Hello From Las Vegas! – Wow, wow, wow. If you are thinking you have not heard from me in longer-than-usual, you are correct! It seems like every time we were ready to publish, more dust would get kicked up in the ever-changing details of Las Vegas opening.

This will essentially be a double-issue. No, I don’t mean twice as much of every feature. You’ll notice it is simply MUCH longer than normal. Most of you are just now thinking about when to make travel plans, looking many weeks or months out, trying to make heads of tails of the situation. Which is why we’re here to help!

And, for our Supporting (Paid) Members who wanted to come much sooner than later, they have been able to reach out to us through our “Your Guy In Vegas” form (where we guarantee to do our best to answer specific member questions), or ask something in our Insider Vibe Members Facebook Group.

For those wanting a great, in-depth and photo-filled account of what it was like to be here the first coupe of weeks things were open, we highly suggest clicking over to read Vegas is open again, but is it worth the visit? by our friends at TravelZork. Head Zork Michael Trager pulls no punches!

Let me note that he’s not very kind of Caesars Entertainment’s evidence of using the health restrictions to cost-cut on services. Let’s keep in mind that the Caesars/Eldorado merger has been approved. Very soon, Eldorado Gaming will taking over Caesars (taking on the Caesars name) and current actions are no reflection on the way new ownership and management may run the resorts. I have a pretty good feeling about Eldorado, which is fodder for a future issue.

Note On Politics: I’ve been doing this newsletter since 1999 and been putting Las Vegas related information on the internet since 1995. I’m also no stranger to having an educated opinion. I’ve been outspoken in the media about parking and resort fees, nickel-and-diming, and why the need to charge $21 for a a cocktail in Las Vegas. (Unless you are paying for the ambiance of a club. Or a view. Or, both).

In fact, that is why we’ve had a move to being member-supported. By buying myself and my team a “cup of coffee” each month, you help us move positive change forward without worrying that upset this or that casino company.

Even though I’ve never missed a presidential election since I started voting 36 years ago, and only missed 5 total in all of that time, I’m not here to tell you why to think my way. I’m here to tell you what is happening, and what you need to know, when it comes to Las Vegas.

I realize that wearing (or not wearing) masks in incredibly political for some. If you don’t like what is going on, write the governor. If you like what is going on, write the governor. The bottom line is that for everyone who stays away due to mask rules, another person who was staying away with visit because of them. So, for me, it is a wash. For you? It is my job to give you all the knowledge, rules, and details to allow you to make an informed decision.

So, let’s get on to…

Masks And Rules – Masks are now mandatory in public, in the state of Nevada. Public transit, airports, more of less anywhere outside your house or car or hotel room. They can be just about anything that is cloth and covers your mouth and nose. A bandana, something you make at home, the traditional medical or store bought masks, you name it. You are not required to go out and buy some kind of certified or special type of mask.

When do you have to wear your mask? How seriously are the casinos taking this? What kind of enforcement is there indoors? What will the police do if you don’t have one on? Why did Nevada take such a drastic step when our hospital projections are fine, and our death rate continues to be microscopic? How should all of this affect you as you ponder if and when to plan a visit?

We went into ALL of that and much more in our June 30, 2020 Supporting (Paid) Members issue. If you choose to get on board (less than three bucks a month for a full year, with a 60-day money-back guarantee if you don’t find yourself getting far more value that the couple of bucks and change you toss us), you can then access this report immediately, right here: June 30, 2020 Access Vegas Insider Vibe Members Issue.

Elevators Away! – An extreme downside of social distancing was the prescribed (and not always enforced) limit of four people per elevator. Which caused lines in properties enforcing it. Now that masks are mandated, we’re understanding that those limits are not needed.

Lines For Pools – A downside of social distancing mandates at the pools is that they continue to be limited to 50% capacity. Right here in our glorious middle-of-summer “but, it’s a dry heat” season. When the most people want to enjoy the pool! (Plus, with not everything yet open, that is one activity you can do).

Once that limit is reached, a line forms. One in, one out..

Don’t Pay That Resort Fee! – While no hard and fast rule, people are having some success getting their resort fees removed. Simply by asking, noting that they are here even though they have to wear a mask, etc.

HOWEVER… Due to something we’re very aware of that isn’t common knowledge out there (good luck finding this one on the hours you choose to spend online finding your own Las Vegas info), there is a pretty effective ace-in-the-hole you can add to the above that gives you a very high chance at getting those fees removed.

You are talking about getting $100 or more removed from your bill upon check-out depending on where you stay and length of stay. No, it doesn’t involve confrontation, creating a storm, causing problems or anything of that nature. It is something you can simply point out that they won’t have a refute for. Which will pretty much give them little choice but to remove your fees!

THAT information is for Supporting (Paid) Members only. Regular readers know that we put out info that will help you on your next visit issue after issue after issue, and all we ask is that you toss me and me team a “cup of coffee” per month.

You can get instant access to all the current info, AND stay looped on everything you know so you’ll have expert advise before you decide exactly when you want to think about scheduling your next visit.

We’re up on it all, without all of the bad internet rumor, misinformation, and current political wars you have to wade though in the hours you may be spending trying to get the latest about Las Vegas online.

PLUS, while many gladly pay $34.80 per year for Membership, right now, we’ll knock it under $30, with the promo code 5NOW. That comes out to UNDER $2.50 per month, to have access to our team of experts and guides with nearly 100 years of “boots on the ground” Las Vegas experience in our field.

If you need a refresher on ALL of the Members Benefits, click to Members.AccessVegas.com 

If you simply are ready to dive in and get your immediate access NOW, please head directly to our

Access Vegas Insider Vibe
Membership Checkout Page

Put the coupon code 5NOW in the first box, and watch your immediate saving kick in!

Rollers, Not Stollers – Circa Las Vegas (site of the old Las Vegas Club), is opening early! On Oct. 28, 2020 they will open the casino, five hotel floors, and all but one restaurant. Reservations are now being accepted here: bit.ly/3fSIyc3. The hotel will open in its entirety in late December, just in time for New Years Eve.

Of very interesting note: This properrty will be 21 and over. Period. No guests of any kind under 21. No families. No rooms booked to anyone whose party contains people under 21.

Relax in retro style. Then enjoy all the perks of being an adult. Rooms are available starting December 28. Book now at https://t.co/9Qp848hRzG; to ring in a new era of classic Vegas, downtown at the city’s only 21+ resort. #CircaLasVegaspic.twitter.com/dPETFn9gut

— Circa Las Vegas (@CircaLasVegas) June 24, 2020

Owner Derek Stevens joked that he ran out of money before they were able to build an arcade. The bottom line is that he wants gamblers. Period. A casino focused on gambling. What a novel concept when MGM Resorts has spent the past few years often putting out advertising that had little (and often no) depiction of gambling in it!

Resort World Won’t Be Far Behind – Sitting on the former Stardust site, this massive project is topped out, landscaping is going in, and the lettering on the building has commenced. (I walked out of my local CVS a few days ago, looked over, and went “Wow”).

Of interesting note, they won’t need to put on building wraps to advertise whatever they want to feature: Nearly the entire west tower facing down The Strip is a video wall. No, we’re not kidding. It is HUGE and it is impressive. As we expect the resort to be.

If you want a sneak peak a the rooms, check this out: Resorts World Las Vegas unveils guestroom designs

PS Keep in mind,… there is little that myself and our advisory team don’t know. We have nearly 100 years combined “boots on the ground” experience here in Las Vegas tourism. Join us here: Members.AccessVegas.com with coupon code 5NOW

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Note From Ted:

Members Mania is a regular feature for our Supporting (Paid) Members. Membership includes our “Your Guy In Vegas” feature, where you can reach out to myself and our paid staff of experts with your specific Vegas questions. We don’t have “canned” answers. We’ll ask you for some details pertaining to your wants and needs. Then, answer accordingly.

June 16 at 2:56 PM Hi Ted. Could give us some reviews of how people are feeling about the new restrictions on table games, most importantly for me is blackjack and how the new “experience” working. Hope you’re healing up.

Kip Petersen

Ted Responds:

People are playing. It all really depends. Bad answer, I understand.

You can take down your mask to drink or smoke (although, you may be asked to step away from the table to take the drag of smoke).

Because so many people are SO divided on masks, the answer lies along your preferences. If you are among the “no mask ever” crowd, or someone who feels it will infringe on your fun, then don’t visit yet.

If you are someone who is “we must wear masks” or “I’m fine wearing them, that’s what is happening this moment”, then those people are having a fun time.

We are featuring Member Michael Trager’s excellent blog post on visiting in the current Las Vegas, and it is worth a read for someone with your concerns.

Hope this helps as much as possible! In a time when so many people have so many different views on everything regarding this kind of topic, there is no “hard and fast” answer.

Michael Trager of TravelZork also chimed in on this one on Facebook: I played close to 14 hours of dice opening weekend. Thursday, Friday, Saturday. At Caesars. I wanted the mask experience. Things are in constant flux, but I did step away and pull down my mask to drink and smoke. I finished my trip with four hours of dice at Wynn. No mask.You get used to the mask. Biggest issue at dice is you need to speak louder with a mask.

Hi Ted

I thought you’d like to hear how our recent vacation went, given that I asked for your advice on a Grand Canyon trip for my sons. They had a wonderful time with Vegas Daze – pick up was waiting for them even though we were early. Everything went well and the photos were amazing. A great experience.

As very regular visitors to Vegas. It might be useful to you and perhaps some of your readers, particularly from the UK, to feedback on elements of our trip. We stayed at Caesars, primarily for the pools which we think are the best on the strip. The line for check in was so long that I estimated, based on previous experiences, that it might well take 2-3 hours.

After a 24 hour travel time, I wasn’t impressed and I complained at the VIP check in. A very courteous member of the team checked us all in and upgraded us at the same time. Brits don’t often complain but I am learning the ropes and yes, a tip does help. We have stayed at Caesars a couple of times before but probably won’t go back. We’re staying at The D in March for a different vibe. We’d booked Rao’s in Caesars for my husband’s birthday dinner but were really disappointed with the service and the fixed price menu in Mr Chow only works if you are a group of four and you like everything offered, as the menu is equally fixed with no individual choices of dish.

We always go back to Charlie Palmer’s in Four Seasons – we love their menu and the staff remember us each time we visit. We are also fans of Sinatra’s in Encore – it’s a beautiful restaurant and although we’ve not always had the best food, this time everything was perfect and the staff are attentive and helpful without being invasive.

Having the boys with us this time we ventured to go axe throwing – we had a brilliant time. Although we arrived late due to a mix up on our booking with Expedia, the team accommodated us without question and allowed us extra time at the end – an hour goes really quickly and we all wanted to get that final bullseye before we left. Well worth the $20.

Thank you to all those who were driving past the Little Church of the West, when my husband and I were having our photo taken after renewing our vows and sounded their horns in celebration with us. It made our day.

Finally, and I know this is always on your radar too, the resort fees are ridiculous. On checkout we had additional visits to the gym charged to our account – although we managed to get these removed the thought that perhaps only one visit to the gym each day is covered by the resort fee is crazy. Our two rooms for 12 nights racked up a resort fee bill alone of some $1000. The standard wi-fi was wholly inadequate and dropped out all the time but to upgrade was an eye-watering $14.99 per day!

We will keep coming back, as long as health prevails, and next time we will venture off the Strip even more to some of the restaurants the locals go to – I’ve made a note of your recommendations. Thank you and the team for your advice and news stories.

Best wishes. Pauline

Ted Responds:

This is a pre-shutdown trip report that we’re repeating because it may have gotten lost in the shuffle (or, you weren’t checking for a while between trips and are getting caught up)!

Can I get an honest opinion on downtown Vegas? I’m torn between strip or downtown I’m really considering the plaza and the awesome deal there offering I’ve never been downtown just the strip. I just need the extra boost I guess from you guys on what I should do.

Brock Daniel Lambertson

Ted Responds:

You’ve come to the right place! Our Supporting (Paid) Members can use the “Your Guy In Vegas” form feature to access the knowledge of our staff, guides, and partners who have upwards of 100 years of Las Vegas tourism experience, much of it “boots on the ground”.

Do NOT stay downtown if you have not yet visited downtown! I don’t care how good the deal is. Should everyone do downtown one evening? Or afternoon into evening so you can take in Fremont East, enjoy dinner at one of the many places in Container Park or Le Thai or the hidden gems on the handful of blocks surrounding that area. Which will be a coming feature in a Member’s Edition.

However, downtown is its own thing. If you want to really drink and gamble and do so in a way that won’t break your wallet, and that is pretty much the goal of your trip (plus a side visit to Mob Museum, Neon Museum, and the Art’s District — another still “best kept downtown secret” we’ve been informing Members about), then staying downtown could very much be for you.

However, if you are going to spend much/most of your time on The Strip, the time and cost of going back and forth will talke a toll, and you are better off spending a bit more for a Strip room.

Visit downtown first. For an afternoon and evening. THEN, you’ll have a far better idea.

Hope this helps!

We have answers to your Vegas questions!

But, you have to ask the questions.

Email us at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com, and let us know, what YOU want to know!

Hello From Las Vegas! – Vegas is back when? Man, I wish I had an answer. My educated guesstimate was May 15. We continue to have falling numbers, peak was long ago, curve flattened, casino plans in place (which will make them safer than anywhere else you venture). 

Casinos were ready, willing, and able. As we’ve seen from regional casino openings, there certainly is demand. With Los Angeles locked down until the end of the world, there is no shortage of drive-in visitors ready to come have fun.

However, it has become extremely clear that our Governor continues to have no plan. We’re in Phase 1 of what may be 4 phases. We think. They do not mirror the White House phases (which only has 3 phases). He said casinos may open during Phase 3 or Phase 4.

It is appearing that our governor is among those who will simply be keeping things shut down as long as possible. Period. Every aspect of the tourism and gaming industry is sitting here twiddling our thumbs. The fact that, for the first time in the history of Nevada, a governor is thumbing his nose at the very industry which fuels the entire state is also a strange quirk. Past that, I’ll leave things to your own assumptions.

So, Let’s Get Back To Talking Vegas! – I have backlogged stuff to write about. Las Vegas will be back, and we’ll get back to the inside info, helpful tips, and everything that helps you have a better visit next time. Because, there WILL be a next time. Even if the governor gets recalled to get us to the point we open back up.

But, let’s get to one more interesting thought you won’t (yet) read elsewhere. Although, if it does not get written about in the media soon, I’ll be submitting it as an op-ed to our paper:

We Already Were The Petri Dish – Our Mayor got lambasted for suggesting — in a very testy interview with Anderson Cooper — that Las Vegas should open and possibly be a Petri dish to see what happens. What everybody does not know is… We already were. In January. Let’s run though this:

– University of Southern California found out that Covid-19 had already been a thing in Southern California for some time: USC antibody study suggests hundreds of thousands in LA County may have had coronavirus This means long before quarantine and lockdown, Southern Californians (which make up upwards of 25% our our visitors, driving in), were here having a party. Having a good time. No distancing, no masks, no nothing.

– More than 175,000 industry professionals, including more than 61,000 from outside the U.S., were in Las Vegas in January for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). As it was an electronics show, there was a significant contingent from China. (Or, as the President says, SHHIINNAH). Interacting not only with each other, but with hotel employees, bartenders, wait staff, drivers, the massive number of locals staffing the convention center… I could go on and on.

So, all of those locals got sick and brought Covid-19 home with them every night and we had a pandemic, and the hospitals got overwhelmed, and we all died.

I guess not.

Were there anecdotal reports of a weird flu going around the next couple of weeks? Yes. Absolutely. Not pretending it didn’t exist. However, that was that and life went on.

Having said all of that, and for the (probably) 47th time: STAY HOME if you have any concerns at all. Whether you are older, have health issues, are simply being extra careful, or you believe that opening up (as the nation is doing) will lead to a resurgence and millions of deaths, there is absolutely no hurry to return to Las Vegas!

We’ll publish again next week to make up for the week I missed while flat on my back in traction (not to mention surgery and recovery). At that time, we’ll go over more of what to expect as most casinos are putting their plans in place, what will and won’t be open when, and information along those lines. I wish we knew more now. As noted, I’m privy to as much info as almost everybody. Even the CEO’s of the casino company have absolutely no clue what the governor is up to, nor when he may think about letting hotel resorts reopen.

ALSO, members keep in mind that you can contact us in the members area with specific questions about planning for your next visit. I won’t lie: For the first time ever (literally), we don’t have all the answers. But, as always, we look at your specific situation and questions and we’ll do the best we can to inform you of what we know to date.

Stay safe, everyone. We’ll be open when you are ready.

Next Week – Vegas, Vegas, Vegas. Backloads of Vegas. Back to normal with this newsletter, and hopefully over the next weeks and months, back to normal for all of us.

Since The Governor Is MIA – The promo code ACCESS2020 is still good for a full year where, for less than the price of a cup of coffee per month, you get access to all of the info that does NOT go here in our free edition, all of our archives, 12 special Vegas Visitor “must have” reports you won’t find elsewhere on the internet, and much more at Members.AccessVegas.com 

The day the governor announces an actual opening date, that comes down. Immediately on the day he sets a date. Not on opening date.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Our plans for Las Vegas this year is to try and get there twice! We usually stay 5 nights and we always make time for the newbie things to do/go see. We don’t always stay in the same place, though we do prefer the strip so we don’t have to drive around at night (in case we want to relax and not get a DUI) and can casino hop if one place gets too stale.

The energy is awesome in Las Vegas, so we try to casino hop as much as we can. We have also visited the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, Rick’s Restoration and Danny Koker’s auto shop (which is a must see if you like autos!!!) which is something to do out of the norm of regular tours/casinos/shopping. I usually get to go a second time when the Girls Only trip happens in July. Yea, it’s a hot time to be there, but we laugh in spite of ourselves and have a wonderful time just the same! Hey, it’s Vegas Baby!!

Best,

Sharon Ball

Ted Responds:

Good suggestions all around. Danny is a character and is true-to-life! I was at my local Carl’s Jr. at Sahara and Valley View a few months ago. I was inside picking up an order. The clerk goes to me ‘The Count’ is in the drive through!” (This is on his way home from his shop, so makes sense). When he pulled around, it was dark out, but he was driving what was obviously a pimped-out 70’s luxury ride.

Also, if you are an aging “metal head” (I plead guilty), he owns Counts Vamped about 10 minutes west of The Strip on West Sahara. It is a rock ‘n’ roll bar and grill which regularly hosts retro rock/metal acts like Bullet Boys, Geoff Tate, Y&T, Britney Fox, Lynch Mob, Femme Fatal, and similar. If this is for you, you may want to check out their site before your next visit.

Do you refuse to put your reward card in the slot machine after a decent win?

Tom Tani

Ted Responds:

No, no, no, no, and… no!

Every spin or button hit of a machine is completely random. It is not based on what just happened on the last deal. The computer that runs the gambling portion of the machine does not know if there is a slot club card in the machine or not.

All you ever do by playing without your card is losing out on comps.

There is one exception! And, to check that out, PLEASE read the special report in our Members Area titled How To Con The Casino Computers Into Comping You More!

We have answers to your Vegas questions!

But, you have to ask the questions.

Email us at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com, and let us know, what YOU want to know!

Hello From Las Vegas! – Good news out of Nevada, where it appears our peak was not the predicted April 19 (previously April 22), but we peaked on April 8. Nobody is pretending that all is well, and our hearts go out to areas like New York, which are particularly hard hit.

We’ll deal with the closure as it stands now, talk about what is on the horizon as we reopen, and then get back to a few backlogged “business as usual” info/tips/news.

Important Note: If you are new to the classroom or simply missed our previous two issues/emails, we aren’t going to go over the details of how things will open, what will be open, and all of that again. You may wish to catch up here first:

• Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 5, 2020
• Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 26, 2020

While the White House has suggested that governors who wish to* can commence moving toward reopening, Nevada’s Governor Sisolak very recently noted that he’s not reopening Nevada anytime soon. Unlike his counterpart in California, he has not yet even laid out a plan. (Internally, I can tell you that the gaming industry is finding the “no plan yet” concerning, as they don’t have a blueprint to start to study. This was backed up during comments from Donald Trump, when asked about the Nevada situation in Sunday’s briefing).

* The White House has maintained its stance that each governor is responsible for these decisions in their own states. The federal government has never done more than provide suggestions. If you feel strongly one way or the other, write your governor. Write our governor. Not the president.

And, the governor of Utah also has laid out a reopening plan that starts May 1. Utah is very similar to us in size, population, geography, weather, and similar.

Wynn Resorts put out a 20 page PDF plan and a statement from their CEO which said (in part):

Currently, Nevada is well positioned relative to many other states. Clearly we will see increases in cases as we accelerate testing. The Roosevelt aircraft carrier data has shown that of the hundreds of sailors that have tested positive, the majority are asymptomatic. Stanford University just published research that COVID-19 cases could be 50x higher than reported given the vast amount of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic individuals. That means as we increase testing, we will see more cases.

So I believe it is critical to monitor our hospitalizations as we increase testing. We passed our “peak” hospitalizations based on most national models and our hospitals were not overrun. Our COVID-19 related deaths per million are below the national average. We have also acquired enough personal protective equipment (PPE) through a public-private partnership to sufficiently supply our medical community that we all rely on for months.

The tone of his notes were that more testing would mean more cases, but if that doesn’t result in more hospitalizations or deaths (numbers which have appeared to peak), then we’ll continue gingerly moving forward. You can read his entire statement plus look at the 20 page PDF here: A plan to re-open Nevada By Matt Maddox

I have had people wonder how I could be so confident in my conservative numbers and “Vegas will open sooner than later” (spring, not summer, fall, winter, or never) when the nightly news was all doom and gloom and “millions are going to die”. That was actually pretty simple:

I didn’t watch the nightly news. I spent upwards of an hour a day looking at trends, models, and numbers while watching or listening to the daily White House briefings.. The bottom line is that the death numbers never came close to the media claims. Ventilators not needed, hospital ships under-used, no shortage of the malaria drug.

Even just a couple of weeks ago, we were told that 100k-240k people will perish EVEN if we all stay home. Those numbers were also wildly way too high. (Which is awesome! Every death projected but avoided is worthy of celebration).

By the way, we were warned that these numbers were crazy high back on March 26, but everyone seemed to be happier saying “the sky is falling”. Even when we were told that Italy’s deaths mostly involved people already ill (from Bloomburg, none-the-less, not exactly  a right-wing conspiracy site).

I can already hear some saying “THOSE NUMBERS WERE LOWER BECAUSE WE ALL STAYED HOME (YOU MORON)!”

Hold on just a second: Remember a couple of weeks ago when the CDC said (only) 100k-240k would die if we stayed home? The staying home part was already accounted for in the numbers prediction! IE, the numbers would be those if we stayed at home, and a lot worse if we didn’t quarantine.

However, those death numbers — even though more testing means more reported cases — simply aren’t spiking up outside of the New York area. Which is not only 2500 miles from where I’m sitting, but an area with a population density unimaginable out here.

Add to that, it is starting to appear that we have scientific proof that sunlight kills the virus. Well… we’re going to be in the high 80’s next week, and rarely have a shortage of sunshine!

The bottom line is that this virus isn’t as potent or harmful as originally thought. Don’t get me wrong: If you are older, or immune compromised in any way, all of the White House guidelines note one should practice isolation as much as possible. I’m not taking the possibility of death lightly here.

Past that, Wynn’s report on the steps for safety they will be taking are in large part what we already had told you in the past few weeks (regarding what to expect). If you are new to the classroom or have been away, you did read the two links at the top and get caught up, right?

Weeks ago (literally), I told you that Las Vegas could very well be as safe (or even safer) than staying home and going about your business in your area. Once again, people thought I was nuts. Well…

A former Marine intelligence officer who was part of the team that did the baseline training for North American military pandemic preparedness said Las Vegas could become the destination for people looking stay healthy while traveling.

Full story here: The strengths and weaknesses of Las Vegas moving forward

So… why the stark difference between my analysis and your nightly news? Simple: The difference in the goals of the nightly news vs. what we do here. They need to keep you scared so you’ll keep watching. You tune out, they lose out. As our main focus is member-supported, our only obligation is the give you the most accurate info and help possible.

Whether that makes you decide to stay home until next year, book an October trip (our nicest weather month), or you are going to gamble on our (still) guesstimate of mid-May casino restart date, you’re among the most informed visitors now, period. (As our members always are).

Speaking Of …– We’ve included much of what is usually only available to our Supporting (Paid) Members here in the free subscriber issue to help keep everybody up on when they can return to their favorite vacation spot, and what to expect. However… keep in mind that the extension of our “Save 20% Off Membership In 2020” (for a full-year, 365 membership) with the guarantee that if you don’t visit in the next 365 days, we comp you an additional year, won’t be lasting much longer.

As a refresher, the day that our governor announces an opening date, that announcement day WILL be it for that promotion. We’ve already extended it well beyond its planned expiration date due to the current situation. If you were riding the fence of indecision because your friends were telling you that the world won’t be open until 2022, you may wish to re-think this. This could very well be our last mention as our next issue is not for another two weeks.

Go to www.Join.Vegas and use the coupon code ACCESS2020  With gaming outlining their plans and neighboring states ramping up, our “I don’t have a plan” governor is highly likely to be announcing one sooner than later.

Moving Forward… – We’ve already gone over what Las Vegas will likely be like during the first couple of months in our last issue. A major change being discussed now are masks and gloves among all casino employees, including dealers. This will certainly be a change for casinos who previously did not allow masks of any kind. Including Halloween.

Good Cheap Eats In The Arts District – I’ve been at the forefront of telling our Supporting (Paid) Members about the Arts District. Which hasn’t been on the radar of virtually any other Las Vegas blog, podcast, group… or just about any other source.

Part of me doesn’t want to share much about it, because it is a best kept secret. However, since many of you DO venture downtown (or stay downtown and hit The Strip), and given that the Arts District is between the two, and given that is is the home of some amazing eating-and-drinking spots at solid locals pricing, I’m suggesting people ignore it at their own peril.

We’ve suggested spots where the combination of the dining bill plus your Uber ride will be less expensive than anything similar on The Strip to some really thankful member comments. I’ll toss you free subscribers one you can’t go wrong with:

Albo’s Pizza is your typical pizza/wings/burgers/hogies spot just a few blocks north of The Strat, right on Las Vegas Blvd. (The Strip road). I probably order delivery from it 2-3 times per month (their pizza is very solid for the price, the wings are good, certainly not gourmet joint, but certainly decent for the money). Well… Albo’s was just picked as a 5 top options for cheap Italian eats in Las Vegas. So, congrats to them!

Construction (Mostly) Continues – Downtown Grand, Circa, Resorts World, and Allegiant Stadium are all moving along and seemingly on schedule. Sports fans may have heard the crazy rumors that The Raiders may play a few game in San Antonio, El Paso, Salt Lake City or who knows where if the stadium does not meet completion date.

First of all, this is Las Vegas. Highly unlikely that any obstacles to on-time completion won’t be overcome. Doing stuff like this is what we do! Second, The Raiders have invested too much into the community to not attempt to play here. 

I’m not saying one or two of their “home” pre-season games won’t be played elsewhere. Playing a game in Salt Lake City is a nice way to build a regional fan base. However, if push comes to shove, expect them to play in UNLV’s old home of Sam Boyd Stadium, on the far east side of Las Vegas.

Sharp eyes may have noted we left out The Drew on this list. (The hulking blue building north of Wynn/Encore). They seemed to be having delays announcing financing before this mess hit. With how quickly and strongly visitation returns, and how well we absorb all of the new rooms under construction, I’m not bullish that we’ll see it finished in the next 2-3 years. But, I do hope I’m wrong! (I only live 10 minutes from it).

Stay safe, everyone. We’ll be open when you are ready to travel.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Note From Ted:

Members Mania is a regular feature for our Supporting (Paid) Members. Membership includes our “Your Guy In Vegas” feature, where you can reach out to myself and our paid staff of experts with your specific Vegas questions. We don’t have “canned” answers. We’ll ask you for some details pertaining you your wants and needs. Then, answer accordingly.

Our group, all in their mid to late 40s, got asked for ID before entering Park on Fremont. As one of us didn’t have photo ID on them, we were refused entry. Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum also asked for ID but let us all in even with one ID missing. Lesson learnt, request for ID at Atomic Liquors met with all of us presenting! Is this a law change in Vegas? Never been carded before in all our previous visits.

Andrew Fry

Ted Responds:

Clark County, which is all of Las Vegas, is very, very, very tight when it comes to ID and liquor.

Yes, I realize that 99% of the time, you go to a bar in the tourism areas and there is no issue. Especially if you are obviously of age.

Having said that, establishments who are either really concerned about getting in trouble, or who perhaps have had past trouble, card EVERYONE.

I’m 54. There is a corner convenience store a couple of blocks from me who cards me. Every time. They don’t even want to have any trouble. I’ve seen people older than me carded there.

Also, the bottom line is that you are expected to have you ID on you at all times here in Las Vegas. When drinking or gambling. It is on you to have legit ID which proves your age.

At the end of the day, a Metro (our police) officer explained it to me like this:

If something happens to you, it is best to have ID on you. You really don’t want to end up in the hospital, or super-drunk and separated from your friends, without them having a way to know who you are. And, to figure out who they need to try to contact.

Or, having your friends call hospitals, who can’t tell you whether your friend is there. Because they don’t know their name.

Trust Me: No one here wants to lose any of your business. When someone lacks ID, there are numerous concerns for smaller business — ranging from losing their liquor license, to not knowing why someone without ID is in their business — which concern them.

We have answers to your Vegas questions!

But, you have to ask the questions.

Email us at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com, and let us know, what YOU want to know!