Audrey Reed
Assistant News Editor
Vegas is back, and it’s more fabulous than ever.
In 2004, Las Vegas had its highest number of visitors ever at 37.4 million, and there is no indication of this growth stopping, said Erica Yowell, Public Relations manager at Las Vegas Conven-tion and Visitor Au-thority.
Often an attraction for Pepperdine students year round as well as for Spring Break because of its inexpensive hotels and meals as well as a plethora of entertainment, Yowell described Las Vegas as having a “magnetic draw” for young people.
Besides the appeal for college students, Southern Californians comprise 32 percent of weekend visitors to Las Vegas, Yowell said.
Senior Grant Everett is part of this crowd, and while not visiting Sin City for Spring Break, frequents the city.
“There’s not a lot, not to like,” Everett said. “There are fantastic hotels and resorts and gambling. The whole city is alive all night. There might as well not be a clock, just day and nighttime.”
Everett, who has been to Las Vegas five times since last year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, said that people under age 21 can still have fun.
“That was my misconception,” he said. “I waited until I was 21, but there are so many shows, great restaurants and going and seeing some of the hotels.”
However, Yowell disagreed.
“The experience is different (for those under 21),” she said. “They’ll have a much better time if they are 21.”
Yowell said there are many things to do besides gambling and going to clubs, like the thrill rides on top of the Stratosphere, the free pirate show at Treasure Island or the water show at the Bellagio.
Senior and 15-year Vegas resident Kim Hyson also said visitors who are 21 or older will have the best experience.
“It’s like any other city if you aren’t 21,” she said.
While in high school, Hyson went to the Strip almost every weekend, mostly because of the shopping. According to Hyson, there is a pastime for high school students to “cruise the Strip,” since there are no limitations on the number of times a car can drive by as there is on the Sunset Strip, she said.
Las Vegas boasts the largest retail mall in the United States. (The Mall of America does not qualify for this title, because it is not purely retail.) Among the other all-ages activities, Hyson said she enjoys eating Luv-it Frozen Custard, as well as seeing the shows that add to Las Vegas’ notoriety.
“My parents and I saw Elton John,” Hyson said. “It was incredible.”
Although Las Vegas is a gambler’s paradise, neither Hyson nor Everett like to press their luck.
“I don’t like to lose money,” Hyson said.
Frequent visitor Everett prefers to relax poolside or take advantage of Vegas’ nightlife.
One of Everett’s favorite clubs is Ghost Bar, which is located atop the Palms Casino Hotel.
“The Palm sits back off the Strip so you can see the Strip,” Everett said. “There’s a glass floor and it’s really cool. It’s a spot most people might not go to.”
From the club scene to shopping, to shows and gambling, Las Vegas is the oasis in the desert for many college students, but especially those over 21.
02-24-2005