Palace Station Explained

Palace Station
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Address:2411 West Sahara Avenue
Casino Type:Land-based
Owner:Station Casinos
Rooms:575
Space Gaming:84000square feet
Attractions:Cinebarre
Renovations:1977, 1983–84, 1990–91, 2016–2019
Names Pre:The Casino (1976–77)
Bingo Palace (1977–1984)

Palace Station is a hotel and casino located in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Station Casinos, and is the company's oldest property. It includes an 84000square feet casino and 575 rooms. Palace Station originally opened as The Casino on July 1, 1976, attached to the Mini Price motel. It was expanded and renamed a year later as Bingo Palace. The ownership group included Frank Fertitta Jr., who bought out his partners in 1979.

Bingo Palace was expanded further and renamed Palace Station in 1984. The motel was purchased by Fertitta the following year, becoming part of Palace Station, and a 21-story hotel tower opened in 1991. A $192 million renovation took place from November 2016 to March 2019, and included demolition of the original motel structure.

History

Palace Station originally opened on July 1, 1976, as The Casino,[1] [2] [3] a 5000square feet gambling hall attached to the Mini Price Motor Inn. The Casino was built in an off-Strip location beside Interstate 15, where few observers expected it to succeed.[4] [5] It was soon expanded by 10000square feet and renamed Bingo Palace,[6] with the grand opening celebrated on June 30, 1977.[7] [8] The casino was the first in the Las Vegas Valley to target a clientele of local residents, with offerings like giveaways, cheap buffets and bingo.[9] [10] It thrived,[11] and other locals casinos followed in later years, including Sam's Town (1979) and the Gold Coast (1986).

Carl Thomas, an executive of Argent Corporation, was among the original owners.[12] [13] Frank Fertitta Jr. bought a 10-percent interest in July 1977.[14] [15] He became vice president and director of the Bingo Palace later that year.[16] In 1979, Thomas was under investigation for allegedly aiding mobsters in a skimming operation. Fertitta bought out his partners, including Thomas and two others, later that year.[17] [18] [19]

A $10 million renovation and expansion was underway in 1983, and a contest was held to select a new name, as Fertitta wanted to emphasize that the casino offered more than bingo. Approximately 26,000 contest entries were made over a three-week period.[20] The winning name, Palace Station, was submitted by a keno runner at Bingo Palace.[21] Fertitta liked the name because it retained "Palace" while also reflecting the property's new train station/railroad theme. The name change became official on January 1, 1984.[22] [23] A grand opening ceremony was held on April 6, featuring Governor Richard Bryan and the historic locomotive Inyo.[24] [25] A train-themed neon sign, measuring wide and high, was constructed for Palace Station.

In 1985, Fertitta purchased the adjoining 465-room motel and rebranded it as part of Palace Station, allowing the casino to now target tourists as well.[26] [27] A $60 million expansion began five years later, and included 22000square feet in new casino space, as well as a parking garage. The project also included a 21-story hotel tower;[28] [29] it began construction on July 9, 1990,[30] [31] and was topped off that November.[32] [33] The expanded casino and three floors in the tower opened a month later, with the remainder of rooms expected to be finished in mid-1991.[34]

In 1993, Palace Station filed to become a public corporation known as Station Casinos,[35] [36] which has gone on to open numerous other hotel-casinos throughout the Las Vegas Valley, starting in 1994 with Boulder Station.[37]

In 1998, a 67-year-old woman won the largest slot machine jackpot in history at Palace Station: $27 million.[38] [39]

In 2016, employees narrowly rejected unionization efforts by the Culinary Workers Union and Bartenders Union, by a vote of 266 to 262. The vote was conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Culinary challenged the results, accusing Station of influencing its workers to vote against unionization by giving them raises just before the election.[40] The union filed a complaint with the NLRB, and Palace Station agreed to settle in 2017,[41] [42] although a contract was never finalized.[43]

A $192 million renovation began in November 2016,[44] and was completed in March 2019. It was the property's first major renovation since 1991.[20] Palace Station remained open during the project, which included the removal of the train theme in favor of a modern design.[45] Eight faux locomotives on the front of the building were removed,[45] and one was donated to the city's Neon Museum, along with a Palace Station neon sign measuring long.[46] The 126-foot Palace Station sign was removed during 2018, marking the end of the train theme.[47] A grand re-opening celebration, including a fireworks show, was held on September 1, 2018.[48] [49] [50]

Incidents

A roof collapse and fire occurred on July 20, 1999,[51] both during heavy rainfall.[52] [53] The roof collapse occurred over an area of the casino floor around 2:00 a.m., unleashing a wave of water on gamblers. Several hours later, a four-alarm fire began on a decorative exterior facade, located along the tower's 21st floor.[52] More than 75 firefighters responded, although their 150-foot ladder could not reach the blaze. Instead, they had to break open hotel-room windows on the 20th floor and spray the fire from there.[54] [55]

The fire forced the evacuation of 2,200 guests,[54] [55] and caused extensive damage to the tower exterior.[54] The facade contained a lighting circuit, and investigators believed the fire started because the circuit was either struck by lightning, or because rainwater got into its wiring and caused a short circuit.[52] The hotel remained open up to the 15th floor,[56] and other floors were reopened soon thereafter. The casino floor was partially reopened a day after the incidents, along with several restaurants.[52] [57] The total cost of damage for both incidents was between $12 million and $14 million. The damaged portion of the casino reopened four months later.[58]

Various robberies have occurred at Palace Station throughout its history,[59] the most prominent being a 2007 robbery led by O. J. Simpson,[60] [61] [62] which occurred at the property's motel structure.[63] [64]

Features

Palace Station includes an 84000square feet casino.[65] The hotel tower is 21 stories,[52] [57] and has 575 rooms.[44] The tower had brought the total room count to more than 1,000,[28] [55] including rooms in the original two-story motel. The latter, with approximately 447 rooms, was demolished in 2017 for new property features and future expansion.[66] [67] [68]

In 2001, the Las Vegas Valley's population included 100,000 Asian residents. Palace Station began marketing to this demographic by introducing a gaming pit that featured blackjack, baccarat, and pai gow, all popular among Asian gamblers.[69] The property continues to remain popular among this group.[70] [71]

The casino once included the Sound Trax lounge, which featured classic rock tribute bands. In 2001, the space was converted into the Laugh Trax comedy club,[72] [73] later named the Bonkerz Comedy Club.[74] [75] In 2010, Louie Anderson became Palace Station's headlining entertainer,[76] performing there until 2013.[77]

In 2001, Palace Station opened an Irish pub and restaurant.[78] The casino also included a popular long-time restaurant known as the Broiler.[79] The 2016–2019 renovation included a new bingo room,[80] an expanded casino floor,[81] and a Regal Cinemas movie theater known as Cinebarre, which offers dining.[82] [83] [84] The project also added several new restaurants,[85] [86] including Boathouse Asian Eatery.[87] [88] The buffet was also relocated from the second floor to the main casino floor.[88] [89] [90] Tacos & Taquila, a popular Mexican restaurant that closed on the Strip in 2018, briefly operated at Palace Station from 2022 to 2023.[91] [92]

Notes and References

  1. News: The Casino Opening . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 4, 1976 . November 17, 2023 . subscription.
  2. News: Palace Station Hotel & Casino forges ahead as Las Vegas landmark . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 15, 1996 . November 17, 2023 . subscription.
  3. News: Hawley . Tom . Video Vault Station Casinos' start in 1976 was modest bingo parlor . November 17, 2023 . KSNV . June 29, 2016.
  4. News: Powers. Ashley. Frank Fertitta Jr. dies at 70; pioneer of Las Vegas' neighborhood casinos. August 23, 2009. Los Angeles Times. September 15, 2011.
  5. News: The making of a Palace west of I-15 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 28, 1991 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  6. News: Bingo Palace coming soon . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 24, 1977 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  7. News: Las Vegas sees 'bang up' Fourth . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 30, 1977 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  8. News: Grand Opening . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 1, 1977 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  9. News: Benston. Liz. Neighborhood Draw. December 23, 2005. Las Vegas Sun. September 15, 2011.
  10. News: Snedeker. Lisa. Las Vegas gambling empire catering to locals with bingo, parking spaces. December 19, 2001. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 15, 2011.
  11. Book: Simich. Jerry L.. Wright. Thomas C.. The Peoples of Las Vegas: One City, Many Faces. 2005. University of Nevada Press. 155–156. 978-0-87417-616-2. September 15, 2011.
  12. News: MGM Notes Sale Approved . Nevada State Journal . June 18, 1976 . November 17, 2023 . Newspapers.com . subscription.
  13. News: Argent exec resigns . Reno Evening Gazette . Associated Press . January 4, 1977 . November 17, 2023 . Newspapers.com.
  14. News: Board backs Dunes fiscal officer proposal . Reno Evening Gazette . Associated Press . July 14, 1977 . November 17, 2023 . Newspapers.com . subscription.
  15. News: Gaming commission approves plans for Gold Dust West . Reno Evening Gazette . Associated Press . July 22, 1977 . November 17, 2023 . Newspapers.com.
  16. News: Commissioners delay action in license suspension . Las Vegas Review-Journal . November 10, 1977 . November 17, 2023 . subscription.
  17. News: Dahlberg . Tim . Carl Thomas faces gaming board action . Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 23, 1979 . November 17, 2023 . subscription.
  18. News: Vegas casino owner loses licenses . Reno Evening Gazette . Associated Press . August 24, 1979 . November 17, 2023 . Newspapers.com.
  19. News: Casino . Evansville Courier and Press . March 23, 1994 . November 17, 2023 . Newspapers.com . subscription.
  20. News: Prince . Todd . Long-time train theme pulling away from Palace Station in Las Vegas . November 17, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . March 23, 2017.
  21. News: Las Vegan renames Bingo Palace . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 9, 1983 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  22. News: Bingo Palace making changes . Las Vegas Review-Journal . January 1, 1984 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  23. Book: Gottdiener. Mark. Collins. Claudia. Dickens. David R.. Las Vegas: The Social Production of an All-American City. registration. January 10, 2000. Wiley-Blackwell. 204–205. 978-1-57718-137-8. September 15, 2011.
  24. News: New casino to hold grand opening. March 25, 1984. Los Angeles Times. . . Alternate link via Newspapers.com
  25. News: Palace Station to showcase first phase of expansion . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 5, 1984 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  26. News: Local casino going after tourist gambling dollars. December 22, 1985. Los Angeles Times. . . Alternate link via Newspapers.com
  27. News: Palace Station owner buys inn . Las Vegas Review-Journal . November 21, 1985 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  28. News: Palace Station plans to put new casino, high-rise on tourist track . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 3, 1990 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  29. News: Palace Station expanding . Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 19, 1990 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  30. News: Photograph: Palace Station . November 16, 2023 . Las Vegas Sun . July 9, 1990.
  31. News: Palace Station begins building 22-story tower . The Arizona Republic . July 15, 1990 . November 16, 2023 . Newspapers.com . subscription.
  32. News: Palace Station tops off new tower . Las Vegas Review-Journal . November 12, 1990 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  33. News: Palace Station undergoes renovation . Los Angeles Times . November 25, 1990 . November 16, 2023 . Newspapers.com . subscription.
  34. News: Palace Station facilities opened . Las Vegas Review-Journal . January 13, 1991 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  35. News: Palermo . Dave . Palace Station wants to go public . Las Vegas Review-Journal . February 26, 1993 . November 17, 2023 . subscription.
  36. News: Krane . Elliot . Palace Station applies to go public as Station Casino . The Press of Atlantic City . March 7, 1993 . November 17, 2023 . Newspapers.com . subscription.
  37. News: Goldberg . Delen . 300 rooms at Boulder Station renovated . VegasInc.com . October 18, 2011 . November 17, 2023.
  38. News: After 23 Years of Play, Slots Pay Her $27 Million . November 17, 2023 . Los Angeles Times . November 17, 1998.
  39. News: Marriott . Michel . Luck, Be a Microchip Tonight . November 17, 2023 . The New York Times . December 17, 1998.
  40. News: Velotta. Richard N.. Palace Station employees narrowly defeat Culinary union vote. October 17, 2016. Las Vegas Review-Journal. October 23, 2016.
  41. News: Moore. Thomas. Deal sets stage for Palace Station workers to unionize. March 14, 2017. Las Vegas Sun. March 15, 2017.
  42. News: Velotta. Richard N.. Culinary to begin bargaining talks with Palace Station. March 15, 2017. Las Vegas Review-Journal. March 15, 2017.
  43. News: Schulz . Bailey . Workers at a 2nd Station Casinos resort want out of Culinary union . November 17, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . September 23, 2020.
  44. News: Radke . Brock . Don't sleep on Palace Station's massive upgrade . Las Vegas Weekly . March 8, 2018 . September 5, 2018.
  45. News: Moore . Thomas . Train leaving the Station: Railroad theme jettisoned in Palace Station's renovation . Las Vegas Sun . March 21, 2017 . September 5, 2018.
  46. News: Umholtz . Katelyn . Palace Station's train and sign unveiled at Neon Museum . November 18, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 23, 2017.
  47. News: Akers . Mick . Dismantling of Palace Station sign signals the end of a theme . Las Vegas Sun . April 30, 2018 . September 5, 2018.
  48. News: Hart . Gabby . Palace Station celebrates grand re-opening after $192 million in renovations . KSNV. September 1, 2018 . September 5, 2018.
  49. News: Curtis . Anthony . Palace Station makeover unveiled . Honolulu Star-Advertiser . September 1, 2018 . September 5, 2018.
  50. News: Grand Reopening of Palace Station . Las Vegas Sun . September 1, 2018 . September 5, 2018.
  51. News: Hawley . Tom . Video Vault Summer storm leads to near-disaster at Palace Station . November 17, 2023 . KSNV . July 17, 2019.
  52. News: Zekan . Karen . Damage assessed as Palace reopens . November 17, 2023 . Las Vegas Sun . July 21, 1998.
  53. News: Palace Station Fire: Executives brace for aftermath . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 21, 1998 . https://web.archive.org/web/20000914083425/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Jul-21-Tue-1998/news/7884141.html . September 14, 2000.
  54. News: Zekan. Karen. Officials say lightning likely cause of Palace Station blaze. July 20, 1998. Las Vegas Sun. September 15, 2011.
  55. News: Schoenmann . Joe . Weather a suspect in Palace Station fire . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 21, 1998 . https://web.archive.org/web/20000914083242/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Jul-21-Tue-1998/news/7881848.html . September 14, 2000.
  56. News: Palace Station damaged by rain, fire . November 17, 2023 . Las Vegas Sun . July 20, 1998.
  57. News: Schoenmann . Joe . Berns . Dave . Officials assess damage at Palace Station . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 22, 1998 . https://web.archive.org/web/20000914083833/http://www.lvrj.com:80/lvrj_home/1998/Jul-22-Wed-1998/news/7888082.html . September 14, 2000.
  58. News: Palace Station opens repaired casino . Las Vegas Review-Journal . November 13, 1998 . November 16, 2023 . subscription.
  59. Retrieved November 17, 2023:
  60. News: Friess . Steve . Sports Memorabilia Dealer Implicates O.J. Simpson in Hotel Room Robbery . November 16, 2023 . The New York Times . September 14, 2007.
  61. News: Oh, look, it's Palace Station again . November 17, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . September 23, 2007.
  62. News: Friess . Steve . Simpson Trial Gets Full-Scale Model of Crime Scene . November 16, 2023 . The New York Times . September 24, 2008.
  63. News: Arseniuk . Melissa . O.J. Simpson jurors taken on secret field trip to Palace Station . November 18, 2023 . Las Vegas Sun . September 19, 2008.
  64. News: Curtis . Anthony . Palace Station rooms made notorious by Simpson razed . November 18, 2023 . Honolulu Star-Advertiser . July 23, 2017.
  65. Web site: Listing of Financial Statements Square Footage (2017 data). March 6, 2018. Nevada Gaming Control Board. September 5, 2018. 7. December 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161225155040/http://gaming.nv.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=3428. dead.
  66. News: Moore . Thomas . Upgrades at Palace Station could include convention center . VegasInc.com . July 25, 2017 . September 5, 2018.
  67. News: Excellence in Safety Award: Palace Station Phase 1B . November 18, 2023 . Engineering News-Record . November 5, 2019.
  68. News: Roeben . Scott . O.J. Simpson's Vegas Crime Scene Being Demolished at Palace Station . November 18, 2023 . Casino.org . July 12, 2017.
  69. News: Gorman . Tom . Nevada Jumps 66.3% in 10 Years, Census Shows . November 17, 2023 . Los Angeles Times . March 14, 2001.
  70. News: Benston . Liz . Locals casinos aim for Asian gamblers . November 17, 2023 . Las Vegas Sun . October 13, 2005.
  71. News: Montero . David . Lucky Dragon casino was supposed to be a Vegas hot spot for Asians. Two years later, it's going up for auction . November 17, 2023 . Los Angeles Times . October 15, 2018.
  72. News: Weatherford . Mike . Palace Station going for laughs with new comedy club . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 24, 2001 . https://web.archive.org/web/20011219222828/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Apr-24-Tue-2001/living/15915811.html . December 19, 2001.
  73. News: Fink . Jerry . These days the joke is on Palace Station . November 17, 2023 . Las Vegas Sun . June 15, 2001.
  74. News: Katsilometes. John. Star-crossed Turner gives Vegas one more shot at the Hilton's Shimmer Cabaret. April 24, 2009. Las Vegas Sun. May 12, 2009.
  75. News: Fink. Jerry. Improv theater in new setting, not that it matters. April 29, 2009. Las Vegas Sun. May 12, 2009.
  76. News: Weatherford . Mike . Louie Anderson feels like he's finally home with headliner gig at Palace Station . November 17, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . September 9, 2010.
  77. News: Weatherford . Mike . Louie Anderson makes 'Splash' too late for Palace Station show . November 17, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . March 7, 2013.
  78. News: White . Ken . Palace Station goes for Emerald Isle authenticity with new Irish pub . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 19, 2001 . https://web.archive.org/web/20030511124345/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Dec-19-Wed-2001/living/17648136.html . May 11, 2003.
  79. News: Power Dining: Surf and turf is the order of the day at the Broiler . Las Vegas Business Press . June 18, 2004 . November 18, 2023 . subscription.
  80. News: Velotta . Richard N. . New bingo room to debut Friday night at Palace Station . November 17, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 27, 2017.
  81. News: Akers . Mick . Photos: Palace Station's 2-year modernization project is almost done. Here's a look . Las Vegas Sun . June 21, 2018 . September 5, 2018.
  82. News: Lawrence . Christopher . New Las Vegas movie theater offers upscale dining . April 22, 2024 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 19, 2018.
  83. News: Prevatt . Mike . Cinebarre is Las Vegas' latest luxury theater complex . April 22, 2024 . Las Vegas Sun . December 22, 2018.
  84. News: Gartner. Jordan. Luxury movie theater opens at Palace Station hotel-casino. KTNV-TV. December 18, 2018. December 14, 2021.
  85. News: Velotta . Richard N. . Palace Station's $192M upgrade expands casino, adds restaurants . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 20, 2018 . September 5, 2018.
  86. News: Mancini . Al . Palace Station in Las Vegas set to open Brass Fork cafe . November 18, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . February 13, 2019.
  87. News: Knapp-Rinella . Heidi . Boathouse Asian Eatery opens Monday at Palace Station . November 18, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 27, 2018.
  88. News: Knapp-Rinella . Heidi . New seafood restaurant, new buffet open at Palace Station . November 18, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 8, 2018.
  89. News: Mancini . Al . Palace Station opens new Feast Buffet . November 18, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 17, 2018.
  90. News: Jones . Jay . The inexpensive all-you-can-eat Las Vegas buffet deliciously lives on at Palace Station . November 18, 2023 . Los Angeles Times . August 22, 2018.
  91. News: Knapp-Rinella . Heidi . A Mexican favorite on the Strip to reopen at Palace Station . November 18, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . September 14, 2021.
  92. News: Wright . Johnathan L. . This Mexican restaurant moved off Strip after 10 years. Its new location is closing after 16 months. . November 18, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 31, 2023.

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