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Suncoast Hotel and Casino

Coordinates: 36°10′09″N 115°17′30″W / 36.169044°N 115.291772°W / 36.169044; -115.291772
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Suncoast
Suncoast from the east parking lot, 2018
Location Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Address 9090 Alta Drive
Opening dateSeptember 12, 2000; 24 years ago (September 12, 2000)
ThemeMediterranean
No. of rooms432
Total gaming space95,898 sq ft (8,909.2 m2)
Signature attractionsCentury Theatres
Suncoast Bowling Center
Notable restaurantsSC Prime Steakhouse and Bar
Casino typeLand-based
OwnerBoyd Gaming
Renovated in2001
WebsiteOfficial website

Suncoast is a hotel and casino located at 9090 Alta Drive in Las Vegas, Nevada.[1] It is owned and operated by Boyd Gaming. The hotel, located on a 50-acre (20 ha) site, contains 432 rooms and has a 95,898-square-foot (8,909.2 m2) casino, as well as a movie theater, bowling alley and convention space.

Construction began in July 1999, and the project opened on September 12, 2000. The 10-story hotel building opened with 203 rooms on one half, while the other half remained unfinished with the potential to be filled in if needed. Because of high room occupancy rates, the other half was finished in an $11 million expansion that took place during 2001.

History

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In July 1998, a $145-million dollar project, the Sundance, was announced.[2] The project would be built on 50 acres at the northwest corner of Rampart Boulevard and Alta Drive, with construction expected to begin in early 1999.[2] In February 1999, the project's name was changed to Suncoast, due to a copyright issue with the Sundance Film Festival.[3] The project was owned by Michael Gaughan's Coast Resorts (later purchased by Boyd Gaming in 2004).[4]

Construction began in early July 1999.[5][6] In September 1999, seven construction workers suffered minor injuries when a 32-foot concrete slab, part of the second floor, collapsed.[6] The 10-story hotel tower was topped off on March 22, 2000, with an American flag placed atop the building. The $190 million project was half complete up to that point.[7][4] Suncoast officials began interviewing potential employees in early June 2000. Many applicants had worked at the Desert Inn, which was preparing to close later that year. In late August 2000, the Suncoast had less than 50 remaining job positions to fill, out of a total of 1,800.[8] An opening date of September 1, 2000, was initially targeted,[9][10] but was pushed back 11 days due to construction delays and building inspections, thus postponing employee training.[11][12] The project was built at a cost of $185 million.[13]

Opening and operation

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East side of the hotel tower, 2012

The Suncoast opened on September 12, 2000, with a five-minute, $75,000 fireworks show. At the time, it was expected that as much as 90% of the property's customers would be local Las Vegas residents rather than out of town tourists.[12][14] The opening attracted an estimated 5,000 people.[15] Johnny Johnson, Gaughan's college friend at the University of San Francisco, attended the grand opening ceremony and booked the first room in the hotel.[16] The 10-story hotel[17] opened with 203 rooms,[9] located on one half of the building. The west half remained vacant with the future potential to be filled in with additional rooms if needed.[18][19]

The resort included a Mediterranean theme.[19][20] The casino consisted of 78,000 sq ft (7,200 m2),[9] with 48 table games, including blackjack, craps, Mini-Baccarat, pai gow poker, and roulette.[19] The casino pit was overlooked by gold and purple neon lighting.[20] The casino also included a large race and sportsbook; and a 600-seat bingo hall, which was expected to appeal to local residents.[19] More than 2,100 of the Suncoast's slot machines, approximately 96 percent, were coin-free,[21] with only 200 regular slot machines.[22] The Suncoast and the Fiesta were the first major resorts in Nevada to utilize the concept of coinless slot machines,[21] with the Suncoast being the largest to test the new technology.[22]

The Suncoast also included a customer child-care facility with a $100,000 jungle gym, and 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m2) in convention space.[19] The resort included a moving walkway to transport customers from the 5,000-space parking garage to the casino.[20] Century Theatres opened its multiplex, located inside the casino, on September 15, 2000.[23] That same day, the Suncoast's 460-seat showroom hosted its first concert performance: Air Supply.[24] The Suncoast also included a 64-lane bowling alley,[25] with an adjacent video game arcade.[19] Because of an average room occupancy rate of 90 percent, completion of the hotel tower's unfinished half began in early 2001; 167 additional rooms were added that August, with the remainder of the expansion scheduled for completion in early 2002.[18] The expansion was completed at a cost of $11 million, and it brought the hotel room count up to 419.[26]

In May 2002, Coast Resorts was planning a $65 million expansion of the Suncoast that would begin during the first half of 2003.[26] The Las Vegas Planning Commission approved the expansion plans in September 2002. The project would add more than 100,000 sq ft (9,300 m2) to the resort's ground floor, including 51,200 sq ft (4,760 m2) of additional casino space. Other new features would include a 14,400 sq ft (1,340 m2) sportsbook and three new restaurants. The expansion would be built east of the casino entrance and would connect to the existing building, while a three-story parking garage with more than 1,600 spaces would be built next to the addition on an existing parking lot. The project would also focus on the resort's basement, where 100,000 sq ft would be added, including 6,590 sq ft (612 m2) in casino space and a bingo parlor measuring 15,500 sq ft (1,440 m2).[27] By November 2002, plans for the expansion had been put on hold.[28]

In 2002, the Suncoast won the Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" award for video poker, primarily because of its loose machines, which were removed the following year.[29] In the Suncoast parking lot in August 2005, a robber shot a couple in their 60s, injuring a man and killing his wife before fleeing the area.[30][31] Boyd Gaming offered a $50,000 reward for information about the suspect,[32] and a subsequent $100,000 reward was offered by the Suncoast in 2010.[33][34][35] The Suncoast opened a poker room in July 2006.[36] In December 2010, a man robbed under $20,000 from a cashier in the Suncoast's poker room before being apprehended later that month.[37] A remodeling of the hotel rooms was scheduled to begin in December 2014.[38]

Suncoast at night

As of 2017, the casino is 95,898 sq ft (8,909.2 m2).[39] The poker room closed in April 2018.[40] In June 2018, U.S. president Donald Trump attended a fundraiser for U.S. senator Dean Heller and spoke at the Nevada Republican Party's state convention, events that were both held at the Suncoast,[41] while a group gathered outside the resort to protest against Trump's visit and his immigration policies.[42][43] One night shortly before Trump's visit, the Suncoast was locked down for more than two hours while police investigated a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot that ultimately was deemed safe.[44]

In October 2019, the 49-acre property was put up for sale for $87 million through an NNN lease. The sale would only include the land, but not the Suncoast itself. The land had been leased by the Suncoast ever since it was built, and the lease had 35 years remaining on it at the time of the announced sale.[45][46][47]

Restaurants

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When the Suncoast opened in 2000, it planned to attract customers primarily through its various restaurants,[19] which included the St. Tropez buffet[48] and an oyster bar.[19] The resort's signature restaurant was Primo's, an upscale steakhouse located on the second floor.[19][49] Primo's included seating for 140 people, and provided views of the city through tall windows that were visible by all customers.[49] The resort also featured Via Veneto, an Italian restaurant designed around a large mural made of Tiffany-style stained glass. The mural, which included a character bearing an intentional resemblance to Gaughan, had initially been created for the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino's opening in 1979. Señor Miguel's, a Mexican restaurant at the Suncoast that was named after Gaughan,[19] received a "B−" rating from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.[50]

Bagel Corner deli and bakery at the Suncoast

SC Prime Steakhouse and Bar was opened in November 2008, replacing Primo's Steakhouse.[51][52] A T.G.I. Friday's restaurant also opened that month,[53] next to the movie theater.[54] A sports-themed restaurant and bar, The Game, opened in the former T.G.I. Friday's location in late October 2014. The Game included more than 100 televisions for sports viewing, including 15 televisions measuring 75 inches.[54][38] A new restaurant, Brigg's Oyster Company, opened in late November 2015.[55]

A Du-par's restaurant opened in the Suncoast in April 2016, replacing a previous coffee shop.[56] Du-par's temporarily closed in March 2017, allowing Boyd Gaming to take over operations and management from the restaurant's owner, who wanted to focus on Du-par's operations in California. The Suncoast restaurant was scheduled to reopen in early April.[57][58] In November 2017, the Suncoast opened the 1,950 sq ft (181 m2) Peng Zu Asian Cuisine restaurant.[59][60] A 5,000 sq ft (460 m2) gastropub named 90 Ninety Bar and Grill opened in May 2018, on the resort's east side. The restaurant, named after the Suncoast's address, included star-shaped lights that were salvaged from the demolished Stardust Resort and Casino.[1][61]

Salvatore's, an Italian restaurant, opened at the Suncoast in August 2008,[62][63] and included live piano music.[64] It was replaced in 2023 by William B's Steakhouse, named after Boyd founder William Boyd.[65][66]

References

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  1. ^ a b Martin, Bradley (May 7, 2018). "Suncoast Lands a New Gastropub Soon". Eater Vegas. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  2. ^ a b Wilen, John (July 21, 1998). "Coast working on Summerlin locals casino". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  3. ^ "Summerlin casino renamed 'Suncoast'". Las Vegas Sun. February 24, 1999. Archived from the original on 2016-09-19. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  4. ^ a b Krane, Elliot S. (April 9, 2000). "Suncoast, Coast Resorts' Newest Jewel, Marks Topping Off". The Press of Atlantic City. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  5. ^ Thompson, Gary (June 30, 1999). "Construction begins this week on Suncoast casino". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  6. ^ a b "Seven injured while building hotel-casino". LasVegasSun.com. September 9, 1999. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  7. ^ Hodge, Damon (April 1, 2000). "Suncoast project pays tribute". Northwest View. Archived from the original on July 16, 2002.
  8. ^ Hogan, Jan (August 21, 2000). "Recruiting nears end for Suncoast". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 20, 2003.
  9. ^ a b c Whaley, Sean (August 10, 2000). "State Gaming Control Board approves Suncoast opening". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 20, 2003.
  10. ^ Simpson, Jeff (August 28, 2000). "Here Comes the Sun". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on December 13, 2000.
  11. ^ Hogan, Jan (August 31, 2000). "Suncoast to open Sept. 12". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 20, 2003.
  12. ^ a b Ferguson, Kevin (September 13, 2000). "Newest local resort opens with a bang". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 15, 2002.
  13. ^ "On the Horizon". Las Vegas Review-Journal. August 3, 2000. Archived from the original on August 23, 2002.
  14. ^ Ferguson, Kevin (September 12, 2000). "Suncoast sets official debut for this evening". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 15, 2002.
  15. ^ "Newest casino has opened in northwest Las Vegas". Elko Daily Free Press. September 13, 2000. Retrieved January 6, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ Clarke, Norm (September 13, 2000). "Taste buds take notice, chef to create ultimate buffet". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 15, 2002.
  17. ^ Berns, Dave (February 6, 2001). "Coast posts big jump in revenue". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 25, 2002. Fireworks shoot from three locations as seen from the roof of the 10-story hotel tower at the Suncoast during its Sept. 12 grand opening.
  18. ^ a b Strow, David (August 24, 2001). "Coast Resorts expanding Summerlin hotel-casino". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Simpson, Jeff (August 28, 2000). "Hotel aims amenities at nongambling guests". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on April 13, 2001.
  20. ^ a b c Strow, David (September 12, 2000). "Upscale Summerlin casino opens tonight". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  21. ^ a b Ferguson, Kevin (August 28, 2000). "Coin-free slot jackpots? Unclinkable!". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on February 18, 2001.
  22. ^ a b Strow, David (August 24, 2000). "Vast majority of Suncoast slots will be of 'coinless' variety". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
  23. ^ Cling, Carol (September 15, 2000). "Suncoast gets in on construction boom". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 21, 2002.
  24. ^ Weatherford, Mike (September 15, 2000). "Getting in on the Act". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 17, 2002.
  25. ^ "Bowling hasn't lost its luster in Las Vegas". LasVegasSun.com. October 12, 2000. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  26. ^ a b Benston, Liz; Green, Steve (May 28, 2002). "IPO may pay for $65 million expansion of the Suncoast". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  27. ^ "Suncoast expansion OK'd". Las Vegas Sun. September 16, 2002. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  28. ^ Simpson, Jeff (November 2, 2002). "Harrah's reaches out for locals market". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on April 8, 2005.
  29. ^ "Suncoast, Orleans changing the stakes in video poker". Las Vegas Review-Journal. February 7, 2003. Archived from the original on October 29, 2004.
  30. ^ Frank, Curreri (August 25, 2005). ""Go ahead and do it," husband recalls telling man at Suncoast who killed wife". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 19, 2005.
  31. ^ "Man describes slaying of wife in casino lot". Las Vegas Sun. August 25, 2005. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  32. ^ "Reward offered in slaying". Las Vegas Review-Journal. August 26, 2005. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  33. ^ Dostal, Erin (August 20, 2010). "Suncoast offers $100,000 reward 5 years after fatal shooting". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  34. ^ "Suncoast offers reward in 2005 shooting death". Las Vegas Sun. August 20, 2010. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  35. ^ "$100K reward for 2005 Suncoast Casino slaying expired". KVVU-TV. September 7, 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-08-27. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  36. ^ Compton, Jeffrey; Dancer, Bob (July 21, 2006). "Silverton giving away cash, Hummer H3". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 1, 2007.
  37. ^ "Police: Las Vegas casino chip heist totals at least $1.5 million". The Mercury News. Associated Press. December 14, 2010. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  38. ^ a b Stutz, Howard (November 17, 2014). "To win locals' hearts, Boyd renews appeal to stomachs". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2018-11-16. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  39. ^ "Listing of Financial Statements Square Footage (2017 data)". Nevada Gaming Control Board. March 6, 2018. p. 9. Archived from the original on June 20, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  40. ^ Mehaffey, John (April 20, 2018). "Suncoast Poker Room Will Fold This Weekend". Vegas Advantage. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  41. ^ Giwargis, Ramona (June 24, 2018). "In Las Vegas, Donald Trump urges GOP support". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  42. ^ "Hundreds brave heat to protest Trump in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Sun. June 23, 2018. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  43. ^ Schoenmann, Joe (June 25, 2018). "Outraged Protesters Boo Trump In Las Vegas". KNPR. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  44. ^ Michor, Max (June 21, 2018). "Vehicle cleared after lockdown at Suncoast in west Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on 2018-11-16. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  45. ^ Segall, Eli (October 9, 2019). "Land under Suncoast in Las Vegas on market for $87M". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
  46. ^ Casper, Ashley (October 9, 2019). "Suncoast Hotel and Casino land is up for sale for $87M in Las Vegas". KVVU. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
  47. ^ Williams, Carolyn (October 9, 2019). "Suncoast Hotel & Casino land listed for sale, price available 'upon request'". KLAS. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
  48. ^ Radke, Brock (September 13, 2000). "Suncoast primed for shining debut". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  49. ^ a b White, Ken (April 18, 2001). "Primo's designed by Suncoast to offer 'that Strip feeling' without the drive". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on December 14, 2001.
  50. ^ Knapp Rinella, Heidi (October 10, 2003). "The Whole Enchilada: Senor Miguel's does decent job of presenting its style of Mexican food". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 23, 2005.
  51. ^ Rinella, Heidi Knapp (2008-11-28). "The Dish: Lebanese-American Festival hosted by St. Sharbel Mission". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008.
  52. ^ Jacobson, Max (January 28, 2009). "Juicy new eateries don't dry up wallets". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  53. ^ Leach, Robin (October 30, 2008). "Strip Scribbles: Jonas Brothers 'Scream,' Paris Hilton's video and tonight's tips". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on 2018-11-16. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  54. ^ a b Aird, Tristan (November 24, 2014). "Restaurant undergoes transformation at Suncoast; retailers flock to Miracle Mile". VegasInc.com. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  55. ^ Knapp Rinella, Heidi (February 27, 2016). "Brigg's Oyster Co. a fine addition to Las Vegas' bounty of seafood restaurants". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  56. ^ Martin, Bradley (April 14, 2016). "Du-Par's Now 'Always Open' at Suncoast: A favorite restaurant of The Killers heads west". Eater Las Vegas.
  57. ^ Manchini, Al (March 31, 2017). "Du-Par's Suncoast temporarily closing due to ownership change". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  58. ^ Moore, Thomas (March 31, 2017). "Du-par's restaurant at Suncoast changing hands". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  59. ^ Stapleton, Susan (November 14, 2017). "The Suncoast Opens a New Asian Restaurant with Cheap Eats". Eater Vegas. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  60. ^ Hogan, Jan (December 21, 2017). "Owner aims to avoid Americanizing Peng Zu Asian Cuisine". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  61. ^ Martin, Bradley (May 11, 2018). "Opening Set for the Suncoast's Gastropub". Eater Vegas. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  62. ^ Knapp Rinella, Heidi (September 5, 2008). "San Gennaro Festival promises more Italian food, fun". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  63. ^ Miller, Valerie (July 26, 2009). "Flagging economy forces several restaurants in valley to close". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  64. ^ Knapp Rinella, Heidi (November 2, 2010). "Despite tough economy, restaurants still supplying performers to entertain". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  65. ^ "Suncoast Hotel unveils elegant William B's Steakhouse, promising new standard". KSNV. November 7, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  66. ^ Wright, Johnathan L. (November 8, 2023). "Stylish new steakhouse opens in off-Strip hotel-casino". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
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