The Demolished Casino in Las Vegas: A Look Back at a Vegas Icon

The city of Las Vegas is renowned for its glitz, glamour, and endless entertainment. One of the most iconic casinos that once stood in the heart of the city was the Sahara Hotel and Casino. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Sahara, its significance, and the reasons behind its eventual demolition.

The Sahara Hotel and Casino, originally opened in 1952, was one of the first luxury resorts to be built on the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel was a beacon of elegance and sophistication, attracting celebrities, high-rollers, and visitors from around the world. Over the years, the Sahara has witnessed the evolution of Las Vegas, from a sleepy town to a world-renowned destination for entertainment.

The Sahara was designed by architect Howard H. Huber, who also designed the iconic Flamingo Hotel. The hotel featured 1,112 rooms, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a world-class golf course. The casino floor was a place where gamblers could enjoy poker, blackjack, roulette, and other games of chance. The Sahara was not just a place to gamble; it was a social hub where people could mingle, dance, and enjoy the nightlife.

The Sahara Hotel and Casino played a significant role in the history of Las Vegas. It was one of the first hotels to offer non-stop entertainment, including shows, comedy acts, and live music. The Sahara was also home to the famous Sahara Club, which was one of the first all-male supper clubs in Las Vegas. The club featured top entertainers such as Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin.

The Sahara's heyday was in the 1950s and 1960s, but the hotel faced tough competition from newer, more modern casinos that were popping up on the Strip. In the late 1980s, the Sahara was struggling financially, and the company that owned it, MGM Grand Inc., decided to tear it down to make way for a new project.

The demolition of the Sahara Hotel and Casino was a significant event in Las Vegas history. The hotel was one of the oldest and most iconic buildings on the Strip, and its demolition sparked a heated debate among locals and visitors. Some argued that the Sahara was an important part of Las Vegas' history and should be preserved, while others believed that the hotel was outdated and had no place in the modern Strip.

The Sahara Hotel and Casino was demolished in 1995, and the land was sold to MGM Grand Inc. The company planned to build a new hotel and casino on the site, but those plans were never realized. Instead, the land was used for a parking lot, which is still in use today.

The demolition of the Sahara Hotel and Casino serves as a reminder of how quickly Las Vegas can change. The city is constantly evolving, with new casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues popping up every year. The Sahara's legacy, however, lives on in the memories of those who visited the hotel and in the stories that have been told about its heyday.

Here are five questions and answers related to the Sahara Hotel and Casino:

1. Question: When was the Sahara Hotel and Casino originally opened?

Answer: The Sahara Hotel and Casino was originally opened in 1952.

2. Question: Who was the architect of the Sahara Hotel and Casino?

Answer: The Sahara Hotel and Casino was designed by architect Howard H. Huber.

3. Question: What was the Sahara Hotel and Casino known for during its heyday?

Answer: The Sahara Hotel and Casino was known for its elegance, luxury, and non-stop entertainment, including shows, comedy acts, and live music.

4. Question: Why was the Sahara Hotel and Casino demolished?

Answer: The Sahara Hotel and Casino was struggling financially, and its owners, MGM Grand Inc., decided to tear it down to make way for a new project.

5. Question: What happened to the land where the Sahara Hotel and Casino once stood?

Answer: The land where the Sahara Hotel and Casino once stood was sold to MGM Grand Inc. and is currently used for a parking lot.

The Sahara Hotel and Casino was an iconic Las Vegas landmark that left a lasting impression on the city. While it no longer stands, its legacy continues to be celebrated through the memories of those who visited and the stories that have been told about its remarkable history.