Vegas World

Vegas World
Location Las Vegas, Nevada
Address 2000 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Opening date July 13, 1979
Closing date February 1, 1995 (February 1, 1995)
Theme Outer space
Number of rooms 932
Total gaming space 80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2)
Casino type Land-based
Owner Bob Stupak
Renovated in 1982

Vegas World was a space-themed casino and hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was owned and operated by Bob Stupak, and was also signed as Bob Stupak's Vegas World.

Stupak initially opened a small casino, Bob Stupak's World Famous Million-Dollar Historic Gambling Museum and Casino, on the property in 1974, but it was destroyed in a fire later that year. Stupak later opened Vegas World in July 1979, on the same property. Vegas World opened with 90 hotel rooms and a 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2) casino. The hotel ultimately featured 932 rooms and the casino was eventually expanded to 80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2).

In 1984, stuntman Dan Koko set two world records for two separate stunts in which he jumped from the rooftop of Vegas World's 25-story hotel tower. Vegas World featured the world's first quarter-million and million-dollar slot machine jackpots, as well as the world's largest mural, the world's largest Big Six wheel, and reputedly the world's largest exterior sign. Vegas World closed on February 1, 1995, to make room for Stupak's new project, the Stratosphere. Vegas World's two hotel towers were renovated for use as the Stratosphere's hotel.

History

Bob Stupak's World Famous Million-Dollar Historic Gambling Museum and Casino (1974)

In the early 1970s, Bob Stupak purchased 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) of land at 2000 South Las Vegas Boulevard, located north of the Sahara Hotel and Casino and the Las Vegas Strip, in a seedy part of the city. The land was occupied by the Todkill/Bill Hayden Lincoln Mercury Dealership, and was purchased by Stupak at a cost of $218,000,[1] with money he raised himself and from his father's friends.[2]

On March 31, 1974,[3] he opened a small casino called Bob Stupak's World Famous Million-Dollar Historic Gambling Museum and Casino.[4] Stupak said, "The name was about 10 feet longer than the casino."[2] The casino featured 15 slot machines,[5] including a quarter slot that offered a $250,000 jackpot and a nickel slot that advertised a $50,000 payout.[1] The casino also featured various memorabilia, including antique slot machines, a gambling chip collection, and photographs of former gambling figures such as Bugsy Siegel. The casino's floors and walls were papered with $1 bills that were covered by plastic.[5] The casino also featured a $100,000 bill.[6]

Shortly before 8:00 p.m. on May 21, 1974, a fire broke out at the casino. Nine fire units responded; 35 firefighters battled the fire for several hours, during which a section of South Las Vegas Boulevard had to be closed. The fire was visible for several miles throughout the Las Vegas Valley. The casino was destroyed, although firefighters successfully saved most of the money attached to the casino's walls.[5][7][8] The fire was believed to have been caused by an air conditioner.[5][2] Stupak's insurance company, the San Francisco-based Fireman's Fund American Insurance Company, suspected Stupak of arson, believing that he burned down his casino to collect insurance money of $300,000.[9] The insurance company eventually settled the claim.[2]

Vegas World (1979–1995)

After the fire, Stupak managed to persuade Valley Bank to lend him more than $1 million to complete what would be known as Vegas World,[2] with groundbreaking beginning on June 22, 1978.[10] Stupak opened the space-themed Vegas World on July 13, 1979,[4] with 90 hotel rooms and a 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2) casino.[11] Vegas World debuted with the slogan, "The Sky's the Limit".[12] At first, Vegas World suffered, only making $7 million in revenue its first year.[8] However, at its peak, Vegas World made $100 million a year in gambling revenues.[8]

Vegas World featured an extensive collection of space-themed memorabilia such as rocket sculptures, as well as a replica of the Apollo Lunar Module and a life-sized astronaut that both hung from the ceiling. The hotel featured a spaceport-themed check-in lobby, while other parts of the hotel featured mirrored walls and ceilings in a black interior that was accompanied by stars and plastic columns filled with bubbling, colored liquid. The hotel also featured what was claimed to be genuine moon rocks (approximately the size of rice grains), which Stupak somehow obtained from the Nicaraguan government. Anthony Curtis of the Las Vegas Advisor opined that Vegas World was "one of the most bizarre casinos in the city's history", and wrote that its buffet, The Moon Rock, was "infamous for being among the worst in town."[12] Vegas World was also known for having $1 million in cash on display in the casino.[13]

Stupak advertised Vegas World vacation packages through national magazines and mail.[14][15] The casino featured the world's first quarter-million and million-dollar slot machine jackpots, as well as the "world's largest Big Six wheel", which measured 50 to 60 feet in diameter and required an electric motor to spin. The casino also featured "crapless craps", and a blackjack variation known as double exposure 21, both of which were invented by Stupak.[16][17][12] Double exposure 21 became a popular game at many other Las Vegas casinos following its introduction at Vegas World.[17] The casino was also considered innovative for offering no-limit wagering and gambling coupons.[14] Vegas World also featured what was reputedly the largest exterior sign in the world.[12]

The casino was later increased to 80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2).[11] A 25-story hotel tower was added in 1982. During the 1980s, artists Robert Barnett Newman (an original member of The Motels) and Paul Whitehead created various space-themed murals on Vegas World's two hotel towers, measuring 25 and 10 stories high. At the time, it set a record in The Guinness Book of Records for the world's largest mural.[18][19][20] One of the murals featured an astronaut gambling in space.[12]

On May 19, 1984, a stuntman named Dan Koko set the world "fire fall" record when he jumped off the hotel's roof as part of a stunt, plummeting 250 feet while wearing a flame-resistant suit that had been set on fire.[21] Koko performed another stunt on August 30, 1984, in which he climbed atop a small platform, 326 feet above the ground and positioned on a 90-foot scaffolding, located on the roof of the 25-story hotel tower. Koko subsequently jumped and successfully landed on a 22-foot-high, 2,000-pound air bag that was custom-made for the occasion at a cost of $45,000. Koko became the new holder of the world "high fall" record, previously set by Dar Robinson. Inside Vegas World following the stunt, Koko received $1 million in cash from Stupak, as part of a deal they made. It was the highest price ever paid for a free fall stunt. Stupak accepted the deal for the publicity.[21][22][23]

Vegas World was briefly featured in the 1984 film, Las Vegas Caper,[24] as well as the 1985 film, Fever Pitch.[25] Vegas World was also featured twice on 60 Minutes, and appeared on The Merv Griffin Show and Ripley's Believe It or Not!.[15] In 1989, the comedy team of Allen & Rossi signed a "lifetime deal" to perform at Vegas World.[26] In 1991, Stupak was fined $125,000 by gaming regulators who believed that he used deceptive advertising practices to attract customers to Vegas World.[27]

Around 6:00 p.m. on May 30, 1991, high winds knocked over Vegas World's large exterior sign, leaving it partially hanging over South Las Vegas Boulevard. Vegas World also suffered a power outage from the high winds, although backup generators provided enough power for some of the casino to remain operational. The sign was restored early the next morning, but loose wires sparked onto the roof and caused a fire. Vegas World was evacuated with the exception of the bottom four floors. Two dozen firefighters responded to the fire. Evacuated guests were allowed to return to their rooms after approximately a half-hour. A crew from Young Electric Sign Company removed the wrecked sign later that morning.[28]

On August 29, 1993, around midnight, hundreds of customers evacuated Vegas World when a fire broke out at Stupak's new project, the adjacent Stratosphere tower, which was under construction. Power went out shortly afterwards.[29] According to employees, a hysterical woman ran through the casino screaming, "Bob Stupak did this for the insurance money!"[30] Upon learning of the fire, Marty Allen (of Allen & Rossi) and his wife arrived to keep evacuated customers entertained.[30] Evacuated guests were allowed to return a few hours later,[29] around 4:00 a.m.[30] Allen and Rossi's comedy show at Vegas World ended later in 1993.[26] During the 1990s, Vegas World's showroom also featured an Elvis Presley impersonation show,[13] titled Memories of Elvis and starring E.P. King.[31][32][33] Another show featured in the 1990s was Reflections of Sinatra.[33]

Vegas World closed on February 1, 1995, in order to make room for Stupak's Stratosphere project.[7] Vegas World's two hotel towers,[34] consisting of 932 rooms,[35] were renovated to become part of the Stratosphere.[34] Much of Vegas World's space memorabilia wound up in a collection of various items owned by Lonnie Hammargren, a local collector and former Lieutenant Governor of Nevada,[14] who was also an aspiring astronaut.[12]

References

  1. 1 2 Craft, Byron (2014). "The Men Who Made Las Vegas - Bob Stupak - The Polish Maverick". StripLV.com. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Smith, John L. (September 12, 1999). "Bob Stupak". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  3. ↑ Koch, Ed (September 26, 2009). "Brash huckster and visionary builder Bob Stupak dies at 67". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  4. 1 2 Velotta, Richard N. (May 4, 2001). "Stupak proud, but not notably nostalgic about Stratosphere". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Museum-Casino Destroyed By Fire on Vegas 'Strip'". Daily Herald. May 22, 1974. Retrieved July 4, 2016. (subscription required (help)).
  6. ↑ Green, Michael (January 27, 2016). "Shades of Trump". Vegas Seven. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  7. 1 2 "Bob Stupak Business ventures". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  8. 1 2 3 Schumacher, Geoff (May 15, 1997). "'Rise and Fall of Bob Stupak' a towering addition to limited Vegas bookshelf". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Arson claimed in casino fire". Independent. June 19, 1975. Retrieved July 7, 2016. (subscription required (help)).
  10. ↑ "New hotel-casino under way in Vegas". Reno Gazette-Journal. June 21, 1978. Retrieved July 1, 2016. (subscription required (help)).
  11. 1 2 Thompson, Gary (March 22, 1996). "Commission gives final OK to Stratosphere plan". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Curtis, Anthony (October 1, 2014). "Question of the Day October 1, 2014". Las Vegas Advisor. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  13. 1 2 Desilva, Kristen (May 13, 2015). "5 things you didn't know about the Stratosphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  14. 1 2 3 Stutz, Howard (July 29, 2014). "The World according to Stupak". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  15. 1 2 "How does Vegas World do it?". The Prescott Courier. June 12, 1988. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  16. ↑ Brokopp, John G. (June 21, 2000). "The Lowdown on "Crapless Craps"". Casino City Times. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  17. 1 2 Sklansky, David (1997). "Getting the Best of It". Two Plus Two Publishing. pp. 190–191. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Robert Newman Mini Biography". The-Motels.info. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  19. ↑ Newman, Robert Barnett (June 3, 2009). "Commercial Projects". Coroflot.com. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Commercial Work". PaulWhitehead.com. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  21. 1 2 Adelson, Suzanne (September 17, 1984). "When Dan Koko Was Offered a Cool Million to Set a World Stunt Record, He Really Fell for It". People. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  22. ↑ "Man Makes $1 Million Jump". The New York Times. September 1, 1984. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Stuntman Dan Koko pocketed $1 million Thursday by jumping 326 feet from atop the Vegas World Hotel and Casino and landing in an airbag". United Press International. August 30, 1984. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Movies Filmed in Las Vegas Area". Insider Viewpoint of Las Vegas. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Fever Pitch". American Film Institute. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  26. 1 2 Puit, Glenn; Schoemann, Joe (July 11, 1997). "Bar bookkeeper found slain". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 17, 2000.
  27. ↑ Flanagan, Tanya (March 9, 1999). "Stupak escapes blaze that damages his home". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 1, 1999.
  28. ↑ "Roof fire hits Vegas World". Las Vegas Sun. May 31, 1991. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  29. 1 2 "Flames Engulf Under-Construction Observation Tower". Las Vegas Sun. August 29, 1993. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  30. 1 2 3 Holland, Elizabeth; Sebelius, Steve (August 30, 1993). "Tower fire rained debris". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  31. ↑ Kettle, A.R. (May 1993). "Where Tie Dye Meets Neon". Washington Free Press. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  32. ↑ Henderson, Martin (June 24, 1994). "Laugh Lines: With the Stroke of a Pen, a Fan Touches Elvis". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  33. 1 2 Garfield, Bob (September 22, 1991). "A Sure Bet Gone Bust in Las Vegas". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  34. 1 2 "Las Vegas reaches higher: 100-story roller coaster latest gamble for city". RecordNet.com. September 24, 1995. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Grand Casinos, Inc. Securities Litigation". Stanford University Law School. December 23, 1996. Retrieved May 23, 2015.

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