All-Star Weekend/Las Vegas Musings

[Kori Ellis]

I know that it has been reported that Las Vegas was very dangerous and crazy for the All-Star game and that the league should re-consider having it in New Orleans next season. And I know there was that shooting involving Pac Man Jones, etc. but it wasn't really that bad. There wasn't crime and mayhem on the streets.

It was crowded, but not more crowded than a major convention or holiday weekend in Vegas.

I even took the monorail from the MGM (where the media shuttle dropped me off after the game) back to my hotel alone at 11pm. It wasn't crowded nor dangerous at all.

I met a lot of interesting people. Outside the players of course, I had the opportunity to meet Dave Chappelle, Jerry Tarkanian and a few other interesting people in a private celebrity room at the arena.

There were a lot of parties and celebrity events, but I think that the entertainment at the game was too cheesy. I am not talking about Christina Aguilera and Toni Braxton. I mean Wayne Newton, the follies dancers, jugglers, etc. I think it was just too "Vegas" to appeal to the crowd. When the juggler was trying to juggle a bowling ball, money ball and an M&M in one of the timeouts, the crowd was actually booing :lol

They really need to find a way to get real NBA fans into the arena. The prices are so high that the people who come are celebrity watching more than anything. The crowd was so quiet at the actual All-Star game I felt like if I talked, the whole arena could hear me. Maybe each NBA team should do something like have a contest and bring 30 fans from each NBA city to the All-Star game and let them sit in the lower bowl.

The title sponsor of the Slam Dunk contest should put up a $1M winner takes all prize. That would get some bigger names into the contest. (By the way, Gerald Green was worthy of winning, but DHoward should have been in the finals.)

The All-Star hats (I got a free one) are better this year than any other All-Star game that I have been to. They are all black with a silverish logo.

We stayed in Vegas through Wednesday evening and it was still fairly crowded because of Chinese New Year events going on. We played some poker and did well. It was a lot of fun.

[angel_luv]

Sounds like a great time...wish I'd gone. :) Thanks for the update.

[GrandeDavid]

Kori, thanks for sharing your experience! I feel that your take is similar to mine on Brazil when my friends back home in the U.S. express fear of coming to South America because of crime reports. I'm like, "I've lived down here for almost 8 years, have been there and done that and not even so much as a heard a rude comment, much less been witness to a crime."

Anyway, glad you had a nice time and didn't get mugged. (sarcasm, ha ha)

[slayermin]

I have to agree about Wayne Newton. His act was made for television and a worldwide audience. Nothing original or interesting about it.

[Sam]

What players did you see, Kori? You get any pictures of anyone---players or celebrities?

[mikejones99]

Toni Braxton looked good but cannot sing anymore.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

i'm 1000% with you on raising the prize $ for the dunk conest

[hitmanyr2k]

Wayne Newton looked like a damn corpse with all that make-up caked on his face. It was frightening.

[baseline bum]

I was there Sunday and Monday nights, and it was fucking great. Lots of fun being in a city that never forces you to sleep.

[nkdlunch]

I'm going to Vegas end of march. WHere should I stay???

Also what's the best casino and best clubs???

[RC's Boss]

I know that it has been reported that Las Vegas was very dangerous and crazy for the All-Star game and that the league should re-consider having it in New Orleans next season. And I know there was that shooting involving Pac Man Jones, etc. but it wasn't really that bad. There wasn't crime and mayhem on the streets.

It was crowded, but not more crowded than a major convention or holiday weekend in Vegas.

I even took the monorail from the MGM (where the media shuttle dropped me off after the game) back to my hotel alone at 11pm. It wasn't crowded nor dangerous at all.

I met a lot of interesting people. Outside the players of course, I had the opportunity to meet Dave Chappelle, Jerry Tarkanian and a few other interesting people in a private celebrity room at the arena.

There were a lot of parties and celebrity events, but I think that the entertainment at the game was too cheesy. I am not talking about Christina Aguilera and Toni Braxton. I mean Wayne Newton, the follies dancers, jugglers, etc. I think it was just too "Vegas" to appeal to the crowd. When the juggler was trying to juggle a bowling ball, money ball and an M&M in one of the timeouts, the crowd was actually booing :lol

They really need to find a way to get real NBA fans into the arena. The prices are so high that the people who come are celebrity watching more than anything. The crowd was so quiet at the actual All-Star game I felt like if I talked, the whole arena could hear me. Maybe each NBA team should do something like have a contest and bring 30 fans from each NBA city to the All-Star game and let them sit in the lower bowl.

The title sponsor of the Slam Dunk contest should put up a $1M winner takes all prize. That would get some bigger names into the contest. (By the way, Gerald Green was worthy of winning, but DHoward should have been in the finals.)

The All-Star hats (I got a free one) are better this year than any other All-Star game that I have been to. They are all black with a silverish logo.

We stayed in Vegas through Wednesday evening and it was still fairly crowded because of Chinese New Year events going on. We played some poker and did well. It was a lot of fun.
Will you be sharing your winnings, I need to pay Wachovia Mortgage on the 1st :smokin

[Kermit]

Kori, thanks for sharing your experience! I feel that your take is similar to mine on Brazil when my friends back home in the U.S. express fear of coming to South America because of crime reports. I'm like, "I've lived down here for almost 8 years, have been there and done that and not even so much as a heard a rude comment, much less been witness to a crime."

Anyway, glad you had a nice time and didn't get mugged. (sarcasm, ha ha)

that's hilarious. i visited brazil (rio) for 4 weeks (two weeks in consecutive years for canival), witnessed some robberies, saw a dead body, saw the cops kick the everloving shit out of a drunk tourist and was on copa when drug-runners attempted to hijack a bus. i always felt safe though and like you said, everyone was pretty nice.

[mikejones99]

You should stay downtown, where the odds are better if you are gonna Gamble. Better slots, single deck 21 and cost less. Poker better on the strip as more suckers play.

[Kori Ellis]

What players did you see, Kori? You get any pictures of anyone---players or celebrities?

I didn't take pictures of celebrities or players. But I saw all the players that were at the events.

[GrandeDavid]

that's hilarious. i visited brazil (rio) for 4 weeks (two weeks in consecutive years for canival), witnessed some robberies, saw a dead body, saw the cops kick the everloving shit out of a drunk tourist and was on copa when drug-runners attempted to hijack a bus. i always felt safe though and like you said, everyone was pretty nice.

:lol

Sorry to laugh, but that's quite a contrast. Fortunately, and I've been to such places as Asia, the Middle East, Mexican border towns....I've NEVER had any problems and NEVER seen any shit go down ANYWHERE I've been. But I am a very, very, VERY experienced traveler and speak several languages and have good contacts abroad.

I guess danger follows you! Or maybe I'm just lucky!

Then again, while I travel to many places in Brazil, I've only been to Rio a few times and, again, had a blast and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Then again, I'm fluent in Portuguese and know the ins and outs of anything regarding Brazilian culture and blend in well, especially for an American. For whatever that's worth.

[Kermit]

:lol

Sorry to laugh, but that's quite a contrast. Fortunately, and I've been to such places as Asia, the Middle East, Mexican border towns....I've NEVER had any problems and NEVER seen any shit go down ANYWHERE I've been. But I am a very, very, VERY experienced traveler and speak several languages and have good contacts abroad.

I guess danger follows you! Or maybe I'm just lucky!

Then again, while I travel to many places in Brazil, I've only been to Rio a few times and, again, had a blast and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Then again, I'm fluent in Portuguese and know the ins and outs of anything regarding Brazilian culture and blend in well, especially for an American. For whatever that's worth.
oh, it helps to not look like a tourist. that's for sure. my white ass sticks out like a sore thumb. like i said, i felt very safe and most of the things i saw were normal carival type activities. robberies happen, murders happen, and drug deals happen. for some reason, a lot of them were happening in my vincinity. of course i wanted to go on a tour of the favelas but that got nixed pretty quick. but i'm sure that you will agree with me on this one thing...
brazillian drivers are the worst in the world. hands down.

[El_Tejano]

Don't know if this had been posted, but to read this guys story you would think it was a war zone.

http://sports.aol.com/whitlock/_a/mayhem-main-event-at-nba-all-star/20070220103009990001

[Dave McNulla]

i had fun in vegas. i couldn't afford an all-star game ticket or a slam dunk contest ticket or a rookie challenge ticket. i hate ticket brokers, they're scum. but i did get a $35 ticket to the practice for $200. it was fun. also had the family at the fan jam, it was fun too. i was never scared for my life, or even worried about being assaulted.

sissies should just stay home or at least stay away from strip clubs at 2am.

[baseline bum]

I walked the strip at midnight, 2am, 4am, and so on Sunday and Monday nights, and never had any problems or felt like anything was going down. Maybe it was bad on Friday and Saturday only?

[mabber]

I'm going to Vegas end of march. WHere should I stay???

Also what's the best casino and best clubs???

What's important to you in regards to a casino? Does cost of room matter? I go to Vegas several times a year and have stayed at just about every hotel casino on the strip over the years so I can help you but will need to know what you're looking for.

[SequSpur]

I know that it has been reported that Las Vegas was very dangerous and crazy for the All-Star game and that the league should re-consider having it in New Orleans next season. And I know there was that shooting involving Pac Man Jones, etc. but it wasn't really that bad. There wasn't crime and mayhem on the streets.

It was crowded, but not more crowded than a major convention or holiday weekend in Vegas.

I even took the monorail from the MGM (where the media shuttle dropped me off after the game) back to my hotel alone at 11pm. It wasn't crowded nor dangerous at all.

I met a lot of interesting people. Outside the players of course, I had the opportunity to meet Dave Chappelle, Jerry Tarkanian and a few other interesting people in a private celebrity room at the arena.

There were a lot of parties and celebrity events, but I think that the entertainment at the game was too cheesy. I am not talking about Christina Aguilera and Toni Braxton. I mean Wayne Newton, the follies dancers, jugglers, etc. I think it was just too "Vegas" to appeal to the crowd. When the juggler was trying to juggle a bowling ball, money ball and an M&M in one of the timeouts, the crowd was actually booing :lol

They really need to find a way to get real NBA fans into the arena. The prices are so high that the people who come are celebrity watching more than anything. The crowd was so quiet at the actual All-Star game I felt like if I talked, the whole arena could hear me. Maybe each NBA team should do something like have a contest and bring 30 fans from each NBA city to the All-Star game and let them sit in the lower bowl.

The title sponsor of the Slam Dunk contest should put up a $1M winner takes all prize. That would get some bigger names into the contest. (By the way, Gerald Green was worthy of winning, but DHoward should have been in the finals.)

The All-Star hats (I got a free one) are better this year than any other All-Star game that I have been to. They are all black with a silverish logo.

We stayed in Vegas through Wednesday evening and it was still fairly crowded because of Chinese New Year events going on. We played some poker and did well. It was a lot of fun.

Thanks Pac Man Ellis.

[nkdlunch]

What's important to you in regards to a casino? Does cost of room matter? I go to Vegas several times a year and have stayed at just about every hotel casino on the strip over the years so I can help you but will need to know what you're looking for.

yeah cost matters, whats a good deal I mean good hotel and good price?

[MrChug]

This was badly planned. The shows were f'in horrible. Gordie Brown, Clint Holmes, and The Rat Pack impersonators blew Wayne Newton looked like The Joker. I love Las Vegas, but the organizers fucked this once in a lifetime opportunity up completely.

[mabber]

yeah cost matters, whats a good deal I mean good hotel and good price?

You can usually get a decent rate at Bally's and it's mid-strip. NYNY is not too expensive. It's on the south end of the strip near MGM, Luxor & Mandalay Bay among others.

If you don't have to stay on the strip you can stay downtown for really cheap rates but the hotel casinos are old down there for the most part.

I stay at Mandalay Bay or NYNY mostly these days. Mandalay Bay is kind of expensive though. NYNY is a nice place at a decent rate most of the time.

[Man In Black]

I stay at the Signature at MGM. I got pics of LaDanian Tomlinson, he was on my plane and I also got pics of Will-I-am of The Black Eyed Peas at The Palms. I also saw Anthony Anderson(think Kangaroo Jack, and Romeo must die) and many NBA players past & present like Chauncey Billups, Charles Oakley, Olden Polynice, and Dan Gadzuric. Talked to Steve Kerr for a bit on my way into Jam Session.
It was a good time.

[mabber]

I stay at the Signature at MGM. I got pics of LaDanian Tomlinson, he was on my plane and I also got pics of Will-I-am of The Black Eyed Peas at The Palms. I also saw Anthony Anderson(think Kangaroo Jack, and Romeo must die) and many NBA players past & present like Chauncey Billups, Charles Oakley, Olden Polynice, and Dan Gadzuric. Talked to Steve Kerr for a bit on my way into Jam Session.
It was a good time.

So is the Signature at MGM a cool place? I haven't stayed there yet as it's not been open very long. It's all suites with balcony's, right?

[Man In Black]

The cool thing is that it's very private, it's a bit of a walk(A climate-controlled moving walkway) to the MGM but the lobby is smoke free, the rooms are choice, the LCD TVs are flawless and the fact that I have a full kitchen so I can cook whatever I want or if I'm lazy...use room service, is awesome.

[mabber]

The cool thing is that it's very private, it's a bit of a walk(A climate-controlled moving walkway) to the MGM but the lobby is smoke free, the rooms are choice, the LCD TVs are flawless and the fact that I have a full kitchen so I can cook whatever I want or if I'm lazy...use room service, is awesome.

Cool, I'm going to have to try it out. I've stayed at Mandalay Bay's equivalent (THEhotel) a couple of times and it has the big flat screen tvs (even in bathroom) but no kitchen.