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Author Topic: Vegas March Madness  (Read 5194 times)

DoctorV

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Vegas March Madness
« on: January 23, 2019, 08:27:28 AM »
Last time I went was during the Buzz era (for good reason) and it was awesome. However, this time around a quick search reveals that it’s changed a lot and it’ll be an uphill battle

Me and some buddies (broke at the time) would be able to belly up at rio sportsbook for a full day and drink for free and watch/bet on games.

Fast forward 5-7 yrs and it’s a struggle to get a free drink anywhere, you’ve got skyrocketing prices, and everything seems to come with an expensive reservation- some places upwards of 300$ per head.

However, the passion and love for MU b-ball and March madness remains so I will not be deterred. Going with the wife this time around- I know doesn’t seem ideal but she’s a bigger MU fan than many of the guys these days because of her association w me and wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Any advice from someone that’s been the last few years? Locations, the best way to do it, etc? My idea was the ceasars sportsbook but that seems like one of the hardest/most expensive. I already know the get there at 7am bit but it seems like these days that’s not even enough. I don’t mind spending just want to feel like it was worth it

Thanks in advance

Anti-Dentite

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2019, 10:15:24 AM »
I’ve always found the Hacienda and the Desert Inn to be quite hospitable.
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MU82

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2019, 10:24:17 AM »
Last two times I went, I stayed at the Hampton Inn Tropicana just off the south end of the strip (across the highway from the Excalibur and the Tropicana -- and across the street from an In-N-Out Burger.

Clean rooms, decent free hot breakfast, free parking, easy walk to the south end of the strip. Plus it's a Hilton property, so points if you do the rewards program. I don't hang around in my room, and it's actually nice to not have a casino in my hotel. The walk back late at night is a little sketchy, so I usually take a cab or uber. The few dollars the cab costs will be more than covered by the savings.

Totally understand why others prefer being in the heart of the action and/or staying at a more luxurious property, though.
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Chili

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2019, 10:25:08 AM »
You could always just load up a balance on one of the sportsbook betting apps and then find yourself a solid bar with the games. You just make all your wagers via your phone so you dont have to just be in the book.
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ChitownSpaceForRent

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2019, 10:25:19 AM »
Haven’t been to Vegas in a little bit, but I was a big fan of the Cromwell when I was there.

Nice chilled out atmosphere compared to the normal Vegas casinos, friendly staff, and making a sh!t ton of money playing craps there probably helped as well.

reinko

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2019, 10:38:21 AM »
With new states allowing sports betting, may be look outside of Vegas?  Could go to Philly, NYC (and jump over to NJ)...

wadesworld

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2019, 11:32:16 AM »
The only reason to go to Vegas is to hike the Red Rock Canyon.
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Benny B

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #7 on: January 23, 2019, 12:16:05 PM »
Typically, I'd recommend flying into RNO instead of LAS and camping out at the new(er) Silver Legacy sportsbook (incidentally, the manager there is a face - or at least name - easily recognized by the astute MU hoops fan). 

However, after UNR's run last year, Reno's probably the last place you want to be this March if you're looking to avoid the zoo.


LV isn't my cup of oolong, but everyone I know says to avoid the Strip on Thur/Fri unless you have a VIP or a high-roller card.  So maybe Downtown or FSE?

You could always just load up a balance on one of the sportsbook betting apps and then find yourself a solid bar with the games. You just make all your wagers via your phone so you dont have to just be in the book.

This.  Wm Hill app highly recommended.  Even when you leave the state, you can still see the current lines, parlay cards, etc. (you just can't book a wager unless you're inside state lines).
Wow, I'm very concerned for Benny.  Being able to mimic Myron Medcalf's writing so closely implies an oncoming case of dementia.

warriorchick

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #8 on: January 23, 2019, 12:27:35 PM »
Try one of the upscale suburban casinos that are  classy and inexpensive compared to the strip.  I like Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch, and the M.  They have nice pools, and if you want to rent a cabana to watch the games, it's relatively reasonable.  They all have good spas, too, if the wife is into that sort of thing.

Renting a car is cheap and you can be at the strip in 15 minutes or less.
Have some patience, FFS.

BM1090

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #9 on: January 23, 2019, 12:59:26 PM »
Back in November we stayed at the Travelodge by Wyndham. Right by the MGM and walkable to everything on the strip. Was less than $100 per night (probably a bit more around March Madness) and rooms were clean and quiet.

DoctorV

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #10 on: January 23, 2019, 01:09:19 PM »
Typically, I'd recommend flying into RNO instead of LAS and camping out at the new(er) Silver Legacy sportsbook (incidentally, the manager there is a face - or at least name - easily recognized by the astute MU hoops fan). 

However, after UNR's run last year, Reno's probably the last place you want to be this March if you're looking to avoid the zoo.


LV isn't my cup of oolong, but everyone I know says to avoid the Strip on Thur/Fri unless you have a VIP or a high-roller card.  So maybe Downtown or FSE?

This.  Wm Hill app highly recommended.  Even when you leave the state, you can still see the current lines, parlay cards, etc. (you just can't book a wager unless you're inside state lines).

Thanks for all the help guys and gals. As for the off the strip move, I lived in summerlin for a yr and I completely agree that Red Rock is great. However, we went there last yr and did the off the strip deal when I was looking at offices so I’m hesistant to do that again

I’m curious about Reno as an alternative though, please tell me more. I’ve never been and I’ve heard good things. Ironically in bed last night my wife asked if I’ve been to Reno because it came up as one of the popular travel destinations in 2019 or whatever, so that may be a sign (I can be pretty superstitious).
Silver legacy sportsbook is a good spot? Who is the marquette connection if you don’t mind me asking? Any other recommendations and do you think I’ll get bored if I’m there for 4 days or there’s plenty to do? As for the Nevada crowds I’m cool w big crowds and Nevada is actually my second favorite team after MU the last few yrs because I recognized their talent early last yr and won a lot off them the last two yrs- I like the hodge podge of transfers and vagabond head coach thing working out and I think they are fun to watch.

Thanks again!

rocket surgeon

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #11 on: January 23, 2019, 01:15:43 PM »
when i flew in on my way down to havasu, rather than trying to venture onto the strip for a few hours, i'd hit the road and first stop would be green valley ranch.  very nice, big and clean.  big sports book!  and literally right off the 215 in henderson.  they also have a nice movie theater downstairs.  decent restaurants easily within walking distance-p.f. changs, lucille's smokehouse, the elephant bar to name a few.  i have never stayed overnight, but i'm sure the rooms are decent.  no idea what the fare is. 

short cool story-on way down to havasu a few years ago, stopped in to place some money on the brewers.  get down to havasu to check my tix  and...they're gone!  i call up green valley and turns out i dropped it before i even got out of the sports book.  they cancelled it out so no one could cash it in and they re-issued me another ticket(cuz they had video of me buying it) which i was able to cash($500) on my way back.  and everyone lived happily ever after :D
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wadesworld

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #12 on: January 23, 2019, 01:20:07 PM »
Thanks for all the help guys and gals. As for the off the strip move, I lived in summerlin for a yr and I completely agree that Red Rock is great. However, we went there last yr and did the off the strip deal when I was looking at offices so I’m hesistant to do that again

I’m curious about Reno as an alternative though, please tell me more. I’ve never been and I’ve heard good things. Ironically in bed last night my wife asked if I’ve been to Reno because it came up as one of the popular travel destinations in 2019 or whatever, so that may be a sign (I can be pretty superstitious).
Silver legacy sportsbook is a good spot? Who is the marquette connection if you don’t mind me asking? Any other recommendations and do you think I’ll get bored if I’m there for 4 days or there’s plenty to do? As for the Nevada crowds I’m cool w big crowds and Nevada is actually my second favorite team after MU the last few yrs because I recognized their talent early last yr and won a lot off them the last two yrs- I like the hodge podge of transfers and vagabond head coach thing working out and I think they are fun to watch.

Thanks again!

Reno is a short drive to Lake Tahoe, so there's plenty to do for 4 days if you don't mind missing some basketball or getting up early enough to get outside before the basketball starts.  Lake Tahoe is very cool.
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nyg

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #13 on: January 23, 2019, 02:35:37 PM »
Reno is a short drive to Lake Tahoe, so there's plenty to do for 4 days if you don't mind missing some basketball or getting up early enough to get outside before the basketball starts.  Lake Tahoe is very cool.

Reno is like a 7 hour drive.  Did it a few years ago, but Lake Tahoe is just beautiful.

I'm with Rocket, don't like the strip, Green Valley Ranch is very, very nice.  No clue as to the March Madness sports book festivals.  Years ago, the whole March Madness thing was free, now they want near/above $200 a day, with reserved seats.  I did the MGM Grand and saved my seat with a sweatshirt/eyeglasses in the morning. 

wadesworld

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #14 on: January 23, 2019, 02:47:32 PM »
Reno is like a 7 hour drive.  Did it a few years ago, but Lake Tahoe is just beautiful.

I'm with Rocket, don't like the strip, Green Valley Ranch is very, very nice.  No clue as to the March Madness sports book festivals.  Years ago, the whole March Madness thing was free, now they want near/above $200 a day, with reserved seats.  I did the MGM Grand and saved my seat with a sweatshirt/eyeglasses in the morning.

What route were you taking?  It's between 45 minutes and an hour to get from Reno to Lake Tahoe.
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nyg

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #15 on: January 23, 2019, 02:54:24 PM »
What route were you taking?  It's between 45 minutes and an hour to get from Reno to Lake Tahoe.

Airhead me.  Getting old.  To Vegas........7 hours. 
Yes, Tahoe short drive and great place to have fun.

jsglow

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #16 on: January 23, 2019, 03:28:04 PM »
Reno blows.  South Lake Tahoe is great.  Ski by day, Harvey's by night.

Benny B

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #17 on: January 23, 2019, 03:35:48 PM »
Thanks for all the help guys and gals. As for the off the strip move, I lived in summerlin for a yr and I completely agree that Red Rock is great. However, we went there last yr and did the off the strip deal when I was looking at offices so I’m hesistant to do that again

I’m curious about Reno as an alternative though, please tell me more. I’ve never been and I’ve heard good things. Ironically in bed last night my wife asked if I’ve been to Reno because it came up as one of the popular travel destinations in 2019 or whatever, so that may be a sign (I can be pretty superstitious).
Silver legacy sportsbook is a good spot? Who is the marquette connection if you don’t mind me asking? Any other recommendations and do you think I’ll get bored if I’m there for 4 days or there’s plenty to do? As for the Nevada crowds I’m cool w big crowds and Nevada is actually my second favorite team after MU the last few yrs because I recognized their talent early last yr and won a lot off them the last two yrs- I like the hodge podge of transfers and vagabond head coach thing working out and I think they are fun to watch.

Thanks again!

[With the disclaimer that Reno itself will leave much to be desired if a "mini-Vegas" is what you're expecting]

Literally, they have adopted the catchphrase "Renossaince" within the past few years, much of it having to do with Tesla's gigafactory being located just east of town.  Since then, the city has been undergoing development and redevelopment like crazy... not just residential, but commercial and industrial as well considering: 1) Reno is the only major metro from which you can reach the entire west coast within a single day (from a logistics/distribution standpoint) and 2) it's the closest non-California (read: low-cost) metro to Silicon Valley with "Silicon Valley" class infrastructure, which makes it a perfect "back office" location for Apple, Google, AWS, HP, etc.

So while the city itself has been undergoing its, um, Renossaince... the casinos have been reinventing themselves as well.  Downtown, there's the El Dorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus, which have always been connected by skywalk, now under singular ownership (El Dorado and MGM were 50/50 owners of Silver Legacy until El Dorado bought out MGM a few years ago), and as a result, the ownership has been pouring a lot of money (over $100M) into all three, most notably the Silver Legacy.  Although it's the newest of the casino properties in Reno, Silver Legacy has been around for a while (remember the movie Kingpin?  The Silver Legacy was brand new when they filmed that movie there), and up until 2015, its sportsbook was still using chalkboards.  Several millions later, it's a state-of-the-art book.  But even then, it's not the biggest book in town... I believe that goes to Grand Sierra, who kicked everything off with a $25M "reno-vation" (ugh) in 2011.  Not to be outdone, the Nugget Casino commenced a $50M renovation last year.

Then there's the Atlantis ($20M+ in recent renovations) and Peppermill (which is constantly upgrading/renovating something), i.e. the resort-class properties targeted to those for whom accommodations & amenities are primary and gaming is secondary.

Can you spend 4 days there and not get bored?  Of course.  Depends on what you're into, though.  As wades mentioned, Reno has the luxury of Tahoe.  Tahoe can be a day trip, or you can split time between the two.  If weather is cooperative, it's only a 45 minute drive from downtown to Incline Village (north end of the Lake).  There are quite a few great restaurants, a nice little brewery/taproom, and skiing (Mt. Rose) all on the north shore.  Spend a night at the Hyatt Regency if you want to break things up before heading back to town, or take a couple days and hit up Heavenly or Squaw Valley for some world-class skiing.

Contrary to public belief, UNR is actually the state's flagship (not UNLV), and it shows.  It's a neat little campus... it doesn't have the natural splendor of a Cornell, the wildness of a Chico State, or the presence of an Ann Arbor, but it's what Marquette would be if MU was a large, land-grant institution (a few blocks from downtown, nestled in it's own little neighborhood, with no shortage of prostitutes and crack dealers around the fringe).

Finally, my apologies, but I'm not going to out the alum at the Silver Legacy book.  Let's just say he was one of those guys who had high expectations coming in, didn't live up to them, was recruited over, and ended up transferring after a couple years.  That should narrow things down  ;D

Again, I cannot overemphasize that Reno is not anything in proportion to Vegas... it's a different locale, different clientele, different mentality*.  It's not for everyone.  But if you're looking for something off the beaten path and don't mind mixing with the UNR crowd, it's a viable alternative for March Madness.


*Not to mention, no risk of seeing Glow walking around in a Speedo.
« Last Edit: January 23, 2019, 03:39:21 PM by Benny B »
Wow, I'm very concerned for Benny.  Being able to mimic Myron Medcalf's writing so closely implies an oncoming case of dementia.

ZiggysFryBoy

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #18 on: January 23, 2019, 04:12:34 PM »
[With the disclaimer that Reno itself will leave much to be desired if a "mini-Vegas" is what you're expecting]

Literally, they have adopted the catchphrase "Renossaince" within the past few years, much of it having to do with Tesla's gigafactory being located just east of town.  Since then, the city has been undergoing development and redevelopment like crazy... not just residential, but commercial and industrial as well considering: 1) Reno is the only major metro from which you can reach the entire west coast within a single day (from a logistics/distribution standpoint) and 2) it's the closest non-California (read: low-cost) metro to Silicon Valley with "Silicon Valley" class infrastructure, which makes it a perfect "back office" location for Apple, Google, AWS, HP, etc.

So while the city itself has been undergoing its, um, Renossaince... the casinos have been reinventing themselves as well.  Downtown, there's the El Dorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus, which have always been connected by skywalk, now under singular ownership (El Dorado and MGM were 50/50 owners of Silver Legacy until El Dorado bought out MGM a few years ago), and as a result, the ownership has been pouring a lot of money (over $100M) into all three, most notably the Silver Legacy.  Although it's the newest of the casino properties in Reno, Silver Legacy has been around for a while (remember the movie Kingpin?  The Silver Legacy was brand new when they filmed that movie there), and up until 2015, its sportsbook was still using chalkboards.  Several millions later, it's a state-of-the-art book.  But even then, it's not the biggest book in town... I believe that goes to Grand Sierra, who kicked everything off with a $25M "reno-vation" (ugh) in 2011.  Not to be outdone, the Nugget Casino commenced a $50M renovation last year.

Then there's the Atlantis ($20M+ in recent renovations) and Peppermill (which is constantly upgrading/renovating something), i.e. the resort-class properties targeted to those for whom accommodations & amenities are primary and gaming is secondary.

Can you spend 4 days there and not get bored?  Of course.  Depends on what you're into, though.  As wades mentioned, Reno has the luxury of Tahoe.  Tahoe can be a day trip, or you can split time between the two.  If weather is cooperative, it's only a 45 minute drive from downtown to Incline Village (north end of the Lake).  There are quite a few great restaurants, a nice little brewery/taproom, and skiing (Mt. Rose) all on the north shore.  Spend a night at the Hyatt Regency if you want to break things up before heading back to town, or take a couple days and hit up Heavenly or Squaw Valley for some world-class skiing.

Contrary to public belief, UNR is actually the state's flagship (not UNLV), and it shows.  It's a neat little campus... it doesn't have the natural splendor of a Cornell, the wildness of a Chico State, or the presence of an Ann Arbor, but it's what Marquette would be if MU was a large, land-grant institution (a few blocks from downtown, nestled in it's own little neighborhood, with no shortage of prostitutes and crack dealers around the fringe).

Finally, my apologies, but I'm not going to out the alum at the Silver Legacy book.  Let's just say he was one of those guys who had high expectations coming in, didn't live up to them, was recruited over, and ended up transferring after a couple years.  That should narrow things down  ;D

Again, I cannot overemphasize that Reno is not anything in proportion to Vegas... it's a different locale, different clientele, different mentality*.  It's not for everyone.  But if you're looking for something off the beaten path and don't mind mixing with the UNR crowd, it's a viable alternative for March Madness.


*Not to mention, no risk of seeing Glow walking around in a Speedo.

Ammo?

BrewCity83

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #19 on: January 23, 2019, 04:20:38 PM »
The shaka sign, sometimes known as "hang loose", is a gesture of friendly intent often associated with Hawaii and surf culture.

DegenerateDish

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #20 on: January 23, 2019, 04:26:07 PM »
I was in Reno for work last year and wasn’t impressed. The casinos on the Nevada border in Tahoe have sportsbooks. I typically hit up the Hard Rock sportsbook in Tahoe.

Tahoe is awesome, wish I’d gone there when I was younger.

JWags85

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #21 on: January 23, 2019, 05:02:33 PM »
Finally, my apologies, but I'm not going to out the alum at the Silver Legacy book.  Let's just say he was one of those guys who had high expectations coming in, didn't live up to them, was recruited over, and ended up transferring after a couple years.  That should narrow things down  ;D

Again, I cannot overemphasize that Reno is not anything in proportion to Vegas... it's a different locale, different clientele, different mentality*.  It's not for everyone.  But if you're looking for something off the beaten path and don't mind mixing with the UNR crowd, it's a viable alternative for March Madness.

YOUSSOUPHA MBAO?  Amazing

DoctorV

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #22 on: January 24, 2019, 11:21:06 AM »
Thanks for all the info Benny- can’t wait to find out who it is and report back on his well being  :o

Jay Bee

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #23 on: January 24, 2019, 02:13:01 PM »
Last two times I went, I stayed at the Hampton Inn Tropicana just off the south end of the strip (across the highway from the Excalibur and the Tropicana -- and across the street from an In-N-Out Burger.

Clean rooms, decent free hot breakfast, free parking, easy walk to the south end of the strip. Plus it's a Hilton property, so points if you do the rewards program. I don't hang around in my room, and it's actually nice to not have a casino in my hotel. The walk back late at night is a little sketchy, so I usually take a cab or uber. The few dollars the cab costs will be more than covered by the savings.

Totally understand why others prefer being in the heart of the action and/or staying at a more luxurious property, though.

I’ve stayed there when in Vegas for the final evaluation period. The room looked like someone had recently been murdered in it, but dang the price was right & it was easy to get in & out of the area.

Definitely felt like slummin it though
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rocket surgeon

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Re: Vegas March Madness
« Reply #24 on: January 24, 2019, 05:51:59 PM »
  "but dang the price was right & it was easy to get in & out...


  how was the room though?? ;)
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