The March Madness college basketball tournament isn’t as big as the Super Bowl, but it’s close, especially this week’s first and second rounds.
Several casinos are hosting viewing parties with all-you-can-drink options for $75 and up, but you can likely do better at traditional viewing spots such as South Point, Westgate, Gold Coast, Orleans and the Station casinos sportsbooks, which traditionally sell hot dogs for $1 and beers for $2.50.
The Fremont Street Experience is hosting the seventh annual “Downtown Hoopstown” celebration with free entertainment, the “High Hoops Zone” basketball-shot challenge, and the “World’s Largest NCAA Bracket” displayed on the Viva Vision canopy.
St. Paddy’s too: Adding to the basketball frenzy, this year’s Thursday games coincide with St. Patrick’s Day. Among many casinos and bars celebrating the green on Wednesday, the Linq Promenade at center-Strip will host the “Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Celebration,” kicking off with a parade at noon.
Fish tank: The Boulevard Mall east of the Strip is installing a 31,000-square-foot aquarium. The interactive attraction will allow visitors to feed and swim with some of more than 1,500 marine animals. Exotic birds and reptiles also will be a part of the exhibit that’s due to open later this year. It’s part of a plan to transform the Boulevard into a “regional family fun hub.”
Jewel: The opening date for Jewel, the new mega-club at Aria, has been announced for May 19. The 24,000-square-foot nightclub from the Hakkasan Group will accommodate 2,000 guests, and feature a main club, a mezzanine level, and five deluxe VIP skyboxes.
Question: Do any of the big casino pools open in March?
Answer: With temps hitting the 70s and even the 80s, several pools are already open. In terms of the high-profile pool parties, March openings are planned for Drai’s Beach Club at the Cromwell, Bare at the Mirage, the Tank at the Golden Nugget, and as-yet-unspecified “new concepts” at Tropicana and M Resort.
For more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to LasVegasAdvisor.com.
