I'm in Las Vegas until July 10

by OhOhOden on Jul 1, 2010 5:42 PM PDT

I believe I'm going to either miss summer league and/or the Blazers during summer league. Are there any summer league veterans who are going to be there with suggestions on what to see, basketball-related or otherwise? Maybe I can catch a practice toward the end.

I am going for an academic conference, so I would be interested in doing non-academic activities to mix things up. In particular, since I'm off the strip,I would like to see shows and sights--such as the Hoover Dam. The last time I was in Vegas was about 15 years ago, and I had a blast. That time, however, I mostly spent in the casinos; this time I don't intend to do much gambling.

Poll

What do you think about Las Vegas?

It's the Greatest Little City in the World (or is that Reno?!)!

2 votes

It's a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there! (nyuk nyuk)

10 votes

The stench of human despair and the sight of loose women repels/saddens/fascinates/attracts me

18 votes

I lost everything I owned there and had my legs broken, thank you very much for bringing up horrible memories!

2 votes

We are the Brothers Maloof, and we'll keep the light on for ya.

2 votes

34 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I am going to be in Indianapolis

from after August 7th.

And I don’t know when summer league is. What should I do?

;)

"The only 'Advanced Metric' that matters is what you see with your eyes." -Timbo, Nov., 2009.

by Blazin' on Jul 1, 2010 6:26 PM PDT reply actions

I can't guarantee this will work

but you can give it a try.

There’s a huge classic car collection (250+ cars and motorcycles) at the Imperial Palace. They charge admission, but I was able to get free tickets at the Concierge desk, just by asking “Where is the Classic Car Collection located? Can I get tickets from you?” But even if you can’t get free tickets, it’s worth seeing anyway…..and while you’re there, be sure to check out the celebrity impersonator blackjack dealers…..

Do not, I repeat, do not go to the Las Vegas zoo. Worst zoo in the world…..

"It's Our Time":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O99POVJfglY

by Storyteller on Jul 1, 2010 7:15 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks for the zoo tip

Knowing where NOT to go is often more helpful than hearing advice where to go.

Honor Alaa Abdelnaby.
First in the NBA. At least alphabetically

by OhOhOden on Jul 1, 2010 11:59 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

From PDX but I live in Vegas ... really

It’s just a quaint little town that celebrates traditional American values in its own special way.

What to see: As mentioned above the car collection at IP is one of the best anywhere. BTW, Vegas has a zoo? I swear I don’t know about it and I’ve been here quite awhile.

Hoover Dam is always worth the short drive but now there’s another attraction — the not yet opened for business awesome bridge spanning Black Canyon (the river). It is an engineering marvel, a so-called concrete arch design that sits perched high above the dam to the south. Seriously spectacular, goes into service in November and will cut down the driving time (Hwy 93) tremendously between Vegas and Phoenix. Once opened, the dam will be shut down to traffic and be for pedestrians only.

Have you heard of Red Rock Canyon? It’s a BLM conservation area w/ visitor center just outside of town on the west side. It’s really a special place. Fantastic rock formations, hiking, all kinds of wildlife (just last week while hiking I saw 3 bighorn sheep being chased by a mountain lion — just 100 ft away). But it is hot now. Gates open at 6am, going early is a must this time of year. ($7 fee)

Then there’s all the regular Vegas stuff of course. Hope my suggestions helped. Have a good trip!

by DuckMe on Jul 1, 2010 7:49 PM PDT reply actions

The so-called 'zoo' is on Rancho

north of the 95 – just before you get to the North Las Vegas Airfield. Red Rock is great on days when it isn’t in the triple digits – good suggestion.

Keep up the tradition of Blazer fans in Vegas, DuckMe. I just moved back to the NW after many years away – including the last 6 in Vegas (SW part of town near Warm Springs/Durango).

"It's Our Time":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O99POVJfglY

by Storyteller on Jul 1, 2010 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Funny, I am staying at Red Rock Resort

And am pretty sure conference attendees will be up for morning hikes. I may not be in shape for them, but I would be eager to try.

Am curious since you live in Vegas if you are going to see Summer League and all. Also, I am looking for cheap and healthy places to eat. I heard casinos price cheap buffets to draw in gamblers, but don’t know much more.

Honor Alaa Abdelnaby.
First in the NBA. At least alphabetically

by OhOhOden on Jul 1, 2010 11:58 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

If you're staying at Red Rock

there are a number of chain restaurants nearby. Red Rock is located at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard with the 215-Freeway. Right across the street (other side of Charleston) is a strip mall with Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc. But travel east on that north side of Charleston and you’ll run into restaurants such as BJ’s, Pei Wei, Olive Garden, Islands, etc.

There’s a food court in Red Rock (next to the movie theater) with fast food – cheap but not necessarily healthy.

"It's Our Time":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O99POVJfglY

by Storyteller on Jul 2, 2010 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Didn't know about that bridge, it sounds impressive.

I always liked the drive over the dam, but, of course, it is a bottleneck as far as traffic goes, but a worthwhile bottleneck. Really an impressive engineering feat, including some artistic touches., I agree, should certainly see.
It has been about 4 years since I last drove over, and that was at dawn. What was new was the security, with an officer standing in the street interviewing each vehicle. I just basically say hi, tell him where I am going, and he was cool – I think I am pretty from the terror bomber persona.
It was kind of funky that the road did still go over the bridge – kind of contributed to the flashback component of the Hoover experience. But, like so much, on to the future, for better or worse.

"You be realistic," Oden said. "I’m going to stay happy. All right?"

by Berkeley on Jul 1, 2010 9:05 PM PDT reply actions

There are tons of shows that are free or at most you only need to purchase a drink. Most of them are acctually pretty good.

"And our second unit can probably start in most NBA cities." -Maurice Lucas

by dew0lfe on Jul 1, 2010 9:21 PM PDT reply actions

ohoh

You can visit Red Rock and avoid the longer hikes. In fact, most visitors go on the short trails to the rock formations. Your hotel, Red Rock resort is only about four miles from the canyon entrance (it has a one-way 13 mile scenic loop) so you gotta go, absolutely.

I probably won’t make it to the summer league this year but am still considering it.

Basically, there’s more here than the Strip and casino-hopping — but it’s certainly not Portland.

by DuckMe on Jul 2, 2010 8:54 AM PDT reply actions