LAS VEGAS CONNECTION BY BART TORRES

Love is in the Air at the Mirage
With this being Valentine’s week, a special romantic experience is waiting for you at The Mirage through Sunday, February 19. The resort is offering couples visiting Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat a “Fall in Love Again Package”. This one-of-a-kind opportunity includes entry for two to the attraction; an 8 x 10 souvenir photo taken with an adorable, cupid-for-the-day dolphin; a box of chocolates; and a beautiful rose. The whole deal is $99 and reservations may be made by calling (702) 792-7889.

ARIA Hosting 11th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament
Tickets will go fast for the upcoming 11th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament set for March 29-April 1 at Shadow Creek Golf Course. Hosted by ARIA Resort & Casino, golf fans can see celebrities and pro’s compete against each other in the four-day event. Since its inception in 2001, the yearly tournament has raised close to $6 million for charities such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nevada Cancer Institute, James R. Jordan Foundation and Cats Care, the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats’ charity arm. The daily general admission pass is $30 for Thursday-Sunday, weekly passes are $100, Thursday-Sunday and daily VIP passes are $150, Thursday-Sunday and weekly VIP passes are $500. A 25 percent discount off a daily or weekly general admission ticket will be extended to military service members with valid ID and seniors 65 and older with ID. The event is also offering a “Bring the Kids for Free” special allowing entrance to the greens for children 16 years of age and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. There is a limit of two kids per person per adult. For tickets visit any MGM Resorts box offices. For additional information call (877) 253-5847.   

Imperial Palace Offers Ultimate Weddings in Renovated Silver Sky Chapel
There are five ways to say “I Do” at Imperial Palace where they have completed renovations on their Silver Sky Chapel. The Skyline and Sierra chapels offer all-inclusive ceremonies from simple to elaborate. The Silver Sky Chapel has five variations including the budget-friendly “Vegas Style” package for $169, to the over the top “Las Vegas Nights” package topping out at $3,635. This higher priced exclusive affair comes with show tickets, couples massage, limo service for the wedding party, hair styling and makeup for the bride and four guests, a pre-or post ceremony tequila or whiskey shooter for the wedding party, a pianist, photographer and several keepsakes.

Public House Opens at The Venetian
Open for business on Restaurant Row at The Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian is Public House, a contemporary eatery with more than 200 beer selections plus a climate controlled “wine cube.” The 8,000-square foot tavern features small and large plates, salads, sandwiches, shell fish and bar snacks, as well as selections from the “Butcher Block” and “Cheese Shop.” Public House is open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

PJ Clarke’s and “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace Offering Dinner/Show Package
Until further notice, get a show and dinner discount deal at Caesars Palace for tickets to their spectacular production Absinthe plus a three-course dinner at PJ Clarke’s located in the Forum Shops beginning at $86.90. Book online at www.vegas.com or call (888) 527-8342.  

Fund Raisers at Ri Ra Las Vegas and New York-New York Assists Childhood Cancer Victims
Ri Ra Las Vegas, located inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place will be sharpening up their razors and scissors for a head-shaving event on Saturday, March 3 to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a worthy cause that funds the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancer victims. Starting at noon, the locks will come off with local hairdressers volunteering. Those wishing to keep their hair can donate funds online and at Ri Ra. Over at New York-New York, their authentic pub Nine Fine Irishmen will hold an identical event March 3 on the resort’s Brooklyn Bridge beginning at 1 p.m. and continuing until 11 p.m. On the bridge there will be something or the kids to enjoy, face painting and balloon animals from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.   For additional information call (888) 899 BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.

Caesars Palace Dealing the Cards for 2nd Annual Winter poker Classic
Caesars has kicked off their 2nd annual Winter Poker Classic and is inviting all levels of players 21 and older to enter the daily events which will go on through March 1. Buy-ins range from as low as $50 to $560, depending on the game you wish to sit in on. Most tournaments start at noon or 4 p.m., except for the Seniors Event which begins at 10 a.m. Registration starts at 4 p.m. on the day before the event. For additional information call the Poker Room at (702) 785-6566.

Cabo Wabo Cantina and PBR Rock Bar & Grill Celebrate “National Margarita Day”
Join the fun at Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops to celebrate “National Margarita and National Chip Day” from Wednesday, February 22-Friday, February 24. For three days, guests will receive $10 off “build your own” margaritas in a giant Cabo Wabo 45-ounce glass. Pay $22 and become your own mixologist and use recipe cards to mix and match your favorite margarita. $10 Cadillac nachos will also be available all weekend. PBR Rock Bar & Grill, also at Miracle Shops, will be pouring two classic margaritas for the price of one on February 22.  

Majority of Eateries Participating in Las Vegas Restaurant Week
By popular demand, Las Vegas Restaurant Week has added a spring edition to the popular culinary event with a majority of restaurants participating. Each dining spot will be creating multi-course special prix-fixe menus at $20.12, $30.12 or $50.12, depending on the restaurant, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Three Square Food Bank charity which aids in ending hunger in Southern Nevada.   For the sixth consecutive year, two top eateries will be participating in Las Vegas Restaurant Week February 27-March 4. Andre’s Restaurant Lounge at Monte Carlo and Alize at the Top of the Palms will be offering dinners for $50.12. Other participating restaurants are MGM Resorts International properties including ARIA, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, MGM Grand, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur and Circus Circus. The next restaurant week is scheduled for August 27-September 2, 2012. Restaurants participating will have signs posted. You may also visit www.helpoutdineoutlv.org to see a complete listing.  

Silverton Handing out Free Play and Visa Gift Cards in Leap Year Promotions
There will be a Leap Day Free Play Giveaway to reward club members on Wednesday, February 29 at Silverton Casino Hotel.  Random players sitting at their favorite machines will be selected from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a chance to win up to $1,000 in free slot play. Table players can earn drawing tickets for a $1,000 Visa Gift card or non-negotiable chips. Drawings will be held at 8 p.m. two Wednesdays this month, February 22 and 29. Check with the Pit for complete details. Winners must be present!

Get Fired-Up at Sam’s Town with the Return of NASCAR Weekend
March 8-10, NASCAR Weekend returns for the 15th annual Sam’s Town 300 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Prior to the big race on March 10, Boyd Gaming properties will be offering a variety of experiences for fans of all ages with free appearances by champion drivers. Following the Saturday’s race, Sam’s Town will present a concert featuring Joe Nichols at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30 plus tax and fees. Purchase tickets at any Coast Casinos box office or call (702) 284-7777. Boyd Gaming is offering all inclusive packages at their resorts for the big race including rooms, race tickets, and roundtrip hotel-to-hotel transportation. To book one of these deals, visit www.boydgaming.com/nascar.    

Basketball Fans Ready for March Madness
Super Bowl is over and now it’s time to look ahead to March Madness, the exciting NCCAA college basket ball tournaments. Following the preliminaries, the real action will be March 13-14 where 32 games will be played each day. All the sports books and clubs will be showing live televised action of all the games.

Tickets On Sale for Madonna’s Upcoming Concert at MGM Grand
Although the “Material Girl” Madonna won’t hit town until October 13, tickets for her concert at MGM Grand’s Garden Arena will go on sale February 27 at 10 a.m. The most expensive seat in the house will run you $383 ($407.15 by the time you add on taxes and fees) and the cheapest ticket is priced at $48 ($57.05 with tax and fees.)    

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer Serves Weekend Rock ‘N’ Roll Brunch
The newest restaurant at Excalibur, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer is now serving a Rock ‘N’ Roll brunch featuring traditional breakfast favorites with live rock band entertainment every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Skynyrd’s is open daily for lunch and dinner starting at 11 a.m.   

Check with resorts for all current offers published. Hotels have all rights and may cancel or modify at anytime. On your drive up to Vegas tune your radio to The Highway FM 98 & 99 for my up-to-date Las Vegas reports. GOOD LUCK!