Tuesday, July 2, 2024

About That Las Vegas Town-- Part 6: Taking a Risk and Sports

It's not just gamblers taking risks in Vegas.  The Strip has been a global capital of extreme sports ever since December 1967, when a little-known stunt artist named Evel Knieval tried to jump the fountains of the newly opened Caesars Palace, coming up short and crashing to the tune of several broken bones and a 29-day coma.

The city is also recognized as the undisputed home of boxing since the iconic slugfest between George Foreman and Ron Lyle at Caesars Palace in 1976.

In more recent thrills, last November the eyes of millions were fixed on the city for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix Formula 1's first ever after-dark race in Sin City turned the area into a high velocity street circuit with the Strip naturally taking center stage as the blistering home stretch.

Ever seductive, the Strip continues to temp visitors with its unusual indulgences:  Win a fortune on black, fall in love by the fountains of the Bellagio, get married by Elvis-- or snag a quickie divorce.

Tastes may change, but its the thrill of the ephemeral that makes Vegas Vegas.

--DaCoot


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