What Goes On In Vegas...Stays in Vegas

The D Las Vegas Debuts in Downtown Las Vegas
The former Fitzgeralds Casino & Hotel has completed its dramatic transformation to become the D Las Vegas, revealing a sleek new style, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. The property’s complete interior and exterior renovation embraces the upbeat culture of downtown and invites guests to experience the modern amenities, first-class entertainment, fun culinary experiences and unique gaming that abound inside. Renovations at the D focus on modern styling, while maintaining elements from classic Vegas and introducing glimpses of Detroit. For more information, contact Kaley Briesmaster, Kirvin Doak Communications, kbriesmaster@kirvindoak.com.

MGM Grand Completes $160 Million Room and Suite Remodel
MGM Grand has announced the completion of its $160 million room and suite remodel in the hotel’s main tower, marking a major milestone in the resort’s "Grand Renovation." The remodel, which began in October 2011, includes 3,570 Grand King and Queen guest rooms and 642 suites of varying types, including the stunning Skyline Terrace and Skyline Marquee Suites. For more information, contact Stacy Hamilton, MGM Resorts International, shamilton@mgmresorts.com.

The ACT Las Vegas Now Open at The Shoppes at The Palazzo
The ACT Las Vegas, the newest concept by New York City theater and nightlife impresario Simon Hammerstein, is now open inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo, ushering in a dramatic new era of Las Vegas nightlife. The performance-based nightclub can entertain up to 1,000 revelers with nightly acts, including boundary-pushing audience participation, in a 9,600-square-foot, multilevel space inspired by the dark romance of bygone eras. For more information, contact Beth Bartolini, Variety Worldwide, beth@varietyww.com.

2012 NASCAR Champions Week Returns to Las Vegas
NASCAR will return to Las Vegas for the postseason Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week Nov. 26-30 -- a star-studded, entertainment-filled celebration for the series champion and NASCAR fans, culminating with the highly anticipated NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards. Earlier this year, NASCAR announced the annual Cup Series event -- and all of Champion's Week -- will return to Las Vegas for the next three years. This year's annual awards will take place Nov. 30 with SPEED, Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio providing live coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can interact with the drivers at various events, including the National Motorsports Press Association Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon, the NASCAR Victory Lap down the world famous Las Vegas Strip and NASCAR After The Lap, an anything-goes questions and answer session between fans and the top 12 Chase drivers. For more information, click here.

Aviation Nation Returns to Nellis Air Force Base
Aviation Nation, the annual Nellis Open House and largest free public event in Nevada, returns Nov. 10-11 to Nellis Air Force Base. Aviation Nation celebrates 71 years of airpower in Las Vegas and the Air Force's accomplishments in air, space and cyberspace. Several military air demonstration teams, including the USAF Thunderbirds, will perform with other military and civilian acts. The two-day event will depict the history of American aviation and will salute the recent accomplishments of America's military in operations around the globe through numerous military and civilian ground displays. For more information, please click here.

Ethel M Chocolates Announces Opening of 19th Annual Holiday Cactus Garden
The 19^h Annual Cactus Lighting event will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 5-8 p.m. at the three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden adjacent to the Ethel M Chocolate factory in Henderson.  The countdown to the lighting of more than half a million colorful lights will take place at approximately 6 p.m. The Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden will open for the season on Nov. 14 through Jan. 1. The attraction is free and open to the public. The garden will be lit nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  In addition, visitors can peek in on the factory in full holiday swing, where Ethel M Chocolates are crafted. For more information, contact Michelle Schenk, SK+G, michelle.schenk@skgadv.com.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp Announces November Camp Lineup
Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp has announced the Nov. camp lineup allowing campers to "rock the blues" at a new, state-of-the-art facility just off the Strip. This session features 2012 GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers and Gov’t Mule, Jack Bruce of British rock trio Cream and John Popper of Blues Traveler. Bruce’s participation coincides with the 45^th Anniversary of Cream’s Disraeli Gears, an album that many feel had a tremendous impact in the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll.  Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp will take place Nov. 7–11 at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. For more information, contact Hillary Smoot, PR Plus, Hillary@prpluslv.com.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House to Open at Harrah’s Las Vegas in 2013
Harrah’s Las Vegas has partnered with Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a restaurant known for exceptional signature sizzling steaks and upscale dining experiences around the world, to bring the first of its kind to the Las Vegas Strip.  Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Harrah’s is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2013.  With locations in Harrah’s New Orleans and Harrah’s Cherokee in North Carolina, the Harrah’s Las Vegas location will mark the extension of the Caesars Entertainment—Ruth’s Chris Steak House relationship.  The new restaurant will inhabit the space formerly occupied by The Range, which will close Nov. 11, 2012. For more information, contact Taylor shields, Caesars Entertainment, tshields@caesars.com.

Nevada Governor’s Conference on Tourism Scheduled for Dec. 4-5
Tourism professionals will gather to discuss industry advocacy, international visitation and collaboration at the Nevada Governor’s Conference on Tourism, Dec. 4-5 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks. Keynote speakers are Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, and Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity.com and current chairman of Kayak.com. To register, visit governorsconference.org. For more information, contact Angela Froelich, Nevada Commission on tourism, afroelich@travelnevada.com.

Third Annual Cirque Week 2012 Scheduled for Dec. 1-8
Back by popular demand, Cirque du Soleil presents the third annual Cirque Week, offering fans the experience of a lifetime with access to an eight-day series of exclusive events. Cirque Week offers fans the opportunity to get an all-access look into how these extraordinary shows come to life nightly. Cirque Week packages range from $150 for a two-show ticket package to $540 which includes tickets to all seven Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas. To purchase tickets visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueweek. For more information, contact Cathy Vo, Kirvin Doak Communications, cvo@kirvindoak.com.

Caesars Palace Launches Unique Culinary Experience: Food University
The inaugural Food University at Caesars Palace will take place Dec. 11-13. The event is designed to transform fun-loving foodies from spectators into competition-ready chefs. Unlike any other food festival or culinary event, Food University offers food lovers a chance to rub elbows with top chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, cheese experts, fine food purveyors and even farmers—who will serve as Food U "faculty"— as they learn during three exhilarating days of culinary curriculum presented at the iconic Caesars Palace Las Vegas. These "scholars" will not merely eat, drink and learn in the presence of lauded chefs, they will also enthusiastically don their chef whites and dedicate themselves to expanding their knowledge on the finer points of creating exceptional cuisine from celebrity chef "professors." For a complete schedule and "professor" listing, visit www.fooduniversitylasvegas.com. For more information, contact Marina Nicola, Vox Solid Communications, mnicola@wearevoxsolid.com. 

McCall’s Heartland Grill Now Open at Stratosphere
Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower recently opened McCall’s Heartland Grill, an original concept grill restaurant offering hearty Midwestern-style steaks, fresh coastal seafood and an array of creative comfort food served in a sleek yet cozy "cowboy chic" atmosphere, featuring intimate booths, stacked stone and natural woods. Nestled conveniently at the north end of Stratosphere’s casino floor, McCall’s Heartland Grill is open for lunch and dinner at 11 a.m. inside Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower. For more information, contact Kathy Topp, Red 7 Communications, Kathy@red7communications.com.

Fú Restaurant at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Now Open
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has expanded its culinary offerings with the addition of Fú, an Asian dining destination.  Meaning the word "luck" in English, Fú features a unique fusion of Asian fare such as noodle dishes and the popular dim sum. The menu offers authentic Chinese cuisine with additional regional inspirations, including Korean, Vietnamese and Thai.  Fit for both casual and adventurous guests, signature dishes evoke exotic flavors fired up by prominent Las Vegas resident and Fú’s executive chef, Ming Woo.  A mouthwatering menu of signature libations presents bold flavors and Tahitian influences and serves as the perfect complement to any meal. For more information, contact Lindsey Rathjen, Kirvin Doak Communications, lrathjen@kirvindoak.com.

Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational Returns to Orleans Arena
Featuring two teams ranked in the preseason ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll top 25 -- the University of Wisconsin and Creighton University -- the 12^th annual Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational will return to the Orleans Arena Nov. 23-24. The University of Arkansas, Arizona State University, Florida A&M University, Cornell University, Longwood University and Presbyterian College will round out the field in this year’s tournament. For More Information, contact Jasen Woehrle, the Firm Public Relations, jasenw@thefirmpr.com.

Sam’s Town Announces Return of Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland
Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall will be kicking off the holiday season with the public lighting of its special winter display at Mystic Falls Park on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. The pioneer-themed Mystic Falls Park Light and Water Show, transformed into an immersive winter wonderland experience, begins in Sam’s Town’s porte-cochere with festive lighting and decorative snowflakes leading to Mystic Falls Park. Garland streams, wreath-adorned lampposts, and white light and snow-covered trees fill the atrium, while Cowboy Santa takes up residence in the park’s gazebo. For the first time ever, Sam’s Town will be hosting the 15-minute laser light spectacular hourly during the holiday season, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1. For more information, contact Jasen Woehrle, the Firm Public Relations, jasenw@thefirmpr.com.

GEICO Endurocross Returns to Orleans Arena
High-octane racing returns to the Orleans Arena for the final race of the 2012 GEICO Endurocross  series Nov. 17. Introduced to the states in 2004 as a single, standalone event, the Maxxis National Endurocross grew to a three-round series in 2007. To celebrate its success in 2008, GEICO Endurocross expanded to a six-round series playing to key markets across the United States. For 2012, Endurocross has expanded once more to eight-rounds including ESPN’s X Games. Top off-road racers from both the United States and Europe will participate. For more information, contact Jasen Woehrle, the Firm Public Relations, jasenw@thefirmpr.com.

Javier’s Now Open at Aria
Southern California hotspot Javier’s is now open at Aria Resort & Casino. Javier’s regionally inspired cuisine and warm, intriguing design brings a spirit of Mexican grandeur to CityCenter while fulfilling a culinary niche for Las Vegas visitors. Characterized by its authentic cooking techniques and fresh, high-quality ingredients, Javier’s regionally influenced Mexican-style fare is unrivalled outside of Mexico and features mouth-watering seafood, steaks, chicken and a selection of vegetarian dishes. For more information, contact Ashley Farkas, MGM Resorts International, afarkas@mgmresorts.com.

American Coney Island Brings a Taste of Detroit to the D Las Vegas
American Coney Island, home of the iconic Detroit Coney Dog, has opened its first out-of-state location at the D Las Vegas. As part of the dramatic transformation taking place at the new downtown property, the D is excited to bring a taste of Detroit to the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas. A favorite of Detroiters and visitors for nearly a century, American Coney Island is the oldest family-owned business in Detroit. Founder Gust Keros coined the phrase "Coney Dog" and introduced the now legendary treat to the city of Detroit in 1917. The high-quality, specially seasoned, natural-casing Dearborn sausage brand hotdog is topped with the Keros family secret recipe Coney Island Chili Sauce, fine mustard and sweet chopped onions, and served in a warm steamed bun. For more information, contact Kaley Briesmaster, Kirvin Doak Communications, kbriesmaster@kirvindoak.com.

Project Pie Now Open at MGM Grand
Project Pie is now open at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. This casual eatery allows guests the opportunity to custom-build artisan pizzas from more than 24 fresh toppings or the option to choose from nine signature pizzas. Pizzas are $12 each and include unlimited toppings. Salads, desserts and handmade milkshakes also are available. Project Pie is open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, contact Suzie Rugh, MGM Resorts International, srugh@mgmresorts.com.

Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa Adding Pinks Hot Dogs to Restaurant Lineup
Block16 Hospitality continues to expand its multi-faceted restaurant portfolio with the addition of Pink’s Hot Dogs, the second location in the Block16 line-up.  Located at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, Pink’s Hot Dogs is unlike any other hotdog stand in America, featuring classic and unique dogs to please every palette. Replacing Turf Grill, Pink’s Hot Dogs will be located near the poker room and race and sports book inside the resort-casino and will boast an impressive 2,000 square feet of restaurant space. Set to open winter 2012, the menu will be similar to the other Las Vegas outpost location. For more information, contact Amy Carlson, J Public Relations, amy@jpublicrelations.com.

Bonkerz Comedy Productions brings Comedy After Dark to the LVH
Las Vegas Hotel & Casino adds Comedy After Dark to its entertainment offerings in the Shimmer Cabaret. Comedy After Dark shows will be offered Thursday through Sunday evenings. The stand-up comedy show spotlights rotating local and national comedians and will feature the razor-sharp humor of host Anthony Padilla. For more information, contact Jennifer Bradley, BRAINtrust Marketing + Communications, Jennifer.bradley@braintrustlv.com.

Channel Your Inner Bond with the Exclusive 007 Package
Machine Guns Vegas, Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car and STICHED have launched an exclusive 007 package, transforming guests into world-class spies. The 007 experience starts off with a bang, as Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car drops off an Aston Martin Vantage CVT to the front door of the guest’s hotel for 24 hours of zipping through the streets of Las Vegas. The next stop is to Machine Guns Vegas for VIP target practice only suitable for the international man of mystery. Finally, guests complete the look with a custom suit at STICHED, tailored on the spot. For more information, contact Steve Flynn, Langdon Flynn Communications, steve@langdonflynn.com.

Wet ‘n’ Wild Returning to Las Vegas with a $50 Million Water Park
Iconic water park brand, Wet ’n’ Wild, is coming back to Las Vegas with the $50 million Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas set to open in May 2013. Located in the entertainment capital of the world, this world class water park will feature a spectacular line-up of more than 25 slides and attractions, including North America's first rattler slide. For more information, contact Nancy Katz, Purdue Marion & Associates, nancy@purduemarion.com.

PBA World Series of Bowling IV Returns to Las Vegas
The Brunswick Corporation and Professional Bowlers Association will kick off the expanded 2012-13 PBA Tour season in Las Vegas for PBA World Series of Bowling IV Nov. 2-11 at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. PBA World Series of Bowling IV, a multi-event international competition, will once again be the premier showcase of professional bowling competition with an expected field of more than 200 players representing approximately 15 countries. For more information, contact Jerry Schneider, PBA, jerry.schneider@pba.com.

Ghost Bar Dayclub Launches Second Season
The beast is back at Palms Casino Resort with Ghostbar Dayclub (GBDC), Las Vegas’ first high-energy daytime extravaganza. The weekly party  is every Saturday at 1 p.m., encouraging guests to don playful costumes while indulging in adult-friendly piñatas, high-end beer bongs, choreographed go-go dancers, themed costume parties, music by world-renowned DJs, delicious eats and much more inside Ghostbar, the sultry and sophisticated indoor-outdoor lounge and sky deck located 55 floors above the famous Las Vegas Strip. For more information, contact Ashli Kimenker, 9Group Las Vegas, ashli.kimenker@9groupvegas.com.

Caesars Entertainment Announces Roster of Brands Joining The LINQ
Caesars Entertainment has announced an impressive first wave of tenants to populate The LINQ, the company’s $550 million open-air retail, dining and entertainment district located on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Brooklyn Bowl and Sprinkles Cupcakes are among the first tenants to sign onto the project which boasts more than 300,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space. Opening in late 2013, more than 70 percent of the development space is committed under signed leases or letters of intent. For more information, contact Candice Seeley, Caesars Entertainment, cseeley@caesars.com.

Tony-Award-Winning Million Dollar Quartet to Begin Performances at Harrah’s Las Vegas
Harrah’s Las Vegas will come alive with the untold story of four rock n’ roll pioneers and how they came together for one magical night, as the smash hit musical Million Dollar Quartet moves into the Harrah’s Showroom Feb. 4, 2013. Tickets are now on sale with prices ranging from $69 to $94. For more information, contact Kate Whiteley, Kirvin Doak Communications, kwhiteley@kirvindoak.com.

Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort to Celebrate 50th Anniversary Season
The Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort (LVSSR) kicks off their 50^th anniversary season this fall. When the resort originally opened, it had one T-bar lift, a warming hut and an A-frame chalet that served as a lodge. The resort has grown tremendously in the last 50 years and is now in the process of implementing a $35 million master development plan that will add 20 more trails for a total of 50 trails and six new lifts for a total of 10) over the next 10 to 12 years. This season alone, guests can look forward to upgrades such as a new quad chairlift, 14 new trails, new locker rooms, a restaurant remodel and an on-mountain grill. For more information, contact Stephanie Forte, Forte Creative Media, sforte@fortecreativemedia.com.

Las Vegas Foodie Fest Returns to Silverton Casino Hotel
The Las Vegas Foodie Fest, featuring more than 40 food trucks and vendors, will return to the Silverton Casino Hotel Nov. 2-4. Foodies will enjoy the tastes of food trucks and vendors, many of which have been featured on The Food Network and The Cooking Channel, including White Rabbit, Fukuburger, Devilicious, Jogasaki Burrito, Tasty Bunz, Baby's Badass Burgers, Truck Norris, Fluff Ice, Vizzi Truck and The Lobster Lady, who will be traveling to the festival all the way from Maine. The festival will feature Nonna's Kitchenette, who will debut their food truck at this year’s event, after being named a finalist of Food Network’s "The Great Food Truck Race," hosted by Tyler Florence. For more information, contact Lauren Hudman, Wicked Creative, lauren.hudman@wickedcreative.com. 

2012 Soul Train Awards Comes to Las Vegas
The 2012 Soul Train Awards is a two-hour celebration of the hottest artists in R&B, hip-hop and classic soul music. Hosted by Cedric the Entertainer at Planet Hollywood Nov. 8, the 2012 Soul Train Awards is a night of musical celebration, tributes and performances spanning the four decades of Soul Train. This year’s show serves as a tribute and a celebration of Don Cornelius, the innovative mind who created Soul Train and influenced the music industry forever. The show will be broadcast on BET Nov. 25.

2012 Latin GRAMMY Awards Return to Las Vegas
The 13th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will heat up Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Nov. 15 as today's hottest Latin artists take center stage. This marks the fifth time Las Vegas will host the international showcase of Latin music. For more information, please visit www.latingrammy.com.

Anthony Cools Presents Strip Comedy at Palms Casino Resort
Strip Comedy, described as "uncensored and undressed improv" will begin its run Nov. 7 at The Lounge inside Palms Casino Resort. Presented by Anthony Cools, Strip Comedy brings the longest running improv show in Las Vegas to the intimate entertainment venue in a hilarious game of creativity and wit. For more information, contact Alissa Kelly, PR Plus, Alissa@prpluslv.com. 

DoubleTree by Hilton and the New Tropicana Las Vegas Announce Strategic Partnership
DoubleTree by Hilton and the New Tropicana Las Vegas have announced a strategic franchise agreement that marks the return of Hilton Worldwide to the Las Vegas Strip after an almost 14-year absence. Under the terms of the franchise agreement, Tropicana Las Vegas will continue to own and operate all 1,600 guest rooms in the 35-acre resort. When the hotel becomes the Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton in January 2013, guests will be able to earn and redeem Hilton HHonors points and airline miles at the Strip resort. For more information, contact Maggie Giddens, DoubleTree by Hilton, Maggie.giddens@hilton.com.

Wendy’s 3 Tour Challenge Returns to Rio Secco Golf Club
Since 1992, the Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge has been the only professional golf tournament that pits three players from the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tours against each other in competitive, head-to-head threesomes for Tour bragging rights. Each threesome consists of one player from each Tour competing in two separate, nine-hole stroke play matches. This year, the Tour returns to Rio Secco Golf Club Nov. 13 with the teams competing for a total purse of $1 million. For more information, visit www.wendys3tour.com.

Indian National Finals Rodeo Returns to Las Vegas
The 2012 Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) will return to the South Point Arena for the fifth year Nov. 6-10. This year's event will include three performances of the junior/senior finals as well as seven exciting performances of Indian Professional Rodeo at its best. For more information, visit www.infr.org.