Back in Business

The LONGBAR at the D Las Vegas reopened early Thursday with plenty of business.

Photo courtesy D Las Vegas

Reopen: Energy level amps up

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“Las Vegas can’t check in 155,000 people in one day if they wanted to,” Stevens said. “It’s not physically possible.”

One of those guests who checked in Wednesday drove by himself for six hours from the Central California coast. Terry Bartholomew was sipping a margarita at the end of the LONGBAR, counting the time until he could start playing craps. The 42-yearold makes one trip a year to Vegas and will be joined tomorrow by a cousin.

“We’ve been bottled up forever,” said Bartholomew, a prison maintenance supervisor. “I usually come for my birthday in August, but you never know what will be going on so I’m coming now.”

Bartholomew wasn’t wearing a mask or fearing COVID-19 while sitting at the bar. He said he was excited to get in at 2 p.m., take a nap and wake up at 5 p.m. and order a drink when the bar opened at 6 p.m. He’s ready.

“I wanted to see what it was like to reopen Vegas. It’s a once in a lifetime thing, and I wanted to play craps and hopefully have an hour roll and win $100 grand,” Bartholomew said before pausing. “It seems like midnight is too far away. It’s forever for me, anyway.”

Fremont Street is empty hours before casinos reopen at midnight. The Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil” is blaring over the loudspeakers and the bartenders at the outdoor D Bar are awaiting the arrival of customers.

Toni Kalcheva, one of the bartenders, said it’s strange to be back to work and out in public after being guaranteed for two months but isn’t worried about

the coronavirus. She’s worked at the D for 2½ years and got two weeks extra pay and unemployment that tied her over until the reopening.

“I have a good feeling about it and staying positive,” Kalcheva said. “Hopefully gaming opens up tonight and people are eager to come out after quarantining for so long. — Buck Wargo

Togas and masks

Ciara looked great as usual. Her hair done up, her toga outfit clinging to every curve. Her tray filled with various beverages.

But Ciara had an even more alluring look. Her face was covered with a mask. She still makes a hell of a cup of coffee.

Like all employees at venerable Caesars Palace, wearing a mask is mandatory in this age of coronavirus. Even Caesar himself wears one.

At the iconic Strip property where Evel Knievel jumped over the fountains on a motorcycle, where Formula 1 cars raced around the property, where some of the greatest boxing matches were held and where fortunes were made and lost, things got busy quickly Thursday morning.

Customers were greeted with Please see Reopen p9

Reopen:

Continued from p8 property’s popular event venue, will remain dark for the foreseea nice surprise — free parking — able future. The Bacchanal buffet and didn’t have their temperaisn’t opening anytime soon and ture checked at the door. Nobody Cleopatra’s Barge, the longtime seemed to mind. They were there pickup spot, which has been conto gamble, to walk around and verted into a mini showroom, reshop at the Forum Shops, make mains in dry dock. their way to the various bars and But that may be changing soon. forget their troubles. Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne

“We usually stay downtown Newton, was on hand for Thurswhen we visit Vegas,” said Shanon day’s reopening and he is schedNakayama, who was with her husuled to perform at the Barge later band Ryan visiting from Anaheim, this month, assuming the next Calif. “We’re here to celebrate our phases of the state’s reopening anniversary and it’s our first trip are approved. without our four kids.” Despite the shutdown, the icon

Ryan said he was hoping to get ic brand remains popular. Visitors as much of a “Vegas experience” from around the world know what as possible. Caesars Palace represents and it Photo from Steve Carp

“I want to hit the restaurants, endures as a result. The fountains Cleopatra and Caesar wore face coverings at Caesars Palace’s reopening. go on the High Roller, hit the pool are on Thursday and the energy and be in the casino as much as I was returning throughout the “It was a nightmare,” said Vester Aliante opened its doors ThursFor the Lemons, diehard Cubs can,” he said. property as gusts haul roller bags Lemons. “We were here with five day morning at 12:01 a.m., along fans, they’re just happy to start

Unlike several Las Vegas casito check into the hotel while othkids and we had to cut our home with several other casinos, for the playing slot machines and eventunos, Caesars opted not to install ers hit the slot machines and the search short and take off. But (the first time since March 18, when Las ally entrench themselves into Las plexiglass at its blackjack, craps tables. visit) just solidified things for us. As Vegas was forced to shut down for Vegas’ pro sports scene. and roulette tables. Players who “I’ve missed the atmosphere soon as things opened we knew the first time since the JFK assas“I love to play slot machines,” sat down to gamble felt like it was here and be able to go to all the we were going to be right back.” sination in 1963. Lemons said. “We’ve always had business as usual, save for the restaurants and eat,” Delrosario The couple closed on their new Aliante Casino, which is part really good luck and it’s just what masks the dealers wore. said. “It’s good to be back.” home May 18 and were finally able of Boyd Gaming, had security we like to do. And hopefully they

“We’re here to gamble,” said Las — Steve Carp to celebrate as they were two of personnel stationed at two en(Golden Knights and Raiders) get Vegas’ Desiree Delrosario, who was visiting with her mother TheA new home roughly 100 patrons who lined up for the reopening of Aliante trances, prepared to take the temperatures of everyone who to have a season, we’ll see how it goes. We’re looking forward to getresa. “We’re at the high tier here and they have great perks. They

Vester and Molly Lemons were visiting Las Vegas with their chilCasino in North Las Vegas.

It has been an interesting period dren in early March, scouting the area for a new home. Then the Vester Lemons said. “Looking online to see what’s going to be ing what they’re calling “Boyd Clean,” a set of comprehensive Red Rock revival for Caesars. The parent company coronavirus pandemic shut things open, and it just worked out for protocols aimed at protecting The 12:01 a.m. opening of Red is in the midst of a sale to Eldodown and sent the Lemons back us because we live a couple miles the health and safety of both staff Rock Resort on Thursday had the rado Resorts. The Colosseum, the to Indiana. from here.” and guests. feel of a weekday matinee.

“It’s been a lot of anticipation,” entered the property. All Boyd Gaming properties are practicting involved in all that down here.” — W.G. Ramirez take care of their customers.”

The atmosphere was so lively, one had to think everyone slept all day to prepare. You can’t blame them for wanting normalcy.

Station Casinos took the first step toward that when Red Rock opened after a near-three month closure due to COVID-19. Five other properties opened, while four — The Palms, Texas Station, Fiesta Henderson and Fiesta Rancho — will open at a later date.

“During this time period, while our doors were closed, our hearts were open,” said Scott Nelson, vice president and general manager of Red Rock. “We’re proud tonight to open not only those doors again, but continue to deliver that message of our hearts Photo from W.G. Ramirez being open.” Customers patiently waited on line to get inside the Aliante Casino in North Las Vegas early Thursday. Please see Reopen p10

Photo from Danny Webster Customers hit the tables and the Lucky Bar at Red Rock Resort in Summerlin early Thursday.

Reopen: Locals flock to casinos

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There was the occasional cheering at the craps table; Lucky Bar was buzzing with patrons toasting each other with bottles of beer. Grand Café, the 24-hour coffee shop at all Stations properties, was serving guests their likely midnight-oil of steak and eggs.

Entry will certainly be different. Guests and team members will have their temperature taken by state-of-the-art thermal scanners. A Red Rock employee told me cooling stations are set up in the event your body heat is high due to the dog days of summer.

Team members are ready to open the door to avoid guests touching handles.

“Nothing feels better than our guests and team members returning to our property,” said Joe Yalda, vice president of guest experience at Red Rock.

Touch-free hand sanitizing stations are set up around the property. Guests are asked to apply hand sanitizer before and after using the Stations’ kiosks.

At the slots, social distancing is enhanced. Rows of five slots are down to three chairs, while rows of four occupy two. If you’re not winning at one machine, you’ll have to move the chair next door. Patrons wore masks and adhered to the safety measures in place.

Other than that, it felt like Red Rock on a regular day. It’s a step, and that’s all residents can ask for. If this opening was any indication, normality won’t be far away.

“I think you can tell with everyone lining up outside, it’s going to be different,” said southwest Las Vegas resident Trey Durbin. “But it’s not too bad. It’s pretty cool (to be back).” — Danny Webster

Fremont comes alive

The crowd cheered as maintenance crews opened the doors to the Golden Nugget at midnight — all the while the Fremont Street Experience displayed virtual fireworks on the ceiling high overhead.

Customers, recording the moment with their smartphones, rushed in to get their favorite slot or go to a table game. It didn’t take long for it to feel like Las Vegas again, with the exception of the sight of masks. Fewer than one in five, however, wore them.

“This is why we live in Vegas — casinos baby!” said local resident Roberto Trinidad, who came with a group of seven others.

His brother Robert, although not wearing a mask as well, was cautious about the experience and was hanging out with friends in the middle of a slot area. He said it was because it wasn’t as crowded as the table games area where he would see eight people gathered around a craps table and six around a roulette wheel. Blackjack tables with seating had three patrons.

“Social distancing isn’t happening. It’s like everybody is saying nothing happened (with the coronavirus),” Robert Trinidad said. “I like playing the tables. But if you’re that close, I won’t go over there. I would rather go outside and take another beer. We just wanted to have an hour of fun and go back home.”

Another Las Vegas resident having a drink and good time with friends was Sebastion Wilson, who wasn’t wearing a mask and called the coronavirus “a joke.” He said he came to play slot machines and blackjack.

“I have been in Las Vegas for seven years, and I support Las Vegas,” Wilson said.

His sister, Erika Bennett of Los Angeles, drove in Tuesday from Southern California, saying she was tired of the lockdown in her state. Bennett had a mask pulled off her mouth and nose but kept accessible on her chin.

“I thought it was time to come out and enjoy life,” Bennett said. “I came at midnight because I thought this was history.”

Bennett said she wasn’t worried about the coronavirus even though she said she will be cautious.

“They say the heat kills the virus and as long as we keep our masks on and have respect for one another, we will be fine,” Bennett said. — Buck Wargo

They’re off at GVR

Peter Brunetto’s eyes lit up as he talked about the horse racing action unfolding bright and early Thursday morning as he sat among charts and racing forms at Green Valley Ranch.

“It’s just terrific,” the 20-year Las Vegas resident said as he scanned the 35-40 other bettors checking out the racing action. “I’ve been a horse player my whole life. I’m here every day. It’s great to be back.”

Like the rest of the Vegas gaming world, Brunetto said he walked into the race and sportsbook the morning of the re-opening with plenty of anticipation.

“This is the day I’ve been waiting for,” he said. “You can watch the races on TV, but being here … it’s just like being at the track. There’s so much more action.”

We’re assuming there were smiles everywhere in the race and sports book as masks were prevalent. All the while, players’ eyes moved from track to track across the big screen TVs. Pens were busy taking notes on racing forms, scratching out certain horses while circling others..

“It’s great to be able to be back with friends and to meet new friends,” he said.

He added the GVR staff has made the transition back to having bettors on site smooth.

“It’s the first day back, but the staff is really being cautious,” he said.

Overall, it was an opening that was filled with optimism.

“We’re back in the game,” Brunetto said. “Everything’s moving in the right direction and here we are watching the horses. We’re going to win a few and lose a few. Well, hopefully it’s winning all the time.” — Bill Bowman

Come on in! GT STAFF

Here’s a list of casinos and hotels which opened Thursday in Southern Nevada:

Las Vegas Strip

Bellagio Caesars Palace Casino Royale Circ us Circ us Cos mopolitan Encore Fla mingo MGM Grand New Yor k-New Yor k Pala zzo Sahara South Point The Strat Treas ure Island Venetian Wynn

Off-Strip

Gold Coast Ellis Island S ilver S evens The Orleans Tuscany

Do wnto wn Las Vegas

Binion ’s California D Las Vegas Downtown Grand El Corte z Four Queens Fre mont Golden Gate G olden Nu gget Pla za

Las VegasHen d ers o n - No rth L V

Ala mo Casino A liante Ari zona Charlie ’s Boulder Ari z ona Charlie ’s D ecat ur Bighorn Boulder Station Cannery Cl ub Fort une E m erald I sland Eure ka Green Valley Ranch Jerry ’s Nugget J o kers Wild Klondi ke Sunset Lucky Cl ub Longhorn M Resort Palace Station Ra mpart Railroad Pass Red Roc k Resort Sa m’s Town Santa Fe Station Silverton Suncoast Sunset Station Wildfire W ild W ild W est

Mesquite

Casa Blanca Virgin River Eure ka

PRI MM

Pri mm Valley Whis key Pete ’s

JUNE 4, 2020 - JUNE 9, 2020 back in business Reopen: Good turnout

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Wynn cheers guests

Wynn Las Vegas employees — standing six feet apart — lined the walkway at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the main entrance and cheered as customers returned to the casino for the first time in nearly three months.

Guests seemed to revel in the greeting, and casino employees appeared to be happy to be at work.

When one of those guests, Tim Hayden, realized Las Vegas would be open for business this week, he decided he had to be there — even if that meant leaving his home in the Los Angeles area at 4 a.m.

“I usually come to Vegas 10 times a year,” Hayden said. “When I heard this was going to happen, I immediately booked a room. I needed my fix.”

The Wynn was originally scheduled to open at 12:01 a.m. but pushed its time back to midmorning in the wake of recent protests in Las Vegas in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd.

The casino floor was sparsely populated early on with employees seeming to outnumber patrons. Signs urging guests to practice social distancing and proper cleaning habits were numerous, and all Wynn employees wore facemasks.

Most gaming tables had plexiglass barriers in front of the dealer and between players. Blackjack and roulette tables were seating three players at a time. Bottles of hand sanitizer were placed on every table, and large canisters containing sanitizing wipes were positioned near banks of slot machines.

Dealers were sanitizing chips at tables each hour. Every other monitor in rows of slot and video poker machines were turned off, and some chairs had been removed.

A bartender disinfected video poker machines after each use.

Seats in the sportsbook had been placed six feet apart. Some video screens and chairs at tables had been removed to allow for distancing.

Still, horse player Tony Caporale, who has been coming to the Wynn since it opened, said it didn’t seem that different.

“I just got here and haven’t walked around much,” he said. “The tables being far apart and people wearing masks are the only differences, really.”

Caporale was more concerned with not being able to bet on races at Churchill Downs due to a contract disagreement between the track and Nevada’s Pari-Mutuel Association.

Elevators were limited to four people, and a sign posted at the buffet announced a new-look return planned for later this summer.

As guests slowly streamed in, some sat at tables and others headed to registration. But most walked around looking at the inside of a casino for the first time since March. —Ched Whitney

Fountains of joy

Always the epitome of class and elegance, the Bellagio reopened its doors Thursday morning to droves of guests excited to be back on the premises.

With a line that stretched around the building, visitors were greeted by hundreds of employees of all types as well as the gorgeous fountains in front of the property which have become an iconic part of the Las Vegas Strip.. Some were checking in while others sped to their favorite casino games.

Always at the forefront with new ways to entertain and accommodate, the MGM Resorts property has made a few changes in order to keep everyone safe. There were no temperatures taken at the entrance. It is recommended that guests wear facemasks, but it is not required.

There are only a few required situations in which a mask must be worn. If you are to play roulette or craps, you must wear a mask.

Photo from Howard Barish South Point owner Michael Gaughan and wife Paula.

Also, if you are in an elevator with other guests you are asked to have a mask on. If you smoke, they ask that you get up from the tables and stay six feet away.

Everyone seemed to very happy and had no problems with the guidelines. There are sanitizing stations available throughout the property. There are partitions between slot machines and on all table games.

Carol Rice, who was visiting from San Diego, said: “Wearing a mask doesn’t bother me, I know they just want us to be safe. I haven’t even checked in yet because I needed to come play my slot machines first. It’s been almost three months since I’ve gambled.”

The race and sportsbook had a few players on the race side. Sal “Jilly” Rizzo, a Las Vegas local transplanted from Brooklyn said, “I have been sitting in this same chair in the race book every single day for 21 years. I am happy to be back, betting Belmont among all my friends.”

The Bellagio is known to have some of the best restaurants in the world. Currently, Sadelle’s Cafe, Mayfair Supper Club, Prime Steakhouse, and Lago are all open along with several quick serve outlets. You can also enjoy a drink at any of three bars, the only requirement is that you must be sitting on a bar chair or at a table, no walkups.

The pool is open as well as the conservatory with plans in the works for the showroom, art gallery and poker room to reopen soon.

“We are thrilled to be back and making great memories for our guests,” said Luis Lamar, Bellagio’s VP of Sales and Group Appreciation. ”We are doing everything we can do bring Vegas back to being Vegas.”

—Joe D’Amico South Point low-key reopening

I had plenty of time and notice to be organized. Our editor asked if I would take a writing assignment for Las Vegas’ grand reopening to which I gladly accepted.

Being in charge has some perks as I was given the choice of which property to cover. For a number of Please see Reopen p12

Reopen: Fun’s back

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reasons too long to list, I chose the South Point.

There’s not enough space in this story to cover the South Point’s legacy. Just know that it is independently operated by gaming legend Michael Gaughan, whose family legacy in Las Vegas has many pages in its history books.

Let’s return back to my task, and subsequent appointment at the property. Several days ago, I reached out to General Manager Ryan Growney in order to set up an interview and property tour. As usual, he responded quickly given his affable and high energy personality. Our meeting was set for 10 a.m. but I wanted to arrive for the 8 a.m. opening in order to take video and photos of the big event.

I pulled into the South Point open parking lot at 7:50 a.m. and quickly parked under the marquee in order to film a video of the welcome messages. When I walked toward the main entrance there was no line. There were also no balloons, banners, or big “welcome back” fanfare. I looked down at my phone and the time was 7:55.

Upon entering the building I noticed a pretty good crowd milling around. I walked through the table games area and every single dealer, whether they had a player or not, gave me a greeting. I didn’t need X-ray vision to know that underneath those masks were heartfelt smiles of gratitude. Not only for me being there as a customer, but for them being back to work for such a dependable operator.

I came upon Mr. Gaughan walking thru the casino and wished him the best. He said to me “It’s important that we ease back into opening.” This was validated by Growney in our meeting after they did a soft opening at 7:45.

“This is not New Year’s Eve,” he said. “We didn’t want to blow the doors off, but just get through this opening and particular phase.”

Growney also said that the most gratifying component of the reopening was how happy the employees were to return after 78 days.

“It certainly wasn’t easy given the circumstances, but things worked for most,” he said of his staff. — Howard Barish

Green is good

Barry and Larry White, and Larry’s wife Carolyn, were welcomed into The Venetian at 9 a.m. Suited personnel guided the Lancaster, Calif., residents to a simple kiosk, where a female security officer observed a screen. A scanner gauged their head temperatures.

The masked official said, “As long as you’re green, you’re good,” and waved them — all without Photo from Rob Miech missing a step — to the check-in counter. They were the property’s Twins Larry and Barry White celebrated their birthdays Thursday at The Venetian. first official patrons in 11 weeks. wore masks. The three Whites, all ing was off-limits, surrounded Las Vegas to be about: enjoying

They’ve been Venetian regulars originally from Picton, between by red tape. Horse races from yourself. since it opened in 1999, so many Toronto and Ottawa, refused such Golden Gate Fields and Belmont The new normal, filled with exstaff greeted the familiar faces. covering. Park, showed on two of five large tra safety precautions, was visPlus, Thursday represented the Custodians could be seen wipscreens. ible. Slot machine sanitizing wipes 62nd birthdays for twins Barry and ing surfaces of chairs, counters “Wire to wire! Open ’em up! placed at each slot station, dealers Larry, who won $30,000 here a and slot-machine surfaces. Two feOpen ’em up! Wire! Yes!” barked seen patting-off sanitized chips year ago with a straight flush at a male officers strolled with leashed one high-pitched customer, sitand employees readjusting their Crazy For Poker table game. German shepherds. In the Grand ting in one of the few available masks.

“They comped us the nicest Canal shops, few were open. By far seats, as Race 7 at Belmont ended Despite these heightened presuite,” said Barry after the trio had the most popular nook was Shoe in a tight battle. Another patron cautions, some guests felt comalso taken the property’s first gonPalace, where 10 people awaited angrily, loudly and repeatedly fortable without a mask. When dola ride, inside on the second the glass doors opening. cussed at himself. offered masks from employees floor, since the Strip shuttered. Inside Club Tattoo, several emVegas is back. As long as you’re at the check-in line, some guests “Stunning bedrooms, a living ployees busily swiped everything green, you’re good at the Venereplied with an emphatic “sure,” room, dining room.” with a cleaning agent. In a foodtian. suggesting that they may have

“They’re not whales,” Carolyn court area, a guy at Bonnano’s Piz— Rob Miech gone their stay without wearing said of the successful flooring-installation siblings. “More like dolzeria dusted two pies with mozzarella. An older woman strolled Flamingo gets busy one. The excitement around the phins.” by dragging a green suitcase on “Shut up, and put your money check-in line seemed indicative

All had plenty of room to roam wheels, a little dog yipping from a where your mouth is. That’s what of guests’ willingness to return. as the property slowly came to life ventilated compartment. you get for waking up in Vegas.” When asked about his decision by early afternoon. All employees Most of its sportsbook seatThat is the chorus in Katy Perry’s to show up on the Flamingo’s re“Waking Up In Vegas,” a song that opening day, Mario Rodriguez, a boomed out of the speakers as visitor from California, said: “We guests waited for the Flamingo wanted to see what the vibe was to open its doors Thursday mornlike. Plus, my family had the itch to ing. When the chains came off the gamble.” doors around 9:36 a.m., guests With it being June, it wouldn’t of started trickling into the front enbeen a summer in Vegas without trance soon after. stopping by the pool. The staff

It wasn’t long before the first was ready to go for their opening craps table filled up. The table’s day. At this moment they’re exenergy was vibrant, despite a lack pecting a busy weekend. of six-foot social distancing at the Ultimately, the optimism surtable. As a player throws five crispy rounding today’s reopening was blue-note Benjamin Franklins on summed up by Candy Chu, a resithe table, he’s greeted with an “All dent Las Vegas resident. you California guys are out here,” “Were not going anywhere,” she by another player. said. “I’ve been here my whole life

His response? “We we’re open and I know we’re going to come first,” which was followed by a big back stronger.” laugh between the two men. A Welcome back, Vegas. We Photo from Sebastian Ross playful, humanizing interaction missed you. They were keeping things clean at the Flamingo. suggesting what many consider — Sebastian Ross