Thanks Melissa I am sure you would know better since you live there.

Hey all,

I was doing some reading and searching online about the Stardust and I found these facts. I thought you might find them interesting. Please feel free to add your own. TA members always have the widest resource of information!!

In 1966, Howard Hughes attempted to buy the Stardust for $30.5 million but the antitrust division blocked his takeover on the grounds that his acquisition of any more gambling resorts might violate the Sherman Antitrust Act.

In 1964, with the addition of the nine-story tower, the room count increased to 1,470. For the next 5 years The Stardust was the leader in rooms until 1969 when The International opened.

THIS one is for a friend of mine!!! Here you go, Strip_Cruiser: In 1965, a spectacular new roadside sign replaced the old circular sign at a cost of $500,000. Its form was blurred by a scatter of star shapes, a shower of stardust. At night, incorporating neon and incandescent bulbs in the animation sequence, light fell from the stars, sprinkling from the top of the 188 foot tall sign down over the Stardust name, igniting a frenzy and then snowing down onto the fortunate people below. The Stardust sign utilized 7,100 feet of neon tubing with over 11,000 bulbs along its 216 foot front. The "S" alone contained 975 lamps. At night the neon constellation was reportedly visible 60 miles away. (WOW!)

In 1965, a spectacular new roadside sign replaced the old circular sign at a cost of $500,000. Its form was blurred by a scatter of star shapes, a shower of stardust. At night, incorporating neon and incandescent bulbs in the animation sequence, light fell from the stars, sprinkling from the top of the 188 foot tall sign down over the Stardust name, igniting a frenzy and then snowing down onto the fortunate people below.

The Stardust Sign is considered one of the most beautiful in the world[citation needed] and has been in place on the Las Vegas Strip since the 1960's. When first built the Stardust Sign was the world's largest electric sign. The Neon Museum and Boyd Gaming have arranged to preserve the world famous Stardust Sign. As an icon of Las Vegas history.

I found this on various websites... just found it interesting.

Okay, I know this is probably a stupid question, but...why do they always do these implosions in the middle of the night? Just too disruptive to business during the day? I'd certainly guess the area would be roped off for distance just the same as day or night, for obvious safety reasons. Just wondering....

They do them at night due to less traffic and safety reasons. I was there for the very small Bourbon St implosion and they made us stand at Ballys (which i guess was not to far away). I wish I could be there for this one because it is a sight to see.

Here is a complete history of the Stardust (with some pictures):

http://www.lvstriphistory.com/ie/starind.htm

vp03- Thanks for your wonderful links!! I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the one you put on here about ol' Bob Stupak and the Vegas World gig- very interesting stuff.

Shona :-)

acsmacan

You are welcome. I find it interesting to read about the history of the hotels. Vegas World was in a class by itself- truly spooky!!

I would love to know when this is going to happen. My husband and I will be there for the Nascar race and we're not leaving until the afternoon of the 13th. Although sorry to see the old girl go! Went to Vegas with some friends about a year and a half ago and we were on a mission to visit all the old casinos with the fear that they would be gone soon. Bourbon St. gone, now Stardust. We're staying at the Imperial Palace this trip because I'm expecting it to be gone at any moment!

A belated thanks to Ms Meliss for the info. Do you know Melissa, or any other locals, whether those motel-style units on the south side of the property are history yet, or is it going to all come down in one big bang?