The Plaza Hotel
Opened in 1972 it was originally known as the Union Plaza, a reference to the Union Pacific railroad station that originally stood on the site. The original owners of the Union Plaza Hotel & Casino included Las Vegas business men Sam Boyd, Frank Scott, Howard Cannon and Jackie Gaughan.
Before the cancellation of Amtrak's Desert Wind train route in May of 1997 Amtrak's station and ticket windows were directly connected to the hotel. This was the only train station in the United States located in a casino.
Barrick Gaming Corporation eventually acquired the Plaza in late 2005 later ceded operation to majority owner Tamares Group. In July of 2005 after Tamares took control of the Plaza mayor Oscar Goodman made his opinions clear in an article in the Las Vegas Press. He said "If I had my druthers, I would like to have somebody in place to discuss imploding the Plaza." Ironically seven years later, after he left office, Oscar Goodman would open his acclaimed restaurant Oscars Steakhouse in the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
During its ownership by Barrick Gaming Corporation, Larry Manetti (who played Orville "Rick" Wright on the television show Magnum, P.I.) hosted a celebrity brunch every Sunday, featuring such guests as Pat Morita and Steve Rossi. He also owned Manetti's in the Plaza. When Barrick sold its interest in the hotel to the Tamares Group, Manetti closed his restaurant and severed his relationship with the hotel.
During its ownership by Barrick Gaming Corporation, Larry Manetti (who played Orville "Rick" Wright on the television show Magnum, P.I.) hosted a celebrity brunch every Sunday, featuring such guests as Pat Morita and Steve Rossi. He also owned Manetti's in the Plaza. When Barrick sold its interest in the hotel to the Tamares Group, Manetti closed his restaurant and severed his relationship with the hotel.
In November of 2010 the hotel acquired the furniture, carpets and fixtures from the bankrupt Fontainebleau Resort Las Vegas project and closed for 10 months to undergo a complete renovation. By September 1, 2011 the Plaza as once again in complete operation.
Almost from it very first days the Union Plaza, later Plaza Hotel, was featured in movies and television shows. The still under construction Union Plaza was seen in the James Bond film Diamonds are Forever, the Plaza was also featured in films such as Casino and the tv movie adaptation of Steven King's The Stand.
Although a relative late comer to the Las Vegas skyline the Plaza Hotel & Casino continues to have an illustrious career and has become one of the crown jewels of Downtown Las Vegas.
Museum of Gaming History featuring Plaza Casino
Spinettis visited the opening of the Casino Chip & Gaming Token Collectors Club (CCGTCC) Museum of Gaming history display at the Plaza casino. Here are some photos of the display showcasing Plaza gaming history
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Plaza Hotel & Casino Chips
The Plaza Hotel & Casino situated at the beginning of Fremont Street is a icon of Downtown Las Vegas.
Chips from the Plaza Hotel & Casino are a great addition to any collection of Las Vegas Casino Chips.
Union Plaza
Before it was the Plaza Hotel & Casino it was the Union Plaza. Add a touch of Las Vegas history to your collection with these chips from the Union Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Plaza Casino Cards
These decks are from the Plaza casino. These casino playing cards make for great additions to anybody's card collection and or can be used for your home gaming nights.
Plaza Hotel & Casino Dice
Add a pair of matching serial number collector Casino Dice from the Plaza Hotel & Casino to your collection. They also make the perfect souvenir or gift from your time in Las Vegas.