Caesars Entertainment: Caesars Palace, Flamingo Will Be Its First Vegas Properties to Reopen

Posted on: May 21, 2020, 11:29h. 

Last updated on: May 22, 2020, 10:11h.

Steve Bittenbender Read More
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We still don’t know exactly when Nevada will let casinos open in the state. But once Gov. Steve Sisolak gives the order, Caesars Entertainment will be ready to open the doors at two of its Las Vegas properties.

Caesars Vegas reopening
Caesars Palace may not necessarily have fireworks to celebrate its reopening after a more than two-month closure because of COVID-19. But there will certainly be a celebration when the iconic casino reopens at a to-be-determined date. (Image: Caesars Entertainment)

In a press release issued late Thursday, the company announced that Caesars Palace, its flagship casino, and the Flamingo Las Vegas will reopen “on the date and time” Nevada officials establish. Besides gaming, both will have hotel rooms, dining venues, and outdoor pools available to guests.

All amenities will abide by state regulations related to its COVID-19 reopening plan. That includes observing social distancing guidelines where applicable.

Besides the two resorts, the Las Vegas-based company expects retail and food options in the LINQ Promenade will also open, as well as the High Roller Observation Wheel.

The reopening plan is in line with what Caesars CEO Tony Rodio told investment analysts last week during the company quarterly report call.

Reopening Las Vegas in a phased approach will be a significant milestone for Caesars Entertainment, as the country continues to emerge from this necessary closure period,” Rodio said. “We are excited to welcome guests and our employees back to our properties.  We are grateful for the efforts of those on the front lines addressing this public health emergency. We are hopeful that the country’s continued progress in addressing COVID-19 and business conditions will allow us to reopen more of our properties and bring back more of our colleagues as it is appropriate to do so.”

Both Caesars Palace and the Flamingo will follow the company’s reopening protocols, which were also announced last week. Employees will be required to wear masks, and Caesars will give guests personal protective equipment and encourage them to wear it.

Free Parking During First Phase

When Caesars Palace and the Flamingo reopen, not all amenities will open initially. Live entertainment and bars will remain closed, as will buffets. The resorts will initially not offer valet parking.

During the initial reopening phase, Caesars will offer free self-parking at its Vegas properties. No details were given about resort fees.

Vegas is one of four US cities or regions where Caesars owns multiple properties. The plan in those areas is to open in phases based on customer demand. In Thursday’s release, Caesars officials expect Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and The LINQ’s gaming floor to be the next properties to open.

The company owns or operates nine facilities in Las Vegas, but the company did not divulge what may open after Harrah’s.

Caesars Properties Opening Elsewhere

Caesars Nevada casinos and resorts shut down on March 17 in accordance with Sisolak’s stay-home order that closed all gaming venues and nonessential businesses. In early April, Caesars Entertainment furloughed more than 90 percent of its workforce and agreed to provide health insurance coverage for affected workers through the end of June.

Elsewhere, Caesars properties are already starting to reopen. That includes tribal casinos the company operates in Arizona and North Carolina. Earlier this week, Caesars announced the reopening of casinos in Louisiana and Mississippi.