden, Tanner Pearson
Cassidy envisions keeping his fourth-line as a physical, checking-focused unit that makes opponents uncomfortable.
Howden and Kolesar are certainties, so the question becomes which player nabs the final forward spot. Veteran Zach Aston-Reese may have turned more heads in training camp, but Pearson is the safer choice.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Stone or even Dorofeyev ended up getting bumped to the first line. Stone has been one of the Golden Knights’ elite playmakers ever since he arrived in town in 2019.
He was productive last year in Montreal and has Stanley Cup-winning experience from his time as a rookie with the 2014 Los Angeles Kings.
Aston-Reese will likely be the 13th forward the team hangs onto as a healthy scratch to start the year.
FIRST DEFENSIVE PAIRING
BY JACK WILLIAMS
The Golden Knights kept moving players around to different parts of the lineup all the way up until the bitter end of a seven-game playo loss to the Dallas Stars last year. ¶ Don’t expect things to be much di erent early this season beginning with the October 9 season opener against the Colorado Avalanche at T-Mobile Arena. ¶ “I’ve always been a coach who moves a lot of pieces around,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said in training camp. “Eventually, they kind of find their way. More importantly, the team has to find their way into their identity no matter where the pieces are, and then hopefully you get it right as you go along.” ¶ Cassidy’s pursuit for personnel perfection is fun to watch on an annual basis, but there’s always an extra emphasis on the starting point. Here’s how he could likely start the tinkering.
Dorofeyev is coming o a breakout in his first full NHL season, at least on the o ensive end, with 24 points in 47 games. He has high expectations this season and could see his game take o with a strong center like Karlsson—or maybe Eichel.
Karlsson could be a first-line center on most teams around the league after chipping in 30 goals and 30 assists last season. If this line clicks, it could be just as strong as the Golden Knights’ first unit.
THIRD FORWARD LINE
Nicolas Roy, Tomas Hertl, Alexander Holtz
The Golden Knights are banking on Hertl being a big di erence-maker this season, but he probably won’t center one of the top two lines o the cu .
Cassidy said Hertl and Holtz play well together as they both employ a similar low, around-the-net style. Roy should be a steady scoring presence no matter what line he’s on after putting up 41 points in 70 games last season.
He should be an easy target for Hertl to find on the ice.
Alex Pietrangelo, Shea Theodore Cassidy has split up these two mainstays in the past but has warmed up to the idea of playing them together in training camp. They do look like natural complements, with Theodore one of the better o ensive defensemen in the league to Pietrangelo’s always-steady defensive presence.
SECOND DEFENSIVE PAIRING
Noah Hanifin, Nicholas Hague
Out of all the moves Cassidy made late last season, this was the combination he landed on that he might have liked the most. Hanifin was the Golden Knights’ best defenseman down the stretch, and he also seemed to bring the best out of Hague.
THIRD DEFENSIVE PAIRING
Brayden McNabb, Zach Whitecloud
This is an elite duo for a third pair and gives Cassidy confidence that the Golden Knights can achieve their goal of having the best defensive unit in the Pacific Division. Both long-time Golden Knights’ jobs are probably safe to start the season, but the team also has Kaedan Korczak and Ben Hutton pushing for playing time.
GOALTENDERS
Adin Hill, Ilya Samsonov
This looks like the most set-instone part of the lineup. Hill is the Golden Knights’ No. 1 goaltender, but he’ll split time with the freeagent acquisition Samsonov.
Spooky season is upon us, which means it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to impress with your latest creative or hilarious or ghoulish Halloween costume. Don’t know how to start? To help steer you toward another spooktacular Halloween, use the following guide and hit up your local thrift store. Happy hunting!
It’s creative and personal. Since almost anything at a thrift store can be fashioned into an incredible costume, there are limitless creative avenues to pursue. It’s also a perfect opportunity for your personality to shine, so let your imagination and sense of humor take the wheel.
You get more bang for your buck. In 2023, the National Retail Federation reported that the average consumer planned to spend more than $100 on Halloween expenses. We’re not saying you shouldn’t throw down that kind of coin, but with a little creativity and a thrifty spirit, you can cut those costs by half or more.
The planet and your community will thank you. Not only does thrifting help reduce consumer waste and pollution, but many thrift stores contribute to charitable and low-cost initiatives for those in need. For instance, the money spent in Goodwill thrift stores helps fund workforce training programs for underserved communities. Plus, you could potentially reuse pieces from this year’s costumes for next year!
WHAT YOU NEED: Sunhat, sandals, khaki shorts, camera, Hawaiian shirt, fanny pack
TRICK: A selfie stick might make this costume more modern.
If you can’t find one, try an old golf club
WHAT YOU NEED: Baggy oversized jeans, oversized coat, band T-shirt, combat boots or Converse-style sneakers, anything flannel
TRICK: Rip and fray the knees in the jeans for extra grunge
CREATED AND PRESENTED BY GOODWILL OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
Don’t just stick to your neighborhood Goodwill, especially if you’re looking for something specific. No two locations are the same, and good finds are to be had all over the Valley.
You might be searching for something specific, and that’s OK. But don’t be deterred when your plans go up in smoke. Let’s say, for example, you find the perfect flannel shirt for your grunge costume, but the sleeves are too short. Cut them o ! Nothing is more grunge than a sleeveless flannel.
Keep an eye out for color tag sales and Dollar Day every Monday.
Definitely don’t throw them away. Keep them for variety or donate your costume pieces to help inspire another person’s creativity for next year.
The same rules for costume thrifting apply to holiday décor thrifting, along with the continued benefit of thrifting!
Follow Goodwill on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more Halloween costume ideas, thrifting tips, sales notices and store opening announcements.
ShopGoodwill.com allows you to thrift online. Shop by category, keyword, price, location and more.
WHAT YOU NEED: Yellow or black jacket, black pants, black shoes or boots, badge, plastic fire hat
TRICK: If using a black jacket and black pants, wrap yellow duct tape around the arms, legs and chest to re-create a firefighter’s fluorescent stripes
IN THE NEWS
“After 1 October, Nevada proved that smart gun safety laws are just common sense.”
- Vice President Kamala Harris at a September 29 rally at World Market Center Las Vegas
HOT SHOT UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown September 28 at Allegiant Stadium. UNLV beat Fresno State, 59-14, and later earned its first-ever ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. (Steve Marcus/Sta )
POLITICS
League of Women Voters back in Nevada
After she retired, Barbara Wells wanted to become more politically involved. At the urging of a friend, she decided to join the local chapter of the League of Women Voters. Only, it didn’t exist. Nevada’s chapter of the nonpartisan group focused on voter registration and education had disbanded in 2020. But that didn’t stop the 67-year-old former psychologist. She reached out to the national office and rebuilt the state chapter. She now serves as president. Wells said the state league has received a warm welcome back. The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada helped rebuild the organization’s website. The Las Vegas NAACP became a community partner. And to bridge the generational divide, the chapter has worked with Rise Nevada, which runs voter drives focusing on students.
–Kyle Chouinard
BY THE NUMBERS
That’s how many Nevada Task Force 1 personnel were deployed to the Southeast U.S. on September 27 to help with emergency response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene. As of press time, more than 130 people had died after the Category 4 storm touched down in Florida on September 26 and caused heavy flooding in the region.
EDUCATION
SUPER SEARCH PAUSED
The Clark County School District won’t know who its next permanent superintendent is until late March.
The school board paused the search because of the resignation of board member Katie Williams, the impending election that could replace a majority of the board and the upcoming legislative session.
The board unanimously agreed to move its planned selection of a new chief from October 30 to March 27, as recommended by search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYA). Candidate interviews are expected to begin in February.
HYA representative Shawn Joseph said the firm had talked to dozens of potential
candidates but only received applications from a few.
Vicki Kreidel, a Las Vegas elementary school teacher and president of the National Education Association of Southern Nevada, said the delay was for the best.
“I understand that many of you are anxious to hire a permanent superintendent so that we can move on from the mess that we just went through in CCSD,” she said, referencing the controversy-prone, sixyear tenure of the last superintendent, Jesus Jara.
“We need to find a new superintendent that is the best possible fit for CCSD,” she said. “If the selection is rushed and we do this in the wrong way, we could end up with
HEALTH CARE
Updated 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are available at Southern Nevada Health District clinics. They can be administered at the same time, and SNHD is recommending everyone eligible get updated vaccines to protect against more serious illness from COVID-19 and flu this upcoming respiratory season. The vaccines are recommended for anyone six months or older, and are covered by most health plans, SNHD said. Appointments are required and can be made at snhd.info/immunizations or by calling 702-759-0850.
some of the very same issues we faced with the last superintendent.”
Nanci Perez of HYA said there would be no additional cost to pause the search.
In a separate matter, the board affirmed a plan to fill the seat vacated by Williams. The board will accept applications until October 18 from those interested in taking over the District B seat for the remainder of 2024.
The district includes urban and rural northern and northwestern reaches of the valley.
Public interviews with the sitting six members of the board will be October 30. The appointee will be selected on the same day as the interviews. -Hillary Davis
water from air at UNLV
Jeremy Cho, an assistant professor at the UNLV department of mechanical engineering, has created a device that extracts humidity from the air to make usable water. Cho’s device can produce up to 17 liters per square meter per day in the Da Kine Lab at UNLV.
Southern Nevada relies heavily on the Colorado River, with 90% of the city’s water coming from it. Levels in Lake Mead, the river’s largest reservoir, have drastically declined from 95% full in 1999 to only 27% full in 2022.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority has addressed the dwindling water supply with an emphasis on conservation. Water used indoors in Southern Nevada is recaptured, treated and returned to the Colorado River; however, water used for outdoor irrigation like watering grass or cooling air conditioner units can’t be recycled, according to the water authority.
That’s where Cho’s device could come in handy. The system captures the condensate produced by an air conditioning unit and turns it into a sustainable solution through harvesting. Units, depending on the humidity, can produce five gallons overnight. He hopes to mass produce the device commercially for companies, organizations and agencies that want to solve their water challenges and meet their water goals.
The device is an active research project, Cho stressed. The lab has been developing the device for WAVR Technologies, the company he co-founded with Rich Sloan, the entrepreneur in residence at UNLV. –Ilana Williams
GOING OUT IN STYLE
Las Vegas says goodbye to the Tropicana
BY SHANNON MILLER
Say your goodbyes, if you haven’t already. The last remnants of the nearly 67-year-old Tropicana will be reduced to rubble this week.
The skeletons of the Paradise and Club tower expansions, built in 1979 and 1986 respectively, are among the last things standing in the way of the construction of a new Major League Baseball stadium. And on October 9 at 2:30 a.m., they’ll be imploded, joining more than a dozen historic hotels that have met the same fate.
Controlled Demolition Inc. (CDI) is the subcontractor tasked with making sure the implosions go off without a hitch. The family-owned company has leveled 32 other Las Vegas buildings, and CDI president Mark Loizeaux has been on site for every Strip property— from the Dunes in 1993 to the most recent, the Riviera, in 2016.
They have it down to a science, Loizeaux says. And safety is the priority.
“Typically, we take down structures in Las Vegas, if they’re on the Strip, on Tuesdays, which is the
lowest ebb of activity according to Las Vegas officials. And we do it at 2:30 in the morning. Number one, not only is the ebb of activity low with tourists and pedestrians; but also, it’s for air quality. That’s when they have the lowest winds that would disperse the dust,” Loizeaux tells the Weekly. No debris is expected to leave the site, he adds. Dust is “unavoidable,” but the contractor GGG Demolition Inc. has already removed “dust generators” including drywall and plaster. “It looks like they literally have swept the floors with a broom for all 23 stories,” he says.
Another safety precaution that must be taken is the establishment of an “exclusion zone,” which is essentially the area people are not allowed to be in when the implosions happen. Las Vegas Boulevard
and Tropicana Avenue, as well as other areas, will be closed during the implosion.
“We look at the explosives that we’re going to detonate, the type of explosives and the quantity of explosives, and we calculate what is called the noise level,” Loizeaux says.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) prescribes guidelines on the noise levels that workers and the public should be exposed to without hearing protection. The noise level determines how far out the implosion’s exclusion zone must be.
“CDI designs the exclusion zone going along public streets, rights of way, fences, things like that, that are easy for Metro police to enforce,” Loizeaux explains.
The Oakland A’s, the team that would be moving into the ballpark
67
The Tropicana opened on April 4, 1957 and closed on April 2, 2024, making it 67 years old (minus two days) at the end of its life.
taking the Trop’s place, and Tropicana owner Bally’s have jointly planned a 555-drone and fireworks display to precede the implosion. There will be no public viewing areas, but the event will be televised and livestreamed on the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s X account (x.com/vegas) and on ballylive.com. That won’t stop people from booking rooms at nearby hotels. And at least one venue, the Foundation Room at the Mandalay Bay, is selling tickets for an implosion watch party, “a thrilling, once-ina-lifetime event celebration that combines nostalgia, excitement, and a touch of demolition magic.”
It’s all part of a longstanding Las Vegas tradition, says UNLV associate professor of history Michael Green.
“Las Vegas is into spectacle, and we do it well. So in many cases, we have made a spectacle out of destruction. … Starting in 1993, Las Vegas started making implosions an attraction. Steve Wynn blew up the Dunes to build Bellagio, and it was a TV special,” Green says.
“There’s an economist, Joseph Schumpeter, who talked about ‘creative destruction.’ And that fits the idea here. We are destroy-
1,130 The number of boreholes in the Club Tower, which are filled with explosives.
ing something to create something new.”
In a statement, the A’s and Bally’s called the implosion a “momentous event that marks the next chapter in Las Vegas’ legacy of reinvention.” What will be created is a $1.5 billion MLB stadium, as well as a new Bally’s resort.
Vegas’ mantra could very well be “Out with the old, in with the new.” But that doesn’t mean the legacy of the Tropicana should be forgotten in its heap of rubble, Green says. When it opened in 1957, the stateof-the-art hotel was known as the “Tiffany of the Strip,” in reference to the luxury jeweler. Many stars visited and performed there, and the hotel itself was a sort of star in 1964’s Viva Las Vegas and 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever
The Tropicana made its mark in entertainment history, having hosted Folies Bergere for nearly 50 years, and jazz artists including Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman in the legendary Blue Room, which opened in 1965.
And of course, there are countless personal memories—honeymoons, anniversaries, family vacations—connected to the building. Loizeaux acknowledges this, and sees implosion as a way to demolish
a building in a dignified way, and make room for the new.
“If you conventionally demolish these structures, it would take months—months of exposure, of structures coming down. … The beauty of explosives demolition [is] the structure is structurally sound during preparations … up until the time we count down ‘5, 4, 3, 2, 1, fire’ and push the button. And the structure comes down in a matter of seconds,” he says.
“Don’t beat the structure to death with a wrecking ball. Let’s have a show. Let’s enjoy the history of the structure and move on to the next generation and see what they come up with.”
220
The number of cut-point locations in the Paradise Tower.
22,000
The length of the detonating cord, in feet.
22
The number of seconds it is expected to take for the Paradise and Club structures to collapse after the detontation button is pressed.
2
The number of hotel towers to be imploded on October 9. The Paradise Tower is structural steel-framed, and the Club Tower is reinforced concrete-framed, calling for different implosion methods for each building.
23 The number of stories in both the Paradise and Club towers.
2,190Pounds of explosives in both the Paradise and Club towers.
917,400
Total square feet of the Paradise and Club towers.
An exterior view of the Tropicana hotel towers. (Steve Marcus/Staff)
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS
Malcolm Gladwell,
Author and Podcaster
Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 7:30 p.m.
Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall
Tickets ONLY available at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office, Tuesday–Saturday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. For information, call (702) 895-ARTS, but tickets cannot be reserved by phone.
UNLV Faculty, Staff and Students may obtain tickets beginning at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4. A valid UNLV Rebelcard is required.
The General Public may obtain tickets beginning at 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 7.
UNLV’s
Freakling Bros. Horror Shows October 4-31, 7 p.m., $50+. 8450 Spring Mountain Road, freaklingbros.com.
MASTER OF HORROR
Vegas-bred fi lmmaker JT Mollner discusses the scream-worthy legacy of Freakling Bros. and directing summer thriller ‘Strange Darling’
BY AMBER SAMPSON
The art of cultivating fear has been a lifelong labor of love for JT Mollner. The Vegas-born lmmaker inherited it early, from his days of running his family-owned Halloween haunt, Freakling Bros. Horror Shows. In recent years, he’s been granted the privilege of transferring that terror to the silver screen.
Mollner’s 2024 thriller, Strange Darling, has quickly become the breakout lm of the summer. The story follows two lovers, plainly named The Lady (played by Willa Fitzgerald) and The Demon (Kyle Gallner), as they navigate a twist-fueled one night stand that goes terribly wrong. Stephen King has called it “too clever to spoil.” Critics have compared it to a modern-day Tarantino ick. Yet despite all the fanfare—and in the midst of his busy Hollywood schedule—Mollner still nds the time to come back each year to his family’s Freakling
Bros. haunt in Las Vegas, where it all began.
“Everybody always said, ‘As your lm career grows, as you start to make features ... are you going to be able to still do this?’ I said, I better,” Mollner says. “I really don’t care how much things take o and how busy I get, because it’s so important to me.”
Freakling Bros.’ unholy trinity of haunts—Castle Vampyre, Coven of 13 and Gates of Hell, Nevada’s rst and only R-rated horror experience—have become synonymous with Halloween in Vegas, a true tradition of terror ongoing for the past 31 years—well, mostly. In 2023, Freakling Bros. made the di cult decision to cancel its season after its original site fell through. But when it returns on October 4 at its new Desert Breeze Park location, Mollner’s “family of freaks” will roam the Earth again.
It’s commendable you’re still staying true to your family’s tradition. Why is the thrill of the haunt still so exciting to you?
I haven’t lived in Las Vegas full-time for a long time, but I’ve come back here every year for at least three months. It’s become so much more than a business or a job. My dad started scaring people at our home before I was born, back in 1976. I trickor-treated twice; the rest of my childhood was always watching my dad scare people. When I was old enough, I would be part of it. He was the hunchback, I was the mini-hunchback. When he was Frankenstein, I was Igor. It’s so magical to me. It’s like people who grow up at Disneyland or people have memories of Christmas during the holidays. For me, it was green lights and fog machines and makeup. That’s how we celebrated Halloween— hearing people scream.
When I had to shoot Strange Darling in 2022, I trained somebody to take over the managerial operations of the [Freakling Bros.] show for me. But I still showed up for training the cast. I still showed up halfway through the season. I really wanted to get back [to Vegas] because I knew this was a crucial season. If we can’t open, then the company might die, because two years being closed would be dangerous nancially for us. I told everybody in LA, listen, I’m gonna come back a few times to do interviews and to do meetings with studios ... but I need to go out to Vegas and make sure we get back open.
Do you feel like your horror upbringing has helped inform how you make films and write thrillers?
Absolutely. I think it was actually my training ground for being a lm director. Every character in our haunted houses are Freakling Bros. originals, and I write dialogue for all of them. There’s creating these characters with my dad, then … we cast those roles and then we direct people in those roles. It’s di erent from a movie, obviously, on many levels, but that part of the process is very similar. It was probably as valuable as the short lms I made. I’ve been writing horror stories since I could spell, since I was really little, and I think being around it de nitely inspired all that. I don’t know if I’d be a lmmaker if I hadn’t been exposed to—I wouldn’t be— if I hadn’t been exposed to the things my parents exposed me to.
As a lmmaker, I’m really interested in nding ways to do things that don’t feel straightforward, that have emotion and character, and with Strange Darling, it was much more important to pressurize the characters and the viewer and to put you through stress and emotions than to make you feel just straightforward fear. I know it’s being called a horror lm by a lot of people because it has a serial killer in it. But for me, it’s a little di erent than that.
I couldn’t take my eyes o of Willa Fitzgerald. Was it apparent when you first met that she was The Lady you were searching for?
When we met, she was the only person that felt as deep of a love and compassion for this character as I did. She was like, I love this character. I relate to this character. I will die for this character. I’ll protect her. She was passionately engaged. And audiences don’t have to like The Demon or The Lady. As long as the story works, they can feel any way they want about a character, but the actor needs to connect and make excuses for their character’s deciencies, in my opinion. That’s when the best work is done, when an actor is really connecting. Kyle and Willa both felt that about their characters. Willa, it was one of the great joys of my life to work with her, because she cares so much, and she takes direction so well, and she’s willing to go to such hard places, and she trusts.
Everybody loves the film, including Stephen King, who gave it his blessing. What did that mean to you? As a Stephen King fan, I think I would have died. Hearing about Stephen King was more impactful than any critic or studio. When you have people who are your heroes enjoying what you do, there’s nothing that feels better. I just respect him so much, and he’s informed so much of my storytelling. He’s in uenced me to such a level. The rst book I ever read was Carrie when I was a little kid, and it took me forever to get through it. I was reading it in second grade, and it was sent to the principal’s o ce at William E. Ferron Elementary School here in Las Vegas, and my mom defended me and said, “I’m not going to tell him not to read.” That’s my history with Stephen King, and I’ve read everything by him over the years.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I just want people to come out and see the haunted house this year, because it’s a labor of love. It’s my family business. I’m back here, because I love doing this with my family. The movie’s doing really well, and I want people to see the lm, but on some level, I’m much more excited right now about people coming out and helping us get Freakling Bros. back to life, because it’s an extension of my family.
For more of this interview, visit lasvegasweekly.com
Willa Fitzgerald as The Lady in Strange Darling (Courtesy/ Magenta Light Studios)
JT Mollner (Courtesy)
+Close your eyes. Think of Las Vegas. What do you see? Maybe it’s the bright, neon sign of your favorite resort, or the skyline of the Las Vegas Strip. Perhaps you see the oor of a casino—blackjack tables, roulette wheels, a sea of slot machines. The latter are their own landmark in Las Vegas, and nobody knows that better than Light & Wonder, the locally based game manufacturer behind household names such as Hu N’ Even More Pu and many others. With its array of slot machines, Light & Wonder is at the forefront of gaming and storytelling. Consult this comprehensive guide of Light & Wonder’s most popular slot machines and see why it’s all about the games!
If you love the story of the three little pigs, you’ll love Light & Wonder’s latest Hu N’ Pu game, Hu N’ Pu Money Mansion With fun features like symbols representing “New Deeds,” you can enter the Money Mansion, win credits or unlock one of three exciting bonus features. “Our goal was to expand the Hu N’ Pu world while keeping everything players love,” said Michael Mastropietro, senior vice president of game development at Light & Wonder.
HUFF N’ PUFF MONEY MANSION
QUICK HIT LINK
Light & Wonder is bringing back its fan-favorite Quick Hit game with a new twist: Quick Hit Link You can enjoy two exciting versions: Quick Hit Link–Fire and Quick Hit Link–Gems. When you land five or more Quick Hit symbols on the reels, you could win a jackpot plus tons of free games, depending on which firecracker pops!
BIG HOT FLAMING POTS
Big Hot Flaming Pots–Tasty Treasures and Delicious Delights, you can enjoy two tempting options on the company’s stunning Cosmic cabinet. These games o er a special Hold & Spin feature, where once activated, the bonus symbols are “held” in their spots, and the remaining reels “spin,” providing an opportunity to land additional bonus symbols or win instant cash prizes or jackpots. In the Free Games round, you can fill the reels with delicious buns for even more chances to win.
DRAGON TRIO
Feeling lucky? Try Light & Wonder’s Dragon Trio. Each time you land a special coin, a di erent feature is triggered: Green coins give you Free Games, purple coins o er bonus games with cash prizes and gold coins activate a hold & spin feature where you can win big jackpots.
WHERE TO PLAY
High-Quality Property
PUNCHLINE COMEDY
(Courtesy/Joel Maisonet/Photo Illustration)
PARADISE
The Laugh After Dark ComedyFest returns to the Arts District
BY GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ
As consumers of entertainment, we often forget to put ourselves in the shoes of entertainers—those who stand in front of a crowd of strangers with their eyes locked on them, waiting to see if they’ll deliver. It takes guts, and when it comes to stand-up comedy, it takes even more. Comedy is raw, instinctual and unfiltered. It can knock you down and expose your vulnerabilities. But when a joke lands and the whole room is laughing, that’s the validation that keeps comics coming back.
Laugh After Dark’s third annual ComedyFest taps into the rush of joke telling, bringing together talent from all over. Co-founded by Kelsey Borlan and her husband Robert E. Lee, the festival isn’t just about performances.
“We like to work with as many businesses in the Arts District as we can, like restaurants, because part of what we want to highlight is the foodie scene,” Borlan tells the Weekly. “The Arts District itself is a part of the festival.” Venues like Vegas Theatre Company, the Strat’s LA Comedy Club and Hola Habibi are hosting the comedy and after-parties, and spots like Cornish Pasty Co. and Makers & Finders are giving festival goers a taste of the Arts
LAUGH AFTER DARK COMEDYFEST
District with a discount.
But what makes ComedyFest stand out is its inclusion of film, which took the team’s extensive commitment to sift through hundreds of submissions and videos to create the lineup of both onand off-screen entertainment.
“It’s a huge year-long process,” Borlan explains. “We typically have submissions open for about nine months out of the year so we get hundreds of submissions from all over … we watch every single submission and everybody on the team rates the performance. We let the cream rise to the top.”
This year’s lineup brings together 45 comedians, all competing for the coveted “Best of Fest” award, while the film side showcases 35 screenings. Over the course of three days, ticket holders will be able to witness some of comedy’s current best.
Vegas local Mary Upchurch is slated to film a live comedy special on October 8. Reality TV personality Teck Holmes will be performing a 10 p.m. show at LA Comedy Club on October 9. And Frankie “Trixx” Agyemang is hosting the Nightcap Show at Vegas Theatre Company on October 9, featuring eight must-see comics.
For additional impact, every comedian’s best set is filmed and the content is shared year round on social platforms, some eventually making their way to SiriusXM and Tubi.
But hold your applause; there’s more. Laugh After Dark made certain that its event offers tangible learning experiences for everyone involved—workshops led by professional writers and directors will give their insight on how to build a pilot, pitch ideas and work through bits. This way, everyone can potentially walk away with something worth more than a sore stomach from laughter. And to strengthen those ties even more, Laugh After Dark launched its own public beta streaming platform on October 1, offering all this content in one place for your enjoyment.
At its core, the Laugh After Dark ComedyFest is about fostering connections—between performers, audience members, local businesses and the greater comedy community. And the timing couldn’t be better for Vegas’ scene.
”Comedy is really on the rise, I don’t think I’ve talked to one person in the last year who isn’t perked by comedy right now,” says Borlan. “It’s having a moment in the zeitgeist.”
October 7-9, times vary, $33-$79. Arts District, laughafterdarkcomedyfest.com.
X ROCKS Wednesday-Saturday, 9:30 p.m., $49-$107. Imagine Theater at Horseshoe Las Vegas, ticketmaster.com
THE STRIP
ROCKIN’ RETURN
Stabile Productions’ Strip stable of ‘ X ’ burlesque shows back at full strength
BY BROCK RADKE
Matt and Angela Stabile have been producing shows in Las Vegas for more than 20 years, but rebuilding their company’s portfolio of casino entertainment options through the pandemic has been their greatest challenge.
In October 2020, the couple’s X Country burlesque show at Harrah’s was the first Strip casino production to reopen after the shutdowns imposed by COVID. Their flagship X Burlesque at the Flamingo followed months later, but a third revue, X Rocks, finally returned to the stage this week.
Right when the pandemic took hold of the Strip, X Rocks was getting ready to reopen in a renovated showroom at what was then Bally’s.
“We were two weeks away from reopening a brand-new version of X Rocks when everything shut down, and when shows came back, [the casino] decided they didn’t want to use that theater for the show. It never actually opened,” explains Angela Stabile, a dancer and showgirl in iconic Vegas productions like Lido de Paris and Crazy Girls before she stepped behind the
scenes to create her own shows.
But X Rocks is back at that same property, now Horseshoe Las Vegas, in the second-floor Imagine Theater, which also houses the Potted Potter comedy parody and the long-running Paranomal mentalism show starring Frederic Da Silva.
“It’s a great little room and it’s going to scale up the show a lot from what it was before,” says Matt Stabile. “This stage gives us more room for bigger props, bigger sets and more costumes. We took it to another level.”
X Rocks is a quintessential sexy revue set to a soundtrack of hard rock, heavy metal and classic rock—think Metallica, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith. The musical theme is what sets the show apart, according to Angela.
“We’ve changed some songs and added new songs, but a lot of what people love most is that old-school classic rock,” she says. “One big set piece we added is sort of a tribute to ‘Here I Go Again’ by Whitesnake, and we actually have the front of a Jaguar onstage to [duplicate] that
classic video with the girl on the car.”
Other new elements include a laser show, a tribute to Alice Cooper featuring an oversized monster, a bit of magic and an homage to the casino’s most famous show, Jubilee, set to the sounds of Queen’s “The Show Must Go On”—including three classic costumes from Jubilee.
Another musical addition is a song by Mammoth WVH, the band fronted by Wolfgang Van Halen that includes Las Vegas guitarist Frank Sidoris—Angela’s son.
X Rocks returns with a cast of five dancers and a comedian, and “a lot of surprises,” Angela says. “We’re just excited it’s reopening.”
And in the comfortable confines of the casino where it rocked before. “It’s ironic we did end up here of all places, but it’s a great hotel and we love the changes that have come as the Horseshoe,” she says.
“It seems newer, and there’s a more vibrant customer. It’s busier now,” Matt says. “To actually be on that big new vertical marquee board on the Strip out front, it’s huge for us.”
(Courtesy/Stabile Productions)
STAR POWER, FAMILIAR FLAVORS
Mark Wahlberg opens the friendly, ‘elevated’ cantina Flecha
Town Square, 6683 Las Vegas Blvd. South #109, 702-728-2774. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
BY BROCK RADKE | PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS
Movie star Mark Wahlberg has become a bigger part of the Las Vegas community after moving his family here from Southern California a couple of years ago. His Wahlburgers franchise already had a couple locations on the Strip, but his Vegas takeover continued this month with the opening of his second Mexican restaurant Flecha, which made its debut in Huntington Beach, California, earlier this year.
Filling the long-empty Town Square space that once housed Miller’s Ale House, Flecha seems like a nice t for the massive outdoor mall’s diverse audience—and an ideal place to serve margaritas and cocktails made with Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul tequila.
“Town Square is obviously a great center and it attracts not only millions of tourists coming
through Vegas, it’s also a great spot for locals to frequent,” says managing partner and co-founder Randy Sharpe. “It was the perfect opportunity for us to showcase a beautiful restaurant.
“Southern California has been his home so when Huntington Beach came up, we jumped on it, and now Vegas is home, so it makes a lot of sense. We really appreciate the community embracing us.”
Wahlberg missed the soft opening since he’s currently lming comedy ick Balls Up in Australia, but he’s expected to be back in time for Flecha’s grand opening festivities toward the end of October.
Sharpe notes that the 10,400-square-foot restaurant is designed around that broad Town Square demographic, and notes the mall hasn’t
Fajitas
Cadillac Margarita and Blueberry Bliss
FLECHA
ly more of an elevated dining experience. We have the traditional Mexican you expect, but we also have a braised beef shortrib that will knock your socks off,” he says. “You can go for brunch, you can have an elevated night out, and you can also go for lunch and have a great burrito.
“And we tried to create something that feels like you’re on vacation when you walk in the door—you get the vibe from the music flowing, the greenery, the overall environment. It makes you feel like you’re not on lunch break anymore.”
That burrito plate ($18-$20) could be anchored by your choice of achiote chicken, tofu
tions include chimichurri steak with mashed potatoes ($44) or sea bass filet with grapefruit chimichurri sauce ($42).
Tacos, enchiladas, ceviches, salads and appetizers like coconut shrimp ($26) or pork belly flautas ($22) ensure there’s something for everyone on this menu. And much attention has been paid (unsurprisingly) to the cocktail menu, worth exploring during Flecha’s happy hour from 3 until 6 p.m. during the week (and 9 p.m. until close Sunday through Thursday). That’s when guests enjoy $4 off craft cocktails, $8 off house wine, and $4 off ceviche, appetizers and street tacos.
FOOD & DRINK
DINING NOTES
Ada’s wins big, Amaya is coming to Cosmo and more
Poke Market by chef
Nguyen has opened at UnCommons, serving traditional Hawaiian poke daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Downtown pizza fave Good Pie is set to open its second location on October 13 in Henderson at 835 Seven Hills Drive, operating daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Caesars Entertainment and Tao Group Hospitality are set to open Italian restaurant and lounge Caramella this winter at Planet Hollywood Resort in the space formerly occupied by Koi. Tao’s chief culinary officer, Ralph Scamardella is crafting a menu of regional Italian favorites, prime steaks and chops and more for the new concept inspired by 1970s Italy.
Amaya Modern Mexican Restaurant is set to open in January at the Cosmopolitan on the second floor. Created by Michelin-starred chef Jason McLeod, Amaya’s menu will feature dishes such as a two-pound lobster with chili lobster cream sauce, birria shortrib, the fajita board, aguachiles, tiraditos and more.
The 15th annual Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival is back at Water Street Plaza on October 12 starting at 11 a.m., with free admission for live entertainment, Japanese food, contests and more. Find info at cityof henderson.com.
Ada’s Food & Wine at Tivoli Village recently brought home the award for Most Original Wine List in the world from The World’s Best Wine Lists, organized by World of Fine Wine magazine. Ada’s “wine goddess” Kat Thomas and chef Jackson Stamper were in London to accept the award, where the local spot was up against nominees from Mexico, the U.K., Australia, Hong Kong and more. –Brock Radke
Michael
Bluefin tuna tiradito at Amaya (Courtesy/Jose Salinas)
Cadillac carne asada and chipotle shrimp tacos
Chilean sea bass filet
The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City offers visitors a unique glimpse into Southern Nevada’s colorful history, dating back almost 100 years. Preserving the heritage of the Boulder Branch Line, the outdoor museum features multiple train rides, permanent and guest exhibits, an ongoing schedule of events, and an exciting expansion on the horizon. “Education and preservation are at the heart of everything we do,” said Christopher MacMahon, Museum Director. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Nevada State Railroad Museum this fall.
MacMahon highlights the Merci Train as an especially memorable current exhibit. “Following World War II, a grassroots movement began in the United States to gather food, clothing, medicine, children’s toys and other everyday needs for the people of France,” MacMahon said. To express their gratitude, the French sent thankyou boxcars to every state with cheese, wine and other gifts. “It’s such a powerful story that invokes a range of thoughts and emotions, and it is made possible through the display of this artifact.” Other current guest exhibits include a Stagecoach replica and Amtrak locomotives.
The Boulder Branch Line was commissioned by the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City Railroad in 1931 to haul the equipment and material needed during the construction of the Hoover Dam. The dam’s construction was completed in 1935 and the line was abandoned until 1985 when it was donated to the Nevada State Railroad Museum. It has since been restored, upgraded and continually improved to allow visitors to experience the railroad in new and dynamic ways.
Breaking ground later this year is a 10,000 square-foot visitor center and museum space, a new passenger loading platform for weekend excursion trains, and additional parking. “Presently, we are an entirely outdoor museum, so the addition of the visitor center is game changing,” MacMahon said. The expansion will help increase the museum’s educational offerings and community events, while best utilizing its archives and collections. This phase of the expansion is expected to be complete in 2026.
CREATED
AND PRESENTED BY
NEVADA DIVISION OF MUSEUMS AND HISTORY
The Nevada State Railroad Museum’s main display pavilion is outdoors, featuring two tracks and multiple locomotives. There are excursion train rides on the weekend, o ering open-air coaches, refurbished air-conditioned Harriman Coaches dating back to 1911, and a live steam railroad. These rides allow visitors to take in the stunning views of the El Dorado Valley, the McCollough and River mountain ranges, and Mojave Desert plant life. In addition to the train rides, there are multiple permanent and rotating exhibits, and a full roster of community and family-oriented events, including the Halloween Express, Santa Train, and the Story Time Train.
The Display Pavilion is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Train rides take place Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Though there’s plenty to see year-round, autumn and winter feature some of the museum’s most beloved events. October boasts the Boulder City Halloween Express event series, a non-scary Halloween dance party and train ride, and on Nevada Day weekend, kids under 17 ride free while learning about the state’s history and heritage.
“The Boulder City North Pole Express, which runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings in December, is a must-do event for any Southern Nevada family with children looking for that special holiday magic,” MacMahon said.
“Guests enjoy a forty-minute train ride with sing-a-longs and a children’s story, then disembark the train to get their cookie and hot chocolate, games and activities, pictures with Santa, “snowball” fights. We even have our own snow machines that ensure that every guest gets a little snowstorm right here in Boulder City.”
Consider a museum membership or volunteering on-site. The museum has a robust volunteer program with 120 participants who donated more than 30,000 hours in 2023 alone. “Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the museum, from docents, sales and guest relations, to railroad operations and maintenance. No previous experience is necessary,” MacMahon said. The museum also accepts donations and in-kind contributions.
Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas
Explore a deeper history of Nevada among ancient fossils, colorful mineral specimens, antique slot machines, 19th-century farming tools, and extravagant showgirl costumes.
lasvegasnvmuseum.org (702) 486-5205
Lost City Museum, Overton
Built on the actual prehistoric site of the Ancestral Puebloans, the Lost City Museum tells the stories of Nevada’s first permanent residents between AD 200 to AD 1200.
lostcitymuseum.org (702) 397-2193
Nevada State Railroad Museum, Boulder City
It took more than a heroic effort to build Hoover Dam in the 1930s; it also took a railroad. Come take a ride on the Boulder Branch Line, set up in 1931 to haul the project’s building materials.
boulderrailroadmuseum.org (702) 486-5952
The FORMULA 1® Brand
The FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2024 will take place on November 21-23, 2024. Formula 1 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. team are excited for this event to return to the world famous Las Vegas Strip. Extensive preparations are underway for this unique event, which will include official grandstands and official fan experience areas along the Strip.
Official activations will bear FORMULA 1® trademarks, so that we can offer fans an authentic race experience and honor our commitment to, and investment by, our event partners, global partners, suppliers and licensees who have the right to use the FORMULA 1® brand and to associate themselves with our event.
We know the greater business community, particularly those with Strip-front property or venues, may wish to be involved with or celebrate FORMULA 1® coming to Las Vegas. We want to support the local community in creating a passionate, creative and inclusive environment, so long as this is carried out in a manner that respects the FORMULA 1® trademarks and other intellectual property owned by Formula 1.
Great care is taken to protect the rights in the FORMULA 1® trademarks and typefaces, which cannot be used by third parties without a specific license from Formula 1. Furthermore, we do not permit unauthorized association with our brand and event, including public screenings of the event unless the correct license has been obtained from Formula 1, nor can tickets be used for prizes or giveaways unless authorized by Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc.
For reference, see opposite a non-exhaustive list of official FORMULA 1® trademarks and typefaces. Our trademarks are registered in the USA and/or internationally.
If you have any questions and/or need guidance on any plans you may have for your venue during the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2024, if you are unsure whether your activities, or those of others, are an infringement of the above mentioned rights, or are interested in licensing opportunities we’d be happy to hear from you at trademarks@f1.com
Again, Formula 1 and Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. are thrilled to bring this highly anticipated event back to Las Vegas and appreciate the support and enthusiasm of the community.
Formula 1 and Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc.
‘GET YOURSELF TO LAS VEGAS AND LEAVE THE REST TO US’
BY KATIE ANN MCCARVER VEGAS INC STAFF
Since its launch more than two years ago, Las Vegas-based Vibee has introduced an array of unique entertainment o erings in Nevada and beyond—from VIP experience and hotel packages for concerts at Sphere to the EDSea cruise, a sailing adventure based on the popular Electric Daisy Carnival.
Vibee has two arms: in-house entertainment events that it produces—such as Lionel Richie’s Dancing on the Sand, a festival in the Bahamas—and events integrated into parent company Live Nation’s existing touring business, Vibee president Harvey Cohen said. The company is also housed in Los Angeles.
“We’re there to create these one-of-a-kind, music-driven experiences for fans that are just out of this world,” he said.
Las Vegas was the obvious choice when it came to where Vibee would be headquartered, Cohen said. In addition to the fact that many of the fans attending events in the city are also staying at one of its hotels, he said, it also has a uniquely special array of entertainment o erings.
There are arena and stadium acts, as well as boutique theaters and one-of-a-kind residencies, he said.
“If you could take Vibee and you could build a city around what Vibee is supposed to be, it would be Las Vegas,” Cohen said. “And if you could build a company that’s (a natural t) for Las Vegas, it’s Vibee. The city, obviously, lives and breathes both entertainment and travelers.”
Vibee makes it so that fans aren’t just going to a concert, Cohen added. The company curates multiday experiences that combine that entertainment aspect with “white-glove service.”
Pointing to the Eagles at Sphere residency as an example, Cohen talked about how a Vibee package for that concert could include a suite at the Venetian, limo transportation to the show and back, priority entry to the venue and more.
Vibee’s Eagles concert and hotel packages range in cost from nearly $900 to about $1,890 per person.
“How I explain it to people is, get yourself to Las Vegas and leave the rest to us,” he said. “You don’t have to think, which is very important to a lot of people.”
When asked what he thinks consumers appreciate about Vibee, Cohen said “access.”
With high demand for concert tickets, he said, Vibee essentially guarantees access to tickets in a way that a standard ticketing com-
pany does not. Vibee has access to a speci c block of tickets for every show, giving fans the certainty that they can get in and buy them.
“Sometimes we sell out fast, too, because high demand is high demand,” he said.
Other positive reviews he hears in feedback from consumers are about the transportation Vibee o ers them and the exibility of the platform overall, Cohen said, whether that’s the type of concert ticket a guest wants, the type of room, any add-ons or merchandise and other variables.
“We’re there to take the pain away from people,” he said.
Even a few years after it was founded, Vibee seems to be just getting started. It’s partnering with multiple upcoming events in Las Vegas, including Thomas Rhett’s and Keith Urban’s concerts at Fontainebleau’s BleauLive Theater.
The company will also once again host Hotel EDC in May, when it takes over Virgin Hotels Las Vegas during the EDC festival. Tickets just went on sale, but the platform is already close to selling out, Cohen said.
Marcy Miles, chief marketing o cer at the Venetian, said the resort and Vibee work together to provide guests with memorable experiences for performances at Sphere.
“These VIP experience packages are great because not only are our guests creating lasting memories with exclusive experiences, but they make booking tickets and accommodations easy since they are a one-stop-shop,” Miles said in an email.
“We’ve had a great few years and we’ve grown quickly, but we’ve also tried to ensure that we’re not growing too fast, that we (don’t) lose that touch to the fans, because it’s really what it’s about,” Cohen said. “It’s putting a face to the business.”
(Shutterstock)
BY BRIAN WURSTEN
Nestled in the Virgin River Valley, Mesquite offers an enticing blend of entertainment, outdoor activities and a welcoming atmosphere that captivates visitors from all walks of life.
It’s a destination that caters to a wide array of experiences, from gaming to live performances. Its casinos are more than just venues for chance; they host a variety of shows featuring local talent and touring acts. This dynamic entertainment scene ensures there’s always something exciting happening, making for a thrilling night out. Throughout the year, community events celebrate local culture, offering music, crafts and delicious food. These events foster a sense of community spirit, ensuring visitors’ time here is filled with memorable experiences.
For golf enthusiasts, Mesquite is a dream destination, boasting some of the most picturesque courses in the region. Its beautiful courses cater to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players. The stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a day on the greens. After a round, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a cold drink on the patio while soaking in the beautiful desert scenery.
Nature lovers will appreciate Mesquite’s proximity to breathtaking
landscapes are perfect for horseback riding or leisurely walks.
Mesquite’s culinary scene reflects the diversity and richness of the community. From upscale dining to casual eateries, the city has something to satisfy every palate. Dining in Mesquite is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to experience the flavors and hospitality that make the city special.
Mesquite is a hidden gem
While Las Vegas is the crown jewel of the Southern Nevada tourism industry,
national parks. Just a short drive away, they can explore the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. These natural wonders invite adventure enthusiasts to hike, rock climb and explore the great outdoors. As the gateway to these national parks, Mesquite serves as an ideal base for travelers seeking to experience the beauty of southern Utah. The rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems make it a fantastic location for nature photography, birdwatching and stargazing.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority plays a pivotal role in enhancing Mesquite’s profile within the broader tourism landscape. By promoting Mesquite alongside Las Vegas, the LVCVA showcases its offerings to a wider audience. LVCVA marketing campaigns highlight the city’s versatility, helping attract visitors looking for enriching experiences. Additionally, the agency assists with hosting events, conventions and conferences that generate significant tourism revenue and
create networking opportunities for local businesses.
When it comes to lodging, Mesquite offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Its casino resorts frequently upgrade their facilities, with recent investments including the $6 million remodel of the CasaBlanca. The new ownership is committed to further enhancing the guest experience with plans for ongoing renovations. The employee-owned Eureka has also introduced the Victory Kitchen in its sportsbook, and for those seeking alternatives to the casino experience, Mesquite offers charming boutique hotels, vacation rentals and family-friendly motels.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find an array of desert activities. Surrounded by the stunning Nevada desert, Mesquite offers numerous opportunities for four-wheeling, dirt biking and hiking. The terrain invites visitors to explore its natural beauty while enjoying thrilling adventures. For a more relaxed outdoor experience, the nearby desert
Beyond golf and outdoor adventures, Mesquite offers a range of recreational activities for everyone. Its parks are perfect for family outings or afternoon picnics, with playgrounds and open spaces inviting relaxation. The Mesquite Recreation Center provides various sports and fitness programs for all ages, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to stay active. For those who prefer relaxation, there is a full-service spa and plenty of opportunities for shopping, showcasing local artisans and unique gifts.
As Mesquite continues to develop its tourism offerings, it presents an inviting alternative to the high-energy environment of Las Vegas. With upgraded gaming facilities, diverse dining options, access to stunning national parks and a wealth of recreational activities, Mesquite stands out as a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The synergy between Mesquite and Las Vegas enriches the experience for tourists and supports the growth of both destinations in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or a taste of local culture, Mesquite invites you to explore all that it has to offer. My goal is to promote Mesquite as a vibrant destination where visitors can create lasting memories.
Brian Wursten is a Mesquite city councilman.
With upgraded gaming facilities, diverse dining options, access to stunning national parks and a wealth of recreational activities, Mesquite stands out as a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The synergy between Mesquite and Las Vegas enriches the experience for tourists and supports the growth of both destinations in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
VEGAS INC NOTES
Womble Bond Dickinson and Lewis Roca, two multipractice law firms, approved a combination, creating a firm of more than 1,300 attorneys in 37 o ces in the United States and the United Kingdom. It will provide clients with enhanced capabilities across practices and sectors, as well as the resources of an expansive geographic platform. Starting on its planned e ective date of January 1, the new firm will operate as Womble Bond Dickinson under the leadership of chair and CEO Merrick Benn and vice chair Kenneth Van Winkle. Lewis Roca’s o ces will deepen Womble’s presence in the Southwest and Mountain West, while Womble’s expansive platform in regions that include the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast will broaden Lewis Roca’s reach nationwide.
Ariva Luxury Residences has been designated the o cial luxury apartments of the Las Vegas Raiders
PT’s Taverns celebrated the opening of its latest addition with the debut of the new Great American Pub location at 6945 S. Bu alo Drive.
Continuing to make history as the first casino resort in Las Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe, the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority named Stephen Thayer, long-time hotelier and casino executive, as general manager of Palms. Most recently, Thayer was general manager of the Strat. Previously, he spent many years leading hotel operations for Caesars Entertainment in both Atlantic City and Las Vegas.
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig added shareholder Joel Tasca to its litigation practice in the Las Vegas o ce. Tasca joins the firm from Ballard Spahr, where he has spent his entire legal career. Tasca represents national consumer-facing companies, such as banks and other major financial institutions, casinos, online travel companies and gyms, in individual and class actions brought under federal and state consumer protection laws.
Joshua Gilmore, a partner with Bailey Kennedy, has been named to the 2024 U.S. Benchmark Litigation 40 and Under list which features successful, rising talent in litigation across the nation. He specializes in complex commercial litigation and ethics and professional responsibility.
Cashless payments firms Marker
Trax and Koin welcomed Tina Robinson as new senior vice president of gaming compliance for both companies. Robinson has a wealth of knowledge and experience across multiple regulatory jurisdictions, a critical experience base as Marker Trax and Koin continue growing.
Grand Canyon Development Partners, a Las Vegas-based commercial development and construction management company, hired Vinny Lapierre as a project manager. He has over 20 years of experience and oversight of all aspects of project management production within the construction industry. His background in design, estimation and execution of high-level commercial projects has prepared him to take on his new role.
This event draws over 1,400 local undergrads, grads, and alumni, offering access to a wide range of skills and expertise from one of the nation’s most diverse universities! Contact careerworkforce@unlv.edu to register.
Sponsorship opportunities available, contact Kristine Anassian, Assistant Director of Employer Engagement at kristine.anassian@unlv.edu
TeenTober2024
Th e seadoes not like toberestraine d
Teen Escape Room - The Jewel of Atlantis
Saturday, October 5: multiple hours.
Rainbow Library
Explore the lost city of Atlantis. Can you unlock its mysteries and escape before time runs out?
Oh My Gouache (OMG!) - a TeenTober event
Wednesday, October 9: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Indian Springs Library
Our teens-only creative space has arts, crafts, poetry & writing!
Fandom Club - Horror Movie Monsters
Wednesday, October 9: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Centennial Hills Library
Celebrate being a fan or learn about a new fandom!
Hocus Pocus - Pop Up!
Thursday, October 10: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Clark County Library
Meet us in the Best Buy Teen Tech Center for a themed event of the cult classic film!
Art Block - Sea Monster Diorama
Thursday, October 10: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
East Las Vegas Library
Struggling to get out of an artist’s block? Feel inspired at Art Block, where creativity knows no bounds!
Teen Crafternoon - Zombie Barbie
Dolls from the Deep
Friday, October 11: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Centennial Hills Library
Express yourself and join us for some fun crafting and socializing!
TeenTober A Whole Month of Frighteningly Fun Events Just
for Teens!
Teens can have a scary good time learning new skills and discovering how The Library District can help them pursue their passions and achieve their dreams with our FREE events!
This year’s theme is inspired by Greek mythology and the “Percy Jackson” book series.
TeenTober Lock-in
Friday, October 11: 5:45 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Moapa Valley Library
Teen activities after hours!
STEAM for Teens - Ghostly Illusions
Monday, October 14: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Rainbow Library
Explore the illusion of Pepper’s Ghost using refracted images from your phone.
TeenTober: Teen Camp In
Wednesday, October 16: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
West Charleston Library
Share spooky stories, make camp crafts, and complete Percy Jackson trivia!
Whitney Haunted House
Thursday, October 17: 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Whitney Library
Get Ready for a Spine-Chilling Experience!
Subsanity - Teen Metal Band
Thursday, October 17: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Windmill Library
Check out local Rock-metal band and Henderson Battle of the Bands winner, Subsanity, for an evening of headbanging fun!
STEAM Teens: Ghosts, Holograms, and Tupac
Tuesday, October 29: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunrise Library
We’ll study Pepper’s Ghost of the 19th Century and relate it to the controversial hologram of Tupac at Coachella years after his death.
District-wide, all month long in October. Visit TheLibraryDistrict.org or scan here for more.
SEVEN LIONS RUSSELL DICKERSON
AND MORE!
free event • downtown las vegas nov 22 - 24, 2024
MAKE CIRCA RESORT & CASINO YOUR TOP DESTINATION FOR THE NEON CITY FESTIVAL.
