Las Vegas gets ready for Super Bowl LVIII
David Becker via Getty ImagesSuper Bowl LVIII is taking over Las Vegas in a little over a month. February 11th is the big day, and there is a lot to do to get ready for it.
Las Vegas Prepares For The Big Game - With More Construction
This week you will start seeing more construction, and more road closures, on the Las Vegas strip. Nothing new to us locals. This is all to get ready for the Super Bowl.
CBS will broadcast the biggest game of the year, and structures will go into place to highlight the broadcast, and everything going on around it: Tailgate parties, and all the events leading up to the game.
It's very exciting to be hosting the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Especially at what is called, the 'stadium campus.'
The Next Month Will See New Structures On the Las Vegas Strip
According to 8 News Now, Patty Power, CBS Executive Vice President of Operations and Engineering, stated that construction of four stages over the Fountains of Bellagio will start on Wednesday, January 3. This is where news, and several other shows will broadcast from, the week leading up to the game.
Power told county commissioners that there will be "over 100 hours of programming beginning on Monday and culminating with the NFL Today on Super Bowl Sunday.”
The load-in will mean closures of the two southbound lanes along Las Vegas Boulevard, closest to the Bellagio fountains, for a while. The fountains at Bellagio have definitely seen their share of action this year, beginning with the changes made for F1 in November.
There is a sidewalk plan that will make one of those lanes a pedestrian walkway. All sorts of broadcast equipment will be taking up the sidewalk space. So the walkway will make it easier for the hundreds of thousands of pedestrians that will be taking it all in.
Road Closures That Will Be In Place Near Near The Bellagio Fountains And Allegiant Stadium:
January 8 - February 15: Al Davis Way and Allegiant Stadium Way: Full closure.
January 16 - February 2: Dewey Drive at Polaris Avenue: Partial closure. Full closure Feb. 3-Feb. 15.
January 16 - February 9: Polaris between Russell Road and Ali Baba Lane: Partial closure. Full closure Feb. 10-Feb. 15.
January 18 - February 7: Dean Martin Drive between Oquendo Road to near Ali Baba: Partial closure Full closure Feb. 8-Feb. 15.
February 10 - 12: Luxor Drive: Full closure
Power says, the goal is to completely remove temporary structures by Friday, February 16.
Whether you're a diehard football fan, a casual fan, or just a fan of Las Vegas events - February is going to be a very exciting time in Las Vegas!
Las Vegas Locals Share Their Favorite Dive Bars
There's nothing better than a dive bar in Las Vegas -- especially on National Dive Bar Day!
What is a Dive Bar?
Typically a dive bar is a small, unglamorous, eclectic, old-style drinking establishment with cheap drinks, dim lighting, shabby or dated décor, neon beer signs, local clientele, and parking -- generally in the back.
In a city that's not short of upscale cocktail joints, and long on thrifty and thirsty patrons, it makes sense that cheap dive bars are plenty in Las Vegas. Many of these bars have a novelty value that helps you overlook some of the smoke and bad lighting in their business plan.
Other bars just simply fit the bill of a locals only dive bar and are just the off-Strip adventure you're looking for. These are not in any tourist guidebook.
Las Vegas Locals Share Their Favorites:
As we celebrated National Dive Bar day with listeners, some of them shared their favorites.
Gems likes Dino's Lounge and the Double Down Saloon with its "Shut Up and Drink" attitude, to The Dispensary Lounge with its great burgers, and the LGBTQ Fun Hog Ranch with peanut shells on the floor. There is definitely a dive bar for everyone in Las Vegas.
Helpful hint: You might want to take your clothes off in the garage before you go in the house after going to one of these watering holes because of all the smoke in these good ol' dives.
Full disclosure: This writer is a huge fan of Dino's Lounge. There's parking, affordable drinks (and decent scotch), great karaoke with some of the most amazing singers you'll ever hear. Trust us, you're not going to see or hear them on American Idol or The Voice.
So, if you're looking for cool, totally local, almost neighborhood-like, bars and hangouts in Las Vegas -- there are plenty. You'll definitely meet some characters along the way. If you’re into gambling some of the bars on this list feature video poker to kill some time.
Dino's
It's been around since 1962. Neighborhood regulars and downtown hipsters fill the place. Sticky floors, pool tables, lots of smoke, and karaoke make this place a blast!
Double Down Saloon
In your face attitude, a loud DJ, and a wide range of live music. Art, stickers and fun signs like, "You puke, you clean." Try the Ass Juice shot. Legend has it, it is the spillage of previously poured drinks.
Dispensary Lounge
A very '70s feel with an actual working water wheel. Playboy magazine actually rated it the fourth best dive bar in the country at one time. The half-pound burger remains a huge draw for locals because it's one damn good burger!
Stage Door
A great 24-hour dive off the Strip next to Battista's Hole in the Wall. Cheap drinks and great people watching -- what else do you need?
Frankie's Tiki Lounge
One of the premier Las Vegas Tiki lounges. Deadly potent drinks, plenty of authentic Tiki props, and a great surf music selection on the jukebox. Also, lots of glowing puffer fish and cigarette smoke.
Champagne's Cafe
Velvet-draped walls, red vinyl booths, framed Marilyn Monroe pictures, and the Rat Pack playing on the jukebox. Dark and smoky, - all charm and no frills. “Bar Rescue” to modernize Champagne's, but it reclaimed its divey vibe after the BR crew left. Nightly drink specials only make the late night karaoke wors - better!
Fun Hog Ranch
A great dive bar that also happens to be a LGBTQ bar. Fetish wear and leather are encouraged! A rustic, basic design, and an unpretentious atmosphere. Bring cash - still might be cash only.
Hogs & Heifers
The Vegas hitchin' post of the New York City original, and the inspiration for Coyote Ugly. Popular with genuine and wannabe bikers. Females are encouraged to dance on the bar - and to donate their bras to hang from the ceiling. Bartenders often berate customers with megaphones, and it's a ton of fun -- bra or no bra.
Gold Mine Tavern - Henderson, NV
The Gold Mine Tavern started rockin' and rollin' in 1965. Their website says: "We've been bringing our friends in Hendertucky and Vegas the finest live local bands this city has ever known." Wings, sliders, booze, and locals, locals, locals!
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