The "other project" that Caesars abandoned.

It's interesting to note that while Caesars is finishing the Octavius Tower and will open it on January 2nd (see http://alanbestbuys.com/id73.html) it appears that the other big expansion project of Caesars has been forgotten.

The other expansion project called for building an expanded casino and event center with restaurants and shopping in the plaza area at the corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Boulevard. When the plan was first announced, there was discussion that the "Plaza Casino" part of Caesars would also undergo total renovation which meant that the giant crystal chandelier in the ceiling of the Palace casino would be removed. This chandelier made of crystal is called the biggest chandelier in the world.

(When I heard that the chandelier would be removed I suggested that one piece of crystal should be given to each of Caesars' long time guests, boxed with a card, as a souvenir.)

There have been minor changes made to the Plaza in front of Caesars. It is used for sporting events and some shows and there is a seating area and a restaurant but for the most part if it is very expensive real estate (perhaps at the priciest corner intersection of Vegas) that is being underutilized.

Of course I remember the old days when Caesars had an expansive green lawn and fountains and a moving sidewalk that would take visitors from Las Vegas Boulevard into the casino entrance... but those days are long gone. There isn't much empty space left anywhere near Las Vegas Blvd, and just wait for the giant Linq wheel project to start construction.

Actually, one of the biggest things needed now in Center Strip is parking.