You can find out the history of Las Vegas and famous Fremont Street with our very own Discover Downtown Vegas guide.
The Downtown Project
On December 1st 2010, Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos announced that the online retail shoe giant would move it’s cooperate headquarters to downtown Las Vegas. Zappos occupies the old City Hall building and their new location has influenced growth and economic resurgence in Downtown.
Mr. Hsieh and associates not only brought their business downtown, but also have started what they call the “downtown project.” This concept is designed to turn downtown Las Vegas into a major residential, business, and technology hub. Their presence has paved the way for new restaurants, retail shops, new technology adventures and numerous small business opportunities. The old soul of Las Vegas, Downtown, is moving in a direction that few people believed would ever happen again. But as you will see on this tour, It’s BACK and Better Than Ever!
The Las Vegas Club and Casino
The Las Vegas Club and Casino was originally designed to be a baseball-themed casino. Before entering step back and take a look up at the outside of the casino. Notice that it has been cleverly designed as the outside of a baseball stadium complete with the back of the grand stands and the light standards up above. At the corner of the building at Main Street above the entrance, there is a bronze statue of a baseball player. It is said to be that of Joe DiMaggio who married actress, Marilyn Monroe.
As you enter the casino you might want to wander through the new gift shop located left of the entrance. The Viva Vegas Club gift shop opened in the spring of 2013. When ready, head to the back of the casino to start your exploration of baseball memorabilia and other sports novelties.
Although in the past there was a more extensive collection, it is still very worthwhile to check out some “old school” sports memorabilia that still remain. Walk through the casino, pass the cashier’s cage straight ahead and let your personal Sports Easter Egg Hunt begin. The first thing you will come to on the right is the largest collection of autographed World Series Baseball bats known to exist. The collection ranges from 1946 to 1958. Signatures include Casey Stengel of the 1949 New York Yankees and Roy Campenella of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.
As you walk toward the back of the casino to the hotel lobby and parking garage, you can enjoy a variety of old school sports memorabilia. Once you’re in the hotel lobby, look to the left. You will see a collection of historic photographs of famous sports personalities, including the legendary baseball player Babe Ruth and professional boxer Sonny Liston.
Fremont East Las Vegas
The gateway to the Fremont East Entertainment District in Downtown Las Vegas. It’s hip, new cool, packed with action and growing every day! Take a tour of Fremont East.
History of Las Vegas
Can be found with the Discover Downtown’s Las Vegas guide. You will explore all the old school, and new cool things to do in Las Vegas.
