Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The Bellagio undergoing complete makeover

• Oakland Athletics moving to Las Vegas

• Las Vegas’ growing demand for enhanced connectivity

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."

- Steve Jobs

Las Vegas Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What significant urban design feature does Las Vegas share with Washington D.C., Paris, and Buenos Aires?

A) A grid street layout

B) Diagonal street patterns radiating from circles

C) Underground utility lines

D) No buildings taller than the tallest government building

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Who was the first resident performer to have a permanent show in Las Vegas, effectively starting the trend of star residencies that is popular today?

Answer: Liberace

News

💼 Business

Lucihub, a Las Vegas-based video production platform powered by AI, is set to grow with support from FundNV and a capital match from Nevada’s State Small Business Credit Initiative. This program offers startups an investment match of up to $500,000​​. (link)

The iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas is undergoing a complete makeover to prepare for the upcoming Formula 1 race. This includes the development of the Bellagio Fountain Club, a prime viewing area for the race​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

The Sphere in Las Vegas reported a significant operating loss of $98.4 million for the fiscal quarter ending September 30. This news comes alongside the loss of its chief financial officer​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Major League Baseball team owners unanimously approved the Oakland Athletics' move to Las Vegas. This marks the sport's first relocation since 2005. The A’s plan to move to a new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip with $380 million in public financing. Their lease at the Oakland Coliseum runs through 2024​​​​​​. (link)

📰 News

Las Vegas is experiencing a surge in demand for enhanced connectivity, driven by rapid urban expansion and the proliferation of digital technologies. The city is aiming to implement smart city initiatives by 2025, focusing on a robust, high-speed communication network. This is expected to be bolstered by the collaboration with Juniper Networks​​. (link)

The growing use of smartphones and tablets has increased mobile data traffic, leading to higher demand for advanced networking architecture. This trend is driving service providers to invest more in routers and switches, with Juniper expected to benefit from these developments​​. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Vegas Golden Knights Hockey Game (November 25) Experience the thrill and excitement of NHL hockey with the Vegas Golden Knights as they take on the Arizona Coyotes at the T-Mobile Arena. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎶 The Chainsmokers (November 25) Experience an electrifying performance as The Chainsmokers take the stage at XS Nightclub. (link)

🎵 Alter Ego (November 23) The rock band Alter Ego will be performing a free concert on the 1st stage at Fremont Street Experience. (link)

Events

🎸 Leonid & Friends: World's Greatest Chicago Tribute (November 24) Enjoy a tribute to the legendary band Chicago, perfect for fans of classic rock. This event takes place at 24 Oxford at Virgin Hotels. (link)

Family

⛸️ ENCHANT Las Vegas (November 25) Enchant Las Vegas is a mesmerizing holiday experience set in a maze at the Las Vegas Ballpark. It features an array of glittering lights, an ice-skating rink, and a charming winter village. Guests can explore this magical setup, perfect for creating memorable holiday moments with family and friends. (link)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Las Vegas as an underground city” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Las Vegas History

The Arrival of Howard Hughes (1966)

In 1966, Las Vegas witnessed a seismic shift in its casino industry with the arrival of Howard Hughes. The enigmatic billionaire moved into the Desert Inn and, rather than vacating, decided to purchase the entire hotel. This unprecedented move by Hughes signaled a new era for the Las Vegas Strip, one where corporate interests began to overshadow the previous mob-related ownerships.

Hughes went on a buying spree, snapping up several other iconic properties such as the Sands, Frontier, Silver Slipper, and Castaways. His investment in Las Vegas was more than financial; it was transformative, legitimizing the gaming industry in the eyes of many and attracting more legitimate and corporate investments. The city's image began to morph from that of a lawless frontier town to a burgeoning business and entertainment mecca.

The influence of Howard Hughes on Las Vegas can't be overstated. His presence helped to reduce the control of organized crime over the casinos and pushed Las Vegas toward its future as a corporate-dominated tourist destination. His legacy includes not only the buildings that bore his name but also the very nature of the Strip as we know it today—a place where business acumen and entertainment converge to create one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Las Vegans In History

Jerry Tarkanian: 1930-2015

Jerry Tarkanian's story is that of a tenacious spirit and dedication to the sport of basketball. His legacy in Las Vegas and the wider sporting community is marked by his commitment to excellence, his innovative coaching strategies, and his profound impact on his players' lives.

The Formative Years – Roots of a Coach (1930-1950)

Born to Armenian immigrants, Tarkanian grew up in a community that valued perseverance. Basketball became a refuge and a passion, a sport where he found both solace and excitement. He was a standout player at Pasadena City College, which laid the foundation for his coaching journey.

High School & Junior College (1950-1961)

Tarkanian's early coaching forays included stints at Riverside and Pasadena, where his teams consistently outperformed expectations. His unique ability to connect with players and draw out their best performance started to become evident, and his reputation grew within the California junior college circuit.

Long Beach State (1961-1973)

At Long Beach State, Tarkanian transformed the 49ers into a basketball powerhouse, leading them to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. His success at Long Beach proved he could compete at the highest collegiate levels and set him up for the major leagues of college basketball.

Building a Dynasty (1973-1984)

Tarkanian's vision for the UNLV basketball program was groundbreaking. He recruited high-caliber talent to the desert and created a culture of winning that resonated throughout Las Vegas. His fast-paced offensive strategies and relentless defense began to draw national attention.

Rise of the Runnin' Rebels (1984-1990)

Tarkanian's teams played with a flair that mirrored the flash of Las Vegas, with the 1989-1990 team being one of the most dominant in college basketball history. His ability to foster teamwork and resilience led the Runnin' Rebels to an NCAA title in 1990.

National Champions (1990)

The 1990 championship season was the highlight of Tarkanian's career, as UNLV crushed their opponents, asserting themselves as the nation's top team. Tarkanian's leadership and game strategies during this time were praised as revolutionary.

Battles Off the Court (1991-1992)

Despite his success, Tarkanian's career was dogged by NCAA investigations and personal battles that threatened to overshadow his achievements. He fought for his program's reputation with the same vigor he coached his teams.

Fresno State and Beyond (1992-2002)

Returning to his roots at Fresno State, Tarkanian proved he still had the magic touch, reviving the Bulldogs' program and instilling a sense of pride in the team. His retirement in 2002 marked the end of an era but also the beginning of his legacy.

Recognition of a Legacy (2003-2013)

The world of basketball recognized Tarkanian's contributions when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. This honor was a testament to his impact on the game and his innovative strategies that challenged the status quo of basketball coaching.

The End of an Era (2013-2015)

Tarkanian's health declined in his later years, but the love and respect from the Las Vegas community and the basketball world never wavered. His passing was met with an outpouring of tributes, reflecting the deep affection so many had for "Tark the Shark."

Major Achievements:

• Pioneered a high-energy, defensive style of basketball play with UNLV.

• Led the UNLV Runnin' Rebels to an NCAA Championship in 1990.

• Amassed an overall coaching record of 729-201, one of the highest winning percentages in NCAA history.

• Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

• His tenure at UNLV revolutionized college basketball's image and elevated Las Vegas's status in the sports world.

Jerry Tarkanian's journey through basketball was marked by resilience, innovation, and a deep love for the game. His story is not just one of athletic triumph but also of personal fortitude and the indomitable spirit of a coach who forever changed the way basketball is played and perceived in Las Vegas and beyond.

Photo of the Week

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen