Nestled in the heart of the sparkling Las Vegas Strip, the Stardust Hotel Casino once stood as a glittering beacon of entertainment and glamour. Throughout its storied history, the Stardust welcomed countless guests and left an unforgettable mark on the city's vibrant entertainment scene.
The Stardust's origins can be traced back to 1958 when famed casino mogul Tony Cornero envisioned a grand hotel-casino that would cater to the growing number of tourists flocking to Las Vegas. With a budget of $10 million, Cornero partnered with Benny Binion to purchase the land and embarked on the ambitious project of creating a hotel that would rival the largest and most luxurious resorts in the city.
The Stardust's groundbreaking design, inspired by the burgeoning space race, was a testament to the era's fascination with all things extraterrestrial. Its iconic mushroom-shaped tower, shimmering with iridescent glass, symbolized a futuristic vision of space exploration. The hotel's interiors were adorned with captivating space-themed decor, from celestial murals and twinkling stars to retro-futuristic furnishings.
The Stardust's grand opening on July 2, 1958, was a glamorous affair that attracted a constellation of celebrities, including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. The hotel's 1,000 rooms, expansive casino, and top-notch entertainment venues quickly made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Stardust continued to thrive as a vibrant entertainment hub. Its legendary Stardust Lounge hosted some of the biggest names in show business, including Sammy Davis Jr., Tina Turner, and Elton John. The casino floor, known for its high-stakes gambling and friendly dealers, attracted a loyal following of devoted players.
The Stardust's stage was graced by a veritable who's who of entertainment legends. Liberace enchanted audiences with his flamboyant piano stylings, Wayne Newton captivated guests with his velvety vocals, and Siegfried & Roy thrilled with their awe-inspiring magic. The Stardust provided a platform for countless aspiring performers, and many went on to achieve their own stardom.
Over the decades, the Stardust underwent several renovations and expansions to keep pace with the ever-evolving Las Vegas landscape. In 1984, the tower was replaced with a modern glass and steel structure, which doubled the hotel's capacity. Further upgrades in the 1990s and early 2000s brought sophisticated new amenities, including an expanded casino, luxury suites, and a state-of-the-art spa.
In 2006, the Stardust was acquired by Boyd Gaming Corporation for a reported $1.7 billion. The new owners embarked on a $350 million renovation that aimed to revitalize the property while preserving its iconic legacy. The Stardust's facade was updated, the casino was redesigned, and new restaurants and entertainment options were added.
Despite the ongoing renovations and investments, the Stardust faced increasing competition from newer, more modern casinos on the Strip. In 2006, Boyd Gaming announced plans to demolish the Stardust and replace it with a new resort. The final act of the Stardust's illustrious history came on November 1, 2006, when it closed its doors for the last time.
The Stardust Hotel and Casino may be gone, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of countless visitors who experienced its glitz and glamour firsthand. The hotel's iconic mushroom-shaped tower remains a cherished symbol of the city's vibrant past, and the Stardust's name continues to evoke memories of legendary performances and unforgettable moments.
The Stardust's impact on Las Vegas is undeniable. Here are some key ways in which the hotel shaped the city's development:
In 1966, a young couple, John and Mary, met by chance at the Stardust's pool party. They struck up a conversation, and their chance encounter blossomed into a whirlwind romance. They married a year later and have been happily together ever since.
In 1972, a struggling singer named Sarah performed at the Stardust Lounge as an opening act. Her powerful voice and captivating stage presence caught the attention of a talent scout in the audience. The scout offered her a record deal, and Sarah went on to become a Grammy-winning artist.
In 1996, a retiree named Harold hit the jackpot on a slot machine at the Stardust Casino, winning over $1 million. The winnings allowed Harold to quit his part-time job, travel the world, and enjoy a comfortable retirement.
What We Learn: The Stardust was more than just a hotel and casino; it was a place where dreams came true, connections were made, and memories were forged.
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Opening Date | July 2, 1958 |
Closure Date | November 1, 2006 |
Original Owner | Tony Cornero and Benny Binion |
Final Owner | Boyd Gaming Corporation |
Number of Rooms | 1,000 (originally), 2,000 (after expansion) |
Casino Size | 80,000 square feet |
Iconic Feature | Mushroom-shaped tower |
Artist | Years Active At Stardust |
---|---|
Tony Bennett | 1958-1962 |
Frank Sinatra | 1958-1960 |
Dean Martin | 1958-1959 |
Liberace | 1970-1980 |
Wayne Newton | 1966-1976 |
Sammy Davis Jr. | 1965-1969 |
Tina Turner | 1966-1967 |
Elton John | 1975-1976 |
Siegfried & Roy | 1990-2003 |
Year | Major Renovations |
---|---|
1984 | Tower replaced with modern glass and steel structure, doubling room capacity |
1991 | Addition of a 15-story hotel tower and a new casino |
1999 | Expansion of the casino floor and addition of a luxury spa |
2006 | Major renovation by Boyd Gaming Corporation, including an updated facade and new restaurants and entertainment options |
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