Anybody Ever Go To Vegas For The NCAA's?

by Roz on Mar 6, 2009 9:53 AM EST Comment 32 comments

I was just wondering if anybody ever experienced March Madness in the desert city.

I guess there are huge game rooms where you can wager, drink, eat, curse your losses, cheer your wins, ogle the snow cones of your server named "Traci," and be part of some heathen mob who's aim in life is to push the envelop toward the scarey edge of hedonism...only leaving to answer nature's call or to steal a few winks. All done with close friends, Army buddies, and best roommates. Comrades on the garish, grotesque, Las Vegas strip.

Sounds appealing to me.

But hell, maybe you guys do all this now.

It brings to mind one of my favorite beginnings to 20th century American literature and your own Sir Hunter Thompson.

"We were half way to Barstow when the drugs kicked in."

Or something like that.

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vegas

I touch down wednesday the 18th and leave monday the 23rd. So exactly 2 weeks from now I will hopefully be experiencing everything above. It could be a good time.

by Web on Mar 6, 2009 10:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good for you, Web

Take notes. Give us a report. Steer clear of anyone named “Raoul.”
I’m jealous.

by Roz on Mar 6, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll just miss out on Web and the debauchery

I’ll be in vegas from the 12th -16th. All I get is Selection Sunday

But there will be strippers. Oh yes, there will be strippers

by MU2D on Mar 6, 2009 12:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Strippers don't like fat kids

by Mike Rutherford on Mar 6, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Spoken from a fat kid

It depends how much you pay them! ;o)

by thecraphead on Mar 6, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ha! how very true

by frankpos on Mar 6, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not cool

by MU2D on Mar 6, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ether and salt shakers of coke

Vegas for Round 1 and 2 from Phoenix on the 18th…The problem going with my wife…Or is that a problem…Can I trade her to a drunken Marine batallion for some human adrenal glands

by CactusCard on Mar 6, 2009 1:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Ether And Salt Shaker Reference

Almost sounds like that room Hunter stayed in in “Fear And Loathing.”
And those human adrenal glands, if they “happen,” should definitely stay in Vegas. I’d hate to have them fall out on the luggage carousel as you wait for your valise on your return trip through the Phoenix airport. I hate it when that happens.
Now if you’ll have some Balantine Ale (The old XXX in the green bottle or can), I’ll be over in ten minutes.

by Roz on Mar 6, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Does living there halfway count?

I’m stationed in Vegas but I’ll be overseas until August unfortunately. And, yes, gambling, drinking, eating, & more drinking while watching the first 2 rounds with close friends and military buddies is exactly my experience from last year. Had to hang a UNC flag in the office after the elite eight but got paid when KU beat UNC & Memphis.

For those who go, the best sportsbooks are at Caeser’s, Wynn, and MGM. Get there EARLY!

by UL is my hot hot sex on Mar 6, 2009 4:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Particulars...that's what I'm talkin' about.

Thanks for naming names….Caesars…MGM…etc. If I ever go, (maybe next year), I’ll have an idea where to start.

Air Force? Lots of good luck there. Good luck in your career.
I remember the very first time I saw my very best friend. McGuire Air Force base. It would be my very first flight…To, of all places, Louisville, on my way to Knocks. Anyway, there was this kid, looking like he thought he was some kind of hot shit, standing around the waiting area as we were about to board. Even though we were fresh fish (all E-1’s, right out of basic) this guy had one of those “bus driver” style caps, worn full back on his head like he was John Effing Wayne. I disliked him immediately.
Turned out to be “Smitty,” my best friend for all these years.
Hope your overseas tour runs fast.

by Roz on Mar 6, 2009 8:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Roz

Yep, the AF….btw, what did you do in the AF?

…Funny you should mention it—they’re trying to bring back those old school bus driver style uniforms.

by UL is my hot hot sex on Mar 7, 2009 6:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I got married in Vegas on March 30, 1996

This was during March madness. The family and friends who went with us had a blast. I watched the UK game with about a million other people in the Caesar’s sports book. If I remember correctly, stinkin’ UK beat the spread and cost me money. It was a crazy atmosphere, but an experience we will always remember. You definitely see the best and worst society has to offer in Vegas.

BTW, I got married at the Graceland Wedding Chapel and Elvis walked me down the aisle. Nothin’ but first class all the way :)

by louisville lisa on Mar 6, 2009 8:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

And The Wedding Buffet Featured Peanut Butter And Banana Sandwiches

….great story, Lisa…you put me right there, and it does sound crazy, and a lot of fun, too.
And before I must “Leave The Building,” I will just curl my lip a little and say,
“Thank you….thank you very much.”

by Roz on Mar 6, 2009 8:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He was a later years kinda Elvis

He was chunky and wore a white spandex bodysuit with Elvis-like mid-1970’s designs. Tacky doesn’t begin to describe it. The spandex rode up on him while he sang and gyrated. He kept having to pull it down to avoid a wedgie. The dude sure sounded like the King, though, and our wedding video rocked. Good times.

by louisville lisa on Mar 6, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like to see the wedding pics ; - )

by frankpos on Mar 6, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing Wrong With A Chunky Elvis

Both Frank and I were more Brit Invasion, then Elvis…but I have to tell you, Lisa, after all those years, him playing those crappy movies, him playing Vegas, him copping out musically to homogenize his sound for more digestible consumption, he did have one last REAL full scale hit. And it still brings me up to hear it now.

“Suspicious Minds.”

That was real, and it took no prisoners.

by Roz on Mar 6, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Used to go every year for the tourney

Used to go all the time actually. It was a short 4 hour drive up the road. Get over the Bellagio, MGM, Palms crap. There is an Econo-lodge right behind Bally’s where you can get a room for $69 a night during tourney. There is a locals-style little smokey casino right across the street where you can get a Heineken and hot-dog for $2 24 hours a day.

Boom, breakfast, beer and off to gambling.

When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome again.
-Barney Stinson

by Red Reign on Mar 6, 2009 8:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Oh and OG it dude....

….no other gentlemen’s establishment matters.

When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome again.
-Barney Stinson

by Red Reign on Mar 6, 2009 8:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm Lovin' It

Sounds like Olde Style Vegas…not some BS Foder’s guide.
Your Vegas is more nitty gritty…I can almost envision Dino and Frank playin’ that small room…And Sammy Davis Junior!! Good lord, now I’ve gotta tell ya…I would definitely PAY to see him.

But you’re gonna have to spell out what “OG it dude” means…I’m kind of slow.

And thanks. And with a Heinie and dog at those prices, how could you ever leave?

Roz

by Roz on Mar 6, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

the OG is a nitty gritty strip club

Patronize the Spearmint Rhino (NSFW) for a better alternative.

by UL is my hot hot sex on Mar 6, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

All depends on what you are looking for

When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome again.
-Barney Stinson

by Red Reign on Mar 7, 2009 7:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RE: All depends...

True…got a friend who frequents the Palomino…talk about gritty.

by UL is my hot hot sex on Mar 7, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LV Hilton is the best bet for a "cheaper" March Madness trek

If you’re looking for a cheaper perhaps less crowded-feeling time during March Madness—try the LV Hilton, it has it’s own sportsbook wing essentially, and there’s a lot more room to hold all the March Madness patrons. I believe they still serve hot dogs and beers for $2 or so as well. Good times.

by UL is my hot hot sex on Mar 7, 2009 6:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You Lucky Bastard

…UL, man…it sounds like you’ve got it all your own way out there. I hope you’re
single…or you might be soon.
No, I wasn’t in the “Corps.” I was Army, all the way. “US” rather than “RA.” “US” stood for “Draftee” (Like Groucho, I would “never join a club that would have me as a member), and "RA” meant regular Army.
Traveled a bit. Got stationed at CINCPAC in Honolulu for a while…a joint command, lots of brass, all O5’s and above. It was a Joint Command, with representatives from each branch. The Air Force officers were the coolest…like they didn’t have to prove their coolness. So I was in the Army stationed on a Marine base (Camp Smith), run by the Navy. McCain’s old man was the Commander in Chief of the place. I never even saw him.

One day I was walking down Hotel Street (Honolulu’s “Shit Street” …bars…pawn shops…porn stores…Chinese restaurants….movie houses), and I looked up to see a marquee overhanging the gritty street. The theatre was a “burlesque house” which catered to the exotics….gays…tranny’s…three legged dwarfs…that type of place. Anyway, I always remember what the marquee said, and I smile when I do:

“BOYS WILL BE GIRLS”

OK, UL, enjoy the games today…wild guess, you’re rooting for Pitt.

by Roz on Mar 7, 2009 7:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Umm, Roz you're dating yourself

for those of us who remember what a draft was. My “RA” time was 78-89; a ‘few years’ after you lol.

by 97E3LPL on Mar 7, 2009 8:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, man

You got me on that. Guilty as charged. And ageism remains the sole sanctioned discrimination in our society.
And that’s the way it is. And that’s the way it will be.
But at least I write young!

I remember the night of the first draft lottery…I knew I’d pick up the black marble. And I did.

The next day on campus, guys who drew the high numbers were parading around joyously with T Shirts that merely said things like, “352,” or “365.”

The guys knew they’d never have to go.

Have a good one.

by Roz on Mar 7, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

mine was 334...

by frankpos on Mar 7, 2009 9:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You lucky bastard

Hope you have fun, today. Where are you watching, at home? Home for the Pitt game, then out, and back home for tonight? You’re got it all your own way.

I’m really developing my dislike for Calhoun into something….something more.

Sunny in the east, and a little warmer.
Take care.
Roz

by Roz on Mar 7, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lucky at the poker table...

While it’s great when you want to have fun—living in Vegas can get old. Not to mention being upside down on a mortgage…. I’d much rather be stationed in Colorado or Europe. Too each his own.

Definitely rooting for Pitt today but unfortunately the game comes on at like 230 am here…but UL plays at 0630 so I’m happy. Any word on Levance Field’s status?

by UL is my hot hot sex on Mar 7, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Whoops

Pitt game is actually on in an hour— 930pm—here. Might have to stay up for this…

by UL is my hot hot sex on Mar 7, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Love The Tawdry Vegas

“Now you swear and kick and beg us that you’re not a gamblin’ man;
Then you find you’re back in Vegas with a handle in your hand
Your black cards can bring you money so you hide them when you’re able
In the land of milk and honey you must put them on the table.”

Lot’s of movies and songs about the place, Red. These words, of course, by Donald Fagan.

by Roz on Mar 7, 2009 9:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs