Johnston Steiner demolishing a historic landmark that was still profitable to build a convention center that ultimately just became a parking lot isn’t “out with the old in with the new.” It’s piss poor local government
After a drive across the desert in a Lincoln Continental whose a/c had stopped working, my late Mother said she had enough and was sunburned horribly. We pulled into the parking lot and checked into the Riviera and that is how my Mother, Father and I wound up in Vegas in 1968 and I got to meet Mr. Frank Sinatra and Totie Fields in the coffee shop in 1968. My Mother wound up babysitting all the big stars children. Mr. Sinatra always called me " the kid " and I always called him " Mr. Sinatra. " I was 16.
George Senda: WOW! I was 6 or so when (my mom told me) we were in an airport in California when Frank passed by, & said to her "Three kids. Nice." How i loved YOUR memory!
I lived in a house once that sinatra lived in over 30 years ago, in PP..it had a nice vibe, old school laid back.. I remember staying at the riviera once, best thing was there was a balcony, beautiful views of the city, now its hard to come by..
ak p What is PP or where is PP? Lol I know he’s from Hoboken so I can’t think of what PP is unless maybe Point Pleasant, New Jersey, which I’ve stayed there for the summer before, as well staying in Hoboken & Vegas too. I can’t think of what PP stands for.
Thank you for mentioning Splash. I spent a great deal of my career as a dancer in that show. I lived at the Riviera for 6 months once. I’m sad to know it’s a parking lot now. I did stay the night in one of the big suites a little before it closed when we a had a Splash reunion. Jeff Kutash actually pushed the TNT plunger on the last tower while we all watched from the former entertainment director‘s condo in the Polo towers. It was surreal. Watching my history being torn down. Thanks for this video
SPLASH was one of my favorite shows by far! I remember KAREN DENISE dancing her sexy ass off every night and then she and Dixie Dooley would come and hang out at the El Morroco bar next to the Riv! Sam Kinison and many others comics and entertainers would just POP IN and destroy the place with off the cuff KILLER MATERIAL! God Damn those were Great TIMES!
I miss The Riviera too!! I saw that show in the summer of 1992 with my parents and big brother and loved it!! It's nice that you guys got to have a reunion before it closed and was torn down!! I'm very sad too that it's just a parking lot now. Besides Splash, my big brother and I enjoyed the cool amenities for us kids back in the day like the arcade and food court at Riviera. This was my second favorite place next to Circus Circus when I was little.
Was there a week before closing. Took photos. Even though the employees knew they would be out of a job all were friendly and provided good service. The strip will never be the same.
I gotta say this documentary is very well done. I stayed at the Rivera 3 times with my father when I was younger. It wasn’t as lavish as the bellagio or Wynn but it had a certain character and vintage flair that made it so unique. To me it brings back memories of going with my dad. After watching this I rummaged through my box of memories and pulled out the Rivera key cards from when I stayed, they’re now with items I have from Sands, startdust and other items from old Vegas greats. Also I was in Vegas July 2017, after staying at the PH we needed a last minute place before leaving....I thought Rivera immediately, I didn’t even know it was long gone at that point...very sad..I miss the magnificent Riviera
Your video itself is amazing. You didn't just make a video exploring the old Riviera. You talked about its history, legacy on the city, financial records, you took interviews with locals and experts, and you went into amazing detail with its decay. This is a DAMN good video you made.
Amazing video tribute to a special piece of Vegas history. Vegas is the one city that will never have a “Historical Society”, because they don’t give a shit ! Words like “memorable”, “historical”, vintage” and “special” don’t matter. No one can create and preserve special memories in Vegas and never will. Its so sad to see the truth of how this iconic landmark was so callusly destroyed. NOT to build a pointless “convention center”, but to build a parking lot. Really ?? Clearly, they could have left the Riviera open for several more years, providing jobs, revenue and memories for so many. But no, a parking lot. Sickening. - Thank you for sharing this.
My father was hired my metro pd in '75. I was born here in las vegas in '81. I was also one of the many firemen that trained at the riv before its demo. As a vegas native i love the time, effort, and dedication that was put into this documentary. It was very evident in watching. Awesome job. Just sad vegas doesnt have a tangible history. We just blow it up and build over it.
You know there are still a few of the old casinos left right??? Remodeled yes, some even unrecognizable, but they're still there like Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Tropicana, Bally's (the original MGM), SLS (formerly Sahara), every downtown casino, hell even the Westgate (formerly The International and Las Vegas Hilton).
@@vegasmarc7252 I stayed in the Flamingo a couple of years ago. The remodeled rooms were very nice. I researched it's history out of curiosity while there and it's quite colorful. Someone should make a video about it if there isn't a great one already.
@@vegasmarc7252....." (formerly The International and Las Vegas Hilton)." And don't forget LVH which stands for Las Vegas Hotel. This name was used for a brief time, 2012-2014 before it became the Westgate.
@@WilfBond55 they should have give it to an organisation that preserves the history of las vegas. And it's like you already said, a vacant lot is cheaper so they should have bought an empty lot and save demolition cost that way.
@@WilfBond55 The land value of those Vacant Lots keeps appreciating year on year, they are essentially too expensive to actually build on unless you have billions to invest. Whoever owns them can use them as collateral for loans to invest in other projects.
This building now is history... Another well known casino that had to go. after 60 years still in great condition... Hard to believe that this casino had to go.
@@TheHollywoodList as someone who worked there for a bit, trust me it was not in great condition and had been failing for years. While it had some historic value and I was sad to see it go, it needed to go.
My wife and I were married at the Riviera in 1995. So sad to see the girl go. I went there in May 2014 and had no idea that it would be gone in a couple years. But life goes on.
Wow, what a trip. That’s awesome you were married there. It has a deep connection with you 2 like it does Vegas natives. Riviera is historic and was here my entire life. The Comedy Club @ The Riviera was 1 of the most historic Comedy Clubs In the world. I’m surprised they touch on it more in their little doc he put together. Still not a bad little doc.
i had countless riviera caps and t shirts,sweat shirts,etc from my dad who loved vegas and only stayed at the riviera,he'd go just about every year and always brought back stuff for my brother and I.
love this! I am completely obsessed with Old Vegas casinos and history, this was an amazing documentary - very professionally made and with great camerawork. V/O was ace too.
Same I love watching these. Even when I go there both Atlantic City And vegAs I always get sad when history is being tore down. I was in Vegas the last week the Riviera was open. Went home and watched the explosion on the Internet. Was sad. I wish they would keep them and buy up land around the strip to add new properties. For one, the airport shouldn’t have been on the strip like that. Should be set back so a few properties could have went up there.
Thats what i was thinking also. The casino was making profit even on its last days. So the local government came in and shut it down for there best interest. This does not seem right. Im very shocked that there was no large back lash of what they where doing.
I read some reviews on Google and a few people said they couldn’t get very good Wi-Fi, so it was more of an issue of the Riviera not doing it than an issue of ability
A well made and intelligent farewell to one of the iconic casinos of classic Vegas. Thank you. I only visited it once, which was during its swansong, but I was pleased to drink in the atmosphere of all the classic acts that had played there before.
The Riviera, the Stardust and the Westward Ho were the places I always felt more at home in. We always stayed in one of those. First time in Vegas was 1980 and I was 22 years old. Sure miss these places. I will be 60 this year and actually will be in Vegas the end of this week. Going to go look at what is there now. Been back to Vegas but never could stand to go see what was left of this part of town.. Ty for posting. Was a great film..
Thank you so much for this video! My wife and I got married at the Riviera and 2013. I’ve visited that hotel every year sometimes twice a year for about eight years. It was great to go back down memory lane.
We used to have Consumer Electronics Show in the Riv... lots of memories there. Great meals, great shows.. Loved the breakfast bar... Just across the street, shrimp coctails and foot-longs at Slots o Fun. So sad a suicide happened. Many tears over this one going away... The one I really hated to see go was the Landmark... Senseless loss of a completely unique and beautiful building. Loved the view from the bar up there..
Thank you SO much for creating such a wonderful documentary. I only had the chance to stay there once in February 2014. I was there attending a convention on property. Our organization put on a trade show for Mobile a Entertainers every year, but 2014 was the only year I was able to attend. We took every square inch of the convention hall, several floors of rooms, and would rent out several of the bars and special meeting space on the top floors every night. We brought in people from around the world totaling in the thousands every year for 12 years. We chose the Riviera as our home, and when we came in for six days every Feb/March, the staff treated us like family. They would give us exclusive access to restricted areas and there was never a request they wouldn't accommodate. 2014 was such a memorable trip for me and there was a kind of magic that all of us felt. When we found out it was closing and being torn down, it was like seeing a close family member die. So many wonderful memories were made there and finding your video tonight brought back all the warm feelings I had for the place and all that worked there. My only regret is that I didn't give in to my buddies pressuring me to get a tattoo at the place right in the hotel. To many stories bouncing around in my head now, so I will leave you with this. By making this masterpiece you have not only put a record out there for a place lost, you have also gave all the people who have memories there to relive them once again. Thank You from the bottom of my heart!
I spent a bunch of time there at their sports booking area back in 1998 glad I seen it a few times. Shoot even stayed at the old school westward ho lol had a blast even on a budget trip
Seriously? Wow. As many times I’ve been to Vegas (parents were compulsive gamblers) I thought I had seen more than most. That is the best. Very cool. 👊❤️
I love seeing the old Nevada casinos in Reno/Las Vegas/etc., especially The Riviera.; To me, The Riviera will always be The Tangiers from the 1995 movie 'Casino'. I wish they didn't tear The Tangiers down, personally.; I wish that they didn't tear down all of the others that ended up going down, as well.
I've had this in my "watch later" playlist forever, and I finally watched it. Wow. What an incredible documentary about the end of an icon. The final credits sequence is perfect. I'm glad I got to see the Riviera on my only trip (so far) to Vegas in 2013. I really hope that you will make more videos like this of that ever-changing world.
m28us41 The new Vegas, convention center better then slot machine crap for the low IQ levels! Still need crazy girls in the Riviera? Jody song old guy?
This brings a tear to my eye, my wife and I spent at of time there (I worked across the street at Circus Circus 1993-2004 and sadly she died about 8 months after the Riv fell) cause it was across from work and I met a good friend there as well (Scott Linker)
When I came across to this video, the feelings, for me at least, are bittersweet. I attended the VNEA International Championships at the Rivera Hotel & Casino from 2003 until the event changed to Bally's Hotel and Casino in 2010, or 2011, every Memorial Day weekend and the week following.. I have many fond memories of the Riv. Good times. This venue always had the old Vegas feel to it. I do miss staying there. Good work on this presentation.
This is probably the best, most informative and moving documentary I've watched ever. The emotion and sadness that is captured within the film is really beautiful. Set to perfect befitting music the collapse of the towers marks the end of an era. Thank you so much for creating and capturing a real part of Las Vegas history that makes hair stand on end. All credit to you . Clare
Wow, well done! I watched your entire video and, honestly, I thought it was excellent. Some of the added digital parts were rather impressive and the editing was pretty damn good. Well done!
This was an amazing documentary. I was one of the extras in the Jason Bourne movie and I remember being in the Riviera. I didn't much about the history of the casino until I watched your show.
All I can say is WOW.... that was an amazing documentary.... I had no idea it was already gone and imploded. I'm so happy that you made this video and I was allowed to see some of the Riviera's final moments. Thank you.
Great video. Brought back some of my own memories. Lots of information I didn't know and a great inside-view of the tear-down. I especially enjoyed the old TV moments edited in towards the end.
My father was a dealer on opening day at the Riv. I was 6 years old, it was the same summer that Disneyland opened and dad took me there on the third day Disneyland was opened.
Wow, you should feel very proud. Remember a gambling addiction is a very serious thing, however it is up to the individual if they choose to gamble. Many people have lost everything they own to gambling including their lives.
Went to the Riviera once..seemed like a cool little casino with movie history..bought a breakfast buffet, went and got my money back plus and extra $100 and left.
What an awesome video, I love Vegas and to see the behind the scenes stuff is incredible!! To date, this is THE BEST RU-vid video I’ve watched, thank you so much for your efforts and for sharing 👍
I was in town for the WSOP, staying at the El Cortez down the street, when the Riviera was demolished. I watched from outside the room and followed the coverage on tv, the end of an era. Thanks for making and posting this piece of history.
Austin! You did an amazing job! What an historical treasure you've created in freezing the Riv's memories forever in time! Thank you for your wonderful efforts! Enjoyed it! I actually permanently resided at the top of the Riv's Mediterranean South Tower for over ten consecutive years as my father, Sam Distefano, was the hotel's vice-president of entertainment and special events from 1983-1994 and booked all the celebrity headliners that appeared there during those two decades. So your incredible documentary touched a special place in my heart that shall forever flourish. Thank you again for doing such a great job on this Riviera tribute! Hope to see your movies on the big screen one day, as I'm confident will eventually and inevitably unfold! You've got talent, Sir! Cheers! Sincerely, Mike Distefano Las Vegas
Las Vegas will have all the character of Atlantic City pretty soon. And paying for parking and all the resort fees . When the economy turns south like 2008 they can pound sand.
I couldn’t watch anymore. Almost made me cry when I think back of the memories. I mean why not build new Rivera and use some of the stuff and old themes and make more modern for 2017. Anyway great video but saddens me deeply!!
I’m with you! Keep as much of the front as possible, maybe, but build the mega-structure behind it complete with all the modern bells & whistles & technology & modern stylings as needed. Set a portion aside, like a small tribute museum, displaying lots of original mementos. I can’t imagine retaining the historic name would keep people away. Honor the history but move into the glass & steel curved monolith future. Maybe I’m just an idealist.
Thank you for this video. It has brought back so many wonderful memories of going to Vegas when Vegas had character. I just wish that they would have restored some of the older casinos such as Stardust and Hacienda so that people could relive the glory days of vegas and not have so many monstrosities of properties that take you 30 minutes to get from the street to your hotel room.
Sadly i have never got to Vegas as live in the U.K (its on my bucket list) ....but i have a fasination with the place and all the old classic casinos that have gone before think it's nostalgia from being a kid in the 70s and 80s so remember seeing them in films or tv series .....this is a BRILLIANT documentary on the Riviera and i was sad to see it go ...but i do love your final shot in the film ...yes the RIV may have gone and been imploded ...but that final ariel shot as you fly over .....all the bits off mirrored windows/cladding sparkling in the las vegas sun ...reminds me that even in the Riviera's demise she still sparkled like the jewel in the crown of vegas that she was :) gone but never forgotten!
The Riviera was definitely a special place, I'm actually working to rebuild it using the new virtual reality software. I'm glad you liked my documentary!
OMG you need to save up and GO! Im from holland and ive been there 3 times. Once you go, youre hooked for life. its the best craziest most fun city ever
get there whenever you can. I remember desert inn,stardust,and my all time favorite, new frontier. even the more campy casinos like westward ho,silver city,holiday inn and boardwalk. we stayed at stardust 13 days before closing, right next door to frontier. good times were had at frontier, many memories.sad.
XLNT video. I've been in Vegas since 81. My mother, along with other family members, stayed there before she passed away. She enjoyed it and always hit well on the slot machines. Especially when coins were spit out. I was her coin bucket runner to cash out at the old change booths. Memories!!
At least I can say my wife & I saw a little of old school LAS Vegas in 2003 & 2004. We made a point to visit Sahara, Aladdin, Stardust, Flamingo, Golden Nugget & Binions plus the modern places. We had lots of fun & brought back a lot of memories. I just wish I would have had a chance to visit the old Sands! That was history!!
You were very lucky indeed. I've been wanting to go there since the late 80's. I think it is cooler the motif of the 40's or 50's thru into the 70's. I'm interested in the nostalgic aspect of downtown and the Strip not the modern commercialized version. I doubt I'll ever go there.
Great Video Production! The Rivera, was the FIRST place I stayed in Vegas... October, 1984. and then I stayed there multiple times since.... I ate there, and played a couple of slots during it's last month as an operating Casino. This vid triggered many memories for me.
If it had stayed open just one more month, I'd have been able to get there (at least to play) one last time. I'm sad the old girl is gone, but as Frank would sing, "That's life, that's what they say..."
You did a hell of a job on this. RU-vid is so full of cheaply quickly made crap I feel it's in jeopardy of being overtaken but your film doc here was worthy of commercial appeal. Keep it up dude, you impressed me.
I’m the guy being “spied on” at 10:49. Yeah, it’s sad to see these old casinos come down - especially with such poor planning around what will take their places. But Las Vegas has always been about being at the leading edge of both the entertainment and gaming industries. When a venue becomes “nostalgia”, then it’s time to move on. The Riviera in its heyday was truly a happening spot. In the past decade, it had grown dumpy and run-down. Now for Circus Circus...
I thank you for this amazing footage, this is exceptional..Its always heartwrenching to see a memory monument being torn down..I always like to think real hard to hear the echos of voices remaining of those whom have come and gone...Again Ty
My god this made me so sad. Great editing! Are you a Vegas resident and how old are you? I thought I was the only person overly obsessed with old casinos ha
Uploader: so you've never been inside Circus Circus, but are confident actually publishing a derisive reference to it. That's either ignorant or - no, it's ignorant. You have one chance for redemption, though: locals know that Circus is kind of an "inside joke" to represent the Alfred Newman, the Joe Btfsplk, the Sad Sack of Vegas, but locals know that that is just a running joke, and not currently accurate. Your viewers are not in on the joke though. So perhaps, just perhaps, you were just playing to an inside joke. Yet the vast majority would not know that and you'd just prop up their clueless believe that Circus Circus is anything less than prime quality in 2018. Your derision is *not* currently accurately justified. Informed locals, as you know, know that MGM bought it and has been raining money into it, and it has nice chic semi-boutique shopping; the Circus itself which is unquestionably professional and the best deal in Vegas - *the best deal in Vegas.* There's an arcade with a pretty excellent state of the art roller coaster. And that arcade is the ONLY place you'll see kids, unless you see a few in the check-in lobby. It's hardly distinguishable from the Flamingo except for 1. It knows how to manage a big line of incoming hotel guests while Flamingo does not; and 2. It's fairly isolated from everything except that _actual_ shithole Stratosphere. Don't do it an unfair or ignorant injustice. Since a lot of clueless people are carrying impressions that are 20 years out of date (and yes, it did reek in some of that time), there's a mentally diseased urban legend erupting on the topic of Circus Circus. Why play to their stupidity? Clearly you're not a dumbass. Don't act like one.
I stayed there the last week before it closed. So bittersweet. Really strange though they had people painting the walls and cleaning the carpets non stop and I kept thinking um you guys no that next week this place will be closed right?
You did an incredible job of documenting this! The reminiscence is on point, and music was perfect. If you'd like help in doing another one of these, I'd LOVE to help. I have all of the equipment and editing skills. I love Las Vegas history.
