Casino Gambling Blogs

I am headed down to Fremont Street to ring in the New Year.

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

I will be uploading real-time photos and observations in the event that you want to come along on the journey.  I’ll do my best to post everything in a timely manner and hopefully the cell phone photos will be clear enough for you to get a good idea of what’s going on.

At least if you join me from the comfort of your own home, you won’t have to endure the smell of urine and potential stab wounds.

The party this year is called “Tributepalooza”.

Silly name … but who knows, it might be cool.

Sometime tomorrow, I will write up a review with videos of the festivities, and I will also post higher quality photos of the Downtown New Year celebration.

Feel free to check back over tonight, and throughout New Year’s Day for updates.

Wherever you are, have a safe and happy New Year.

All the best in 2009.

Live Updates:

10:57pm: The lines are very long to get in.  The event is sold out for non locals.

11:08pm: Fremont Street is vastly superior to The Strip for celebrating on New Years Eve.  It’s a million times better.  The people are actually enjoying themselves and are in good spirits.

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

11:11pm: I asked a dude to give the VegasRex salute.  He obliged.  Photo below.

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

11:12pm: There is a ton of pot smoke wafting through the canopy in front of the stage.  Everyone is just having a great time.

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

11:55pm: I gave the middle finger to the giant jumbotron cam and they quickly turned the camera away from me.

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

12:01am: Some lady grabbed my ass and screamed “Happy New Year!” into my right ear.  I am now partially deaf.  Like I said, very jovial and friendly crowd.

12:13am: David Bowie Impersonator doing “Under Pressure” with Queen Tribute Band on main stage.  It’s actually really good.  The fireworks under the canopy were blasted out from the roof of the canopy and from the poles holding it up.  They were quick “flash bangs” and not huge firework bursts, but it went really well with the Fremont Street Experience.  I have plenty of video so you can see for yourself.

12:18am: The countdown and New Year show was quite cool.  Again, much better than The Strip.  Mayor-for-life Oscar Goodman led the countdown to midnight.  A lot of stuff going on at the stroke of midnight, and the crowd is MUCH more Jovial and Times-Square-ish.  I regret not spending previous New Year Eves here.  The Strip blows compared to Downtown.  I hope some of you were able to enjoy it down here as well.

12:27am: 4 people have recognized me so far.  I’ve gotten offers of free beer, and free marijuana.  Lots of high fives, cheering, toasting, laughting, music, singing, dancing, drinking … just a lot of fun.

Live on New Years Eve from Downtown Las Vegas - Fremont Street

12:42am: Worked my way to the El Cortez.  Saw a pimp loudly arguing with his ho’ out front.  Went inside.  One cent video poker.  How can I resist?  My first gambling session of 2009.

Del.icio.us digg Technorati