Handcuff can boost Mob Museum, CSI attraction

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Staff

Former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman talks about the barber chair on which Albert Anastasia was sitting when he was murdered. The chair can be seen at the Mob Museum, which is partnering with “CSI: The Experience” at MGM Grand to offer one $45 ticket purchase that provides access to both crime- and crimefighting-themed attractions.

Sun, May 10, 2015 (2 a.m.)

Five years ago, there was a question of whether the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas would agree to enter into a cross-promotional partnership with the in-development Mob Experience being planned at the Tropicana. The concept was that a single ticket might be offered to both attractions, given they were exhibiting such similar subject matter.

That concept was swatted away by officials with the Mob Museum, particularly then-mayor Oscar Goodman, who loathed the project at the Trop and wanted nothing to do with the competing attraction. As time passed, the Mob Museum far outlasted the Mob Experience, later renamed the Mob Attraction. But the idea of the Mob Museum cross-promoting with a Strip tourist attraction didn’t die.

In place now is a $45 combo ticket for the Mob Museum and “CSI: The Experience” at MGM Grand. The latter is a walking tour that allows visitors to experience the world of forensic science and crime-scene investigation, and actually solve a mock murder, in the TV franchise developed by UNLV grad Anthony Zuiker. The price is a savings of $8 per ticket to both attractions.

As Mob Museum spokeswoman Ashley Misko said, “Combining our two attractions into a one-ticket experience allows law enforcement enthusiasts two incredibly entertaining ways to indulge their interest. Of course, there’s nowhere else in the world where tourists have this opportunity. It’s a fantastic distinction for Las Vegas.”

Now, if someone can fold in the “Bodies” and “Titanic” exhibits at the Luxor …

• The team taking over casino operations at Westgate Las Vegas has a familiar look and feel. The crew from Paragon Gaming, led by longtime Las Vegas casino executive Diana Bennett (daughter of the late Sahara and Circus Circus owner William Bennett, a Las Vegas legend) and Scott Menke is due to formalize its partnership with Westgate on June 1. Paragon ran the Riviera until its closing this month.

Menke and another Paragon official, veteran gaming exec Yale Rowe, were on hand at the opening April 23 of the “Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition, the Show, the Experience.” Westgate owner David Siegel and his right-hand exec, Mark Waltrip, have been eager to partner with an operations team acutely familiar with how business is done in Las Vegas. With Bennett, Menke and Rowe handling the hotel and casino ops, their search is a success.

• Among the more notable figures to walk the property on the last night of the Riviera was former Regent and Lt. Gov. Lonnie Hammargren. He was seated at the final performance at the Riviera Comedy Club, co-headlined by Michael “Wheels” Parise and Shayma Tash. Hammargren’s Las Vegas home is stuffed with Las Vegas artifacts, and he typically is spotted at resort closings.

This was both a dry run and a night out for Hammargren. Count on him to comb the property during the Riv’s liquidation sale. That eagerly anticipated event is set to begin 9 a.m. May 14 and continue 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the following Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Sunday after, until there is nothing left to buy.

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