fbpx
Wikipedia

The Strat

January 29, 2023

The Strat Hotel, Casino and SkyPod[a] (formerly the Stratosphere) is a hotel and casino located in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It includes a 1,149 ft (350.2 m) observation tower, the tallest in the United States. It is also the second-tallest observation tower in the Western Hemisphere, surpassed only by the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario. The tower is topped by a pod which includes a revolving restaurant, lounges, and observation decks. The top of the tower also has several thrill rides. The hotel and casino facilities are situated at the base of the tower, and the resort also includes a showroom and a shopping mall. The Stratosphere is located within city limits on Las Vegas Boulevard, just north of the Las Vegas Strip. The resort is sometimes considered to be a Strip property, although Clark County does not officially recognize it as such, stating that the Strip does not extend into city limits.

The Strat Hotel, Casino and SkyPod
The Strat tower and resort in 2017
General information
StatusOperating
TypeObservation tower
LocationLas Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Address2000 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Coordinates36°08′51″N 115°09′19″W / 36.147386°N 115.155389°W / 36.147386; -115.155389Coordinates: 36°08′51″N 115°09′19″W / 36.147386°N 115.155389°W / 36.147386; -115.155389
GroundbreakingNovember 5, 1991
Construction startedFebruary 1992
Topped-outNovember 4, 1995
OpenedApril 30, 1996
CostUS$70 million
Height
Antenna spire1,149 ft (350.2 m)
Design and construction
Architect(s)Ned Baldwin
DeveloperBob Stupak
Other information
No. of rooms2,427
Total gaming space80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2)
Permanent showsViva Las Vegas (1996–2006)
American Superstars (1996–2011)
Bite (2004–12)
Pin Up (2013–17)
MJ Live
Celstia
Signature attractions
Notable restaurants
  • Top of the World
  • McCall's Heartland Grill
  • Roxy's Diner
Casino typeLand-based
OwnerGolden Entertainment
Previous namesVegas World (1979-1995)
Stratosphere (1996-2020)
Renovated in2000–01, 2004, 2010–12, 2018–20
Websitethestrat.com

A portion of the property was previously occupied by Vegas World, a hotel and casino that Bob Stupak opened in 1979. A decade after its opening, Stupak announced plans for a giant neon sign for Vegas World, to be built on adjacent property. The idea soon evolved into an observation tower with a rooftop restaurant. Construction of the Stratosphere Tower began in February 1992. A fire of unknown origin occurred on the tower in August 1993, during construction. Stupak then had difficulty acquiring funds to finish the tower. In order to complete the project, Stupak partnered with Grand Casinos, owned by his poker friend Lyle Berman.

The tower was originally proposed with a height of 1,012 ft (308 m). However, in 1994, Stupak considered extending the height to 1,825 ft (556 m), seeking the title of tallest free-standing structure in the world. The Federal Aviation Administration opposed the new height, and the city ultimately rejected it, while allowing Stupak to go as high as 1,149 ft (350 m). Vegas World closed on February 1, 1995, and its hotel towers were remodeled to serve as the hotel for the Stratosphere. New hotel towers were also built to accompany the existing buildings. The observation tower, which cost $70 million to build, was topped off on November 4, 1995.

The $550 million Stratosphere complex opened on April 30, 1996. Portions of the resort were unfinished at the time, including a hotel tower and sections of the shopping mall. The Stratosphere was built in a crime-ridden neighborhood known as Naked City. The resort struggled financially during its first year, for a number of reasons, including its location away from the Strip and other resorts. Marketing was also limited, as Berman initially believed that the tower had generated enough publicity on its own. The unfinished facilities were another factor in the resort's low revenue.

Stratosphere Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 1997, and businessman Carl Icahn purchased the resort in 1998. Icahn had the remaining hotel rooms finished in 2001, as part of a $65 million renovation project. The resort became profitable under Icahn's ownership, by targeting value-conscious visitors. In 2004, ownership was transferred to Icahn's company, American Casino & Entertainment Properties (ACEP). Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds purchased ACEP and the Stratosphere in 2008. Two years later, ACEP carried out a $20 million renovation which included the remodeling of hotel rooms. Other renovations continued into 2012. Golden Entertainment purchased ACEP and the Stratosphere in 2017, and additional renovations began in 2018, continuing into 2020. The resort was rebranded as The Strat on January 22, 2020.

History

Main article: Vegas World

In 1974, Bob Stupak opened a small casino in Las Vegas known as Bob Stupak's World Famous Million-Dollar Historic Gambling Museum and Casino, located north of the Las Vegas Strip on land previously occupied by the Todkill/Bill Hayden Lincoln Mercury Dealership.[2] The casino burned down two months later,[3] and Stupak subsequently opened his Vegas World hotel and casino on the same property in 1979.[4]

Conception

The concept for the Stratosphere began as a plan by Stupak to construct a 1,012-foot (308.46 m) neon sign tower for Vegas World. In early October 1989, Stupak submitted plans to the city for the approval of the neon sign tower which would stand four times taller than the hotel. Later in the week, Stupak withdrew his plans to allow time for a revised version of the tower that would include an elevator leading up to an observation deck. Stupak, who wanted the tower to become a local landmark, said, "What I'm trying to do for Las Vegas is what the Eiffel Tower did for Paris, what the Empire State Building did for New York, what the Seattle Space Needle did for Seattle."[5][6] Stupak's plans received widespread opposition,[7] including from Las Vegas city staff, who drafted an ordinance that would have limited signs to 35 feet in height.[5] The Las Vegas City Council rejected the ordinance, considering it to be a poorly drawn measure aimed specifically at stopping Stupak's project.[6]

 
Stupak discussing the project, c. 1990

In February 1990, Stupak unveiled his revised plans for a $50 million, 1,012-foot observation tower with a top floor that would include a revolving restaurant and four penthouse suites. It would be the tallest structure in Las Vegas and in the state of Nevada.[8] The tower was designed by architect Ned Baldwin, who also worked on the CN Tower in Toronto.[9][10] Stupak's vision for the project was inspired by the Sydney Tower in Australia, where he once lived.[11][12][13] In April 1990, the city council approved Stupak's tower, despite objections from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which stated that it was 200 feet (61 m) too tall.[14] Nellis Air Force Base also opposed the tower. Stupak later said that there were "all sorts of people out there opposed" to the tower, saying, "If it wasn't for the courage of the council, it would have never been built."[4] Critics later referred to the project as the "eighth blunder of the world" and "Stupak's shaft."[15][16]

In October 1991, the city gave approval to the tower's base and shaft, while the pod atop the tower had yet to be approved. At the time, Stupak was trying to obtain financing for the now-$100 million project, and was also under investigation by gaming officials over allegations that he used deceptive advertising to lure customers to Vegas World.[17] The project was now planned to include the "world's first indoor African lion's park,"[17] consisting of a jungle habitat to be located at the tower base,[18][19] although this feature was eventually scrapped.

Groundbreaking for the project, known as the Stratosphere Tower, took place on November 5, 1991.[18] The start of actual construction had yet to be announced for the tower, which was still opposed by the FAA.[18][20]

Construction

Construction of the $32 million tower began in February 1992, on property adjacent to Vegas World.[21] Multiple architectural and engineering firms monitored the tower's construction to ensure structural integrity.[15] The tower was built directly north of the Las Vegas Strip[22] and south of downtown Las Vegas,[4] in an area known as Meadows Village, a crime-ridden neighborhood nicknamed Naked City.[23][24] Shortly before its opening, a Stratosphere spokesman said, "We hope Stratosphere will be the catalyst that spurs redevelopment" in the area, while acknowledging, "We plunked down a half-billion-dollar project in the middle of one of the worst neighborhoods."[23]

On August 29, 1993, around midnight, hundreds of customers at Vegas World were evacuated when the half-finished tower caught on fire, during which no injuries occurred.[21][25] The cause of the fire was never determined.[26] Portions of the tower were left blackened, but the fire did not cause any structural damage. The tower is made of concrete and steel.[15] The opening had been planned for August 1994, although the fire was expected to delay construction by eight weeks. Stupak said that the tower's first phase would still be ready in time with an accelerated construction schedule.[27] A large crane located atop the tower, used for construction, was also damaged in the fire.[25][28] The following month, high winds prevented the scheduled dismantling of the crane, a process that was expected to take two days.[28]

 
 
Tower construction in 1995, with a Vegas World hotel tower to the left

Following the fire,[29] Stupak had trouble financing the completion of the tower.[4] To continue construction,[29] Grand Casinos announced plans in November 1993 to purchase 33 percent of the Stratosphere and Vegas World by acquiring shares in Stupak's Stratosphere Corporation.[30][31] Grand Casinos, owned by Stupak's poker friend Lyle Berman, ultimately purchased a 43-percent stake in the resort.[29]

As construction continued in April 1994, the tower was over 700 feet in height. That month, Stupak announced that he was considering an 813-foot extension of the tower's final height, which would bring it to 1,825 feet, beating the CN Tower by 10 feet.[32] This would make the Stratosphere the tallest structure in the world.[33] This new height was opposed by the FAA, the Airline Pilots Association, and Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport, stating that such a tower would force changes in air traffic patterns.[34][35] The FAA stated that the tower would be an aviation hazard, although its developers argued that the new height would make it a major tourist attraction.[33]

Stupak and Grand Casinos developed a laser light show for the tower in the event that the city should reject the new height. A lawyer for the project said, "If we can't have the world's tallest tower, we'll have the world's most beautiful tower."[36] The FAA also opposed the laser show concept, citing previous incidents around the country in which pilots were temporarily blinded by laser lights.[37] In June 1994, the city rejected Stupak's new height proposal, but allowed him to go up to 1,149 feet, higher than the 1,012 feet that he had originally proposed.[38][39] The tower was ultimately built out to the city's maximum height, although the FAA still considers it a hazard.[40]

 
Construction at the foot of the tower (1995)
 
Tower pod during construction (September 1995)

Grand Casinos completed its purchase of Vegas World at the end of 1994,[41] and the hotel-casino closed on February 1, 1995, for remodeling in order to be integrated into the Stratosphere resort.[42] Vegas World's two hotel towers,[43] consisting of 932 rooms,[44] were renovated to become part of the Stratosphere.[43][15] A month after the closure, Stratosphere Corporation began selling bonds worth $203 million. The company hoped to raise money to finish the tower and pay Stupak the $50.8 million purchase price for Vegas World.[45][46] Stupak's critics did not believe he would be able to complete the tower, in part because of his controversial promotional tactics at Vegas World.[7][47] Critics had also believed that completion would be unlikely following the 1993 fire and the opposition from the FAA.[48] After a 1995 motorcycle accident that left Stupak in a coma for 12 days, he said that the controversy and "all the complaining" about the tower stopped: "There were people who didn't like the tower, this and that, but after the accident, it was like nobody had anything negative to say about it."[4]

During 1994, crews erected a crane – taller than the earlier one – that allowed them to continue work on the rising tower. The 75-ton crane stood 400 feet tall and was installed over the course of four days. Removal of the crane began in October 1995, with the use of a second crane. The dismantling of the crane was one of the most significant challenges for the people working on the tower. The unique design of the tower pod and its limited space required construction crews to carefully plan the installation of the second crane, which weighed 30 tons. The second crane would lower pieces of the original crane to the ground, and would then be used to lift a seven-ton derrick into place, allowing workers to carry down sections of the second crane. The derrick would then be disassembled by hand, and workers would use a construction elevator to bring down the pieces. The complex and risky process was expected to take nearly two months.[49] The tower was topped off with a ceremony on November 4, 1995. A helicopter was used to lift two 3,700-pound steel frames to the top. Six workers, strapped to the tower, helped guide the final sections into place.[50][48][51]

Years before the Stratosphere's opening, a three-block neighborhood of houses in Meadows Village was demolished to help make room for the resort's 4,500-space parking garage.[23] In 1994,[52] officials from the Stratosphere project – located north of the Aztec Inn motel-casino[53] – entered an agreement with the city's Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency to have the Aztec Inn's parking lot condemned through eminent domain and turned over to the Stratosphere.[52][54] The agreement was opposed by the Aztec Inn,[52] and in 1995 was ruled by a judge to be unconstitutional.[54][52] By April 1996, the Aztec Inn settled with the Stratosphere and agreed to sell its parking lot.[52]

Separately, the Stratosphere agreed to provide free rent and relocation expenses to approximately 140 residents in a nearby area of Meadows Village that was cleared for an eventual expansion of the resort.[55][56][57][23] An additional hotel tower had been planned for the land, located directly north of the resort; 1.5 acres were already occupied by several businesses, and this portion of the land was to be seized through eminent domain. However, three property owners fought against the seizure in a court battle that lasted into the next decade. The proposed expansion never took place.[58]

Opening

The Stratosphere was expected to employ a total of 3,000 people, and began hiring for the remaining 2,400 employees in March 1996, a month before the opening.[59] At the time, Stupak served as the chairman of Stratosphere Corporation and owned 17 percent of the company. He was one of nine directors for Stratosphere Corporation, and would not oversee daily operations of the company.[60]

Shortly before its opening, several daredevils had expressed an interest in performing stunts from the top of the tower, but they were declined for safety reasons.[61] Smoke in the tower's pod restaurant forced an evacuation of workers on April 25, 1996, days before the opening. The smoke originated from the pod's fifth-floor kitchen, one floor above the restaurant, due to a faulty ventilator in the air-flow duct system. The pod contained four tanks with 32,000 gallons of water for firefighters in the event of a fire, but they were not needed.[62]

A film crew followed Stupak all day leading up to the opening.[4] More than 8,000 VIP guests visited the resort for a premiere party on the night of April 29, 1996, hours before its midnight opening. Stupak attended the event with singer Phyllis McGuire. Other attendees included Nevada governor Bob Miller and Las Vegas mayor Jan Laverty Jones.[29][47][63][64] Media from around the world also attended the event,[4] which was broadcast live by CNBC as well as television stations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.[29] A six-minute fireworks show, costing $50,000, began at 10:30 p.m.[29][47] Doors in the tower's pod had been left partially open to accommodate television camera cables, and smoke from the fireworks filled the pod and set off fire alarms, resulting in the shutdown of elevators and stranding hundreds of VIP guests.[65][66]

The $550 million complex featured 354,000 sq ft (32,900 m2),[7] including 140,000 sq ft (13,000 m2) of entertainment and shopping space.[67] A 97,000 sq ft (9,000 m2) casino was part of the resort's first phase, which also included 1,500 hotel rooms. The hotel portion was expected to open on May 7, 1996.[7] An additional 1,000 hotel rooms were expected to be finished in November 1996,[68] as part of the second phase.[69]

The resort had 3,100 employees.[29] The casino featured 2,600 slot machines, and was decorated with a world's fair theme and bright colors.[67] The casino was divided into three sections, each with its own international theme.[70] The hotel included a bronze statue of Stupak, which he disliked and never approved, saying, "They spent $100,000 more for that statue than I spent to open my first place in 1974."[4] Another statue, in the center of the casino, featured a couple riding a dolphin set upon a bronze globe.[67] The Stratosphere had seven restaurants,[71] and the top of the tower contained two thrill rides.[72] Stupak said, "Anybody can build a tower. But if you build a tower and put a roller coaster on top - now, that's Las Vegatizing."[73]

Financial problems

The Stratosphere was projected to attract at least 5.5 million visitors in its first year.[74] Around the time of its opening, financial analysts were optimistic about the resort's financial prospects.[7][11] Revenue for the first five weeks was lower than expected. Stratosphere Corporation attributed the low results to the resort being partly unfinished, and said it would borrow $48.5 million from Grand Casinos to finance enhancements to the property, including the completion of the 1,000 additional rooms, and the opening of unfinished retail shops.[75] The resort's location – away from the revitalized downtown area and the mega-resorts of the Las Vegas Strip – was another reason for its financial problems.[76]

In addition, customer visitation to the tower was lower than expected, and many people did not stay to gamble in the casino.[76] The casino was poorly designed according to managers,[77] as visitors to the tower were able to avoid the casino floor entirely.[76] Berman said that weak marketing was also a factor in the poor revenue.[78] Because the tower had already received so much publicity, Berman decided that a full marketing campaign was not necessary.[11] In the months after its opening, the resort continued to suffer financially.[4][79] The unfinished hotel contained fewer rooms than most Las Vegas resorts, and room occupancy was significantly below average for such a property.[11] Another issue was that the two rides atop the tower had to be shut down whenever winds reached 35 miles per hour.[80]

Stupak, who had already made plans to move on to other projects,[47] resigned as chairman less than three months after the opening, leaving Berman in charge.[4] Explaining his departure, Stupak cited disagreements with a majority of the other board members,[81] saying that his advice was ignored by executives of Grand Casinos and that he lacked influence considering his job title. Grand Casinos had only agreed to keep Stupak as chairman for the first 90 days after opening, and his position was to be evaluated after that.[11] Stupak's statue was removed from the property following his resignation,[4][11][82] and was put on display in a gambling museum at the Tropicana hotel-casino.[83]

A temporary race and sports book was established by Leroy's in August 1996, in an effort to bring in more gamblers.[84] The resort's second phase was halted later that month, due to financial problems;[71][69] the additional hotel building consisted of an unfinished, 15-story structure of concrete and rebar.[85] There had also been plans for a $30 million aquarium attraction, measuring 80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2) and set to open in 1997,[86][87] although this never materialized.[85]

Within six months of the opening, stock prices in Grand Casinos and Stratosphere Corporation dropped 50 and 80 percent respectively,[11][88] and the resort laid off 400 employees.[89] In an effort to attract more gamblers, the casino began offering favorable odds and returns on its table games and slot machines.[90][91] The effort was part of a $1.4 million multimedia marketing campaign, and the plan proved to be successful initially.[92][93] Although the resort lost $254 million during 1996, revenue improved during the final three months of the year, thanks to the marketing program,[94] which focused on gaming rather than the observation tower.[95] In addition, the admission prices for the tower and its rides were reduced. A roller coaster at the top of the tower was considered underwhelming, and was closed for improvements to make it longer and faster.[76]

Nevertheless, the Stratosphere continued to struggle. In January 1997, the resort announced that it could no longer afford to honor thousands of prepaid vacation packages.[96] Stratosphere Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy later that month,[93] after missing a $14.5 million interest payment to bondholders.[97][98] Under the reorganization plan, the resort continued to operate.[93][99] Existing shares in the company were to be canceled, and shareholders instead would be given the right to buy stock in the company after its restructuring. Shareholders were upset by the plan, and some had already filed a class action lawsuit against Stratosphere Corporation and Grand Casinos, alleging deceit.[78][100] In February 1997, another lawsuit was filed against Stupak and Grand Casinos, by people who had bought the vacation packages.[101]

Before the bankruptcy filing, Berman had intended to make the resort profitable.[4] Stupak had previously called Berman "the best casino operator in the world,"[60][11] but later said about Grand Casinos' operation of the resort, "They just weren't up to it."[4] The resort continued to perform poorly during early 1997, in part because of competition with the recently opened New York-New York resort. Rainy and windy weather was another factor, reducing pedestrian traffic to the Stratosphere and causing a lack of interest in the tower's observation deck and roller coaster.[102] Because of the low revenue, Stratosphere Corporation was removed from the NASDAQ in April 1997,[103][104] although the stock would continue to be traded through the OTC Bulletin Board.[105] A new reorganization plan was submitted that would cancel all existing stock, thereby excluding the right for shareholders to buy stock in a restructured company.[106]

Carl Icahn ownership

In June 1997, corporate raider and businessman Carl Icahn purchased 20 percent of mortgage bonds in Stratosphere Corporation,[77][107] while Berman and other investors in Stratosphere Corporation sold off their shares. Grand Casinos remained as the largest shareholder in the resort.[108] In July 1997, Icahn announced plans to sell shares in his company, American Real Estate Partners, to raise money to purchase the Stratosphere entirely.[109] Icahn announced a new reorganization plan that was viewed more favorably than the latest one proposed by Grand Casinos. Berman and other board members of Stratosphere Corporation resigned, with Berman saying, "Grand wants to avoid being on the board when proposals such as Icahn's are being reviewed. I think it's difficult when your company has a proposal and another company is offering a better proposal."[110]

In August 1997, Stupak made a plan to regain control of the Stratosphere by purchasing $1 million in mortgage notes. He also planned to air a half-hour video in which he criticized the board members who resigned, saying, "We have to save the Stratosphere. We have to save the shareholders. You have a duty, a fiduciary duty. I'm reminding you to do this." Stupak went on to say, "They lost more money than I ever heard of. So what did they do? They surrendered. They surrendered and left town." Stupak was also critical of Stratosphere Corporation for refusing to meet with him to discuss his own proposal for reorganization.[111] A day after announcing his video, Stupak decided to shelve its airing, stating that he had already caught people's interest. He said the video was no longer necessary and that the timing no longer felt right.[112] In October 1997, Grand Casinos confirmed that it would have no further involvement in the Stratosphere and its reorganization.[113]

The Stratosphere owed $313 million to creditors.[114] Icahn's reorganization plan was approved, and Stupak settled the lawsuit concerning vacation packages.[115][116] Older shares in the Stratosphere were canceled.[105][117][118] Lakes Gaming, formerly Grand Casinos, would later settle a lawsuit brought by former Stratosphere shareholders, and the company prevailed in a lawsuit brought by bondholders of the resort.[119][120][121] Icahn's purchase received final approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission in August 1998,[122][123] and the Stratosphere exited bankruptcy two months later.[124] Icahn planned $100 million in improvements, including the completion of the additional hotel rooms.[123] However, he inherited various lawsuits when he purchased the Stratosphere, and construction would not resume until such issues were resolved.[125]

In the years after Icahn took over, Stupak sometimes visited the Stratosphere's Top of the World restaurant but was otherwise disinterested in the resort. In 2001, Stupak said that he felt prouder when he opened his earlier casinos on the site in 1974 and 1979. Stupak stated his biggest disappointment with the Stratosphere was not being able to have it built out to 1,825 feet.[4] He said, "I don't want to be the guy who built a tall tower in Las Vegas. I want to be the guy who built the tallest structure in the world."[16]

In 1999, ownership switched to American Real Estate Partners, and Icahn remained as the controlling investor.[126] A new 5,000 sq ft (460 m2) sportsbook was added that year.[127] Revenue saw improvement in 2000, and approximately 8,000 people visited the tower daily. The resort had 2,200 employees.[128]

 
Eighth-floor pool area in 2007

Construction of the unfinished hotel tower resumed on April 14, 2000.[129] The tower, with 24 stories, was topped off on November 2, 2000.[130] The $65 million project included 1,002 rooms, a 67,000 sq ft (6,200 m2) pool and recreation area, and a coffee shop. Excluding the new tower, the hotel had 1,444 rooms. The new project was meant to improve business at the casino and its retail mall, the Tower Shops.[131] The new facilities were opened in mid-2001.[132][133] The casino floor was brightened and the resort's buffet was expanded as part of the renovation project.[128] Icahn planned for the Stratosphere to target value-conscious visitors.[129][128] Focusing on this demographic, Icahn turned the Stratosphere into a profitable business.[134] The hotel's room rates were among the lowest for a Las Vegas resort.[133] The casino's poker room was closed in early 2001, as it was not a significant source of revenue, and it conflicted with the renovation plans.[135] In 2001, the tower was temporarily closed following the September 11 attacks, out of concern that it could be a target for terrorists.[136][137]

In 2003, several additions were being considered, including a convention center, a nightclub, and an indoor go-cart track.[134] In 2004, ownership of the Stratosphere was transferred to Icahn's new company, American Casino & Entertainment Properties (ACEP). Refurbishments were underway on its sign, porte-cochère, and valet area.[138] The resort also opened a topless pool area on the hotel's 25th floor known as Beach Club 25,[139][140] later renamed Radius.[141] The Beach Club 25 area had previously served as the resort's original pool, until the 2001 renovation. The topless pool concept was introduced to appeal to the Stratosphere's European visitors, and to attract a younger demographic that had become increasingly common in Las Vegas.[139][140] The topless pool area operates in addition to a separate, family friendly pool on the hotel's eighth floor.[141]

Like other resorts, the Stratosphere was particularly popular in 2006 and 2007, before the Great Recession.[142] A retro-themed nightclub, named Polly Esther's, opened in March 2007. It featured themes based on the past four decades, with memorabilia dating back to the 1970s.[143][144][145]

2008 sale and renovations

 
The Stratosphere, located up the street from the Sahara (2009)
 
 
Casino floor after renovations

In April 2007, Icahn announced that he would sell ACEP and its properties, including the Stratosphere, to a Goldman Sachs affiliate known as Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds. The sale included 17 acres of adjacent, undeveloped land.[146][147] Whitehall completed its purchase in February 2008,[148] and the company planned to spend $25 million on improvements to the Stratosphere.[149]

Many managers were fired and replaced under the new ownership, despite earlier assurances that such jobs would be safe from termination. Some employees complained about the firing of their managers, which occurred while the Great Recession was underway. Other employees stated that the fired managers were inept or stealing money from the casino, and that they showed favoritism among workers. Under the new ownership, employees were given stricter work guidelines to follow, which was met with mixed reactions from workers and gamblers.[150] Polly Esther's closed at the end of 2008.[151] As a result of the recession, the Stratosphere laid off workers in 2009,[152] and continued to struggle into 2010.[153]

A $20 million renovation project began in 2010. Improvements were made to the casino, the main entrance, the Top of the World restaurant, and other areas.[154][153][155][156][157] A major aspect of the project was the renovation of 909 hotel rooms, out of 2,427.[158][159] Other renovations continued into 2012,[53] and included the addition of a new poker room.[160]

For years, the Stratosphere sat alone as the sole resort in the area. The only other nearby resort, the Sahara, closed in 2011, causing a significant drop in pedestrian traffic for the Stratosphere. However, the Sahara reopened as the SLS Las Vegas in 2014, and the Stratosphere was expected to benefit from the increased visitation in the area.[161][162][163] A British man became the 40 millionth visitor to the tower on April 21, 2014, and received a $2,500 prize package.[164][165][166] In September 2014, a man, under the influence of drugs, crashed his pickup truck through the resort's front entrance and was arrested.[167][168][169]

In 2015, the Stratosphere launched an advertising campaign targeting its middle-class clientele, while criticizing high-priced Strip resorts.[170] The Stratosphere celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016.[142][171][172] At the time, the resort had 1,600 employees. Most of its clientele consisted of tourists from southern California, as well as international locations such as Canada, Germany, and Great Britain. The resort's gaming revenue had yet to fully recover from the effects of the Great Recession, although other aspects of the property performed well.[142]

Golden Entertainment

In June 2017, Golden Entertainment agreed to purchase ACEP.[173] Golden Entertainment's $850 million purchase of the company, including the Stratosphere, was completed in October 2017.[174] In March 2018, Golden Entertainment announced plans for a $140 million renovation of the Stratosphere that would be completed over three phases.[175] According to management, some people were unaware that the Stratosphere was a resort, believing it to be merely an observation tower. The renovations were aimed at raising awareness of the resort amenities. Renovations were underway later in 2018. A new gaming pit was debuted, and 300 rooms were renovated, among other changes.[176]

On February 1, 2019, plans were announced to rename the resort as The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod.[1][177][178] For years, "The Strat" had been used by local residents as a nickname.[179] The transition to The Strat began with two commercials aired locally two days later, during Super Bowl LIII.[178][180] The name change would become official at a later date.[180]

A three-piece statue, created by local artists, was installed at the resort's front entrance in April 2019. The statue consists of three stainless steel figures staring at the tower. They range in height from 9 to 15 feet, with the tallest one pointing at the tower. Blake Sartini, the chairman and CEO of Golden Entertainment, said the statue was a symbol of the resort's new branding. He also said, "We wanted to create a piece that people would use as a 'wow' moment, an Instagram moment."[181][182]

 
The Strat in April 2020

Two areas for live entertainment – one on the casino floor and one in the former space of a lounge – were being added in June 2019,[183] along with a new slot machine lounge.[184] "STRAT" signage was installed in August 2019,[185] and renovations on the south end of the casino floor were completed that year.[186] Other renovations have included the resort's exterior and landscaping.[187] The Strat also installed drone detection technology, alerting the property whenever illegal drones are flown near the tower.[188]

The resort was officially renamed The Strat Hotel, Casino and SkyPod during a celebration held on January 22, 2020. Among the attendees to the event were Nevada governor Steve Sisolak, congresswoman Dina Titus, Sammy Hagar, Guy Fieri, and Rick Springfield.[189][190][191] Renovations were largely finished at the time, with the exception of a self-check-in area and remodeling that was scheduled to begin on the casino's north side during the second quarter of 2020. Half of the resort's 2,427 hotel rooms had been remodeled, and future renovations would also take place on the remaining rooms. The 80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2) casino, considered dark before, was remodeled with a new color scheme and an open layout. A new William Hill sports book was also added.[192] The renovations, including four new restaurants, were designed to retain customers who usually only visited the pod area.[180][192] The renovation was also intended to help the property compete against nearby rivals, including the renovated Sahara and two upcoming resorts: The Drew and Resorts World.[184]

Property overview

 
Roxy's Diner in 2011

The hotel and casino facilities are located at the base of the tower.[9] Aside from a restaurant at the top of the tower, the resort has numerous other restaurants,[193] including a buffet,[194][154] and a steakhouse known as McCall’s Heartland Grill.[195][196] Another restaurant, Roxy's Diner, has operated since the resort's opening.[64][176]

The Strat's location, in regard to the Las Vegas Strip, has been debated.[197][198] Although the Stratosphere was considered north of the Las Vegas Strip at the time of its 1996 opening, it advertised itself as being on the Strip, with the slogan, "We define the top of the Strip."[22] Frank Riolo, the CEO of AREP, said in 2011, "It's not Downtown, it's not the Strip and it's not a locals property. We try to run it as a hybrid."[161] Tourists and some local residents consider the Strat to be part of the Strip, which would make it the only Strip resort within city limits.[197][199] However, Clark County considers the Strat to be several blocks north of the Strip. According to the county, the Strip does not officially extend into city limits. Nevertheless, Golden Entertainment advertises the resort as a Strip property.[183][197][198]

Observation tower

 
• CN Tower, Toronto
• Willis Tower (formerly Sears), Chicago
• Stratosphere, Las Vegas
• Space Needle, Seattle

The resort was named after the stratosphere in Earth's atmosphere, as a reference to the height of the tower.[200] At 1,149 ft (350 m), it is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States,[201] and the second-tallest in the Western Hemisphere, surpassed only by the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario. It is the tallest tower west of the Mississippi River,[202][134] and also the tallest structure in Las Vegas and in the state of Nevada.[203] Because the tower is not fully habitable, it is not considered a building,[204] according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.[205] Because of its visibility, the tower serves as a visual aid for some motorists in the Las Vegas Valley.[141][176] The tower also presents problems for air traffic controllers, who have to guide certain planes to avoid the structure.[40]

The tower is a popular draw for tourists,[142] and is a notable part of the Las Vegas skyline.[24][200] The top of the tower has two observation decks and a restaurant known as "Top of the World", in addition to lounges,[206][154][159][160] four thrill rides,[207] and a wedding chapel.[141][208] Top of the World is a revolving restaurant,[209][210] taking about 80 minutes to complete a full rotation.[211] It is located on the 106th floor of the tower,[212] providing overhead views of the Las Vegas Valley.[213] An indoor observation deck is located on the 108th floor, and includes food and beverage outlets, while stairs lead up to an outdoor deck on the 109th floor. Like the restaurant, both decks provide wraparound views of the Las Vegas Valley. The indoor deck was remodeled and unveiled in July 2019.[214]

The tower elevators, among the fastest in the world, travel at a speed of 1,801 feet per minute.[215][216] The tower also includes 1,455 steps leading up to the 108th floor, which rises 855 feet.[141] Since 2009, the tower has hosted a fundraising event called Scale the Strat, which benefits the American Lung Association. Hundreds of people compete each year in the stair-racing event, in which individual participants race to the top of the tower for the best time, separated from each other by one-minute intervals.[217] Aside from the races, the stairs are otherwise closed to the public.[218]

 
The tower pod and needle at night

The tower cost $70 million to construct.[23] It weighs approximately 50,000 tons and has nearly 290 miles of reinforced steel bars.[219][67] The tower's pod includes the restaurant and contains 12 stories. The exterior of the pod has one and a half miles of criss-crossed fiber-optic cable with lights which alternate between eight different colors.[220] A 149-foot needle[67] located on top of the pod consists of a five-square-foot steel-beam frame with an internal ladder. Atop the needle frame are two four-inch beams which are laid out horizontally to form an "X".[61] A special rig for window washers is situated around the pod windows.[200] In 2005, local jazz station KOAS 105.7 (FM) installed an antenna at the top of the tower, becoming the first station to do so.[221] KVGS 107.9 (FM) also has an antenna atop the tower.[222]

During the design and construction phase, four fire inspectors were assigned to the project to ensure that it would be fire-safe. The tower was built with three emergency generators.[223] At the time of opening, the pod included two concrete-banded bunker floors, located beneath its three wedding chapels.[67] The bunker was built on the two lowest floors of the pod, as smoke rises. In the case of a fire, the tower's elevators would be used for evacuation of the pod, unlike most buildings in which stairs would be used instead.[223]

The base of the tower starts with three legs made of concrete, each weighing approximately 4 million pounds and rising 264 feet, before meeting to form a center. From there, the tower rises further before reaching the start of the pod, at approximately 775 feet.[224] The east tower leg was reportedly built at a crooked angle, due to a measurement mix-up.[11][225] Two decades after its opening, a resort executive said, "We didn't own the property when it was built, and cannot verify this." He noted that an engineering firm made periodic inspections to ensure structural integrity.[225]

During its construction, the tower won several negative awards from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, which named it as the "Las Vegas event you are tired of hearing about," the "worst Las Vegas eyesore," and the "community's biggest embarrassment."[226] It was also voted worst casino theme in 1997, and worst attraction four years later.[227] In 2006, readers of the newspaper named the Stratosphere as the ugliest building in Las Vegas.[228]

Five people, bypassing security measures, have committed suicide by jumping from the tower's observation area, between 2000 and 2007.[229] Another person died after jumping from the tower in 2014.[230][231] On September 28th, 2021, another suicide occurred at the tower.[232]

Rides

 
Rides at the top of the tower pod, 2005

Rides at the Strat include:

  • Big Shot, opened along with the resort in 1996.[219][16][72][233] The ride travels up and down the tower's needle. At 1,081 ft (329 m), it was the highest thrill ride in the world until the Sky Drop opened on the Canton Tower at 1,591 ft (485 m).
  • X-Scream, opened in 2003. At 866 ft (264 m), it is the fourth highest thrill ride in the world. It consists of a single car that rolls back and forth on a straight piece of track that slightly overhangs the tower and pivots vertically in a see-saw motion.[234][235][236][237]
  • Insanity, opened in 2005. At 900 ft (270 m) is the third highest thrill ride in the world; it dangles riders over the edge of the tower and then spins in a circular pattern at approximately forty miles per hour.[238][239][240] In an incident shortly after opening, riders were left dangling several hundred feet for nearly an hour and a half when Insanity shut down; it was programmed to cease operation if a fault or problem is detected by the ride's control system. Strong winds caused the system to trigger the emergency stop.[241][242][243]
  • SkyJump Las Vegas, opened in 2010.[244][245][246] SkyJump is a controlled-descent, Bungee-jumping-like ride that allows riders to plummet 855 ft (261 m) attached to a high-speed descent wire.[247] SkyJump had its 100,000th rider in 2013,[248] and its 200,000th in 2015.[249]

A previous ride, a roller coaster called the High Roller, opened with the resort in 1996. It rode around the top of the tower pod.[250][251] It closed on December 30, 2005, and was dismantled.[252] The ride was considered underwhelming and was poorly received in comparison to the other rides. However, it was a financial success and attracted nearly 4 million riders by the time of its closure.[251][253] At 909 ft (277 m),[254] it was the second highest ride in the world and the highest roller coaster.[252]

Strat-O-Fair, a 17,000 sq ft (1,600 m2) midway themed after the 1963 World's fair, opened at the base of the tower in June 2000. Among its attractions were bumper cars and a Ferris wheel, measuring 45 feet in diameter.[255]

 
Insanity ride in 2021

Two rides were proposed for the tower but were never built.[256][257] As the resort opened in 1996, there were plans to add a $6 million "King Kong" ride, also known as "Belly of the Beast". Riders would be placed in the stomach of a giant mechanical gorilla that would scale the Stratosphere tower. The ride would carry a total of 48 people and would go halfway up the tower.[258][259][260] On its way down, the ride would drop several feet at a time, to give riders the sensation of falling.[219][80] The ride's opening was delayed in May 1996, because design and engineering work took longer than expected.[259] The project was canceled two months later. A Stratosphere spokesman said, "It was determined to be not feasible and we couldn't be sure it would be an exciting ride. It was an engineering challenge, to say the least."[260] The ride had been scheduled to open later in 1996.[259]

The second ride was proposed in 2001,[261] acting as a $20 million roller coaster that would transport riders over Las Vegas Boulevard. A 740-foot tower would be built next to the Stratosphere tower, and the roller coaster would travel down this new tower before going up a 416-foot tower on the opposite side of the street.[256][262][263] Area residents were opposed to the ride, citing concerns about its impact on housing values and the quality of life.[256][264] Residents were concerned about noise and traffic that would occur in the area if the ride were built, although the resort denied that noise would be an issue.[262] Nevada Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani said the ride would make the neighborhood look like a carnival.[265]

The Stratosphere stated that the new ride was necessary to compete against the nearby Adventuredome, as well as a NASCAR attraction at the Sahara resort.[262] The earlier King Kong ride had received city approval in 1996, with no expiration, and resort executives suggested that they may revive that project if the Las Vegas City Council were to reject the new roller coaster proposal. Residents were also opposed to the King Kong ride.[256] In response to the opposition, the Stratosphere suggested that it may withdraw financial support for the Las Vegas Monorail project, which would connect downtown with the Las Vegas Strip.[265] The roller coaster ride failed to get the support of the city council, and the Stratosphere withdrew its financing of $250,000 for the monorail project, which would have had a stop at the resort.[266] A scaled-back, slower version of the roller coaster ride was proposed in 2002,[267][268] but it was also denied approval. The Stratosphere took legal action in an effort to get the ride built, but the resort lost its challenges in court.[263][269][257]

Tower Shops

The Tower Shops is a mall on the second level. The elevators that lead up to the observation decks are only accessible in the mall.[270] DeBartolo Realty Corporation, which owned a 50-percent interest in the Tower Shops, was acquired by Simon Property Group in March 1996, forming Simon DeBartolo Group.[85] The Tower Shops were a joint venture between Simon DeBartolo Group and Gordon Group, under the name Strato-Retail.[271] The Stratosphere leased the retail space to Strato-Retail, which then subleased it to retail tenants.[272]

 
Tower Shops in 2008

When the Stratosphere opened in April 1996, its retail area was still largely under construction and consisted only of vendor carts spread across three areas with their own theme: Chinese, French, and Manhattan.[67] The mall was built by Missouri construction company McCarthy, which was finishing the first phase in May 1996.[270] Because of the resort's financial problems, the next phase of the Tower Shops was halted in August 1996,[69][273] leaving the mall with 69,000 sq ft (6,400 m2) of retail space.[274][271] The second phase, scheduled for completion in December 1996, would have increased the mall to 160,000 sq ft (15,000 m2).[275] The second phase would have included a Rainforest Cafe as its main anchor tenant.[85][271] A Kids Quest child-care center was also planned as part of the second phase.[276][85]

As of February 1997, the mall had 32 of 45 stores opened, with the remainder expected to be open by the end of the second quarter. The mall had approximately 300 employees.[274] As of October 1997, there were 36 stores, including a clothing store owned by Las Vegas mayor Jan Jones,[277] who also owned shares in Grand Casinos.[278] Approximately 85 percent of the retail space was occupied, and 98 percent was leased.[278]

By 1998, retailers in the Tower Shops were experiencing financial difficulties and lack of customer traffic, which the retailers blamed on the resort's unfinished facilities.[85] Strato-Retail filed suits against several of the mall's retailers, alleging non-payment of rent. Two retailers that were locked in for expensive, long-term leases filed suits against Strato-Retail.[85][272] As of March 1999, the Stratosphere planned to add a new escalator which the resort said would lead up to the casino's showroom. However, Strato-Retail sued Stratosphere Corporation, alleging that the escalator would hinder business to the Tower Shops by allowing visitors to bypass the mall on their way to the top of the observation tower. The resort denied that the escalator could be used to access the tower.[279] Strato-Retail won a permanent injunction against the escalator's construction.[280]

In 2000, Stratosphere Corporation purchased the mall from Strato-Retail for $12.5 million.[281][271][280] In 2004, the Tower Shops had 110,000 sq ft (10,000 m2) of retail space, which was approximately 90 leased. That year, the mall announced plans for an additional 80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2) of retail space.[282][283] The expansion would occupy undeveloped space that was meant for the Tower Shops' originally planned second phase.[282] At the time, the mall had approximately 50 stores and 15 retail carts.[284]

Live entertainment

At its opening, the Stratosphere included the 700-seat Broadway showroom,[285] and a 300-seat lounge called the Images Cabaret, which also hosted performers.[286] The Stratosphere opened along with a celebrity impersonator show known as American Superstars, which initially ran in the lounge.[287][288][289][290] Danny Gans also had a residency, which took place in the showroom.[291][292] Gans' contract expired at the end of 1996, and he moved on to the Rio resort, after disagreements with the Stratosphere. Gans had wanted more advertising from the Stratosphere for his show, although the resort was financially unable to do so. The resort, meanwhile, wanted Gans to perform more often, which he declined to do.[293] Following his departure, American Superstars moved into the showroom.[287][293][294]

A small-scale afternoon show, Viva Las Vegas, opened in the Broadway showroom in October 1996, in an effort to improve the resort's finances. The show had previously run for five years at the Sands Hotel and Casino, until its closing earlier in 1996.[295][296][297] Hypnotist Marshall Sylver opened a show in the Images Cabaret in 1997.[298][299] Two years later, Images Cabaret was relocated elsewhere in the resort, as the original location was replaced by the new sports book.[127]

 
Overhead view of the Celestia tent

As of 2001, Viva Las Vegas was the longest continuously running afternoon show in Las Vegas history.[128] An outdoor stage, called the Outdoor Events Center, opened later that year. Built in the form of a grandstand, it offered seating for approximately 3,600 people. As an alternative to larger venues, the Outdoor Events Center offered low-priced events, which included boxing matches and musical performances.[300][301][302] In 2004, the resort's Theater of the Stars showroom launched a topless vampire-themed show by Tim Molyneux called Bite, featuring rock and roll music.[303][304][305] Viva Las Vegas closed in December 2006.[306]

American Superstars closed in March 2011, as the producers and resort came to a mutual decision to end the show after a 15-year run. It was one of the longest-running shows in Las Vegas history.[288][287] Later that year, singer Frankie Moreno signed a two-year residency.[307][308] The Theater of the Stars showroom was renovated under the direction of Moreno,[53][307] and was renamed as the Stratosphere Showroom.[309] Bite ended its run in 2012.[310]

David Perrico, with the band Pop Evolution, signed in 2013 for a monthly show.[311] Claire Sinclair, a Playboy Playmate, starred in a burlesque musical show titled Pin Up, which launched in 2013 and ran for four years.[312] Moreno signed an extension and eventually concluded his residency at the end of 2014.[309][313] By 2016, the resort had begun offering a Michael Jackson tribute show called MJ Live.[172][314]

The Strat added an acrobatic show, Celestia, in June 2019.[315][316][317] The show was performed inside a 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2) tent located outside the Strat.[192] Celestia closed two years later. By that point, plans were underway to renovate the Strat's 600-seat theater. The resort partnered with SPI Entertainment and hoped to make the resort a well known destination for live entertainment.[318][319] Illusionist Xavier Mortimer opened a magic show on July 1, 2021.[320][321] Another magic show, by mentalist Banachek, was opened a month later,[322] along with a glow-in-the-dark dance show by iLuminate.[323] A concert residency by Sammy Hagar is scheduled to take place at the resort later in the year.[324][325]

In popular culture

  • In 1998, some filming took place at the Stratosphere for an episode of Chicago Hope.[326]
  • In 1999, scenes for the game show Real World/Road Rules Challenge 2000 were filmed involving contestants bungee jumping from the Stratosphere's tower.[327][328][329]
  • The Stratosphere was also used in 1999 for filming of the television series The Strip.[327]
  • The casino and tower are featured in the 2005 movie Domino, in which the owner gets robbed of $10 million and the top of the tower gets damaged in an explosion.[330]
  • The tower is the inspiration for the Vertigo Spire location/map featured in the 2006 video game Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas.[331]
  • The tower was featured in the Life After People 2009 episode "Sin City Meltdown". 300 years after people, the tower is one of the last recognizable things in Las Vegas, but an earthquake eventually brings it down.
  • The death of 16-year-old Las Vegas teen Levi Presley by suicide from the observation deck became the basis for John D'Agata's 2010 essay "What Happens There" for The Believer, and later D'Agata and Jim Fingal's work The Lifespan of a Fact.[332]
  • The Lucky 38, a fictional tower casino featured in the 2010 video game Fallout: New Vegas, partially resembles the Stratosphere.[333][334]
  • Actors Michael Douglas and Mary Steenburgen rode on the X-Scream ride to shoot a scene for the 2013 film Last Vegas.[335]
  • In 2013, the tower was featured in episode 24 of the third season of the Israeli edition of The Amazing Race as part of a Roadblock task where contestants had to jump off of the tower on the SkyJump.[336]
  • In the 2014 Syfy television series Dominion, the archangel Michael lived in the observation tower of the Stratosphere.[337]
  • A replica of the tower can be found in the 2014 racing game The Crew, in the northern part of Las Vegas.[338]
  • The hotel, casino and tower was featured at the beginning of the 2016 film Sharknado: The 4th Awakens.[339][340]
  • The tower serves as the site for the climax of the Ben 10 episode "Tough Luck".

Gallery

  •  

    Aerial view in 2004

  •  

    Neon sign on the observation tower, 2004

  •  

    Main entrance in 2004

  •  

    A neon sign during the day

  •  

    Front of the tower

  •  

    View from the ground

  •  

    Stratosphere tower and hotel buildings

  •  

    View from the tower pod, overlooking the Strip in 2008

  •  

    Overlooking the Strip in 2008

  •  

    Same view, at night

  •  

    Looking up from the base of the tower, with the X-Scream ride hanging over the edge in 2009

  •  

    Stratosphere logo, 2011

  •  

    Close-up of the pod

  •  

    Inside the pod

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Stylized as "The STRAT".[1]

References

  1. ^ a b "Golden Entertainment, Inc. Announces Stratosphere Rebrand to 'The STRAT'". Golden Entertainment. 2019-02-04. Retrieved 2019-02-09. On Sunday, Feb. 3, the Stratosphere, Casino, Hotel & Tower began its transition to The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod […].
  2. ^ Craft, Byron (2014). "The Men Who Made Las Vegas - Bob Stupak - The Polish Maverick". StripLV.com. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  3. ^ "Museum-Casino Destroyed By Fire on Vegas 'Strip'". Daily Herald. 1974-05-22. p. 12. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Velotta, Richard N. (2001-05-04). "Stupak proud, but not notably nostalgic about Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  5. ^ a b "Stupak wants a landmark". Reno Gazette-Journal. 1989-10-07. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  6. ^ a b "Vegas council turns down sign ordinance". Reno Gazette-Journal. 1989-10-20. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  7. ^ a b c d e Thompson, Gary (1996-04-26). "New landmark towers over Las Vegas". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  8. ^ "Revised plans unveiled". Reno Gazette-Journal. 1990-02-14. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  9. ^ a b Carter, Geoff (April 2002). . Las Vegas Weekly. Archived from the original on 2002-06-21.
  10. ^ Winsa, Patty (2014-02-23). "CN Tower built to last". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2019-07-18.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i Orwall, Bruce (1996-10-29). "Stratosphere's Big Gamble Flops in a Tale of Las Vegas". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  12. ^ Ainlay, Thomas; Gabaldon, Judy Dixon (2003). Las Vegas: The Fabulous First Century. Arcadia Publishing. p. 139. ISBN 978-0-7385-2416-0. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  13. ^ "Bob Stupak, the Polish Maverick". The Real Deal. Australia. July 2012. p. 35. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  14. ^ "Las Vegas approves tower". Reno Gazette-Journal. 1990-04-19. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  15. ^ a b c d "Las Vegas takes gaudiness into the Stratosphere (Tower)". Associated Press. 1995-09-24. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ a b c "For Las Vegas, a New Kind of High Roller". Los Angeles Times. 1996-04-29. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  17. ^ a b "Casino owner is given green light". The Spectrum. 1991-10-23. Retrieved 2019-02-08 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ a b c "Stupak breaks ground for tower project". Reno Gazette-Journal. 1991-11-06. p. 13. Retrieved 2019-02-08 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Circus Maximus". Newsweek. 1991-11-03. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  20. ^ "Vegas tower worries air official". Reno Gazette-Journal. 1991-10-26. Retrieved 2019-02-08 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ a b "Fire engulfs observation tower". Associated Press. 1993-08-30. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  22. ^ a b "Tower tries to stretch Strip boundary north of Sahara". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-04-26. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  23. ^ a b c d e Zekan, Karen (1996-04-26). "Tower rises from mean streets". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  24. ^ a b Witcher, T. R. (2009-10-07). "Stupak's true legacy". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  25. ^ a b Elizabeth Holland and Steve Sebelius (1993-08-30). "Tower fire rained debris". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
  26. ^ Geer, Carri (1999-10-30). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-05-02.
  27. ^ "Casino operator vows to finish building fire-damaged tower". Reno Gazette-Journal. 1993-09-03. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  28. ^ a b "Winds hamper tower work". Reno Gazette-Journal. 1993-09-13. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  29. ^ a b c d e f g Thompson, Gary (1996-04-30). "Tower draws rave reviews". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  30. ^ Marcotty, Josephine (1993-11-17). "Grand Casinos makes Vegas deal". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  31. ^ "Firm Adds to Vegas Deal". St. Paul Pioneer Press. 1994-01-28. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via NewsLibrary.
  32. ^ "Planning the Tallest Structure". San Francisco Chronicle. 1994-04-08. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via NewsLibrary.
  33. ^ a b "Vegas airport official discusses new tower". Associated Press. 1994-06-14. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "FAA, pilots opposing Las Vegas tower". UPI NewsTrack. 1994-05-16. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via NewsLibrary.
  35. ^ "Vegas to study controversial tower". UPI NewsTrack. 1994-05-19. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via NewsLibrary.
  36. ^ "If tower isn't the tallest, it could be most illuminating". Associated Press. 1994-06-17. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Lasers, spire trouble pilots over Las Vegas". The Arizona Republic. 1994-08-24. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "City approves tower compromise". The Desert Sun. 1994-06-23. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Bob Stupak, builder of Stratosphere and Vegas World, dies at 67". Las Vegas Sun. 2009-09-25. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
  40. ^ a b "FAA: Planes can't fly these crowded skies". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2008-09-30. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  41. ^ "Stratosphere completes purchase of Vegas property". Star Tribune. 1994-11-05. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  42. ^ "Vacationers line up for World's last days". Reno Gazette-Journal. February 1, 1995. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
  43. ^ a b "Las Vegas reaches higher: 100-story roller coaster latest gamble for city". RecordNet.com. September 24, 1995. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  44. ^ "Grand Casinos, Inc. Securities Litigation". Stanford University Law School. December 23, 1996. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  45. ^ "Stratosphere's Bonds Soar Like Tower Plan". The Press of Atlantic City. 1995-03-05. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  46. ^ "Investors Set Foundation for Stratosphere Casino". St. Paul Pioneer Press. 1995-03-11. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via NewsLibrary.
  47. ^ a b c d German, Jeff (1996-04-30). "Stupak silences his critics with Stratosphere's opening". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  48. ^ a b "Helicopter places top on Stratosphere Tower". Associated Press. 1995-11-06. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. ^ "Workers dismantling crane". Elko Daily Free Press. 1995-10-11. Retrieved 2019-07-27 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. ^ "Topping-off for Vegas tower today". Associated Press. 1995-11-04. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ^ . Las Vegas Leisure Guide. 1996. Archived from the original on 2004-06-12.
  52. ^ a b c d e Sebelius, Steve (1996-04-26). "Eminent domain, redevelopment issues remain". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  53. ^ a b c Katsilometes, John (2012-04-06). . Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on 2012-04-09.
  54. ^ a b Zapler, Mike (1997-03-09). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1997-07-19.
  55. ^ "Residents Around Stratosphere Tower Evicted". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-03-19. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  56. ^ Sebelius, Steve (1996-03-20). "Evictions delayed for some Stratosphere neighbors". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  57. ^ "Residents near Stratosphere get aid". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-03-28. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  58. ^
    • Zapler, Mike (1998-03-24). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-02-23.
    • Zapler, Mike (1998-03-28). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1999-10-04.
    • Squires, Michael (2004-09-12). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2004-12-24.
    • "Justice in land seizure debated". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2007-12-04. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
    • "Justice finally for landowner?". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2007-12-05. Retrieved 2020-12-22. "County must repay trust account interest". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2008-07-25. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
    • "Eminent domain case closed". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2008-07-26. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  59. ^ "Commission gives final OK to Stratosphere plan". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-03-22. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  60. ^ a b Thompson, Gary (1996-03-07). "Gaming license no problem for Stupak". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  61. ^ a b "Columnist: Build it and they will come". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-04-26. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  62. ^ Scott, Cathy (1996-04-26). "Smoke, but no towering inferno". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  63. ^ Shemeligian, Bob (1996-05-03). "Tower debut shaky if you didn't speak Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  64. ^ a b . Las Vegas Leisure Guide. 1996. Archived from the original on 2004-02-08.
  65. ^ "Smoke strands guests atop tower". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-05-01. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  66. ^ Thompson, Gary (1996-05-03). "Bugs bedevil Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  67. ^ a b c d e f g Robins, Cynthia (1996-05-26). "Las Vegas' Stratosphere is fit for the intrepid". SFGate. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  68. ^ "Hospitality Network adds Stratosphere to its list". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-02-23. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  69. ^ a b c "Stratosphere halts growth". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-08-30. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  70. ^ Welling, Stacey (1996-06-23). "Topping 1,149 feet, $550-million Stratosphere shoots for the sky". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2019-07-27 – via Newspapers.com.
  71. ^ a b "Gaming". Los Angeles Times. 1996-08-31. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
  72. ^ a b "Las Vegas Deals Some of Its Fun Away From Tables". Los Angeles Times. 1996-05-19. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  73. ^ "Stratospheric Conditions//A New Tower's Sky-High Rides, Wedding Chapels and Restaurant Sen Las Vegas' Image Soaring to New Heights". St. Paul Pioneer Press. 1996-05-12. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via NewsLibrary.
  74. ^ Thompson, Gary (1996-04-26). "It's not tallest, but tower figures to pile up revenue". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  75. ^ "Stratosphere revenues less than predicted". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-06-07. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  76. ^ a b c d "Hype, Hope Aren't Enough : Vegas Tower Fails to Cash In". Los Angeles Times. 1996-08-22. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
  77. ^ a b Berns, Dave (1997-06-27). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1999-10-11.
  78. ^ a b Steinhauer, Adam (1997-02-10). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2002-03-12.
  79. ^ Thompson, Gary (1996-07-23). "Troubles loom at Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  80. ^ a b Greenberg, Herb (1996-05-30). "Will the Stratosphere Become a Strato-Flyer or Strato-Flop? / Also, doubts raised about the fate of King Kong". SFGate. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  81. ^ Steinhauer, Adam (1997-02-10). "Stupak has no grand illusions". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
  82. ^ "Stratosphere Removes Statue of Founder". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-10-12. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  83. ^ Hawley, David (2000-10-30). "Vegas Statue Hunt a Case Study in How Mighty Have Fallen". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved 2021-08-06 – via NewsLibrary.
  84. ^ "LeRoy's book at Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-08-13. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  85. ^ a b c d e f g Shemeligian, Bob (1998-01-26). "Stratosphere retailers say they're hurting". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-07-26.
  86. ^ "'Tower' puts observation on wheels". Chicago Tribune. 1995-12-24. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  87. ^ "Stratosphere to open in Vegas next month". UPI. 1996-03-14. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  88. ^ Ehlers, David (1996-10-11). "Wall Street analysts get first-hand look at LV market". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  89. ^ Thompson, Gary (1996-08-16). "Tower's financing in limbo". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  90. ^ "Stratosphere's Gambling Odds Will Get a Little Closer to Earth". Los Angeles Times. 1996-09-26. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
  91. ^ Berns, Dave (1996-09-30). "Stratosphere offering gamblers a better deal". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
  92. ^ Caruso, Monica (1996-10-02). "Stratosphere deals itself winning hand". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
  93. ^ a b c Steinhauer, Adam (1997-01-28). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2002-06-27.
  94. ^ Berns, Dave (1997-02-20). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1997-07-19.
  95. ^ Thompson, Gary (1996-07-29). "Two Stratosphere executives resign". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  96. ^ Berns, Dave (1997-01-11). "Stratosphere dumps packages". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
  97. ^ Berns, Dave (1996-12-17). "Stratosphere deadline quietly passes". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  98. ^ Berns, Dave (1996-12-23). "Stratosphere reorganization talks continue". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  99. ^ "Tower firm files for bankruptcy". Las Vegas Sun. 1997-01-28. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  100. ^ Levy, Rachael (1996-08-06). "Lawsuit accuses Stratosphere, Stupak of stock fraud". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  101. ^ "Stupak, Grand sued over hotel deals". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 1997-02-22. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  102. ^ Steinhauer, Adam (1997-03-18). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1999-11-30.
  103. ^ Berns, Dave (1997-04-03). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2000-09-17.
  104. ^ Steinhauer, Adam (1997-05-01). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2000-09-16.
  105. ^ a b Wilen, John (1998-08-28). "Stratosphere stock is still trading". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  106. ^ Steinhauer, Adam (1997-06-21). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1997-07-19.
  107. ^ Berns, Dave. . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1997-07-20.
  108. ^ Berns, Dave (1997-07-10). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1999-11-03.
  109. ^ Berns, Dave (1997-07-22). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2000-09-17.
  110. ^ Berns, Dave (1997-08-01). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1999-10-18.
  111. ^ Berns, Dave (1997-08-28). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-05-08.
  112. ^ Berns, Dave (1997-08-29). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2000-09-18.
  113. ^ Steinhauer, Adam (1997-10-10). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2000-09-18.
  114. ^ Seals, Brian (1998-05-01). "Stratosphere creditors coming out of the woodwork". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  115. ^ Whaley, Sean (1998-02-27). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1999-10-09.
  116. ^ Whaley, Sean (1998-05-16). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1999-10-10.
  117. ^ Thompson, Gary (1997-11-19). "Stratosphere stock rising". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  118. ^ Thompson, Gary (1998-02-26). "Stratosphere stock mystery explained". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  119. ^ Berns, Dave (2000-06-20). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-04-30.
  120. ^ Strow, David (2000-10-09). "Legal fees eat up majority of Stratosphere settlement". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  121. ^ "Stratosphere bondholders lose suit against Lakes". Las Vegas Sun. 2001-04-05. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  122. ^ Berns, Dave (1998-08-06). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1999-10-10.
  123. ^ a b Vogel, Ed (1998-08-21). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2000-01-08.
  124. ^ Berns, Dave (2000-10-04). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-06-28.
  125. ^ "Stratosphere tower work remains on hold". Las Vegas Sun. 1999-06-01. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  126. ^ Edwards, John G. (1999-09-02). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-05-10.
  127. ^ a b Strow, David (1999-07-15). "Casino gets OK on sports book". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  128. ^ a b c d "At 5, the Stratosphere is still tall and growing". Las Vegas Sun. 2001-05-04. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  129. ^ a b Simpson, Jeff (2000-04-17). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-07-12.
  130. ^ "Second tower at Stratosphere topped off". Las Vegas Sun. 2000-11-03. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  131. ^ "Second Stratosphere tower topped off; to open next year". Las Vegas S. 2000-11-06. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  132. ^ "Las Vegas Hotel Adding 1,000 Rooms". Los Angeles Times. 2001-06-17. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  133. ^ a b Berns, Dave (2001-07-05). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-11-25.
  134. ^ a b c Benston, Liz (2003-08-25). "Stratosphere execs eye new features for resort". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  135. ^ Simpson, Jeff (2001-02-20). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2002-02-25.
  136. ^ Ritter, Ken (2001-09-11). "Nevada goes on heightened alert after air attacks". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  137. ^ Berns, Dave; Simpson, Jeff (2001-09-30). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-10-03.
  138. ^ Smith, Rod (2004-05-26). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2004-05-28.
  139. ^ a b "Stratosphere opens topless pool area". Las Vegas Sun. 2004-10-20. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  140. ^ a b Mihailovich, Steven (2004-10-22). "Stratosphere goes topless". Las Vegas Business Press. from the original on 2004-11-25. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  141. ^ a b c d e Lilly, Caitlyn (2016-04-28). "20 things to know about the Stratosphere as it turns 20". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  142. ^ a b c d Wargo, Buck (2016-04-23). "Stratosphere, vision of late Bob Stupak, to mark 20th anniversary in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  143. ^ "John Katsilometes feels the power of the tower as the Stratosphere preps for a 26,000-square-foot club that spans four decades". Las Vegas Sun. 2007-01-08. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  144. ^ Clarke, Norm (2007-03-06). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2007-03-16.
  145. ^ Garza, Xazmin (2007-03-23). "Get Nostalgic". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  146. ^ "Icahn sells Southern Nevada casinos". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2007-04-24. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  147. ^ "Deal with sky-high potential". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2007-04-29. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  148. ^ "Sale of Stratosphere parent now complete". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2008-02-22. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  149. ^ Benston, Liz (2008-01-10). "The back story on a pair of leveraged buyouts". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  150. ^ Benston, Liz (2008-10-25). "It's a new day at the Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  151. ^ Weatherford, Mike (2009-01-09). "Male revue takes G-strings to new venue". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  152. ^ Finnegan, Amanda (2009-03-04). "Stratosphere to lay off workers, halt pay increases". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  153. ^ a b "SkyJump, renovations seen as boost for Stratosphere parent". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2010-05-12. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  154. ^ a b c "Stratosphere undergoes $20 million renovation". Las Vegas Sun. 2011-01-13. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  155. ^ "Things To Do In Las Vegas - Attractions & Travel Guide - Condé Nast Traveler". Vegaschatter.com. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
  156. ^ Sylvester, Ron (2012-04-11). "Stratosphere renovations give Vegas icon new mojo". Deseret News. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
  157. ^ Warren Mason. "The 'New' Stratosphere". Mylifemagazine.com. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
  158. ^ O'Reiley, Tim (2011-01-14). "Stratosphere owners tout $20 million makeover". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
  159. ^ a b "Heightened Expectations". Los Angeles Times. 2010-11-29. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  160. ^ a b Sylvester, Ron (2012-04-06). "Revamped look has the Stratosphere standing taller these days". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  161. ^ a b Friess, Steve (2011-03-30). "With the Sahara closing, the Stratosphere faces an identity crisis". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  162. ^ Katsilometes, John (2014-07-13). "Stratosphere has high hopes for its new neighbor SLS". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  163. ^ Stutz, Howard (2015-02-21). "Once down on its luck, Vegas' North Strip is coming back". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  164. ^ "Stratosphere Tower welcomes its 40 millionth visitor". Las Vegas Sun. 2014-04-21. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  165. ^ Stutz, Howard (2014-04-21). "Stratosphere Tower welcomes 40 millionth visitor". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  166. ^ "Las Vegas: Stratosphere welcomes visitor No. 40 million". Los Angeles Times. 2014-04-22. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  167. ^ Katsilometes, John (2014-09-10). "Truck barrels through Stratosphere front entrance". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  168. ^ Usufzy, Pashtana (2014-09-11). "Police: Man who crashed into Stratosphere wanted to jump". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  169. ^ "Questions emerge after driver freed in Stratosphere crash commits suicide". Associated Press. 2014-09-18. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  170. ^ Pierceall, Kimberly (2015-02-09). "Las Vegas Strip too snooty? Stratosphere ad campaign says so". Associated Press. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  171. ^ Kelemen, Matt (2016-04-29). "The sky's the limit: Stratosphere toasts to 20 years". Las Vegas Magazine. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  172. ^ a b Radke, Brock (2016-05-11). "The Stratosphere is aging well, but it's hard to see from way up there". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  173. ^ "Iconic Stratosphere casino in Las Vegas changes hands". The Washington Post. Associated Press. 2017-06-22. Retrieved 2017-06-12.[dead link]
  174. ^ "Golden closes on $850M deal for Stratosphere, 3 other casinos". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 23 October 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  175. ^ "Golden Entertainment to invest $140M in Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  176. ^ a b c Feldberg, Sarah (2018-06-26). "Stratosphere's new owners set out to prove it's more than a view". Travel Weekly. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  177. ^ Prince, Todd (February 1, 2019). "Stratosphere in Las Vegas to rebrand to The STRAT". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  178. ^ a b "Stratosphere casino-hotel in Las Vegas to be renamed". Philly.com. Associated Press. February 1, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  179. ^ Radke, Brock (2019-02-02). "The Stratosphere is rebranding to the STRAT". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  180. ^ a b c Hopkins, Justin (2019-02-07). "Goodbye Stratosphere, hello Strat". KLAS-TV. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  181. ^ Karel, Janna (2019-04-18). "'Look!' Strat installs local art piece on Las Vegas Boulevard". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-12-06.
  182. ^ Seeman, Matthew (2019-04-19). "New sculpture unveiled outside entrance to The STRAT". KSNV. Retrieved 2019-12-06.
  183. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (2019-06-26). "The new Strat still says, 'We're part of the Las Vegas Strip'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-07-26.
  184. ^ a b Schulz, Bailey (2019-07-19). "STRAT updates bring competition for north Las Vegas Strip, analysts say". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  185. ^ "Hooters Hotel sold, Strat new marquee on display". KLAS. 2019-08-26. 1:15. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  186. ^ Horwath, Bryan (2019-11-20). "New Strat boss has high hopes for property's new vibe, north Strip". VegasInc. Retrieved 2019-11-30.
  187. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2019-11-07). "Golden Entertainment hopes renovations of The Strat boost earnings". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-11-30.
  188. ^ Pretty, Ted (2019-11-13). "The Strat uses new drone detection technology on Las Vegas Strip". KVVU. Retrieved 2019-11-30.
  189. ^ "Sammy Hagar, Rick Springfield celebrate reinvention of The STRAT". KTNV. 2020-01-23. Retrieved 2020-01-24.
  190. ^ Miller, Cody (2020-01-22). "Sammy Hagar, Rick Springfield join Governor Sisolak for reopening of The STRAT". KSNV. Retrieved 2020-01-24.
  191. ^ Mancini, Al (2020-01-10). "Sammy Hagar to be guest bartender at The Strat on Jan. 22". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-01-24.
  192. ^ a b c Schulz, Bailey (2020-01-21). "Strat's $100M renovation project nears completion". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-01-14.
  193. ^ Radke, Brock (2015-02-11). "Top of the World is just the beginning of Stratosphere's dining options". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  194. ^ Stevens, Muriel (2001-08-17). "Stirling Club promises community involvement". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  195. ^ Sylvester, Ron (2012-07-31). "Stratosphere restaurant going from tacos to steaks". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  196. ^ Radke, Brock (2012-11-15). "Beef Bonus! New Stratosphere steakhouse exceeds heightened expectations". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  197. ^ a b c Montero, David (2018-12-14). "Even in a city built on illusion, the Stratosphere is having a tough time proving it's on the Vegas Strip". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  198. ^ a b Miller, Cody (2019-07-03). "Newly rebranded Strip resort's slogan sparks Las Vegas debate". KSNV. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  199. ^ Radke, Brock (2018-01-11). "Debating the Stratosphere's Strip-ness is like trying to define Las Vegas". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  200. ^ a b c Levitan, Corey (2006-01-02). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2006-11-07.
  201. ^ "- Big Shot Stratosphere Tower Rides". Las Vegas Amusement Parks. 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
  202. ^ "Stratosphere Tower to give Las Vegas tall bragging rights". Arizona Daily Star. 1995-10-01. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  203. ^ . Emporis. Archived from the original on May 14, 2015. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  204. ^ "Question of the Day". Las Vegas Advisor. 2017-11-14. Retrieved 2020-12-22. It's the tallest observation tower in the U.S., but through some quirk of definition, it's not a "building" because it's not fully habitable. Thus, second-place Fontainebleau (735 feet) is actually the tallest building in southern Nevada [...]
  205. ^ "Question of the Day". Las Vegas Advisor. 2017-07-22. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  206. ^ . Sunrise View. 2006-02-01. Archived from the original on 2006-10-24.
  207. ^ Friess, Steve (2010-09-29). "Stratosphere's other big shot". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  208. ^ Kachelriess, Rob (2020-09-30). "25 Great Las Vegas Dates To Go On Right Now". Thrillist. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  209. ^ White, Ken (2000-09-20). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-06-10.
  210. ^ Curtas, John (2010-05-11). "Excellence on Top of the World". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  211. ^ King, Nina (2015-07-31). "Tastes that tower: Top of the World at Stratosphere". Las Vegas Magazine. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  212. ^ Stapleton, Susan (2019-01-04). "Renovations Reinvigorate the Highest Restaurant in Las Vegas". Eater. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  213. ^ Domanick, Andrea (2013-08-07). "Eiffel Tower, Top of the World and Mandarin Bar named among best restaurant views in U.S." Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  214. ^ Dinant, Jason (2019-07-22). "Remodeled STRAT observation deck debuts". KTNV. Retrieved 2019-07-26.
  215. ^ "In Pictures: The World's Fastest Elevators". Forbes. 2007-10-01. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  216. ^ Rogers, Abby (2011-09-30). "These Are The Fastest Elevators In The World". Business Insider. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  217. ^ Retrieved 2020-12-22:
    • Carrasco, Mytae (2009-02-21). "Climbers 'Scale the Strat' one step at a time". Las Vegas Sun.
    • Carrasco, Mytae (2009-02-22). "Washington man wins 'Scale the Strat' fundraiser". Las Vegas Sun.
    • Feldberg, Sarah (2012-02-29). "Stair-climb the Stratosphere for charity". Las Vegas Sun.
    • Sylvester, Ron (2012-12-27). "Scale the Strat charity event climbs in popularity". Las Vegas Sun.
    • Feldberg, Sarah (2013-02-26). "For Scale the Strat climbers, it's 1,455 stairs or bust". Las Vegas Weekly.
    • Kantowski, Ron (2014-03-03). "Scale the Strat? No, thanks, I'll see you by the elevator". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
  218. ^ Padgett, Sonya (2013-02-24). "Scale the Strat a big event for lung association". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  219. ^ a b c Klein, Alec Matthew (1996-05-29). "Spicing up fun with a little terror". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  220. ^ Calkins, Alison (1996-04-26). "Diamond image helped designer see the light". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  221. ^ Clarke, Norm (2005-04-02). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2005-11-30.
  222. ^ Fybush, Scott (2018-07-20). "Site of the Week 7/20/18: The Stratosphere, Las Vegas". Fybush. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  223. ^ a b Mosley, Darrol (1996-08-31). "The Stratosphere Tower". Firehouse.com. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  224. ^ "Stratosphere Tower Rising in Las Vegas". Daily Journal of Commerce. 1995-08-04. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  225. ^ a b DeSilva, Kristen (2015-05-13). "5 things you didn't know about the Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  226. ^ Marcotty, Josephine (1994-03-28). "Rolling the dice". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2020-12-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  227. ^ Grimes, Stephanie (2014-09-05). "The 5 worst attractions in Las Vegas history". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  228. ^ "Stratosphere Hotel, Casino & tower". University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  229. ^
    • Radke, Jace (2000-01-07). "Man jumps from Stratosphere Tower". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
    • "Boy, 16, jumps from Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. 2002-07-15. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
    • Clarke, Norm (2005-03-30). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2005-11-30.
    • . Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2005-04-13. Archived from the original on 2005-11-30.
    • . Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2006-02-08. Archived from the original on 2007-07-01.
    • "Man killed in jump from Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2007-05-07. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  230. ^ Slivka, Steven (2014-02-19). "Police investigate possible suicide near Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  231. ^ Porter, Annalise (2014-02-20). "Coroner identifies man reported to have jumped from Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  232. ^ "Man dies after jumping from The Strat". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2021-09-30. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
  233. ^ Padgett, Sonya (2007-06-03). "Feel the G-Forces". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  234. ^ Jones, Chris (2003-06-30). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2004-12-08.
  235. ^ "A ride rises on Las Vegas Boulevard". Las Vegas Sun. 2003-10-14. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  236. ^ Mihailovich, Steven (2003-11-07). "Stratosphere screams for growth". Las Vegas Business Press. from the original on 2003-12-05. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  237. ^ Padgett, Sonya (2003-11-04). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2005-03-13.
  238. ^ Stutz, Howard (2004-11-18). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2004-11-20.
  239. ^ Padgett, Sonya (2005-03-17). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2005-04-27.
  240. ^ Terry, Kira (2014-03-19). "'Insanity' on Stratosphere makes CNN's 'daredevil' list". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  241. ^ Rogers, Keith (2005-04-21). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2005-04-23.
  242. ^ Rogers, Keith (2005-04-22). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2005-12-05.
  243. ^ Geary, Frank (2005-04-23). "Insanity rides again after inspection finds it safe". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  244. ^ Winder, Carl (2013-05-18). "He's Sky Master at the Vegas Stratosphere: 'I throw people off'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  245. ^ "Stratosphere debuts world record-setting thrill ride". Las Vegas Sun. 2010-04-20. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  246. ^ "Stratosphere takes new leap with thrill ride". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2010-04-21. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  247. ^ "The Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino To Add World's Highest "Skyjump" To Their Collection Of Thrills | AccessVegas.com Las Vegas News". Aaavegas.com. 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
  248. ^ Padgett, Sonya (2013-02-22). "Stratosphere's SkyJump marks milestone". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  249. ^ "Thrills and prizes are in store when SkyJump celebrates 200,000 jumpers". Los Angeles Times. 2015-08-19. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  250. ^ "Two wheels fall off Tower roller coaster". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-12-27.
  251. ^ a b Smith, Hubble (2005-12-29). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2005-12-31.
  252. ^ a b "9 Views of Las Vegas to Soak In". Las Vegas Magazine. 2014-04-25. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
  253. ^ Kudialis, Chris (2015-12-04). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2016-09-29.
  254. ^ Stratosphere Hotel Las Vegas. "Stratosphere Las Vegas, Official Site". Lasvegastourism.com. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
  255. ^ Retrieved 2021-01-24:
    • . Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2000-05-23. Archived from the original on 2001-05-06.
    • . Stratosphere. December 2000. Archived from the original on 2001-06-29.
    • "Midway with Rides, Games Opening at Icahn's Stratosphere". The Press of Atlantic City. 2000-06-04.
    • "Stratosphere to add midway attraction". The Arizona Republic. 2000-06-11 – via Newspapers.com.
    • "Las Vegas: Roller-coasters, many shows open to all ages". Colorado Springs Gazette. 2003-11-02.
  256. ^ a b c d Puit, Glenn (2001-10-21). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2002-02-20.
  257. ^ a b Whaley, Sean (2004-09-04). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2004-09-05.
  258. ^ Dretzka, Gary (1996-01-28). "Vegas tower topped by roller coaster". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  259. ^ a b c Schumacher, Geoff (1996-05-24). "King Kong delayed". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  260. ^ a b "Resort Scraps Idea of Mechanical Gorilla". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-07-26. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  261. ^ "Terrifying new thrill ride proposed for Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. 2001-05-04. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  262. ^ a b c Sebelius, Steve (2001-11-01). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2002-01-06.
  263. ^ a b Moller, Jan (2002-11-16). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2005-11-22.
  264. ^ Sahagun, Diana (2001-08-28). "Stratosphere's plans for ride opposed". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  265. ^ a b Geary, Frank (2001-10-31). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-12-25.
  266. ^ Geary, Frank (2001-12-20). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2002-08-04.
  267. ^ Moller, Jan (2002-02-27). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2002-10-15.
  268. ^ Sahagun, Diana (2002-05-10). "Planning Commission deadlocked on ride". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  269. ^ Moller, Jan (2002-11-21). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2005-11-23.
  270. ^ a b "McCarthy's Big Vegas Project Rising To Stratosphere". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 1996-05-27. Retrieved 2019-07-26 – via Newspapers.com.
  271. ^ a b c d Strow, David (2000-09-25). "Icahn hopes to ease resort's mall headache by buying it". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  272. ^ a b "Retailer sued over rent". Las Vegas Sun. 1999-08-12. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  273. ^ "The Sky was the Limit//The Stratosphere's Tower Shops Reached for the Stars, Literally and Financially, but Have Failed to Fulfill Expectations". St. Paul Pioneer Press. 1996-09-27. Retrieved 2019-07-27 – via NewsLibrary.
  274. ^ a b Caruso, Monica (February 14, 1997). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on July 19, 1997.
  275. ^ "Stratosphere opens grand tower, resort". Los Angeles Times. 1996-04-07. Retrieved 2019-07-27 – via Newspapers.com.
  276. ^ Calkins, Alison (1996-04-26). "Tower has a place just for kids". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  277. ^ Zapler, Mike (October 9, 1997). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 18, 2000.
  278. ^ a b Zapler, Mike (October 16, 1997). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 18, 2000.
  279. ^ "Stratosphere sued by retailers over escalator". Las Vegas Sun. 1999-03-25. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  280. ^ a b "Company pays $12.5 million to take over mall". Las Vegas Sun. 2000-11-13. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  281. ^ "Icahn buying Stratosphere mall, taking resort private". Las Vegas Sun. 2000-09-20. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  282. ^ a b Shubinski, Jennifer (2004-05-21). "Stratosphere plans Tower Shops growth". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  283. ^ Illia, Tony (2004-05-28). "Trade show brings rash of new project announcements". Las Vegas Business Press. from the original on 2004-06-06. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  284. ^ Smith, Hubble (May 25, 2004). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 28, 2005.
  285. ^ "Close Up: American Superstars". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 1997-03-28. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  286. ^ Paskevich, Michael (1998-05-17). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 1999-02-24.
  287. ^ a b c Weatherford, Mike (2011-03-10). "'Superstars' prepares to close at Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  288. ^ a b "Stratosphere's 'American Superstars' to end this month". Las Vegas Sun. 2011-03-10. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  289. ^ "'American Superstars' move up at Stratosphere Tower". Las Vegas Sun. 1996-12-20. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  290. ^ "Madonna's likeness joins Stratosphere's 'Superstars' team". Las Vegas Sun. 1997-01-10. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  291. ^ Paskevich, Michael (1999-05-16). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2000-06-16.
  292. ^ "'He Can't Be Replaced'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2009-05-02. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  293. ^ a b Renzi, David (1997-01-17). "Impressionist Danny Gans jumps to the Rio". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  294. ^ Paskevich, Michael (1997-02-07). "Superstars makes move from lounge to showroom". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  295. ^ Delaney, Joe (1996-10-31). "Stratosphere new home for 'Viva'". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  296. ^ Paskevich, Michael (1996-10-13). "Afternoon revue revived for run at Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  297. ^ Paskevich, Michael (1996-11-22). "Afternoon production show attracting tourist trade to Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  298. ^ "Close Up: Marshall Sylver". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 1997-06-20. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  299. ^ "Hypnotist Sylver blends show biz with sales pitch in act". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 1997-06-27. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  300. ^ Weatherford, Mike (2001-09-11). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-11-18.
  301. ^ Elfman, Doug (2003-04-11). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2003-04-28.
  302. ^ Weatherford, Mike (2001-11-04). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-11-10.
  303. ^ Cling, Carol (2004-08-13). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2004-11-06.
  304. ^ Del Valle, Anthony (2004-09-10). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2004-09-12.
  305. ^ Weatherford, Mike (2004-09-10). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2004-09-12.
  306. ^ Weatherford, Mike (2006-12-17). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2007-01-22.
  307. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (2011-10-09). "Frankie Moreno has a new playground, as Stratosphere lands its headliner". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  308. ^ Katsilometes, John (2011-12-10). "Stratosphere's investment in Frankie Moreno is a tall order, but well worth it". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  309. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (2014-10-17). "Stratosphere ending Frankie Moreno residency this year". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  310. ^ Katsilometes, John (2012-12-17). "Plaza productions bitten as hotel splits with Anthony Cools". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  311. ^ Weatherford, Mike (2013-06-01). "Pop Evolution brings eclectic vibrancy to the Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  312. ^ Retrieved 2020-12-22:
    • Katsilometes, John (2013-08-01). "Claire Sinclair finally gets to take it (nearly) all off in 'Pin Up' at Stratosphere". Las Vegas Weekly.
    • Weatherford, Mike (2013-02-24). "For three shows, DIY is way to go". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
    • Mike Weatherford (2014-09-01). "'Pin Up' displaying more vintage cool". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
    • Katsilometes, John (2016-05-25). "Claire Sinclair and 'Pin Up' notch three years at the Stratosphere Las Vegas". Las Vegas Weekly.
    • Leach, Robin (2017-03-07). "Claire Sinclair closes 'Pin Up,' focuses on Clairbnb and 'Shark Tank'". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
  313. ^ Hall, Debbie (2014-10-18). "Las Vegas headliner Frankie Moreno schedules final performance at Stratosphere". AXS.com. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
  314. ^ Kelemen, Matt (2018-08-17). "The King of Pop reigns in MJ Live". Las Vegas Magazine. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  315. ^ Katsilometes, John (2019-06-07). "'Celestia' gathers familiar acts under one tent on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-01-24.
  316. ^ Radke, Brock (2019-06-10). "The STRAT's new 'Celestia' could be a summer family hit". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-01-24.
  317. ^ Mills, Heather (2019-12-06). "'Celestia' brings death-defying entertainment to Las Vegas Strip". KSNV. Retrieved 2020-01-24.
  318. ^ Katsilometes, John (2021-05-26). "Veteran Vegas producer taking over The Strat Showroom". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  319. ^ Radke, Brock (2021-06-07). "The Strat is ready to elevate its live entertainment options". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  320. ^ Katsilometes, John (2021-06-09). "Xavier Mortimer moves his magic to The Strat". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  321. ^ Radke, Brock (2021-06-10). "Magician Xavier Mortimer to Open New Show at the Strat July 1". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  322. ^ Radke, Brock (2021-08-02). "Banachek is going big in the intimate Strat Theater with new 'Mind Games' show". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  323. ^ Katsilometes, John (2021-07-26). "New 'iLuminate' show is the dance party The Strat has never had". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  324. ^ Radke, Brock (2021-06-28). "Rocker Sammy Hagar Brings a New Las Vegas Concert Residency to the Strat". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  325. ^ "Sammy Hagar residency announced for The Strat in Las Vegas". KSNV. 2021-06-29. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  326. ^ Cling, Carol (1998-02-02). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2000-09-14.
  327. ^ a b Cling, Carol (1999-09-27). . Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2001-04-30.
  328. ^ Clarke, Norm (1999-09-29). "MTV adventurers' wake-up call: bungee jump from Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  329. ^ Leong, Grace (1999-09-30). "Bungee jumping resumes at Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  330. ^ "STRATOSPHERE CASINO LANDS EXPLOSIVE MOVIE PROMOTION". adage.com. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  331. ^ Miller, Jonathan (1 November 2006). "Rainbow Six Vegas: A Night on the Town". IGN. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  332. ^ McDonald, Jennifer B. (2012-02-21). "In the Details". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-07-05.
  333. ^ Witcher, T.R. (2010-11-04). . VegasSeven. Archived from the original on 2015-12-08.
  334. ^ "Location 23: The Strip - Lucky 38". Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  335. ^ Lawrence, Christopher (2013-10-30). "Stratosphere proves trickiest place for director in shooting 'Last Vegas'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  336. ^ מי מהזוגות יעשה יותר, יצליח יותר ובעיקר יהיה אמיץ יותר?? צפו בהצצה לפרק הבא וגלו מי מהצוותים התגבר על פחד הגבהים>> [Which of the couples will do more, be more successful and most of all be braver ?? Watch the glimpse of the next chapter and find out which team has overcome the fear of heights >>]. Facebook (in Hebrew). August 2, 2013. Archived from the original on 2022-02-26. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  337. ^ "Dominion TV show setting". Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  338. ^ Tran, Edmond (4 July 2018). "The Crew 2 Review - On The Road Again". GameSpot. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  339. ^ "Scene In Nevada: Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens". Nevada Film Office. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  340. ^ Clarke, Norm (2016-03-04). "The towering 'Sharknado'? Stratosphere might land a role". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-22.

Further reading

  • Smith, John L. (1997). No Limit: The Rise and Fall of Bob Stupak and Las Vegas' Stratosphere Tower. Las Vegas: Huntington Press. ISBN 0-929712-18-8.

External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stratosphere Las Vegas.
January 29, 2023
strat, hotel, casino, skypod, formerly, stratosphere, hotel, casino, located, vegas, nevada, united, states, includes, observation, tower, tallest, united, states, also, second, tallest, observation, tower, western, hemisphere, surpassed, only, tower, toronto,. The Strat Hotel Casino and SkyPod a formerly the Stratosphere is a hotel and casino located in Las Vegas Nevada United States It includes a 1 149 ft 350 2 m observation tower the tallest in the United States It is also the second tallest observation tower in the Western Hemisphere surpassed only by the CN Tower in Toronto Ontario The tower is topped by a pod which includes a revolving restaurant lounges and observation decks The top of the tower also has several thrill rides The hotel and casino facilities are situated at the base of the tower and the resort also includes a showroom and a shopping mall The Stratosphere is located within city limits on Las Vegas Boulevard just north of the Las Vegas Strip The resort is sometimes considered to be a Strip property although Clark County does not officially recognize it as such stating that the Strip does not extend into city limits The Strat Hotel Casino and SkyPodThe Strat tower and resort in 2017General informationStatusOperatingTypeObservation towerLocationLas Vegas Nevada U S Address2000 South Las Vegas BoulevardCoordinates36 08 51 N 115 09 19 W 36 147386 N 115 155389 W 36 147386 115 155389 Coordinates 36 08 51 N 115 09 19 W 36 147386 N 115 155389 W 36 147386 115 155389GroundbreakingNovember 5 1991Construction startedFebruary 1992Topped outNovember 4 1995OpenedApril 30 1996CostUS 70 millionHeightAntenna spire1 149 ft 350 2 m Design and constructionArchitect s Ned BaldwinDeveloperBob StupakOther informationNo of rooms2 427Total gaming space80 000 sq ft 7 400 m2 Permanent showsViva Las Vegas 1996 2006 American Superstars 1996 2011 Bite 2004 12 Pin Up 2013 17 MJ LiveCelstiaSignature attractionsBig ShotInsanityX ScreamSkyJumpNotable restaurantsTop of the WorldMcCall s Heartland GrillRoxy s DinerCasino typeLand basedOwnerGolden EntertainmentPrevious namesVegas World 1979 1995 Stratosphere 1996 2020 Renovated in2000 01 2004 2010 12 2018 20Websitethestrat wbr comA portion of the property was previously occupied by Vegas World a hotel and casino that Bob Stupak opened in 1979 A decade after its opening Stupak announced plans for a giant neon sign for Vegas World to be built on adjacent property The idea soon evolved into an observation tower with a rooftop restaurant Construction of the Stratosphere Tower began in February 1992 A fire of unknown origin occurred on the tower in August 1993 during construction Stupak then had difficulty acquiring funds to finish the tower In order to complete the project Stupak partnered with Grand Casinos owned by his poker friend Lyle Berman The tower was originally proposed with a height of 1 012 ft 308 m However in 1994 Stupak considered extending the height to 1 825 ft 556 m seeking the title of tallest free standing structure in the world The Federal Aviation Administration opposed the new height and the city ultimately rejected it while allowing Stupak to go as high as 1 149 ft 350 m Vegas World closed on February 1 1995 and its hotel towers were remodeled to serve as the hotel for the Stratosphere New hotel towers were also built to accompany the existing buildings The observation tower which cost 70 million to build was topped off on November 4 1995 The 550 million Stratosphere complex opened on April 30 1996 Portions of the resort were unfinished at the time including a hotel tower and sections of the shopping mall The Stratosphere was built in a crime ridden neighborhood known as Naked City The resort struggled financially during its first year for a number of reasons including its location away from the Strip and other resorts Marketing was also limited as Berman initially believed that the tower had generated enough publicity on its own The unfinished facilities were another factor in the resort s low revenue Stratosphere Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 1997 and businessman Carl Icahn purchased the resort in 1998 Icahn had the remaining hotel rooms finished in 2001 as part of a 65 million renovation project The resort became profitable under Icahn s ownership by targeting value conscious visitors In 2004 ownership was transferred to Icahn s company American Casino amp Entertainment Properties ACEP Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds purchased ACEP and the Stratosphere in 2008 Two years later ACEP carried out a 20 million renovation which included the remodeling of hotel rooms Other renovations continued into 2012 Golden Entertainment purchased ACEP and the Stratosphere in 2017 and additional renovations began in 2018 continuing into 2020 The resort was rebranded as The Strat on January 22 2020 Contents 1 History 1 1 Conception 1 2 Construction 1 3 Opening 1 4 Financial problems 1 5 Carl Icahn ownership 1 6 2008 sale and renovations 1 7 Golden Entertainment 2 Property overview 2 1 Observation tower 2 2 Rides 2 3 Tower Shops 3 Live entertainment 4 In popular culture 5 Gallery 6 See also 7 Notes 8 References 9 Further reading 10 External linksHistory EditMain article Vegas World In 1974 Bob Stupak opened a small casino in Las Vegas known as Bob Stupak s World Famous Million Dollar Historic Gambling Museum and Casino located north of the Las Vegas Strip on land previously occupied by the Todkill Bill Hayden Lincoln Mercury Dealership 2 The casino burned down two months later 3 and Stupak subsequently opened his Vegas World hotel and casino on the same property in 1979 4 Conception Edit The concept for the Stratosphere began as a plan by Stupak to construct a 1 012 foot 308 46 m neon sign tower for Vegas World In early October 1989 Stupak submitted plans to the city for the approval of the neon sign tower which would stand four times taller than the hotel Later in the week Stupak withdrew his plans to allow time for a revised version of the tower that would include an elevator leading up to an observation deck Stupak who wanted the tower to become a local landmark said What I m trying to do for Las Vegas is what the Eiffel Tower did for Paris what the Empire State Building did for New York what the Seattle Space Needle did for Seattle 5 6 Stupak s plans received widespread opposition 7 including from Las Vegas city staff who drafted an ordinance that would have limited signs to 35 feet in height 5 The Las Vegas City Council rejected the ordinance considering it to be a poorly drawn measure aimed specifically at stopping Stupak s project 6 Stupak discussing the project c 1990 In February 1990 Stupak unveiled his revised plans for a 50 million 1 012 foot observation tower with a top floor that would include a revolving restaurant and four penthouse suites It would be the tallest structure in Las Vegas and in the state of Nevada 8 The tower was designed by architect Ned Baldwin who also worked on the CN Tower in Toronto 9 10 Stupak s vision for the project was inspired by the Sydney Tower in Australia where he once lived 11 12 13 In April 1990 the city council approved Stupak s tower despite objections from the Federal Aviation Administration FAA which stated that it was 200 feet 61 m too tall 14 Nellis Air Force Base also opposed the tower Stupak later said that there were all sorts of people out there opposed to the tower saying If it wasn t for the courage of the council it would have never been built 4 Critics later referred to the project as the eighth blunder of the world and Stupak s shaft 15 16 In October 1991 the city gave approval to the tower s base and shaft while the pod atop the tower had yet to be approved At the time Stupak was trying to obtain financing for the now 100 million project and was also under investigation by gaming officials over allegations that he used deceptive advertising to lure customers to Vegas World 17 The project was now planned to include the world s first indoor African lion s park 17 consisting of a jungle habitat to be located at the tower base 18 19 although this feature was eventually scrapped Groundbreaking for the project known as the Stratosphere Tower took place on November 5 1991 18 The start of actual construction had yet to be announced for the tower which was still opposed by the FAA 18 20 Construction Edit Construction of the 32 million tower began in February 1992 on property adjacent to Vegas World 21 Multiple architectural and engineering firms monitored the tower s construction to ensure structural integrity 15 The tower was built directly north of the Las Vegas Strip 22 and south of downtown Las Vegas 4 in an area known as Meadows Village a crime ridden neighborhood nicknamed Naked City 23 24 Shortly before its opening a Stratosphere spokesman said We hope Stratosphere will be the catalyst that spurs redevelopment in the area while acknowledging We plunked down a half billion dollar project in the middle of one of the worst neighborhoods 23 On August 29 1993 around midnight hundreds of customers at Vegas World were evacuated when the half finished tower caught on fire during which no injuries occurred 21 25 The cause of the fire was never determined 26 Portions of the tower were left blackened but the fire did not cause any structural damage The tower is made of concrete and steel 15 The opening had been planned for August 1994 although the fire was expected to delay construction by eight weeks Stupak said that the tower s first phase would still be ready in time with an accelerated construction schedule 27 A large crane located atop the tower used for construction was also damaged in the fire 25 28 The following month high winds prevented the scheduled dismantling of the crane a process that was expected to take two days 28 Tower construction in 1995 with a Vegas World hotel tower to the left Following the fire 29 Stupak had trouble financing the completion of the tower 4 To continue construction 29 Grand Casinos announced plans in November 1993 to purchase 33 percent of the Stratosphere and Vegas World by acquiring shares in Stupak s Stratosphere Corporation 30 31 Grand Casinos owned by Stupak s poker friend Lyle Berman ultimately purchased a 43 percent stake in the resort 29 As construction continued in April 1994 the tower was over 700 feet in height That month Stupak announced that he was considering an 813 foot extension of the tower s final height which would bring it to 1 825 feet beating the CN Tower by 10 feet 32 This would make the Stratosphere the tallest structure in the world 33 This new height was opposed by the FAA the Airline Pilots Association and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport stating that such a tower would force changes in air traffic patterns 34 35 The FAA stated that the tower would be an aviation hazard although its developers argued that the new height would make it a major tourist attraction 33 Stupak and Grand Casinos developed a laser light show for the tower in the event that the city should reject the new height A lawyer for the project said If we can t have the world s tallest tower we ll have the world s most beautiful tower 36 The FAA also opposed the laser show concept citing previous incidents around the country in which pilots were temporarily blinded by laser lights 37 In June 1994 the city rejected Stupak s new height proposal but allowed him to go up to 1 149 feet higher than the 1 012 feet that he had originally proposed 38 39 The tower was ultimately built out to the city s maximum height although the FAA still considers it a hazard 40 Construction at the foot of the tower 1995 Tower pod during construction September 1995 Grand Casinos completed its purchase of Vegas World at the end of 1994 41 and the hotel casino closed on February 1 1995 for remodeling in order to be integrated into the Stratosphere resort 42 Vegas World s two hotel towers 43 consisting of 932 rooms 44 were renovated to become part of the Stratosphere 43 15 A month after the closure Stratosphere Corporation began selling bonds worth 203 million The company hoped to raise money to finish the tower and pay Stupak the 50 8 million purchase price for Vegas World 45 46 Stupak s critics did not believe he would be able to complete the tower in part because of his controversial promotional tactics at Vegas World 7 47 Critics had also believed that completion would be unlikely following the 1993 fire and the opposition from the FAA 48 After a 1995 motorcycle accident that left Stupak in a coma for 12 days he said that the controversy and all the complaining about the tower stopped There were people who didn t like the tower this and that but after the accident it was like nobody had anything negative to say about it 4 During 1994 crews erected a crane taller than the earlier one that allowed them to continue work on the rising tower The 75 ton crane stood 400 feet tall and was installed over the course of four days Removal of the crane began in October 1995 with the use of a second crane The dismantling of the crane was one of the most significant challenges for the people working on the tower The unique design of the tower pod and its limited space required construction crews to carefully plan the installation of the second crane which weighed 30 tons The second crane would lower pieces of the original crane to the ground and would then be used to lift a seven ton derrick into place allowing workers to carry down sections of the second crane The derrick would then be disassembled by hand and workers would use a construction elevator to bring down the pieces The complex and risky process was expected to take nearly two months 49 The tower was topped off with a ceremony on November 4 1995 A helicopter was used to lift two 3 700 pound steel frames to the top Six workers strapped to the tower helped guide the final sections into place 50 48 51 Years before the Stratosphere s opening a three block neighborhood of houses in Meadows Village was demolished to help make room for the resort s 4 500 space parking garage 23 In 1994 52 officials from the Stratosphere project located north of the Aztec Inn motel casino 53 entered an agreement with the city s Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency to have the Aztec Inn s parking lot condemned through eminent domain and turned over to the Stratosphere 52 54 The agreement was opposed by the Aztec Inn 52 and in 1995 was ruled by a judge to be unconstitutional 54 52 By April 1996 the Aztec Inn settled with the Stratosphere and agreed to sell its parking lot 52 Separately the Stratosphere agreed to provide free rent and relocation expenses to approximately 140 residents in a nearby area of Meadows Village that was cleared for an eventual expansion of the resort 55 56 57 23 An additional hotel tower had been planned for the land located directly north of the resort 1 5 acres were already occupied by several businesses and this portion of the land was to be seized through eminent domain However three property owners fought against the seizure in a court battle that lasted into the next decade The proposed expansion never took place 58 Opening Edit The Stratosphere was expected to employ a total of 3 000 people and began hiring for the remaining 2 400 employees in March 1996 a month before the opening 59 At the time Stupak served as the chairman of Stratosphere Corporation and owned 17 percent of the company He was one of nine directors for Stratosphere Corporation and would not oversee daily operations of the company 60 Shortly before its opening several daredevils had expressed an interest in performing stunts from the top of the tower but they were declined for safety reasons 61 Smoke in the tower s pod restaurant forced an evacuation of workers on April 25 1996 days before the opening The smoke originated from the pod s fifth floor kitchen one floor above the restaurant due to a faulty ventilator in the air flow duct system The pod contained four tanks with 32 000 gallons of water for firefighters in the event of a fire but they were not needed 62 A film crew followed Stupak all day leading up to the opening 4 More than 8 000 VIP guests visited the resort for a premiere party on the night of April 29 1996 hours before its midnight opening Stupak attended the event with singer Phyllis McGuire Other attendees included Nevada governor Bob Miller and Las Vegas mayor Jan Laverty Jones 29 47 63 64 Media from around the world also attended the event 4 which was broadcast live by CNBC as well as television stations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles 29 A six minute fireworks show costing 50 000 began at 10 30 p m 29 47 Doors in the tower s pod had been left partially open to accommodate television camera cables and smoke from the fireworks filled the pod and set off fire alarms resulting in the shutdown of elevators and stranding hundreds of VIP guests 65 66 The 550 million complex featured 354 000 sq ft 32 900 m2 7 including 140 000 sq ft 13 000 m2 of entertainment and shopping space 67 A 97 000 sq ft 9 000 m2 casino was part of the resort s first phase which also included 1 500 hotel rooms The hotel portion was expected to open on May 7 1996 7 An additional 1 000 hotel rooms were expected to be finished in November 1996 68 as part of the second phase 69 The resort had 3 100 employees 29 The casino featured 2 600 slot machines and was decorated with a world s fair theme and bright colors 67 The casino was divided into three sections each with its own international theme 70 The hotel included a bronze statue of Stupak which he disliked and never approved saying They spent 100 000 more for that statue than I spent to open my first place in 1974 4 Another statue in the center of the casino featured a couple riding a dolphin set upon a bronze globe 67 The Stratosphere had seven restaurants 71 and the top of the tower contained two thrill rides 72 Stupak said Anybody can build a tower But if you build a tower and put a roller coaster on top now that s Las Vegatizing 73 Financial problems Edit The Stratosphere was projected to attract at least 5 5 million visitors in its first year 74 Around the time of its opening financial analysts were optimistic about the resort s financial prospects 7 11 Revenue for the first five weeks was lower than expected Stratosphere Corporation attributed the low results to the resort being partly unfinished and said it would borrow 48 5 million from Grand Casinos to finance enhancements to the property including the completion of the 1 000 additional rooms and the opening of unfinished retail shops 75 The resort s location away from the revitalized downtown area and the mega resorts of the Las Vegas Strip was another reason for its financial problems 76 In addition customer visitation to the tower was lower than expected and many people did not stay to gamble in the casino 76 The casino was poorly designed according to managers 77 as visitors to the tower were able to avoid the casino floor entirely 76 Berman said that weak marketing was also a factor in the poor revenue 78 Because the tower had already received so much publicity Berman decided that a full marketing campaign was not necessary 11 In the months after its opening the resort continued to suffer financially 4 79 The unfinished hotel contained fewer rooms than most Las Vegas resorts and room occupancy was significantly below average for such a property 11 Another issue was that the two rides atop the tower had to be shut down whenever winds reached 35 miles per hour 80 Stupak who had already made plans to move on to other projects 47 resigned as chairman less than three months after the opening leaving Berman in charge 4 Explaining his departure Stupak cited disagreements with a majority of the other board members 81 saying that his advice was ignored by executives of Grand Casinos and that he lacked influence considering his job title Grand Casinos had only agreed to keep Stupak as chairman for the first 90 days after opening and his position was to be evaluated after that 11 Stupak s statue was removed from the property following his resignation 4 11 82 and was put on display in a gambling museum at the Tropicana hotel casino 83 A temporary race and sports book was established by Leroy s in August 1996 in an effort to bring in more gamblers 84 The resort s second phase was halted later that month due to financial problems 71 69 the additional hotel building consisted of an unfinished 15 story structure of concrete and rebar 85 There had also been plans for a 30 million aquarium attraction measuring 80 000 sq ft 7 400 m2 and set to open in 1997 86 87 although this never materialized 85 Within six months of the opening stock prices in Grand Casinos and Stratosphere Corporation dropped 50 and 80 percent respectively 11 88 and the resort laid off 400 employees 89 In an effort to attract more gamblers the casino began offering favorable odds and returns on its table games and slot machines 90 91 The effort was part of a 1 4 million multimedia marketing campaign and the plan proved to be successful initially 92 93 Although the resort lost 254 million during 1996 revenue improved during the final three months of the year thanks to the marketing program 94 which focused on gaming rather than the observation tower 95 In addition the admission prices for the tower and its rides were reduced A roller coaster at the top of the tower was considered underwhelming and was closed for improvements to make it longer and faster 76 Nevertheless the Stratosphere continued to struggle In January 1997 the resort announced that it could no longer afford to honor thousands of prepaid vacation packages 96 Stratosphere Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy later that month 93 after missing a 14 5 million interest payment to bondholders 97 98 Under the reorganization plan the resort continued to operate 93 99 Existing shares in the company were to be canceled and shareholders instead would be given the right to buy stock in the company after its restructuring Shareholders were upset by the plan and some had already filed a class action lawsuit against Stratosphere Corporation and Grand Casinos alleging deceit 78 100 In February 1997 another lawsuit was filed against Stupak and Grand Casinos by people who had bought the vacation packages 101 Before the bankruptcy filing Berman had intended to make the resort profitable 4 Stupak had previously called Berman the best casino operator in the world 60 11 but later said about Grand Casinos operation of the resort They just weren t up to it 4 The resort continued to perform poorly during early 1997 in part because of competition with the recently opened New York New York resort Rainy and windy weather was another factor reducing pedestrian traffic to the Stratosphere and causing a lack of interest in the tower s observation deck and roller coaster 102 Because of the low revenue Stratosphere Corporation was removed from the NASDAQ in April 1997 103 104 although the stock would continue to be traded through the OTC Bulletin Board 105 A new reorganization plan was submitted that would cancel all existing stock thereby excluding the right for shareholders to buy stock in a restructured company 106 Carl Icahn ownership Edit In June 1997 corporate raider and businessman Carl Icahn purchased 20 percent of mortgage bonds in Stratosphere Corporation 77 107 while Berman and other investors in Stratosphere Corporation sold off their shares Grand Casinos remained as the largest shareholder in the resort 108 In July 1997 Icahn announced plans to sell shares in his company American Real Estate Partners to raise money to purchase the Stratosphere entirely 109 Icahn announced a new reorganization plan that was viewed more favorably than the latest one proposed by Grand Casinos Berman and other board members of Stratosphere Corporation resigned with Berman saying Grand wants to avoid being on the board when proposals such as Icahn s are being reviewed I think it s difficult when your company has a proposal and another company is offering a better proposal 110 In August 1997 Stupak made a plan to regain control of the Stratosphere by purchasing 1 million in mortgage notes He also planned to air a half hour video in which he criticized the board members who resigned saying We have to save the Stratosphere We have to save the shareholders You have a duty a fiduciary duty I m reminding you to do this Stupak went on to say They lost more money than I ever heard of So what did they do They surrendered They surrendered and left town Stupak was also critical of Stratosphere Corporation for refusing to meet with him to discuss his own proposal for reorganization 111 A day after announcing his video Stupak decided to shelve its airing stating that he had already caught people s interest He said the video was no longer necessary and that the timing no longer felt right 112 In October 1997 Grand Casinos confirmed that it would have no further involvement in the Stratosphere and its reorganization 113 The Stratosphere owed 313 million to creditors 114 Icahn s reorganization plan was approved and Stupak settled the lawsuit concerning vacation packages 115 116 Older shares in the Stratosphere were canceled 105 117 118 Lakes Gaming formerly Grand Casinos would later settle a lawsuit brought by former Stratosphere shareholders and the company prevailed in a lawsuit brought by bondholders of the resort 119 120 121 Icahn s purchase received final approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission in August 1998 122 123 and the Stratosphere exited bankruptcy two months later 124 Icahn planned 100 million in improvements including the completion of the additional hotel rooms 123 However he inherited various lawsuits when he purchased the Stratosphere and construction would not resume until such issues were resolved 125 In the years after Icahn took over Stupak sometimes visited the Stratosphere s Top of the World restaurant but was otherwise disinterested in the resort In 2001 Stupak said that he felt prouder when he opened his earlier casinos on the site in 1974 and 1979 Stupak stated his biggest disappointment with the Stratosphere was not being able to have it built out to 1 825 feet 4 He said I don t want to be the guy who built a tall tower in Las Vegas I want to be the guy who built the tallest structure in the world 16 In 1999 ownership switched to American Real Estate Partners and Icahn remained as the controlling investor 126 A new 5 000 sq ft 460 m2 sportsbook was added that year 127 Revenue saw improvement in 2000 and approximately 8 000 people visited the tower daily The resort had 2 200 employees 128 Eighth floor pool area in 2007 Construction of the unfinished hotel tower resumed on April 14 2000 129 The tower with 24 stories was topped off on November 2 2000 130 The 65 million project included 1 002 rooms a 67 000 sq ft 6 200 m2 pool and recreation area and a coffee shop Excluding the new tower the hotel had 1 444 rooms The new project was meant to improve business at the casino and its retail mall the Tower Shops 131 The new facilities were opened in mid 2001 132 133 The casino floor was brightened and the resort s buffet was expanded as part of the renovation project 128 Icahn planned for the Stratosphere to target value conscious visitors 129 128 Focusing on this demographic Icahn turned the Stratosphere into a profitable business 134 The hotel s room rates were among the lowest for a Las Vegas resort 133 The casino s poker room was closed in early 2001 as it was not a significant source of revenue and it conflicted with the renovation plans 135 In 2001 the tower was temporarily closed following the September 11 attacks out of concern that it could be a target for terrorists 136 137 In 2003 several additions were being considered including a convention center a nightclub and an indoor go cart track 134 In 2004 ownership of the Stratosphere was transferred to Icahn s new company American Casino amp Entertainment Properties ACEP Refurbishments were underway on its sign porte cochere and valet area 138 The resort also opened a topless pool area on the hotel s 25th floor known as Beach Club 25 139 140 later renamed Radius 141 The Beach Club 25 area had previously served as the resort s original pool until the 2001 renovation The topless pool concept was introduced to appeal to the Stratosphere s European visitors and to attract a younger demographic that had become increasingly common in Las Vegas 139 140 The topless pool area operates in addition to a separate family friendly pool on the hotel s eighth floor 141 Like other resorts the Stratosphere was particularly popular in 2006 and 2007 before the Great Recession 142 A retro themed nightclub named Polly Esther s opened in March 2007 It featured themes based on the past four decades with memorabilia dating back to the 1970s 143 144 145 2008 sale and renovations Edit The Stratosphere located up the street from the Sahara 2009 Casino floor after renovations In April 2007 Icahn announced that he would sell ACEP and its properties including the Stratosphere to a Goldman Sachs affiliate known as Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds The sale included 17 acres of adjacent undeveloped land 146 147 Whitehall completed its purchase in February 2008 148 and the company planned to spend 25 million on improvements to the Stratosphere 149 Many managers were fired and replaced under the new ownership despite earlier assurances that such jobs would be safe from termination Some employees complained about the firing of their managers which occurred while the Great Recession was underway Other employees stated that the fired managers were inept or stealing money from the casino and that they showed favoritism among workers Under the new ownership employees were given stricter work guidelines to follow which was met with mixed reactions from workers and gamblers 150 Polly Esther s closed at the end of 2008 151 As a result of the recession the Stratosphere laid off workers in 2009 152 and continued to struggle into 2010 153 A 20 million renovation project began in 2010 Improvements were made to the casino the main entrance the Top of the World restaurant and other areas 154 153 155 156 157 A major aspect of the project was the renovation of 909 hotel rooms out of 2 427 158 159 Other renovations continued into 2012 53 and included the addition of a new poker room 160 For years the Stratosphere sat alone as the sole resort in the area The only other nearby resort the Sahara closed in 2011 causing a significant drop in pedestrian traffic for the Stratosphere However the Sahara reopened as the SLS Las Vegas in 2014 and the Stratosphere was expected to benefit from the increased visitation in the area 161 162 163 A British man became the 40 millionth visitor to the tower on April 21 2014 and received a 2 500 prize package 164 165 166 In September 2014 a man under the influence of drugs crashed his pickup truck through the resort s front entrance and was arrested 167 168 169 In 2015 the Stratosphere launched an advertising campaign targeting its middle class clientele while criticizing high priced Strip resorts 170 The Stratosphere celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016 142 171 172 At the time the resort had 1 600 employees Most of its clientele consisted of tourists from southern California as well as international locations such as Canada Germany and Great Britain The resort s gaming revenue had yet to fully recover from the effects of the Great Recession although other aspects of the property performed well 142 Golden Entertainment Edit In June 2017 Golden Entertainment agreed to purchase ACEP 173 Golden Entertainment s 850 million purchase of the company including the Stratosphere was completed in October 2017 174 In March 2018 Golden Entertainment announced plans for a 140 million renovation of the Stratosphere that would be completed over three phases 175 According to management some people were unaware that the Stratosphere was a resort believing it to be merely an observation tower The renovations were aimed at raising awareness of the resort amenities Renovations were underway later in 2018 A new gaming pit was debuted and 300 rooms were renovated among other changes 176 On February 1 2019 plans were announced to rename the resort as The STRAT Hotel Casino and SkyPod 1 177 178 For years The Strat had been used by local residents as a nickname 179 The transition to The Strat began with two commercials aired locally two days later during Super Bowl LIII 178 180 The name change would become official at a later date 180 A three piece statue created by local artists was installed at the resort s front entrance in April 2019 The statue consists of three stainless steel figures staring at the tower They range in height from 9 to 15 feet with the tallest one pointing at the tower Blake Sartini the chairman and CEO of Golden Entertainment said the statue was a symbol of the resort s new branding He also said We wanted to create a piece that people would use as a wow moment an Instagram moment 181 182 The Strat in April 2020 Two areas for live entertainment one on the casino floor and one in the former space of a lounge were being added in June 2019 183 along with a new slot machine lounge 184 STRAT signage was installed in August 2019 185 and renovations on the south end of the casino floor were completed that year 186 Other renovations have included the resort s exterior and landscaping 187 The Strat also installed drone detection technology alerting the property whenever illegal drones are flown near the tower 188 The resort was officially renamed The Strat Hotel Casino and SkyPod during a celebration held on January 22 2020 Among the attendees to the event were Nevada governor Steve Sisolak congresswoman Dina Titus Sammy Hagar Guy Fieri and Rick Springfield 189 190 191 Renovations were largely finished at the time with the exception of a self check in area and remodeling that was scheduled to begin on the casino s north side during the second quarter of 2020 Half of the resort s 2 427 hotel rooms had been remodeled and future renovations would also take place on the remaining rooms The 80 000 sq ft 7 400 m2 casino considered dark before was remodeled with a new color scheme and an open layout A new William Hill sports book was also added 192 The renovations including four new restaurants were designed to retain customers who usually only visited the pod area 180 192 The renovation was also intended to help the property compete against nearby rivals including the renovated Sahara and two upcoming resorts The Drew and Resorts World 184 Property overview Edit Roxy s Diner in 2011 The hotel and casino facilities are located at the base of the tower 9 Aside from a restaurant at the top of the tower the resort has numerous other restaurants 193 including a buffet 194 154 and a steakhouse known as McCall s Heartland Grill 195 196 Another restaurant Roxy s Diner has operated since the resort s opening 64 176 The Strat s location in regard to the Las Vegas Strip has been debated 197 198 Although the Stratosphere was considered north of the Las Vegas Strip at the time of its 1996 opening it advertised itself as being on the Strip with the slogan We define the top of the Strip 22 Frank Riolo the CEO of AREP said in 2011 It s not Downtown it s not the Strip and it s not a locals property We try to run it as a hybrid 161 Tourists and some local residents consider the Strat to be part of the Strip which would make it the only Strip resort within city limits 197 199 However Clark County considers the Strat to be several blocks north of the Strip According to the county the Strip does not officially extend into city limits Nevertheless Golden Entertainment advertises the resort as a Strip property 183 197 198 Observation tower Edit CN Tower Toronto Willis Tower formerly Sears Chicago Stratosphere Las Vegas Space Needle Seattle The resort was named after the stratosphere in Earth s atmosphere as a reference to the height of the tower 200 At 1 149 ft 350 m it is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States 201 and the second tallest in the Western Hemisphere surpassed only by the CN Tower in Toronto Ontario It is the tallest tower west of the Mississippi River 202 134 and also the tallest structure in Las Vegas and in the state of Nevada 203 Because the tower is not fully habitable it is not considered a building 204 according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat 205 Because of its visibility the tower serves as a visual aid for some motorists in the Las Vegas Valley 141 176 The tower also presents problems for air traffic controllers who have to guide certain planes to avoid the structure 40 The tower is a popular draw for tourists 142 and is a notable part of the Las Vegas skyline 24 200 The top of the tower has two observation decks and a restaurant known as Top of the World in addition to lounges 206 154 159 160 four thrill rides 207 and a wedding chapel 141 208 Top of the World is a revolving restaurant 209 210 taking about 80 minutes to complete a full rotation 211 It is located on the 106th floor of the tower 212 providing overhead views of the Las Vegas Valley 213 An indoor observation deck is located on the 108th floor and includes food and beverage outlets while stairs lead up to an outdoor deck on the 109th floor Like the restaurant both decks provide wraparound views of the Las Vegas Valley The indoor deck was remodeled and unveiled in July 2019 214 The tower elevators among the fastest in the world travel at a speed of 1 801 feet per minute 215 216 The tower also includes 1 455 steps leading up to the 108th floor which rises 855 feet 141 Since 2009 the tower has hosted a fundraising event called Scale the Strat which benefits the American Lung Association Hundreds of people compete each year in the stair racing event in which individual participants race to the top of the tower for the best time separated from each other by one minute intervals 217 Aside from the races the stairs are otherwise closed to the public 218 The tower pod and needle at night The tower cost 70 million to construct 23 It weighs approximately 50 000 tons and has nearly 290 miles of reinforced steel bars 219 67 The tower s pod includes the restaurant and contains 12 stories The exterior of the pod has one and a half miles of criss crossed fiber optic cable with lights which alternate between eight different colors 220 A 149 foot needle 67 located on top of the pod consists of a five square foot steel beam frame with an internal ladder Atop the needle frame are two four inch beams which are laid out horizontally to form an X 61 A special rig for window washers is situated around the pod windows 200 In 2005 local jazz station KOAS 105 7 FM installed an antenna at the top of the tower becoming the first station to do so 221 KVGS 107 9 FM also has an antenna atop the tower 222 During the design and construction phase four fire inspectors were assigned to the project to ensure that it would be fire safe The tower was built with three emergency generators 223 At the time of opening the pod included two concrete banded bunker floors located beneath its three wedding chapels 67 The bunker was built on the two lowest floors of the pod as smoke rises In the case of a fire the tower s elevators would be used for evacuation of the pod unlike most buildings in which stairs would be used instead 223 The base of the tower starts with three legs made of concrete each weighing approximately 4 million pounds and rising 264 feet before meeting to form a center From there the tower rises further before reaching the start of the pod at approximately 775 feet 224 The east tower leg was reportedly built at a crooked angle due to a measurement mix up 11 225 Two decades after its opening a resort executive said We didn t own the property when it was built and cannot verify this He noted that an engineering firm made periodic inspections to ensure structural integrity 225 During its construction the tower won several negative awards from the Las Vegas Review Journal which named it as the Las Vegas event you are tired of hearing about the worst Las Vegas eyesore and the community s biggest embarrassment 226 It was also voted worst casino theme in 1997 and worst attraction four years later 227 In 2006 readers of the newspaper named the Stratosphere as the ugliest building in Las Vegas 228 Five people bypassing security measures have committed suicide by jumping from the tower s observation area between 2000 and 2007 229 Another person died after jumping from the tower in 2014 230 231 On September 28th 2021 another suicide occurred at the tower 232 Rides Edit Rides at the top of the tower pod 2005 Rides at the Strat include Big Shot opened along with the resort in 1996 219 16 72 233 The ride travels up and down the tower s needle At 1 081 ft 329 m it was the highest thrill ride in the world until the Sky Drop opened on the Canton Tower at 1 591 ft 485 m X Scream opened in 2003 At 866 ft 264 m it is the fourth highest thrill ride in the world It consists of a single car that rolls back and forth on a straight piece of track that slightly overhangs the tower and pivots vertically in a see saw motion 234 235 236 237 Insanity opened in 2005 At 900 ft 270 m is the third highest thrill ride in the world it dangles riders over the edge of the tower and then spins in a circular pattern at approximately forty miles per hour 238 239 240 In an incident shortly after opening riders were left dangling several hundred feet for nearly an hour and a half when Insanity shut down it was programmed to cease operation if a fault or problem is detected by the ride s control system Strong winds caused the system to trigger the emergency stop 241 242 243 SkyJump Las Vegas opened in 2010 244 245 246 SkyJump is a controlled descent Bungee jumping like ride that allows riders to plummet 855 ft 261 m attached to a high speed descent wire 247 SkyJump had its 100 000th rider in 2013 248 and its 200 000th in 2015 249 A previous ride a roller coaster called the High Roller opened with the resort in 1996 It rode around the top of the tower pod 250 251 It closed on December 30 2005 and was dismantled 252 The ride was considered underwhelming and was poorly received in comparison to the other rides However it was a financial success and attracted nearly 4 million riders by the time of its closure 251 253 At 909 ft 277 m 254 it was the second highest ride in the world and the highest roller coaster 252 Strat O Fair a 17 000 sq ft 1 600 m2 midway themed after the 1963 World s fair opened at the base of the tower in June 2000 Among its attractions were bumper cars and a Ferris wheel measuring 45 feet in diameter 255 Insanity ride in 2021 Two rides were proposed for the tower but were never built 256 257 As the resort opened in 1996 there were plans to add a 6 million King Kong ride also known as Belly of the Beast Riders would be placed in the stomach of a giant mechanical gorilla that would scale the Stratosphere tower The ride would carry a total of 48 people and would go halfway up the tower 258 259 260 On its way down the ride would drop several feet at a time to give riders the sensation of falling 219 80 The ride s opening was delayed in May 1996 because design and engineering work took longer than expected 259 The project was canceled two months later A Stratosphere spokesman said It was determined to be not feasible and we couldn t be sure it would be an exciting ride It was an engineering challenge to say the least 260 The ride had been scheduled to open later in 1996 259 The second ride was proposed in 2001 261 acting as a 20 million roller coaster that would transport riders over Las Vegas Boulevard A 740 foot tower would be built next to the Stratosphere tower and the roller coaster would travel down this new tower before going up a 416 foot tower on the opposite side of the street 256 262 263 Area residents were opposed to the ride citing concerns about its impact on housing values and the quality of life 256 264 Residents were concerned about noise and traffic that would occur in the area if the ride were built although the resort denied that noise would be an issue 262 Nevada Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani said the ride would make the neighborhood look like a carnival 265 The Stratosphere stated that the new ride was necessary to compete against the nearby Adventuredome as well as a NASCAR attraction at the Sahara resort 262 The earlier King Kong ride had received city approval in 1996 with no expiration and resort executives suggested that they may revive that project if the Las Vegas City Council were to reject the new roller coaster proposal Residents were also opposed to the King Kong ride 256 In response to the opposition the Stratosphere suggested that it may withdraw financial support for the Las Vegas Monorail project which would connect downtown with the Las Vegas Strip 265 The roller coaster ride failed to get the support of the city council and the Stratosphere withdrew its financing of 250 000 for the monorail project which would have had a stop at the resort 266 A scaled back slower version of the roller coaster ride was proposed in 2002 267 268 but it was also denied approval The Stratosphere took legal action in an effort to get the ride built but the resort lost its challenges in court 263 269 257 Tower Shops Edit The Tower Shops is a mall on the second level The elevators that lead up to the observation decks are only accessible in the mall 270 DeBartolo Realty Corporation which owned a 50 percent interest in the Tower Shops was acquired by Simon Property Group in March 1996 forming Simon DeBartolo Group 85 The Tower Shops were a joint venture between Simon DeBartolo Group and Gordon Group under the name Strato Retail 271 The Stratosphere leased the retail space to Strato Retail which then subleased it to retail tenants 272 Tower Shops in 2008 When the Stratosphere opened in April 1996 its retail area was still largely under construction and consisted only of vendor carts spread across three areas with their own theme Chinese French and Manhattan 67 The mall was built by Missouri construction company McCarthy which was finishing the first phase in May 1996 270 Because of the resort s financial problems the next phase of the Tower Shops was halted in August 1996 69 273 leaving the mall with 69 000 sq ft 6 400 m2 of retail space 274 271 The second phase scheduled for completion in December 1996 would have increased the mall to 160 000 sq ft 15 000 m2 275 The second phase would have included a Rainforest Cafe as its main anchor tenant 85 271 A Kids Quest child care center was also planned as part of the second phase 276 85 As of February 1997 the mall had 32 of 45 stores opened with the remainder expected to be open by the end of the second quarter The mall had approximately 300 employees 274 As of October 1997 there were 36 stores including a clothing store owned by Las Vegas mayor Jan Jones 277 who also owned shares in Grand Casinos 278 Approximately 85 percent of the retail space was occupied and 98 percent was leased 278 By 1998 retailers in the Tower Shops were experiencing financial difficulties and lack of customer traffic which the retailers blamed on the resort s unfinished facilities 85 Strato Retail filed suits against several of the mall s retailers alleging non payment of rent Two retailers that were locked in for expensive long term leases filed suits against Strato Retail 85 272 As of March 1999 the Stratosphere planned to add a new escalator which the resort said would lead up to the casino s showroom However Strato Retail sued Stratosphere Corporation alleging that the escalator would hinder business to the Tower Shops by allowing visitors to bypass the mall on their way to the top of the observation tower The resort denied that the escalator could be used to access the tower 279 Strato Retail won a permanent injunction against the escalator s construction 280 In 2000 Stratosphere Corporation purchased the mall from Strato Retail for 12 5 million 281 271 280 In 2004 the Tower Shops had 110 000 sq ft 10 000 m2 of retail space which was approximately 90 leased That year the mall announced plans for an additional 80 000 sq ft 7 400 m2 of retail space 282 283 The expansion would occupy undeveloped space that was meant for the Tower Shops originally planned second phase 282 At the time the mall had approximately 50 stores and 15 retail carts 284 Live entertainment EditAt its opening the Stratosphere included the 700 seat Broadway showroom 285 and a 300 seat lounge called the Images Cabaret which also hosted performers 286 The Stratosphere opened along with a celebrity impersonator show known as American Superstars which initially ran in the lounge 287 288 289 290 Danny Gans also had a residency which took place in the showroom 291 292 Gans contract expired at the end of 1996 and he moved on to the Rio resort after disagreements with the Stratosphere Gans had wanted more advertising from the Stratosphere for his show although the resort was financially unable to do so The resort meanwhile wanted Gans to perform more often which he declined to do 293 Following his departure American Superstars moved into the showroom 287 293 294 A small scale afternoon show Viva Las Vegas opened in the Broadway showroom in October 1996 in an effort to improve the resort s finances The show had previously run for five years at the Sands Hotel and Casino until its closing earlier in 1996 295 296 297 Hypnotist Marshall Sylver opened a show in the Images Cabaret in 1997 298 299 Two years later Images Cabaret was relocated elsewhere in the resort as the original location was replaced by the new sports book 127 Overhead view of the Celestia tent As of 2001 Viva Las Vegas was the longest continuously running afternoon show in Las Vegas history 128 An outdoor stage called the Outdoor Events Center opened later that year Built in the form of a grandstand it offered seating for approximately 3 600 people As an alternative to larger venues the Outdoor Events Center offered low priced events which included boxing matches and musical performances 300 301 302 In 2004 the resort s Theater of the Stars showroom launched a topless vampire themed show by Tim Molyneux called Bite featuring rock and roll music 303 304 305 Viva Las Vegas closed in December 2006 306 American Superstars closed in March 2011 as the producers and resort came to a mutual decision to end the show after a 15 year run It was one of the longest running shows in Las Vegas history 288 287 Later that year singer Frankie Moreno signed a two year residency 307 308 The Theater of the Stars showroom was renovated under the direction of Moreno 53 307 and was renamed as the Stratosphere Showroom 309 Bite ended its run in 2012 310 David Perrico with the band Pop Evolution signed in 2013 for a monthly show 311 Claire Sinclair a Playboy Playmate starred in a burlesque musical show titled Pin Up which launched in 2013 and ran for four years 312 Moreno signed an extension and eventually concluded his residency at the end of 2014 309 313 By 2016 the resort had begun offering a Michael Jackson tribute show called MJ Live 172 314 The Strat added an acrobatic show Celestia in June 2019 315 316 317 The show was performed inside a 30 000 sq ft 2 800 m2 tent located outside the Strat 192 Celestia closed two years later By that point plans were underway to renovate the Strat s 600 seat theater The resort partnered with SPI Entertainment and hoped to make the resort a well known destination for live entertainment 318 319 Illusionist Xavier Mortimer opened a magic show on July 1 2021 320 321 Another magic show by mentalist Banachek was opened a month later 322 along with a glow in the dark dance show by iLuminate 323 A concert residency by Sammy Hagar is scheduled to take place at the resort later in the year 324 325 In popular culture EditIn 1998 some filming took place at the Stratosphere for an episode of Chicago Hope 326 In 1999 scenes for the game show Real World Road Rules Challenge 2000 were filmed involving contestants bungee jumping from the Stratosphere s tower 327 328 329 The Stratosphere was also used in 1999 for filming of the television series The Strip 327 The casino and tower are featured in the 2005 movie Domino in which the owner gets robbed of 10 million and the top of the tower gets damaged in an explosion 330 The tower is the inspiration for the Vertigo Spire location map featured in the 2006 video game Tom Clancy s Rainbow Six Vegas 331 The tower was featured in the Life After People 2009 episode Sin City Meltdown 300 years after people the tower is one of the last recognizable things in Las Vegas but an earthquake eventually brings it down The death of 16 year old Las Vegas teen Levi Presley by suicide from the observation deck became the basis for John D Agata s 2010 essay What Happens There for The Believer and later D Agata and Jim Fingal s work The Lifespan of a Fact 332 The Lucky 38 a fictional tower casino featured in the 2010 video game Fallout New Vegas partially resembles the Stratosphere 333 334 Actors Michael Douglas and Mary Steenburgen rode on the X Scream ride to shoot a scene for the 2013 film Last Vegas 335 In 2013 the tower was featured in episode 24 of the third season of the Israeli edition of The Amazing Race as part of a Roadblock task where contestants had to jump off of the tower on the SkyJump 336 In the 2014 Syfy television series Dominion the archangel Michael lived in the observation tower of the Stratosphere 337 A replica of the tower can be found in the 2014 racing game The Crew in the northern part of Las Vegas 338 The hotel casino and tower was featured at the beginning of the 2016 film Sharknado The 4th Awakens 339 340 The tower serves as the site for the climax of the Ben 10 episode Tough Luck Gallery Edit Aerial view in 2004 Neon sign on the observation tower 2004 Main entrance in 2004 A neon sign during the day Front of the tower View from the ground Stratosphere tower and hotel buildings View from the tower pod overlooking the Strip in 2008 Overlooking the Strip in 2008 Same view at night Looking up from the base of the tower with the X Scream ride hanging over the edge in 2009 Stratosphere logo 2011 Close up of the pod Inside the podSee also Edit Nevada portalLandmark hotel and casino a similar Las Vegas propertyNotes Edit Stylized as The STRAT 1 References Edit a b Golden Entertainment Inc Announces Stratosphere Rebrand to The STRAT Golden Entertainment 2019 02 04 Retrieved 2019 02 09 On Sunday Feb 3 the Stratosphere Casino Hotel amp Tower began its transition to The STRAT Hotel Casino and SkyPod Craft Byron 2014 The Men Who Made Las Vegas Bob Stupak The Polish Maverick StripLV com Retrieved 2017 03 20 Museum Casino Destroyed By Fire on Vegas Strip Daily Herald 1974 05 22 p 12 Retrieved 2017 03 20 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Velotta Richard N 2001 05 04 Stupak proud but not notably nostalgic about Stratosphere Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 a b Stupak wants a landmark Reno Gazette Journal 1989 10 07 Retrieved 2017 03 20 a b Vegas council turns down sign ordinance Reno Gazette Journal 1989 10 20 Retrieved 2017 03 20 a b c d e Thompson Gary 1996 04 26 New landmark towers over Las Vegas Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 Revised plans unveiled Reno Gazette Journal 1990 02 14 Retrieved 2017 03 20 a b Carter Geoff April 2002 Tourists For Breakfast Designing Vegas Las Vegas Weekly Archived from the original on 2002 06 21 Winsa Patty 2014 02 23 CN Tower built to last Toronto Star Retrieved 2019 07 18 a b c d e f g h i Orwall Bruce 1996 10 29 Stratosphere s Big Gamble Flops in a Tale of Las Vegas The Wall Street Journal Retrieved 2020 12 16 Ainlay Thomas Gabaldon Judy Dixon 2003 Las Vegas The Fabulous First Century Arcadia Publishing p 139 ISBN 978 0 7385 2416 0 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Bob Stupak the Polish Maverick The Real Deal Australia July 2012 p 35 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Las Vegas approves tower Reno Gazette Journal 1990 04 19 Retrieved 2017 03 20 a b c d Las Vegas takes gaudiness into the Stratosphere Tower Associated Press 1995 09 24 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via Newspapers com a b c For Las Vegas a New Kind of High Roller Los Angeles Times 1996 04 29 Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b Casino owner is given green light The Spectrum 1991 10 23 Retrieved 2019 02 08 via Newspapers com a b c Stupak breaks ground for tower project Reno Gazette Journal 1991 11 06 p 13 Retrieved 2019 02 08 via Newspapers com Circus Maximus Newsweek 1991 11 03 Retrieved 2017 03 20 Vegas tower worries air official Reno Gazette Journal 1991 10 26 Retrieved 2019 02 08 via Newspapers com a b Fire engulfs observation tower Associated Press 1993 08 30 Retrieved 2017 03 20 a b Tower tries to stretch Strip boundary north of Sahara Las Vegas Sun 1996 04 26 Retrieved 2019 02 08 a b c d e Zekan Karen 1996 04 26 Tower rises from mean streets Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 a b Witcher T R 2009 10 07 Stupak s true legacy Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 18 a b Elizabeth Holland and Steve Sebelius 1993 08 30 Tower fire rained debris Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2016 03 12 Geer Carri 1999 10 30 Stupak reaches settlement in Stratosphere fire lawsuit Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 05 02 Casino operator vows to finish building fire damaged tower Reno Gazette Journal 1993 09 03 Retrieved 2017 03 20 a b Winds hamper tower work Reno Gazette Journal 1993 09 13 Retrieved 2017 03 20 a b c d e f g Thompson Gary 1996 04 30 Tower draws rave reviews Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 Marcotty Josephine 1993 11 17 Grand Casinos makes Vegas deal Star Tribune Retrieved 2017 03 20 Firm Adds to Vegas Deal St Paul Pioneer Press 1994 01 28 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via NewsLibrary Planning the Tallest Structure San Francisco Chronicle 1994 04 08 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via NewsLibrary a b Vegas airport official discusses new tower Associated Press 1994 06 14 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via Newspapers com FAA pilots opposing Las Vegas tower UPI NewsTrack 1994 05 16 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via NewsLibrary Vegas to study controversial tower UPI NewsTrack 1994 05 19 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via NewsLibrary If tower isn t the tallest it could be most illuminating Associated Press 1994 06 17 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via Newspapers com Lasers spire trouble pilots over Las Vegas The Arizona Republic 1994 08 24 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via Newspapers com City approves tower compromise The Desert Sun 1994 06 23 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via Newspapers com Bob Stupak builder of Stratosphere and Vegas World dies at 67 Las Vegas Sun 2009 09 25 Retrieved 2016 03 12 a b FAA Planes can t fly these crowded skies Las Vegas Review Journal 2008 09 30 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Stratosphere completes purchase of Vegas property Star Tribune 1994 11 05 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Vacationers line up for World s last days Reno Gazette Journal February 1 1995 Retrieved March 20 2017 a b Las Vegas reaches higher 100 story roller coaster latest gamble for city RecordNet com September 24 1995 Retrieved May 23 2015 Grand Casinos Inc Securities Litigation Stanford University Law School December 23 1996 Retrieved May 23 2015 Stratosphere s Bonds Soar Like Tower Plan The Press of Atlantic City 1995 03 05 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Investors Set Foundation for Stratosphere Casino St Paul Pioneer Press 1995 03 11 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via NewsLibrary a b c d German Jeff 1996 04 30 Stupak silences his critics with Stratosphere s opening Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 a b Helicopter places top on Stratosphere Tower Associated Press 1995 11 06 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via Newspapers com Workers dismantling crane Elko Daily Free Press 1995 10 11 Retrieved 2019 07 27 via Newspapers com Topping off for Vegas tower today Associated Press 1995 11 04 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via Newspapers com The Las Vegas Stratosphere Tower Las Vegas Leisure Guide 1996 Archived from the original on 2004 06 12 a b c d e Sebelius Steve 1996 04 26 Eminent domain redevelopment issues remain Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 a b c Katsilometes John 2012 04 06 New and improved Stratosphere is a beacon of noble risk taking Las Vegas Sun Archived from the original on 2012 04 09 a b Zapler Mike 1997 03 09 They can fight city hall Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1997 07 19 Residents Around Stratosphere Tower Evicted Las Vegas Sun 1996 03 19 Retrieved 2019 02 08 Sebelius Steve 1996 03 20 Evictions delayed for some Stratosphere neighbors Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 Residents near Stratosphere get aid Las Vegas Sun 1996 03 28 Retrieved 2019 02 08 Zapler Mike 1998 03 24 Property fight lands city back in court Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 02 23 Zapler Mike 1998 03 28 City Stratosphere sticking to eminent domain pact Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1999 10 04 Squires Michael 2004 09 12 Eminent Domain Owner City beat me down Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2004 12 24 Justice in land seizure debated Las Vegas Review Journal 2007 12 04 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Justice finally for landowner Las Vegas Review Journal 2007 12 05 Retrieved 2020 12 22 County must repay trust account interest Las Vegas Review Journal 2008 07 25 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Eminent domain case closed Las Vegas Review Journal 2008 07 26 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Commission gives final OK to Stratosphere plan Las Vegas Sun 1996 03 22 Retrieved 2019 02 08 a b Thompson Gary 1996 03 07 Gaming license no problem for Stupak Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 a b Columnist Build it and they will come Las Vegas Sun 1996 04 26 Retrieved 2019 02 08 Scott Cathy 1996 04 26 Smoke but no towering inferno Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 Shemeligian Bob 1996 05 03 Tower debut shaky if you didn t speak Stratosphere Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 09 a b Las Vegas Stratosphere Hotel Tower Grand Opening Las Vegas Leisure Guide 1996 Archived from the original on 2004 02 08 Smoke strands guests atop tower Las Vegas Sun 1996 05 01 Retrieved 2019 02 08 Thompson Gary 1996 05 03 Bugs bedevil Stratosphere Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 09 a b c d e f g Robins Cynthia 1996 05 26 Las Vegas Stratosphere is fit for the intrepid SFGate Retrieved 2019 02 09 Hospitality Network adds Stratosphere to its list Las Vegas Sun 1996 02 23 Retrieved 2019 02 08 a b c Stratosphere halts growth Las Vegas Sun 1996 08 30 Retrieved 2019 07 27 Welling Stacey 1996 06 23 Topping 1 149 feet 550 million Stratosphere shoots for the sky Los Angeles Times Retrieved 2019 07 27 via Newspapers com a b Gaming Los Angeles Times 1996 08 31 Retrieved 2020 12 11 a b Las Vegas Deals Some of Its Fun Away From Tables Los Angeles Times 1996 05 19 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Stratospheric Conditions A New Tower s Sky High Rides Wedding Chapels and Restaurant Sen Las Vegas Image Soaring to New Heights St Paul Pioneer Press 1996 05 12 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via NewsLibrary Thompson Gary 1996 04 26 It s not tallest but tower figures to pile up revenue Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 Stratosphere revenues less than predicted Las Vegas Sun 1996 06 07 Retrieved 2019 02 08 a b c d Hype Hope Aren t Enough Vegas Tower Fails to Cash In Los Angeles Times 1996 08 22 Retrieved 2020 12 11 a b Berns Dave 1997 06 27 Icahn could tower over Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1999 10 11 a b Steinhauer Adam 1997 02 10 A Too Tall Tale Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2002 03 12 Thompson Gary 1996 07 23 Troubles loom at Stratosphere Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 07 27 a b Greenberg Herb 1996 05 30 Will the Stratosphere Become a Strato Flyer or Strato Flop Also doubts raised about the fate of King Kong SFGate Retrieved 2020 12 22 Steinhauer Adam 1997 02 10 Stupak has no grand illusions Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 11 Stratosphere Removes Statue of Founder Las Vegas Sun 1996 10 12 Retrieved 2021 08 06 Hawley David 2000 10 30 Vegas Statue Hunt a Case Study in How Mighty Have Fallen St Paul Pioneer Press Retrieved 2021 08 06 via NewsLibrary LeRoy s book at Stratosphere Las Vegas Sun 1996 08 13 Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b c d e f g Shemeligian Bob 1998 01 26 Stratosphere retailers say they re hurting Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 07 26 Tower puts observation on wheels Chicago Tribune 1995 12 24 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via Newspapers com Stratosphere to open in Vegas next month UPI 1996 03 14 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Ehlers David 1996 10 11 Wall Street analysts get first hand look at LV market Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Thompson Gary 1996 08 16 Tower s financing in limbo Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2021 08 06 Stratosphere s Gambling Odds Will Get a Little Closer to Earth Los Angeles Times 1996 09 26 Retrieved 2020 12 11 Berns Dave 1996 09 30 Stratosphere offering gamblers a better deal Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 11 Caruso Monica 1996 10 02 Stratosphere deals itself winning hand Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 11 a b c Steinhauer Adam 1997 01 28 Stratosphere files bankruptcy Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2002 06 27 Berns Dave 1997 02 20 Stratosphere 96 loss tops 254 million Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1997 07 19 Thompson Gary 1996 07 29 Two Stratosphere executives resign Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2021 08 06 Berns Dave 1997 01 11 Stratosphere dumps packages Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 11 Berns Dave 1996 12 17 Stratosphere deadline quietly passes Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Berns Dave 1996 12 23 Stratosphere reorganization talks continue Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Tower firm files for bankruptcy Las Vegas Sun 1997 01 28 Retrieved 2020 12 14 Levy Rachael 1996 08 06 Lawsuit accuses Stratosphere Stupak of stock fraud Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2021 08 06 Stupak Grand sued over hotel deals Las Vegas Review Journal 1997 02 22 Retrieved 2020 12 12 Steinhauer Adam 1997 03 18 Cash flow continues poor pace Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1999 11 30 Berns Dave 1997 04 03 Nasdaq to drop Stratosphere stock Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2000 09 17 Steinhauer Adam 1997 05 01 Nasdaq removes Stratosphere listing Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2000 09 16 a b Wilen John 1998 08 28 Stratosphere stock is still trading Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 14 Steinhauer Adam 1997 06 21 Stratosphere investors left high and dry Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1997 07 19 Berns Dave Bond play timely for Icahn Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1997 07 20 Berns Dave 1997 07 10 Berman dumps all tower stock Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1999 11 03 Berns Dave 1997 07 22 Icahn s Stratosphere bid could cost 200 million Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2000 09 17 Berns Dave 1997 08 01 Stratosphere board members head to exit Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1999 10 18 Berns Dave 1997 08 28 Stupak kicks off bid to regain tower Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 05 08 Berns Dave 1997 08 29 Stupak shelves TV plea Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2000 09 18 Steinhauer Adam 1997 10 10 Grand Stratosphere divorce final Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2000 09 18 Seals Brian 1998 05 01 Stratosphere creditors coming out of the woodwork Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 14 Whaley Sean 1998 02 27 Tower deal near for Icahn Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1999 10 09 Whaley Sean 1998 05 16 Bankruptcy judge clears way for Icahn to seize Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1999 10 10 Thompson Gary 1997 11 19 Stratosphere stock rising Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 14 Thompson Gary 1998 02 26 Stratosphere stock mystery explained Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 14 Berns Dave 2000 06 20 Lakes Gaming will settle with Stratosphere investors Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 04 30 Strow David 2000 10 09 Legal fees eat up majority of Stratosphere settlement Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 14 Stratosphere bondholders lose suit against Lakes Las Vegas Sun 2001 04 05 Retrieved 2020 12 14 Berns Dave 1998 08 06 Board says Icahn can run casinos Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1999 10 10 a b Vogel Ed 1998 08 21 Tower Expansion promised Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2000 01 08 Berns Dave 2000 10 04 Directors OK deal to take Stratosphere private Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 06 28 Stratosphere tower work remains on hold Las Vegas Sun 1999 06 01 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Edwards John G 1999 09 02 Icahn announces plans to expand Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 05 10 a b Strow David 1999 07 15 Casino gets OK on sports book Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b c d At 5 the Stratosphere is still tall and growing Las Vegas Sun 2001 05 04 Retrieved 2020 12 14 a b Simpson Jeff 2000 04 17 Icahn ready to pounce if rivals fall Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 07 12 Second tower at Stratosphere topped off Las Vegas Sun 2000 11 03 Retrieved 2019 02 09 Second Stratosphere tower topped off to open next year Las Vegas S 2000 11 06 Retrieved 2019 02 09 Las Vegas Hotel Adding 1 000 Rooms Los Angeles Times 2001 06 17 Retrieved 2020 12 14 a b Berns Dave 2001 07 05 Deal Maker Towering image Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 11 25 a b c Benston Liz 2003 08 25 Stratosphere execs eye new features for resort Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Simpson Jeff 2001 02 20 Stratosphere folds poker room to add more profitable games Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2002 02 25 Ritter Ken 2001 09 11 Nevada goes on heightened alert after air attacks Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Berns Dave Simpson Jeff 2001 09 30 Tone of reports irks casino executive Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 10 03 Smith Rod 2004 05 26 Icahn casino reshuffle ending Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2004 05 28 a b Stratosphere opens topless pool area Las Vegas Sun 2004 10 20 Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b Mihailovich Steven 2004 10 22 Stratosphere goes topless Las Vegas Business Press Archived from the original on 2004 11 25 Retrieved 2021 12 16 a b c d e Lilly Caitlyn 2016 04 28 20 things to know about the Stratosphere as it turns 20 Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b c d Wargo Buck 2016 04 23 Stratosphere vision of late Bob Stupak to mark 20th anniversary in Las Vegas Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 18 John Katsilometes feels the power of the tower as the Stratosphere preps for a 26 000 square foot club that spans four decades Las Vegas Sun 2007 01 08 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Clarke Norm 2007 03 06 Blasts from past to kick off club Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2007 03 16 Garza Xazmin 2007 03 23 Get Nostalgic Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Icahn sells Southern Nevada casinos Las Vegas Review Journal 2007 04 24 Retrieved 2020 12 16 Deal with sky high potential Las Vegas Review Journal 2007 04 29 Retrieved 2020 12 16 Sale of Stratosphere parent now complete Las Vegas Review Journal 2008 02 22 Retrieved 2020 12 16 Benston Liz 2008 01 10 The back story on a pair of leveraged buyouts Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 16 Benston Liz 2008 10 25 It s a new day at the Stratosphere Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 16 Weatherford Mike 2009 01 09 Male revue takes G strings to new venue Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Finnegan Amanda 2009 03 04 Stratosphere to lay off workers halt pay increases Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 16 a b SkyJump renovations seen as boost for Stratosphere parent Las Vegas Review Journal 2010 05 12 Retrieved 2020 12 16 a b c Stratosphere undergoes 20 million renovation Las Vegas Sun 2011 01 13 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Things To Do In Las Vegas Attractions amp Travel Guide Conde Nast Traveler Vegaschatter com Retrieved 2016 03 12 Sylvester Ron 2012 04 11 Stratosphere renovations give Vegas icon new mojo Deseret News Retrieved 2016 03 12 Warren Mason The New Stratosphere Mylifemagazine com Retrieved 2016 03 12 O Reiley Tim 2011 01 14 Stratosphere owners tout 20 million makeover Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 16 a b Heightened Expectations Los Angeles Times 2010 11 29 Retrieved 2020 12 18 a b Sylvester Ron 2012 04 06 Revamped look has the Stratosphere standing taller these days Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b Friess Steve 2011 03 30 With the Sahara closing the Stratosphere faces an identity crisis Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 18 Katsilometes John 2014 07 13 Stratosphere has high hopes for its new neighbor SLS Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 18 Stutz Howard 2015 02 21 Once down on its luck Vegas North Strip is coming back Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Stratosphere Tower welcomes its 40 millionth visitor Las Vegas Sun 2014 04 21 Retrieved 2020 12 18 Stutz Howard 2014 04 21 Stratosphere Tower welcomes 40 millionth visitor Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 18 Las Vegas Stratosphere welcomes visitor No 40 million Los Angeles Times 2014 04 22 Retrieved 2020 12 18 Katsilometes John 2014 09 10 Truck barrels through Stratosphere front entrance Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 18 Usufzy Pashtana 2014 09 11 Police Man who crashed into Stratosphere wanted to jump Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 18 Questions emerge after driver freed in Stratosphere crash commits suicide Associated Press 2014 09 18 Retrieved 2020 12 18 Pierceall Kimberly 2015 02 09 Las Vegas Strip too snooty Stratosphere ad campaign says so Associated Press Retrieved 2020 12 18 Kelemen Matt 2016 04 29 The sky s the limit Stratosphere toasts to 20 years Las Vegas Magazine Retrieved 2020 12 18 a b Radke Brock 2016 05 11 The Stratosphere is aging well but it s hard to see from way up there Las Vegas Weekly Retrieved 2020 12 22 Iconic Stratosphere casino in Las Vegas changes hands The Washington Post Associated Press 2017 06 22 Retrieved 2017 06 12 dead link Golden closes on 850M deal for Stratosphere 3 other casinos Las Vegas Review Journal 23 October 2017 Retrieved 31 December 2017 Golden Entertainment to invest 140M in Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal 15 March 2018 Retrieved 31 March 2018 a b c Feldberg Sarah 2018 06 26 Stratosphere s new owners set out to prove it s more than a view Travel Weekly Retrieved 2020 12 22 Prince Todd February 1 2019 Stratosphere in Las Vegas to rebrand to The STRAT Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved February 2 2019 a b Stratosphere casino hotel in Las Vegas to be renamed Philly com Associated Press February 1 2019 Retrieved February 2 2019 Radke Brock 2019 02 02 The Stratosphere is rebranding to the STRAT Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 09 a b c Hopkins Justin 2019 02 07 Goodbye Stratosphere hello Strat KLAS TV Retrieved 2019 02 09 Karel Janna 2019 04 18 Look Strat installs local art piece on Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2019 12 06 Seeman Matthew 2019 04 19 New sculpture unveiled outside entrance to The STRAT KSNV Retrieved 2019 12 06 a b Katsilometes John 2019 06 26 The new Strat still says We re part of the Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2019 07 26 a b Schulz Bailey 2019 07 19 STRAT updates bring competition for north Las Vegas Strip analysts say Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2019 07 27 Hooters Hotel sold Strat new marquee on display KLAS 2019 08 26 1 15 Retrieved 2019 08 27 Horwath Bryan 2019 11 20 New Strat boss has high hopes for property s new vibe north Strip VegasInc Retrieved 2019 11 30 Velotta Richard N 2019 11 07 Golden Entertainment hopes renovations of The Strat boost earnings Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2019 11 30 Pretty Ted 2019 11 13 The Strat uses new drone detection technology on Las Vegas Strip KVVU Retrieved 2019 11 30 Sammy Hagar Rick Springfield celebrate reinvention of The STRAT KTNV 2020 01 23 Retrieved 2020 01 24 Miller Cody 2020 01 22 Sammy Hagar Rick Springfield join Governor Sisolak for reopening of The STRAT KSNV Retrieved 2020 01 24 Mancini Al 2020 01 10 Sammy Hagar to be guest bartender at The Strat on Jan 22 Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 01 24 a b c Schulz Bailey 2020 01 21 Strat s 100M renovation project nears completion Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 01 14 Radke Brock 2015 02 11 Top of the World is just the beginning of Stratosphere s dining options Las Vegas Weekly Retrieved 2020 12 22 Stevens Muriel 2001 08 17 Stirling Club promises community involvement Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Sylvester Ron 2012 07 31 Stratosphere restaurant going from tacos to steaks Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Radke Brock 2012 11 15 Beef Bonus New Stratosphere steakhouse exceeds heightened expectations Las Vegas Weekly Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b c Montero David 2018 12 14 Even in a city built on illusion the Stratosphere is having a tough time proving it s on the Vegas Strip Los Angeles Times Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b Miller Cody 2019 07 03 Newly rebranded Strip resort s slogan sparks Las Vegas debate KSNV Retrieved 2020 12 22 Radke Brock 2018 01 11 Debating the Stratosphere s Strip ness is like trying to define Las Vegas Las Vegas Weekly Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b c Levitan Corey 2006 01 02 Dangling in the Sky Pane and Suffering Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2006 11 07 Big Shot Stratosphere Tower Rides Las Vegas Amusement Parks 2011 Retrieved 12 January 2011 Stratosphere Tower to give Las Vegas tall bragging rights Arizona Daily Star 1995 10 01 Retrieved 2020 12 22 via Newspapers com Stratosphere Tower Las Vegas Emporis Archived from the original on May 14 2015 Retrieved 2017 01 15 Question of the Day Las Vegas Advisor 2017 11 14 Retrieved 2020 12 22 It s the tallest observation tower in the U S but through some quirk of definition it s not a building because it s not fully habitable Thus second place Fontainebleau 735 feet is actually the tallest building in southern Nevada Question of the Day Las Vegas Advisor 2017 07 22 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Stratosphere changes restaurant lineup Sunrise View 2006 02 01 Archived from the original on 2006 10 24 Friess Steve 2010 09 29 Stratosphere s other big shot Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Kachelriess Rob 2020 09 30 25 Great Las Vegas Dates To Go On Right Now Thrillist Retrieved 2020 12 22 White Ken 2000 09 20 Stratosphere Tower wants to be top of the list for diners Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 06 10 Curtas John 2010 05 11 Excellence on Top of the World Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 King Nina 2015 07 31 Tastes that tower Top of the World at Stratosphere Las Vegas Magazine Retrieved 2020 12 22 Stapleton Susan 2019 01 04 Renovations Reinvigorate the Highest Restaurant in Las Vegas Eater Retrieved 2020 12 22 Domanick Andrea 2013 08 07 Eiffel Tower Top of the World and Mandarin Bar named among best restaurant views in U S Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Dinant Jason 2019 07 22 Remodeled STRAT observation deck debuts KTNV Retrieved 2019 07 26 In Pictures The World s Fastest Elevators Forbes 2007 10 01 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Rogers Abby 2011 09 30 These Are The Fastest Elevators In The World Business Insider Retrieved 2020 12 22 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Carrasco Mytae 2009 02 21 Climbers Scale the Strat one step at a time Las Vegas Sun Carrasco Mytae 2009 02 22 Washington man wins Scale the Strat fundraiser Las Vegas Sun Feldberg Sarah 2012 02 29 Stair climb the Stratosphere for charity Las Vegas Sun Sylvester Ron 2012 12 27 Scale the Strat charity event climbs in popularity Las Vegas Sun Feldberg Sarah 2013 02 26 For Scale the Strat climbers it s 1 455 stairs or bust Las Vegas Weekly Kantowski Ron 2014 03 03 Scale the Strat No thanks I ll see you by the elevator Las Vegas Review Journal Padgett Sonya 2013 02 24 Scale the Strat a big event for lung association Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b c Klein Alec Matthew 1996 05 29 Spicing up fun with a little terror The Baltimore Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Calkins Alison 1996 04 26 Diamond image helped designer see the light Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 Clarke Norm 2005 04 02 Barrymore hits sour note with guests Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2005 11 30 Fybush Scott 2018 07 20 Site of the Week 7 20 18 The Stratosphere Las Vegas Fybush Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b Mosley Darrol 1996 08 31 The Stratosphere Tower Firehouse com Retrieved 2021 08 06 Stratosphere Tower Rising in Las Vegas Daily Journal of Commerce 1995 08 04 Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b DeSilva Kristen 2015 05 13 5 things you didn t know about the Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Marcotty Josephine 1994 03 28 Rolling the dice Star Tribune Retrieved 2020 12 22 via Newspapers com Grimes Stephanie 2014 09 05 The 5 worst attractions in Las Vegas history Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2021 08 06 Stratosphere Hotel Casino amp tower University of Nevada Las Vegas Retrieved 2020 12 22 Radke Jace 2000 01 07 Man jumps from Stratosphere Tower Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 09 Boy 16 jumps from Stratosphere Las Vegas Sun 2002 07 15 Retrieved 2019 02 09 Clarke Norm 2005 03 30 Tragedy follows Elvis show work Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2005 11 30 Stratosphere Jump Investigation confirms woman killed herself Las Vegas Review Journal 2005 04 13 Archived from the original on 2005 11 30 Man jumps from Stratosphere tower Las Vegas Review Journal 2006 02 08 Archived from the original on 2007 07 01 Man killed in jump from Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal 2007 05 07 Retrieved 2019 02 09 Slivka Steven 2014 02 19 Police investigate possible suicide near Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Porter Annalise 2014 02 20 Coroner identifies man reported to have jumped from Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Man dies after jumping from The Strat Las Vegas Review Journal 2021 09 30 Retrieved 2021 10 03 Padgett Sonya 2007 06 03 Feel the G Forces Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Jones Chris 2003 06 30 For Stratosphere X marks the shot Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2004 12 08 A ride rises on Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas Sun 2003 10 14 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Mihailovich Steven 2003 11 07 Stratosphere screams for growth Las Vegas Business Press Archived from the original on 2003 12 05 Retrieved 2021 12 16 Padgett Sonya 2003 11 04 Assignment X Scream Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2005 03 13 Stutz Howard 2004 11 18 Stratosphere s latest act of thrill Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2004 11 20 Padgett Sonya 2005 03 17 Not for the Meek Going Insane Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2005 04 27 Terry Kira 2014 03 19 Insanity on Stratosphere makes CNN s daredevil list Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Rogers Keith 2005 04 21 Teen cousin suffer night of Insanity Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2005 04 23 Rogers Keith 2005 04 22 Fearful Conversations Daughter s call frightened father Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2005 12 05 Geary Frank 2005 04 23 Insanity rides again after inspection finds it safe Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Winder Carl 2013 05 18 He s Sky Master at the Vegas Stratosphere I throw people off Los Angeles Times Retrieved 2019 02 09 Stratosphere debuts world record setting thrill ride Las Vegas Sun 2010 04 20 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Stratosphere takes new leap with thrill ride Las Vegas Review Journal 2010 04 21 Retrieved 2020 12 22 The Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel amp Casino To Add World s Highest Skyjump To Their Collection Of Thrills AccessVegas com Las Vegas News Aaavegas com 2013 01 24 Retrieved 2016 03 12 Padgett Sonya 2013 02 22 Stratosphere s SkyJump marks milestone Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Thrills and prizes are in store when SkyJump celebrates 200 000 jumpers Los Angeles Times 2015 08 19 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Two wheels fall off Tower roller coaster Las Vegas Sun 1996 12 27 a b Smith Hubble 2005 12 29 One Final Twist Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2005 12 31 a b 9 Views of Las Vegas to Soak In Las Vegas Magazine 2014 04 25 Retrieved 2016 03 12 Kudialis Chris 2015 12 04 Knowing Vegas What ever happened to the coaster at the Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2016 09 29 Stratosphere Hotel Las Vegas Stratosphere Las Vegas Official Site Lasvegastourism com Retrieved 2016 03 12 Retrieved 2021 01 24 Tall Order Las Vegas Review Journal 2000 05 23 Archived from the original on 2001 05 06 Stratosphere Casino Hotel amp Tower Opens Strat O Fair New Midway Attraction Stratosphere December 2000 Archived from the original on 2001 06 29 Midway with Rides Games Opening at Icahn s Stratosphere The Press of Atlantic City 2000 06 04 Stratosphere to add midway attraction The Arizona Republic 2000 06 11 via Newspapers com Las Vegas Roller coasters many shows open to all ages Colorado Springs Gazette 2003 11 02 a b c d Puit Glenn 2001 10 21 Stratosphere might resurrect gorilla ride idea Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2002 02 20 a b Whaley Sean 2004 09 04 Stratosphere again denied OK to build thrill ride Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2004 09 05 Dretzka Gary 1996 01 28 Vegas tower topped by roller coaster Chicago Tribune Retrieved 2017 03 20 a b c Schumacher Geoff 1996 05 24 King Kong delayed Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 09 a b Resort Scraps Idea of Mechanical Gorilla Las Vegas Sun 1996 07 26 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Terrifying new thrill ride proposed for Stratosphere Las Vegas Sun 2001 05 04 Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b c Sebelius Steve 2001 11 01 Monkey business Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2002 01 06 a b Moller Jan 2002 11 16 Judge listens to roller coaster pleas Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2005 11 22 Sahagun Diana 2001 08 28 Stratosphere s plans for ride opposed Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b Geary Frank 2001 10 31 Stratosphere neighbors again speak out against thrill ride Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 12 25 Geary Frank 2001 12 20 Hotel excluded from monorail plan Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2002 08 04 Moller Jan 2002 02 27 Hotel to try again for ride Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2002 10 15 Sahagun Diana 2002 05 10 Planning Commission deadlocked on ride Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Moller Jan 2002 11 21 Stratosphere loses court ruling on roller coaster Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2005 11 23 a b McCarthy s Big Vegas Project Rising To Stratosphere St Louis Post Dispatch 1996 05 27 Retrieved 2019 07 26 via Newspapers com a b c d Strow David 2000 09 25 Icahn hopes to ease resort s mall headache by buying it Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 07 27 a b Retailer sued over rent Las Vegas Sun 1999 08 12 Retrieved 2019 07 27 The Sky was the Limit The Stratosphere s Tower Shops Reached for the Stars Literally and Financially but Have Failed to Fulfill Expectations St Paul Pioneer Press 1996 09 27 Retrieved 2019 07 27 via NewsLibrary a b Caruso Monica February 14 1997 Stratosphere continues to open new shops Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on July 19 1997 Stratosphere opens grand tower resort Los Angeles Times 1996 04 07 Retrieved 2019 07 27 via Newspapers com Calkins Alison 1996 04 26 Tower has a place just for kids Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 08 Zapler Mike October 9 1997 Jones runs business at casino she regulates Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on September 18 2000 a b Zapler Mike October 16 1997 Jones offers defense of casino lease Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on September 18 2000 Stratosphere sued by retailers over escalator Las Vegas Sun 1999 03 25 Retrieved 2019 07 27 a b Company pays 12 5 million to take over mall Las Vegas Sun 2000 11 13 Retrieved 2019 07 27 Icahn buying Stratosphere mall taking resort private Las Vegas Sun 2000 09 20 Retrieved 2019 07 27 a b Shubinski Jennifer 2004 05 21 Stratosphere plans Tower Shops growth Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 07 27 Illia Tony 2004 05 28 Trade show brings rash of new project announcements Las Vegas Business Press Archived from the original on 2004 06 06 Retrieved 2021 12 16 Smith Hubble May 25 2004 Strip getting a slice of the island Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on January 28 2005 Close Up American Superstars Las Vegas Review Journal 1997 03 28 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Paskevich Michael 1998 05 17 Tap Dogs hoofs back with show at Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 1999 02 24 a b c Weatherford Mike 2011 03 10 Superstars prepares to close at Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b Stratosphere s American Superstars to end this month Las Vegas Sun 2011 03 10 Retrieved 2020 12 22 American Superstars move up at Stratosphere Tower Las Vegas Sun 1996 12 20 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Madonna s likeness joins Stratosphere s Superstars team Las Vegas Sun 1997 01 10 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Paskevich Michael 1999 05 16 Price to see Gans at the Rio takes another jump Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2000 06 16 He Can t Be Replaced Las Vegas Review Journal 2009 05 02 Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b Renzi David 1997 01 17 Impressionist Danny Gans jumps to the Rio Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Paskevich Michael 1997 02 07 Superstars makes move from lounge to showroom Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Delaney Joe 1996 10 31 Stratosphere new home for Viva Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Paskevich Michael 1996 10 13 Afternoon revue revived for run at Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Paskevich Michael 1996 11 22 Afternoon production show attracting tourist trade to Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Close Up Marshall Sylver Las Vegas Review Journal 1997 06 20 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Hypnotist Sylver blends show biz with sales pitch in act Las Vegas Review Journal 1997 06 27 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Weatherford Mike 2001 09 11 Beach Boys should get good look at Strip from Stratosphere stage Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 11 18 Elfman Doug 2003 04 11 Stratosphere pushes venue by scheduling more concerts Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2003 04 28 Weatherford Mike 2001 11 04 Boys of summer play fall finale Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 11 10 Cling Carol 2004 08 13 Fangs for the Memories Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2004 11 06 Del Valle Anthony 2004 09 10 Theater Chat There s no excuse for lack of printed programs Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2004 09 12 Weatherford Mike 2004 09 10 Show Review Campy vamps would be better Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2004 09 12 Weatherford Mike 2006 12 17 Matinee competition heating up Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2007 01 22 a b Katsilometes John 2011 10 09 Frankie Moreno has a new playground as Stratosphere lands its headliner Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Katsilometes John 2011 12 10 Stratosphere s investment in Frankie Moreno is a tall order but well worth it Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 a b Katsilometes John 2014 10 17 Stratosphere ending Frankie Moreno residency this year Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Katsilometes John 2012 12 17 Plaza productions bitten as hotel splits with Anthony Cools Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 12 22 Weatherford Mike 2013 06 01 Pop Evolution brings eclectic vibrancy to the Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Retrieved 2020 12 22 Katsilometes John 2013 08 01 Claire Sinclair finally gets to take it nearly all off in Pin Up at Stratosphere Las Vegas Weekly Weatherford Mike 2013 02 24 For three shows DIY is way to go Las Vegas Review Journal Mike Weatherford 2014 09 01 Pin Up displaying more vintage cool Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2019 02 08 Katsilometes John 2016 05 25 Claire Sinclair and Pin Up notch three years at the Stratosphere Las Vegas Las Vegas Weekly Leach Robin 2017 03 07 Claire Sinclair closes Pin Up focuses on Clairbnb and Shark Tank Las Vegas Review Journal Hall Debbie 2014 10 18 Las Vegas headliner Frankie Moreno schedules final performance at Stratosphere AXS com Retrieved 2016 03 12 Kelemen Matt 2018 08 17 The King of Pop reigns in MJ Live Las Vegas Magazine Retrieved 2020 12 22 Katsilometes John 2019 06 07 Celestia gathers familiar acts under one tent on Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 01 24 Radke Brock 2019 06 10 The STRAT s new Celestia could be a summer family hit Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2020 01 24 Mills Heather 2019 12 06 Celestia brings death defying entertainment to Las Vegas Strip KSNV Retrieved 2020 01 24 Katsilometes John 2021 05 26 Veteran Vegas producer taking over The Strat Showroom Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2021 08 06 Radke Brock 2021 06 07 The Strat is ready to elevate its live entertainment options Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2021 08 06 Katsilometes John 2021 06 09 Xavier Mortimer moves his magic to The Strat Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2021 08 06 Radke Brock 2021 06 10 Magician Xavier Mortimer to Open New Show at the Strat July 1 Las Vegas Weekly Retrieved 2021 08 06 Radke Brock 2021 08 02 Banachek is going big in the intimate Strat Theater with new Mind Games show Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2021 08 06 Katsilometes John 2021 07 26 New iLuminate show is the dance party The Strat has never had Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2021 08 06 Radke Brock 2021 06 28 Rocker Sammy Hagar Brings a New Las Vegas Concert Residency to the Strat Las Vegas Weekly Retrieved 2021 08 06 Sammy Hagar residency announced for The Strat in Las Vegas KSNV 2021 06 29 Retrieved 2021 08 06 Cling Carol 1998 02 02 Chicago Hope prepares to wrap up Las Vegas stay Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2000 09 14 a b Cling Carol 1999 09 27 Fall TV season keeps Vegas hopping with business Las Vegas Review Journal Archived from the original on 2001 04 30 Clarke Norm 1999 09 29 MTV adventurers wake up call bungee jump from Stratosphere Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2019 02 09 Leong Grace 1999 09 30 Bungee jumping resumes at Stratosphere Las Vegas Sun Retrieved 2019 02 09 STRATOSPHERE CASINO LANDS EXPLOSIVE MOVIE PROMOTION adage com Retrieved 7 January 2019 Miller Jonathan 1 November 2006 Rainbow Six Vegas A Night on the Town IGN Retrieved 7 January 2019 McDonald Jennifer B 2012 02 21 In the Details The New York Times ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved 2021 07 05 Witcher T R 2010 11 04 Unexpected Art VegasSeven Archived from the original on 2015 12 08 Location 23 The Strip Lucky 38 Retrieved 7 January 2019 Lawrence Christopher 2013 10 30 Stratosphere proves trickiest place for director in shooting Last Vegas Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 מי מהזוגות יעשה יותר יצליח יותר ובעיקר יהיה אמיץ יותר צפו בהצצה לפרק הבא וגלו מי מהצוותים התגבר על פחד הגבהים gt gt Which of the couples will do more be more successful and most of all be braver Watch the glimpse of the next chapter and find out which team has overcome the fear of heights gt gt Facebook in Hebrew August 2 2013 Archived from the original on 2022 02 26 Retrieved December 31 2019 Dominion TV show setting Retrieved 7 January 2019 Tran Edmond 4 July 2018 The Crew 2 Review On The Road Again GameSpot Retrieved 7 January 2019 Scene In Nevada Sharknado 4 The 4th Awakens Nevada Film Office 2 May 2018 Retrieved 7 January 2019 Clarke Norm 2016 03 04 The towering Sharknado Stratosphere might land a role Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved 2020 12 22 Further reading EditSmith John L 1997 No Limit The Rise and Fall of Bob Stupak and Las Vegas Stratosphere Tower Las Vegas Huntington Press ISBN 0 929712 18 8 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stratosphere Las Vegas Official website Stratosphere Tower at Structurae div clas, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.