If you’re like the Gorilla, you have probably visited Las Vegas several times, or perhaps it’s among your favorite places to visit. Well, as if there weren’t enough hotels and attractions to accommodate every individual who visits, there are about to be even more. Don’t get him wrong, the Gorilla loves the idea of more growth in Vegas. In fact the term, “bring it on” pretty much relays the excitement he feels each time he hears about another new hotel being constructed there. So when in the early morning hours of today, the historic New Frontier Casino was imploded to make room for another bigger, better, more luxurious Casino/Resort, the Gorilla felt a wave of excitement!
Now, too much growth is just, well, too much, right? Well, yes, that is certainly true where preserving areas of wildlife and endangered species’ habitats are concerned, but not in this mecca of adult (and now more family) oriented play and fun. The New Frontier’s implosion now makes way for a multi-billion dollar resort bearing the Plaza brand and is set to open in 2010. Israeli billionaire and Elad Group owner, Yitzhak Tshuva, is partnering to build an $8 billion mega-resort where the New Frontier once stood. The New Frontier earned historical accolades by becoming the Strip’s first theme casino and hosting Elvis’s debut in the city. The hotel first opened in 1942 with a light-hearted cowboy village theme. The hotel became known for it’s bikini bull riding, cheap hotel rooms, and $5 craps before it closed for good in July.
The destruction of the New Frontier was the latest step in what is planned to be a very expensive facelift for the northern Strip. The Stardust hotel-casino was imploded in March. Tshuva promises to build “one of the most magnificent hotels in the world” on the site and will include over 3500 rooms, private residences, retail space, and a casino, all bearing the Plaza brand catering to upscale clientele. Just when it seems that Vegas couldn’t get any more beautiful and exciting, it does, and the Gorilla is looking forward to his next visit to check it all out. Keep your eye out for this primate at the Blackjack tables. Viva Las Vegas!