LAS VEGAS CONNECTION BY BART TORRES

Last Minute Ideas for Big Game Parties
What could be better then sitting in the stadium to watch the Super Bowl in person? How about sitting in the warmth of a sports book or club in Vegas? Sounds good to me and the town is going all out to make it a memorable day for NFL fans. Keep in mind that admission prices vary greatly and one place that is free is South Point where they will be holding two Big Game Parties on Sunday, February 5, one in the Grand ballroom and the other in the Napa Showroom. Inexpensive drinks, food and wagering stations will be set up in both locations. The doors open at 1 p.m. In the heart of downtown, InsertCoins Videolounge Gamebar will celebrate “Super Sunday” with drink specials and stadium-style food. The Budweiser girls will be handing out cash and prizes throughout the game. Over 40 large HDTV’s will be tuned to all the action. In between plays, try your own luck on one of the 2,000 video games on-site. The cost of the event is $30 and begins at 2 p.m. Included are beer buckets and gourmet sliders. Check out Red Rock Resort where the party is going on at LBS Burger Joint. An hour before kick-off, enjoy the Drink to Drown special for $20. Patrons will receive a free T-shirt and saddle up to the bar for all-you-can-drink draft beers. If you wish to take your drink special into the dining room, you will be required to purchase at least one entrée. It’s time for The Venetians 3rd Annual LAVO Bowl Viewing Party with more than 20 TV’s. An open bar and delicious gourmet buffet will be served from 2-5 p.m. for $125. Unlimited food and bar packages with 28 HD TVs showing the game are part of the fun at Rockhouse in front of the Imperial Palace, all from $100 per person. Another affordable viewing party is at the Palms inside The Lounge, next to the Sports Book where there is no cover charge. A Tailgate buffet will be offered along with $3 Miller Lite drafts and $2 Jagermeister shots. Seating will be first come, first served. One more place to catch the excitement of Super Bowl Sunday is at downtown’s Gold Spike where you can purchase an $8.95 wristband and munch on the all-you-can-eat buffet and drink free draft beers from 3-6 p.m. During the game there will be drawings and giveaways. Prior to the end of the game, the Gold Spike will hold a final drawing that will award two tickets to the 2013 Pro Bowl in Hawaii.   

Viewing Party for UFC 143 Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina
Next Saturday, February 4, the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Vegas for UFC 143, and Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will welcome fight fans to watch Nick Diaz go up against Carlos Condit, while kicking back with great food and drinks. Admission is $20. The doors open at 6 p.m.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Romantic Dinners at the Stratosphere or a Wedding at Paris Las Vegas
As far as a romantic dinner goes, all hotel restaurants in town will be offering a night to remember on Valentine’s Day, February 14.  A special Valentine’s Day experience to romance your sweetie is the Frankie Moreno Dinner Show at the Stratosphere. The evening begins with a 4-course gourmet dinner as you enjoy the film classic Casablanca which will be shown on multiple screens around the Theater. Following dinner, guests will be entertained by Moreno and his 10-piece orchestra. Frankie Moreno’s Valentine package is priced at $119 plus tax per person. For reservations, call (702) 380-7777, and mention code LOVE FRANKIE. Another venue, the Top of the World restaurant on the 106th floor of the Stratosphere is also offering a 5-course gourmet Valentine’s dinner. As you dine, the restaurant completes a gradual 360 rotation in about 80 minutes, providing  the best views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding areas. Dinner is priced at $180 per couple with wine, tax and gratuity not included. For reservations, give them a call at (800) 99-TOWER or (702) 380-7777.  Now for a permanent commitment, Paris Las Vegas is offering two Valentine’s Day weddings packages. The Petite package priced at $1,000 includes the ceremony in the chapel of your choice, use of the bridal suite, music selection, bride’s bouquet, grooms boutonniere, studio photography, selection of 12 photos, glass of champagne, personal wedding coordinator, Minister’s fee, certificate holder and chocolates. The Deluxe package is $3,400 and includes a step up of the amenities in the first package plus a three-night stay in the Calais Suite at Paris, $100 gift certificate to either Mon Ami Gabi or Eiffel Tower Restaurant, a couples Swedish massage, two Spa passes and bridal hair styling. For additional information, call (702) 946-4063. Now for some alone time you can take a trip via the elevator to the replica of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the breathtaking view. I would love to have a nickel for every proposal that has been accepted or declined on Valentine’s Day at this popular Vegas attraction.

King’s Room at The Rio Debuts Two High-Energy Entertainment Choices
Two new exciting shows have been added to The King’s Room at The Rio. Celebrity impressionist Bethany Owen “The Woman of 1,001 Voices and Faces” is starring in her one-woman show “One Voice” portraying 50 characters in the 90-minute show. Owen performs at 2:30 p.m. every Tuesday-Sunday with tickets available for $50.60 for general admission and $79.95 for VIP seating plus tax and fee. Also new to The King’s Room is “2 Kings,” a high-energy tribute show featuring Michel Jackson impersonator Chris Gardener as “The King of Pop” and Charlie Franks taking on the persona of Elvis Presley. “2 Kings” plays at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays-Sundays with tickets going for $39.95 and $59.95 for VIP plus tax and fees. For reservations call (702) 777-7776 or log on to  HYPERLINK "http://www.kingsroomlv.com" www.kingsroomlv.com

Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall Offering Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner/Dance
A romantic evening of dining and dancing with entertainment provided by Wes Winters will be featured at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall on Tuesday, February 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The acclaimed showman will perform standards, Broadway, original tunes and audience requests. A lavish buffet will be served and the price for the evening is just $55 per person, including tax and gratuity. For reservations, call (702) 284-7777 or through any Coast Casinos box office. You may also book via www.samstownlv.com  

Golden Nugget and M Resort Celebrating Mardi Gras
Two properties in town have big plans for your Mardi Gras celebrations. Downtown’s Golden Nugget is hosting their second annual Masquerade Ball in Gold Diggers, Saturday, February 18 at 8 p.m. DJ Big Easy will provide the dance music while guests enjoy libations. VIP table reservations are available with full bottle service at $175 (plus tax and gratuity) for premium brands. Entertainment continues throughout the evening with face painting and Mardi Gras style masks and beads. The cover charge is $15 at the door, or $25 per couple when purchased in advance. Cover charge at the door on the night of the event is $20 per person. For reservations, call (866) 946-5336. Over at M Resort, plan on spending a weekend for Mardi Gras. Packages begin at $269 and includes a two-night stay February 17-19. You will also receive admission for two to the 2012 Naughty Gras Party featuring the dynamic Zowie Bowie, $20 off the tab for two entrees at Marinellis, $25 off the treatment at Spa Mio, a free bottle of wine, complimentary access to the Fitness Center, two free specialty cocktails at the M Bar and good discounts at Hash House a Go Go with minimum purchases. For reservations, call (877) 673-7678 and ask for code HMARDI

Robert Davi Schedules Three-Night Engagement at The Venetian
Acclaimed actor and singer, Robert Davi will pay homage to the legendary Frank Sinatra at The Venetian during his special three-night engagement February 23-25 at 9 p.m.  Tickets priced at $38.85, $58.85, $80.85 and a limited number of VIP Packages at $113.85 are available by calling (702) 414-9000, at any Venetian or Palazzo Box Office or by visiting Venetian.com. The VIP status includes front-row seating and a meet and greet with Davi.  

Tickets on Sale for South Point’s $130,000 Bingo Gala
Although some time off, South Point will be hosting their two-day $130,000 Bingo Gala March 26-27. Tickets are now on sale and if you hope to grab a seat, reservations should be made as soon as possible. The entry fee is $125 for both days play with extra 6-on packs going for $25 each. There is a max of 12 packs allowed per player. Warm-ups begin at 11:30 a.m. Call (866) 796-7111. No refunds after March 12.  

Get Ready to Laugh at the Riviera
Get ready for plenty of laughs at the Riviera where they are bringing in a rotating line-up of some great comics as part of their Icons of Comedy Series to the Starlite Theatre. Among the leading funny people around today include Elayne Boosler who will be performing February 23-26. The “Dice Man” Andrew Dice Clay is returning to the resort two weeks a month for the remainder of the year. His immediate upcoming future engagements are set for February 2-5, 9-12; and March 8-11 and 15-18.  

Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding Coming to Eastside Cannery
Here’s one crazy wedding you don’t want to miss. On February 10 at 7 p.m., Eastside Cannery presents the hilarious Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding. Guests will witness the nuptials, join in the dancing, mingle with the cast and attend the reception. Dinner is even included in the $30 tab (plus tax and fees). To RSVP call (702) 856-5470 or stop by the box office at the front desk.  

Teen Idol Justin Bieber on Display at The Venetian’s Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
The life-like wax figure of teen heartthrob Justin Bieber is on display through March 4 at Madame Tussauds at The Venetian. The Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas participated in a Bieber-inspired T-shirt contest and the winning design is being worn by the figure. Madame Tussauds, with more than 100 wax figures allows visitors to interact by taking photos and touching the displays. The teen superstar was very much involved in the creation of his wax figure and worked for four months with the artists responsible in getting it exact. This amazing attraction is open 365 days a year. For hours and pricing, call (702) 862-7800.  

Check with resorts for all current offers published. Hotels have all rights and may cancel or modify at anytime. On your drive up to Vegas tune your radio to The Highway FM 98 & 99 for my up-to-date Las Vegas reports. GOOD LUCK!