Only twice in recent history, has Las Vegas seen a so-called "shutdown" of the famed Vegas Strip.
In November 1963, casinos closed their doors for a National Day of Mourning following the assassination of then-US President John F. Kennedy. That closure lasted about 17 hours and even then, only a few casinos took part with several just shutting down their gaming areas for the duration of the funeral - about 3 hours.
The next shutdown would happen 57 years later...and last much MUCH longer.
Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a directive ordering a month-long closure of all non-essential businesses as well as a freeze on all gaming & gambling, effective March 18, 2020. This essentially brought Las Vegas to a screeching halt.
Originally slated to last 30 days, the total shutdown lasted almost 90 days.
To say the effects of the closure were "devastating" for the people who live & work in Las Vegas would be the understatement of the century. And, due to ongoing restrictions & limitations, the effects are still being felt to this day - almost 10 months later.
Joining me for this episode of the podcast is C. Regi Rodgers, the Managing Partner & Director of Entertainment for Connoisseur Entertainment and Action Shot Productions. Regi & his partner, Stephen Cibo are behind a new documentary called "Closed For Business", which gets up close & personal with the people who've been hit hardest by COVID-19 in Las Vegas.
Regi & I chatted about the inspiration behind the production, some of the stories shared by people appearing in the documentary and much more.
Be sure to check out the trailer for "Closed For Business" and follow Regi & his team on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
And if you'd like to help get "Closed For Business" completed & released, become a backer on INDIEGOGO.
My Special Guest - Steve Cyr
The June Trip Report
A Cut Above The Rest
Mob Rules
Kill Resort Fees!
My Special Guest - Lisa Marie Smith
Here's the (Time Share) Pitch!
My Special Guest - John Di Domenico
The April Trip Report
Classic Vegas Mistakes
The March Trip Report
Viva Las Value!
Leaving It All On The Table
Vegas' Most Overrated & Underrated
The Solo Trip
The February Trip Report
Staying On The Strip vs Staying Off The Strip
Bringing Kids To Vegas
The Crossover Follow-Up - We THOUGHT We'd Done Vegas
The Faces & Aces LV Crossover - So You Think You've Done Vegas?
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Maverick Show with Matt Bowles
Exploring the National Parks
Travel with Rick Steves
The Atlas Obscura Podcast
Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad
In a Minute with Evan Lovett