Liberace’s mansion sold for $500K

LAS VEGAS » A 15,000-square-foot Las Vegas mansion once owned by Liberace was sold for $500,000 in cash to a British businessman who said he learned to play the piano after being inspired by the flamboyant performer.

The buyer — Martyn Ravenhill — closed the deal recently for $29,000 below its list price and about $3 million less than it was sold for seven years ago.

"I grew up thinking Liberace was wonderful," Ravenhill told the British publication Get Surrey. "I thought he was much more than just a camp figure. He set trends that continue today."

SeaWorld offering ticket bargains

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc., the subject of a critical documentary over the use of killer whales in its theme parks, is slashing ticket prices in the wake of a 9 percent second-quarter attendance drop.

SeaWorld owns 11 parks in five states.

The company’s original park in San Diego is offering area residents a free kid’s ticket with an adult ticket purchased midweek, a $71 value, according to its website. SeaWorld Orlando (Fla.) cut $42 off the price of a midweek ticket, a 46 percent discount, if purchased in advance online.