Harrah’s Expansion Plans Come To Light

Last week, both Robin Leach and Norm Clarke (of the Las Vegas Review Journal) revealed some of the major expansion plans that Harrah’s has in mind for the property that sits between its Las Vegas casino and the Flamingo. Currently, that space is occupied by O’Shea’s and the Imperial Palace, which was bought last year by Harrah’s.

According to Leach, who laid the scoop out on his blog, he spoke with Harrah’s CEO Gary Loveman who revealed that among the many upcoming changes will be the demolition of the ageing Imperial Palace, long a mid-Strip mainstay with budget travelers to Vegas. This is expected to take place within the next two years, though it may be even sooner than that.

The overall plans call for an entertainment complex to be built in its place, spilling over into O’Shea’s that will possibly include a Vegas location of rocker Sammy Hagar’s infamous Cabo Wabo club. Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill, already in place at Harrah’s may be moved over into the new space, as well.

After confirming with the singer, I can tell you that Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil will be the first tenant of the new complex. He plans to start construction this month on a tattoo shop which will be located in the area where O’Sheas and the Flamingo meet. If everything goes to plan, Vince Neil Ink will open by the end of the summer.

The complex will reportedly be built so that all foot traffic on that side of the block will have to pass through, instead of in front of, meaning more opportunities for Harrah’s to capture interest in its new clubs, stores, restaurants — and of course, casinos. But it’s obvious from the list of tenants Harrah’s is considering for the new project, they are trying to go after the younger music-minded visitors to the city.

What do you think about this new project? Will the celebrity backers entice you to visit the clubs and such in the new complex? Or do you think Harrah’s should let the Imperial Palace stand? Let us know it the comments.