Fireworks!

Fireworks!
Local Shows

°

Homepage / Travel
Text Size

Queen, Trump Coming To Las Vegas

Partnership Forming To Run Binion's Horseshoe

UPDATED: 9:15 a.m. EST March 1, 2004

You can say you heard it here first. Just days after I published the letter to me and my readers from Queen band member Brian May, public-relations folks with Paris Las Vegas officially announced "We Will Rock You" will open at the hotel in September.

The musical, which features 25 classic Queen songs, has been playing in London and other cities for more than a year. The Paris Las Vegas production will be the first in the United States.


An update on the still-closed Binion's Horseshoe ... The deals are flying fast and furious and are so complex that I'm not even sure I understand them fully, but here's what appears to be happening:

MTR Gaming, a small casino operator with properties in North Las Vegas (Speedway Casino) and elsewhere in the United States, has agreed to buy Binion's in a partnership of sorts with Harrah's. Harrah's will manage the casino for at least a year and retain rights to the Horseshoe name, while MTR will manage the hotel and take the Binion's name.

The important thing is they are aiming to have the lights back on by April 1 and host the World Series of Poker on April 22.

This is all if they can settle the dispute with the various people who own the parcels of land the Horseshoe sits upon. Apparently, the land is leased by a conglomeration of landlords who claim they hadn't been getting paid by the old owners. The new MTR/Harrah's deal has no compensation built in for that missed rent and the landlords are threatening to scuttle the deal if they don't get the back rent they are owed. Harrah's and MTR are basically saying "tough noogies," which has not ingratiated them with the landlords.

Those are my words, not theirs, by the way.


A group of local small casino operators has agreed to an option to purchase the still-closed Castaways hotel just east of downtown. I hadn't even heard of the tiny casinos these people operate, so I won't bother to list them here, but whether they'll actually manage to leap over all the hurdles and raise the necessary cash to get the joint back open is seriously questionable.


First NBC, now the world? Donald Trump officially has a gaming license in Nevada, after the state gaming commission gave him unanimous approval last week. What "The Apprentice" mastermind is going to do with that license is still in question, and the Donald is not letting any cats out of any bags.

Some speculation has placed him in partnership with Phil Ruffin, owner of the New Frontier, or redeveloping the Riviera but in statements to the commission he cast doubt on both of those ideas.


There's been a slight delay in the opening of the Las Vegas Monorail project, now scheduled for late March instead of this week. Operators of the system will only say that additional testing is required and it has absolutely nothing to do with the Jan. 5 incident where the driveshaft fell out of one of the monorails and fell on the roadway beneath, narrowly missing cars and pedestrians.


There was a really interesting story in the Las Vegas Review Journal about some of the city's cab drivers "long-hauling" passengers. That's where they take them the long way to their destination in order to boost fares. It's a relatively minor problem but you should be aware of the situation and the advice given in the very well-written article.

The investigative reporter also details how some cabbies even acted as pimps, attempting to ply him with offers of various sexual escapades with girls of all stripes and colors while he was in town. Here's the link to that story.

This Week's Trivia

Q: Treasure Island is going by the new name -- the T.I. What hotel was nicknamed the D.I.? ANSWER

The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.com

The Full Story

In Next Week's Column

Next week: The latest from Las Vegas.

Plus, don't forget to send me your questions about Las Vegas. I've got room for more, so send them in today!

Click here to go to the main page of Vegas4Visitors.com and see all of the fantastic resources Vegas4Visitors has to offer you when planning your next trip to Las Vegas.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Learn to train and eat the right way and you can lose that unwanted weight and keep it off! More

It’s easy for us to go with the quick and unhealthy option when it’s time to grab lunch during a busy work day. Get tips on how to eat healthier at work. More

Get 4 Disney Movies for $1.99 plus free shipping and handling. Enjoy all the Disney classics as well as new releases. More

If you’re looking for a part time job to help make ends meet, here are four companies that can help you with more than just a paycheck. More

Most Popular

Marketplace

  • JobsClick to Expand

    • Interview Take-Along Checklist

      You’re interviewing for a job tomorrow, and you think you’re prepared. We’ve created this handy checklist so you won’t forget a thing.

    • Select The Right Career Path

      Whether you're a college student preparing for graduation or an established professional unsure about a midlife change, deciding upon a career can be difficult.

    • Avoid These 7 Cover Letter Mistakes

      While some employers don't bother reading cover letters, most do. And they will quickly eliminate you if you make these mistakes.

    • Job Termination & Your Resume

      No matter how you left, you need to present the best accomplishments you made at the job to prospective employers.

  • WomenClick to Expand

    • Healthy Living In Your 40s

      Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

    • Manage Stress, Find Balance

      The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

    • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

      Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

  • InsuranceClick to Expand

    • Auto Insurance Quotes

      Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

    • Health Insurance Quotes

      No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

    • Home Insurance Quotes

      Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

    • Life Insurance Quotes

      What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

    • Business Insurance Quotes

      Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

  • BudgetingClick to Expand

  • Your LifeClick to Expand

Question Of The Day

What are your plans for the fourth of July holiday weekend?