Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Vegas is one of those places where change is constant. While some places take years to change, change in Vegas can occur in just months! I remember when Texas Hold 'Em was all the rage; within months practically all the casinos built huge poker rooms for tournaments. I'm not sure how many of those poker rooms still exist today.

That's one of the reasons why I enjoy Vegas. Every visit can be a fresh visit, with new shows, restaurants, attractions and casinos.

As I was looking through my photo album, I was struck by some of the things that no longer exist.

Does anyone remember this? It's the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, which was adjacent to the Monte Carlo. Standing in its place is the Mandarin Oriental, one of the many buildings in CityCenter.

The Sahara was shut down in 2011. The structure remains and will be renovated into a new hotel and casino. The estimated completion date is 2014. Can't wait for it to come up since it will be a much needed addition to the North end of the Strip.

I've never been to the Frontier. Perhaps the never-ending strike by it's workers was a reason for that? It was demolished and the lot remains empty today.

On one trip, we went bowling (yes, we flew all the way to Vegas to bowl) at Lucky Strikes, located at the Rio. I think the alley lasted only a year or so. I believe it was replaced by a night club.

Another Rio attraction that is closing (March 30, 2013) is the Showcase in the Sky. This free show has been entertaining visitors for 16 years. Who hasn't reached out to catch beads thrown by the entertainers from the "sky floats"?

During the last building boom in Vegas, the Stardust was demolished to make way for the Echelon. Unfortunately, the economy soured and all construction stopped. The site pretty much looks like this today, but without any construction equipment present.

I was saddened by the closure of the Lion Habitat at MGM Grand. I always like to visit to observe the lions so up close and personal. During my last visit, the habitat was still there, but eerily empty. Also, MGM's Studio 54 night club was boarded up, making way for a new hot spot.

When M Resort opened, it offered beverage stations in the casino. Instead of waiting for a waitress, you could just help yourself to non-alcoholic drinks. When I returned a couple of years later, these stations were gone and waitresses were taking drink orders.

The white tiger exhibit, located near the entrance of The Mirage, also no longer exists. Like the lions at the MGM, I enjoyed observing these beautiful animals. I think a night club stands in its place.

The Tropicana still remains, but it underwent a complete renovation. In this post, I included a pic of the new logo.

Pictured below is The Jockey Club, with the Cosmpolitan towering behind it. I just gotta love the scrappiness of this property. I assume MGM Resorts tried to buy out the property -- how could they not? Jockey Club is still there, Today, wedged between CityCenter and the Bellagio.

What are your favorite places in Vegas that no longer exist?