Las Vegas Travel Trivia Tidbits

05/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=939599132183751&set=a.145620374914968&type=3

The old SkyVue site across from Mandalay Bay has been sold for $70 Million to local developer Eli Applebaum with plans for a heart shaped hotel.

Plans include:

- 874-room hotel-casino resort
- A heart-shaped tower wrapped in a giant LED screen
- A Fremont Street inspired covered pedestrian plaza

The infamous concrete pillars will be repurposed to support a 265-foot sky restaurant.

Here’s what it could look like.

05/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1B2kWmrpCU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🇺🇸 When Las Vegas Got Its First Television Broadcast

Vegas once had no screens… until one signal changed everything.

On June 18, 1953, KLAS-TV began broadcasting in Las Vegas, marking the city’s entry into the television era.

For the first time, residents could watch news, entertainment, and national events from their homes. It brought the outside world into Las Vegas—and connected the growing city in a completely new way.

Families gathered around small screens, witnessing a change that would soon become part of everyday life.

Because in old Vegas… the world arrived through a signal.

Year & Place — June 18, 1953, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA



Source Note — Broadcast history archives & Nevada media records.

05/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz4HjTNbm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🇺🇸 When a Tunnel Collapse Trapped Workers Beneath Las Vegas

Vegas was growing fast… but not without risk.

On July 27, 1984, a construction accident inside an underground tunnel project near Las Vegas led to a sudden collapse, trapping several workers beneath the surface.

Emergency crews rushed to the site as rescue efforts began immediately, working against time and unstable conditions. For hours, the focus was on reaching those trapped underground and bringing them back safely.

The incident highlighted the hidden dangers behind the city’s rapid expansion during that era.

Because in old Vegas… even what was built beneath the city carried its own risks.

Year & Place — July 27, 1984, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA



Source Note — Nevada construction records & Las Vegas news archives.

04/06/2026

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, an anonymous player won a $10,486,432.04 Megabucks jackpot at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The life-changing win occurred on an IGT Megabucks Triple Red Hot 7s Spitfire Multipliers slot machine after the player placed a $5 wager. What would you do if it was you?

03/17/2026

The first buffet in Las Vegas was the Buckaroo Buffet, opened in 1946 at the El Rancho Vegas hotel on the Strip. Created by publicist Herb McDonald, it cost $1 and offered a 24-hour, "all-you-can-eat" spread of cold cuts, cheeses, and salads to keep gamblers in the casino

07/21/2025

What famous sign designer created both the Sassy Sally’s sign and Vegas Vickie?

ANSWER: Charles Barnard

Charles “Chuck” Barnard (1928–2017) was a legendary sign designer whose creations helped illuminate the Las Vegas skyline. He served as Executive Art Director at Ad Art, crafting iconic signs like Vegas Vickie, the Plaza Hotel & Casino, the Stardust pylon, and Glitter Gulch’s famed neon cowgirl. Barnard melded artistry with advertising.

📷: Acrylic painted Glitter Gulch concept rendering by Charles Barnard

07/21/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F41Tm7Myt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Avmu6AvUM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Exactly one year ago, Las Vegas recorded its hottest day ever, reaching 120°F and shattering our previous all-time record high of 117°F.

The valley experienced 7 consecutive days at or above 115°F during this period. July 2024 ended up being the hottest month in recorded history.

07/06/2025

The 4 Statue of Liberty’s around Las Vegas

You've seen them around town, but do you know the stories behind each of the Statue of Liberty replicas in the Las Vegas valley?

06/28/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CGmphi6uv/?mibextid=wwXIfr