Memories of The Riviera

Greg C: One Year Ago Today, The Riviera Closed Down


Greg C shares Riviera videos: Closing night, all the lights, all that beautiful neon. 

One year ago today, The Riviera closed its doors to the public. The famous, historic Hotel and Casino had a 60-year run before final checkout — the last spin of the roulette wheel and a final hand of blackjack. Purchased by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and currently being demolished to make way for a flat piece of land (outdoor convention space), and perhaps, new LVCVA structures (if the LVCVA can secure the funding). The now-shuttered Riv leaves behind an endless amount of memories by those who remember their good times, shared experiences, and legendary gambling sprees at the tables.

Greg C has documented all the lights, the neon –all of it– for posterity on the VegasBright youtube channel. So, for your viewing pleasure, and the pleasure of your grandkids one day when you have to explain what neon was…enjoy the Riviera as she once was.

Clip 1: Short clip of Riviera sights and signage taken shortly before she closed on May 4th, 2015

https://youtu.be/kWu9f8Suy14

Clip 2: A few more shots of the lights and signage of the Riviera taken before she closed her doors in May of 2015

https://youtu.be/1DZQHpPKtBc

One more thing, while scoping out the view of The Riviera from Westgate, Greg C noticed something interesting.

The Riviera

I noticed a cool bit what must be “movie magic”. The back entrance had been painted blue and the fake name “Larimar” had been put up. This must be the fictitious hotel created for the Bourne movie. Several hotels awaiting demo have been used in movies in the past.  The Desert Inn was set up as the fake “Red Dragon” for 2001’s “Rush Hour 2” and The Sands was featured as itself in 1996’s “Con-Air.” -Greg C

Adding to that, the Riviera was used in the new Jason Bourne movie for a climactic crash scene.

The LVCVA’s plan is Phase 1: Demolish Riviera, clear debris and use the former Riv footprint as ‘Outdoor Exhibit Space’. Which is a clever angle to saying “We can afford to destroy something, but not build-up.” Much like, well, a lot of the North Strip. Any other plans for the leveled Riviera space wouldn’t happen until Phase 4. Phases 2 and 3 are not yet funded.

mov_rivflashback_3_532016

[Photos, video by Greg C | LVCVA Phases image found rather easily by an unrelated google search leading us here at STNIC.org <–it’s a PDF]

5 thoughts on “Greg C: One Year Ago Today, The Riviera Closed Down

  1. I look forward to checking out these videos tonight.

    I have long planned to share my photos from the May 4 closing of Riviera via the blog, and I should be able to do so tonight. My photos won’t measure up to Greg’s work, but they’re proof I was there. (A prolific VB contributor can also vouch for my presence.)

  2. Hey, VegasInsight!

    I sure do remember you being there. It was nice to meet up and say goodbye with all of the other Riviera fans…and Greg C. It was a sad day but a nice sharing experience, especially up at the pool.

    As for the videos, I loved the underground shots at the former valet.

    1. I haven’t been to Vegas yet this year. I ended up going to New Orleans, however, this spring. (Details about that are coming to the blog one of these days. I’m sure I’m not a first to compare and contrast Fremont Street and Bourbon Street.)

      My last trip to Vegas wsa in September. And we stayed at the Orleans, right after you were there for the big fitness competition. My next trip is likely over Halloween week. Perhaps we’ll cross paths again. Until then, keep up your great work!

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