May 31, 2026

E-2: Return of the Confusing Boner

1 hour 11 minutes

This week in Vegas history: June 4, 2020, Nevada casinos reopened after the COVID-19 shutdown.

After more than two months closed, casinos across Las Vegas began reopening, including properties on the Strip, downtown, and around the valley. The D and Golden Gate reopened at 12:01 a.m., while other properties followed later that day.

NEWS:

Fertitta Entertainment is buying Caesars Entertainment in a deal valued at $17.6 billion, including about $11.9 billion in assumed debt. The deal would take Caesars private.

Shareholders would receive $31 per share, which Reuters describes as nearly a 50% premium to Caesars’ stock price before the deal was first reported in February.

Tilman Fertitta’s company already owns Golden Nugget casinos, the Houston Rockets, and a large restaurant/hospitality portfolio, including brands like Rainforest Café and Bubba Gump Shrimp.

Caesars has been under pressure from softer Las Vegas visitation and growing competition in online betting, where rivals like FanDuel and DraftKings are stronger.

Caesars’ current leadership is expected to stay, including CEO Tom Reeg and CFO Bret Yunker.

The deal includes a “go-shop” period through July 11, meaning Caesars can still consider competing offers.

If completed, the acquisition would give Fertitta a much larger casino footprint: Caesars controls more than 50 casinos across North America, including Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, and Eldorado, plus retail and online sports betting.

The article notes the deal could face regulatory scrutiny because of the size and scope of the combined gaming/hospitality business.

Vital Vegas reports that a private grand opening party for the newly rebranded Vanderpump Hotel will be held on June 11.

The Heart Attack Grill closed abruptly on May 18.

The property posted a passive aggressive rant on their door, stating that the closure was due to casinos pricing out average Americans.

EDC goes to two weekends next year

The plan was billed as a way to reduce crowds by spreading them out over two weekends, lol

The first of those weekends, “EDC Dusk,” will roll out from May 14-16. The second, “EDC Dawn,” is set for May 21-23, while the full “Dusk Till Dawn Experience” will party from May 13-24.

Johnny Kats is reporting that a new magic-based show “Now You See Me Live” will be moving into the David Copperfield theater at MGM Grand.

Soul Belly BBQ, has opened a new location in the Miracle Mile shops.

New Mirage bar at MGM Grand pool. A user on reddit posted photos of signs at the MGM Grand pool area, directing patrons to a new “Mirage Bar,” complete with the former strip property’s iconic palm trees logo. A look at the pool complex map on the MGM Grand website confirms the change.

The site was formerly called the “Splash Bar” and is located between the “Splash Pool” and “Reserve Pool.”

MGM Resorts has retained the rights to the Mirage name after selling the Mirage resort site to Hard Rock International.

Tailgate Social, Mandalay Bay’s answer to Stadium Swim at Circa downtown, officially opened on May 16.

Snoop Dogg performed at the opening

The 50,000-square-foot venue features more than 125 feet of LED screens, three heated pools, 25 luxury cabanas, and two premium bungalows

The Clark County commission will be voting to extend the annual Las Vegas Grand Prix, potentially through 2037.

Nellie's Southern Kitchen Closing: The Jonas family restaurant near MGM Grand closed after May 25 service, reducing Southern comfort food options on the Strip.

Drink Las Vegas, a culinary and cocktail festival, will run from Sept. 24 through 27 at four MGM Resorts properties: Aria, Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan, Park MGM.

“Drink Las Vegas” will incorporate an opening party, panels and seminars, food and cocktail tastings, lunches, dinners and other experiences at more than 30 venues inside the properties. The event recently announced the chefs, restaurateurs, mixologists, sommeliers and other hospitality professionals who are participating.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is reporting its strongest casino performance since reopening in 2021.

The property has adjusted its focus to Las Vegas residents

first-quarter 2026 data showed slot revenue up nearly 30 percent, coin-in up 10 percent, and table games revenue up 88 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

Tony: Vital Vegas reports the Luxor is getting a new atrium light show. No word on when the show will debut.

The Vegas Golden Knights swept the Colorado Avalanche in round 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

This is the third time the team has become the Western Conference champions in their 9-year history

Though the Eastern Conference champions are still undecided at the time of recording, it’s likely that the Golden Knights will face the Carolina Hurricanes in their bid for another Stanley Cup win.

Oceans 11 returning to theaters

Ocean's Eleven is returning to theaters nationwide on June 21 and June 24, 2026, for a special 25th-anniversary re-release as part of Fathom Entertainment's Big Screen Classics series. The film is being screened in crisp 4K and features an exclusive introduction by film historian Leonard Maltin.

Review:

“The Jiggle Room” at Cheapshot on Fremont East

Tickets are $20-$30 at thejiggleroom.com

Vegas: Icons & Legends is available to purchase on amazon.com.

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