Vegas World
| Vegas World | |
|---|---|
| Location | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Address | 2000 South Las Vegas Boulevard |
| Opening date | July 13, 1979 |
| Closing date | February 1, 1995 |
| Theme | Outer space |
| Number of rooms | 932 |
| Total gaming space | 80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2) |
| Casino type | Land-based |
| Owner | Bob Stupak |
| Renovated in | 1982 |
Vegas World was a space-themed casino and hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard in Las Vegas, Nevada, that operated from 1979 to 1995. It was owned and operated by Bob Stupak, and was also signed as Bob Stupak's Vegas World.
History
Stupak bought the 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) of land on which he would eventually build Vegas World with money he raised himself and from his father's friends.[1] On March 31, 1974,[2] he opened a small casino called Bob Stupak's World Famous Million-Dollar Historic Gambling Museum and Casino.[3] On May 21, 1974, the casino burned down,[4][5] after an air conditioner caught fire. Arson was the suspected cause of the fire.[1]
After the fire he managed to persuade Valley Bank to lend him more than $1 million to complete what would be known as Vegas World.[1] Stupak opened the space-themed Vegas World on July 13, 1979,[3] with 90 hotel rooms and a 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2) casino.[6] At first, Vegas World suffered, only making $7 million in revenue its first year,[5] but Stupak's talent for promotion saved it. Stupak developed weird and original rules for traditional games, unique to Vegas World. Another of his successful promotions was his direct-mail coupons offering value packages.
The casino was later increased to 80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2).[6] A 24-story hotel tower was added in 1982. At its peak, Vegas World made $100 million a year in gambling revenues.[5]
Vegas World is remembered by some as one of Las Vegas's most unusual and quirky casinos. Vegas World closed on February 1, 1995, in order to make room for Stupak's new project, the Stratosphere.[4] Vegas World's two hotel towers,[7] consisting of 932 rooms,[8] were renovated to become part of the Stratosphere.[7]
Prior to its closing, Vegas World featured the world's largest mural. It was also known for having $1 million in cash on display in the casino. The showroom featured an Elvis impersonation show, with EP King and Terry Presley as performers.
References
- 1 2 3 Smith, John L. (September 12, 1999). "Bob Stupak". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
- ↑ Koch, Ed (September 26, 2009). "Brash huckster and visionary builder Bob Stupak dies at 67". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
- 1 2 Velotta, Richard N. (May 4, 2001). "Stupak proud, but not notably nostalgic about Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
- 1 2 "Bob Stupak Business ventures". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
- 1 2 3 Schumacher, Geoff (May 15, 1997). "'Rise and Fall of Bob Stupak' a towering addition to limited Vegas bookshelf". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
- 1 2 Thompson, Gary (March 22, 1996). "Commission gives final OK to Stratosphere plan". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
- 1 2 "Las Vegas reaches higher: 100-story roller coaster latest gamble for city". RecordNet.com. September 24, 1995. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
- ↑ "Grand Casinos, Inc. Securities Litigation". Stanford University Law School. December 23, 1996. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
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