Petition To Stop F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Without Big Changes
While this author was incredibly hot on the premise of Formula 1 racing down Las Vegas Boulevard, the reality was far worse than the hype. Now the businesses affected have started a petition to stop F1 Las Vegas from revving their engines without major reform.
The Change.org petition makes it clear what they want: fix the things that made the race devastating to local businesses, or Clark County should refuse to issue a permit to hold the race.
The Petition To Stop F1 Las Vegas Asks To Address Three Issues
So what are the demands of the petition? They’ve boiled it down to three.
- While F1 and the LVCVA have propped up major numbers with the major players, many small businesses took a major hit, to the tune of millions and millions of dollars. They want a seat at the table, to be heard and to make sure that never happens again.
- Fixing the massive road closures, detours and erasing the temporary bridge that destroyed business for blocks at Ellis Island, Battista’s Hole In The Wall and more.
- An ear towards the community at large who deserve a seat at the table and should get to determine what happens to their neighborhood.
Without the proper permits, the race can’t go on. The petition says if the event can’t be “fair and undisruptive” including avoiding the closure of the Las Vegas Strip (which is unlikely), Clark County should not grant a Special Use or Event Permit.
There Is A Lot On The Line This Year
While some heavy-spending “whales” may have made the tips numbers jump at Wynn, and MGM and Caesars were thrilled having an influx of looser-walleted visitors, there are a lot more businesses in the valley that aren’t massive casinos.
Businesses like Joe’s Market, Battista’s and Ferraro’s are part of what makes this city great. Commuters who have to cross the Strip corridor and deal with orange cones and barrels matter.
While the race got off to a terrible start, it finished looking great on television to the majority European viewers at a time catered to them. But the common man visitor seemed to avoid the Strip like the plague. And for the few that decided to sneak a peek on a pedestrian bridge, a whole law was enacted to stop any free looks.
There is already grumbling with the County. Now there is a petition to stop F1 Las Vegas. Formula 1 has to win the PR game – and hearts and minds in the community – this year or potentially lose the room forever.
Which Las Vegas Strip Casino Implosion Should Happen Next
Sahara
It was here, gone and back again. The remodel looks great but reminders of how old the place is are everywhere.
There are some that believe if a property has a street named after it, it should be protected at all costs. The Sahara opened in 1952 and hosted many of the greats. Back in 2011, the property changed hands and eventually became the SLS Las Vegas. The rebrand was decent and the remodel was jaw dropping… but it didn’t make many waves in the city. Eventually the legendary Sahara name came roaring back, and the property has been the beneficiary of many concert events across the street at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. We like what they’ve done with the property. But at the very least the parking garage has got to go.
Circus Circus
We all know that Circus Circus is quite corny and long in the tooth. But it makes money without debt and that makes it an unlimited money glitch.
This won’t happen anytime soon, although it should. The clown property has seen better days but recently owner Phil Ruffin has put some cash into fixing the property’s iconic neon sign. Is it pretty? No. But is the property paid for and an ATM for Ruffin? Yes. The property is sitting on over 100 acres of land – about 14 more than Resorts World! That is a lot of land to do a lot of things on. But the one thing Circus Circus has going for it that Resorts World and Fontainebleau do not? Low expectations and costs.
Best Western Plus Casino Royale
Blink and you might miss it. Don’t blink and you might wish you did.
Say it with us… “blow it up!” The property is the home to Denny’s, White Castle, and likely the worst accommodations on the Las Vegas Strip. It is actually quite shocking that this could be nestled near The Venetian. Sure, people need discount options but this is centrally located land. There is speculation that the owners have bigger plans for the property. The only thing that might stop this from being an implosion is the proximity to Harrah’s. Unless…
Harrah's
With the exception of Carnival Court, Harrah’s has lost any identity on the Strip.
First, we need to save Donny Osmond. Then, send the property packing. It has been open since 1972 and now has become a bit of a forgotten child between and across from several iconic landmarks. Of all the properties we think could be erased on this list, Harrah’s and Casino Royale may take the cake. There is only so much you can update. We think if you were to keep Carnival Court and blow up the rest, many wouldn’t notice.
Flamingo
It is almost blasphemy to consider blowing this up.
Just talking about blowing up the Flamingo hurts. Yes, it is dated. Yes it is centrally located and if it were something of Resorts World or Fontainebleau’s caliber with that location they’d be a juggernaut. But… this is the Flamingo. It has a street. Is the building ugly? Sure. Is the neon incredible? You bet. Just the history alone, you can’t. Even Barbary Coast got a second (and third and fourth) life. Nevermind. We take this back.
Excalibur
Hear ye, hear ye! Tis time for this fake castle to fall!
Don’t think you got out of this unscathed, MGM Resorts. The time has come for Excalibur. Of all the properties, we might feel the most strongly about this one. The property has been the “ugh fine, it’s cheap” option for quite a while now. But there is so much space that is going unused and the theming is so weak at this point that there is no better time than now to let it rip. A new baseball stadium (supposedly) being opened across the street. The Knights. The Raiders. All walking distance. Tournament Of Kings? Thunder From Down Under? Australian Bee Gees? Please walk a safe distance away. We will find homes for you. Building? Ya gotta go.
Honorable Mention: The Strat
We don’t want to see it go, but we do want to see it blow (up).
The Las Vegas Strip technically ends at Sahara. But if you consider The Strat part of the Strip, first, sorry you’re wrong. But second, sure, we’ll give you a taste. The Strat has done some pretty great stuff lately to improve the property and their rooms. Plus the new Atomic Golf opening soon looks like it will be fun. But… we all saw that Landmark implosion. Admit it. It was cool. Imagine The Strat going down? That could be incredible! Plus, let’s face it, it would be hilarious watching half the valley get lost after losing the one landmark they use to get a grasp on where they are in the city.
