By Contributing Writer
The Golden Nugget in
Las Vegas, Nevada, has grown from the vision of one man into a destination know by travelers around the world. The Golden Nugget consists of three towers that take up more than 7 acres with more than 1 million square feet of area for the public. The Golden Nugget also has nearly 2,000 guest rooms along with a casino, restaurants and several venues for live entertainment.
Humble Beginnings
In the early 1940, the current site of the Golden Nugget housed a coffee shop and a pool hall. Guy McAfee, a former Los Angeles police officer, bought the buildings with plans of turning the location into a casino and saloon. McAfee also bought the nearby Boulder Drug Store to make the lot bigger.
Idea in Motion
In 1945, McAfee announced his plans to open a casino. McAfee called his vision the Golden Nugget Saloon. After buying the land, McAfee had $250,000 to complete his saloon. McAfee planned to decorate the casino with old items and neon.
The Opening
The Golden Nugget opened in 1946. More than 20,000 guests were invited to the grand opening. The total investment in the casino was $1 million and at its opening, the Golden Nugget was called "largest casino in the world." In 1949, McAfee put up a 100-foot neon sign proclaiming the Nugget was "the brightest nightspot in the world."
New Owners
In 1972, Steve Wynn bought controlling stock of the Golden Nugget. Wynn was elected to the board of directors and named the casino's executive vice president in 1973. In 2000, the MGM Grand bought the Golden Nugget. In 2005, current owner Landry's Restaurants, Inc. took control of the Golden Nugget.
Golden Nugget Firsts
The Golden Nugget received its first AAA Four Diamond Award in 1977 and has gone on to receive the award every year since.The Golden Nugget's Theatre Ballroom was opened by Frank Sinatra and Willie Nelson in 1984. In 1985, the casino held its first poker tournament.
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