🚀 The case for a space academy in Nevada

If a strip club can have its own steakhouse in Vegas, why not a baseball park? Season ticket holders at the A’s new stadium will have exclusive access to the Athletic Club, a 290-seat steakhouse and lounge with field-level views behind home plate. Will Guidara (whose New York restaurant Eleven Madison Park holds three Michelin stars) is behind the project with a menu leaning towards classic steakhouse staples like beefsteak tomatoes, potatoes au gratin, and a Baked Alaska dessert. Guidara formerly had a Vegas presence at the original NoMad Restaurant at the Park MGM. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

• Construction on the stadium is on track to open in 2028 and continues to make progress with the second of six distinctive trusses now in place. [Ballpark Digest]
• But why stop there? While bids take shape for an NBA expansion team, commissioner David Silver says the team would play in an upgraded T-Mobile Arena or an all-new facility — possibly with the Sphere as inspiration, admitting to “some discussions around a similar vein.” [KVVU]
• The NBA wants to finalize decisions on any expansion teams by the end of the year. [KSNV]
• Construction on Allegiant Stadium’s new plaza and rideshare megacenter is on tap to begin in 2027 and wrap up before the Super Bowl in 2029. [Raiders.com]
• Don’t ask who’s paying for it. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
• And if you think steakhouses are too fancy for gameday food, don’t worry. Allegiant Stadium has a brand-new Taco Bell Cantina for football fans this season. [KSNV]

🧑‍🚀 Can Nevada Win the Space Race?

Each state has until Oct. 26 to make a bid on President Trump’s proposed Space Force Academy. Nevada can make a good case, especially near Vegas where we have two air force bases, top-secret government sites like Area 51, and the Nevada National Security Site, where Apollo-era astronauts trained inside the Sedan Crater. If this whole thing actually happens, NASA wants temporary cadet quarters ready by 2028 and a permanent location in place by 2031. [KSNV]

• Whatever happened to those plans for a Las Vegas Spaceport near Pahrump? 🤔

🤖 Waymo Problems with Autonomous Taxis

Waymo just officially launched services in Las Vegas — and is already annoying other drivers by using up valuable time at public EV charging stations. And if you’re wondering, “Who’s around to plug in an autonomous vehicle, anyway?” … the Waymos have human supervisors who hop on board every now and then. [KTNV]

🍸 Henderson Wants Booze-To-Go Too

Following a similar move by the City of Las Vegas, Henderson leaders are now drafting a new law that allows bars and restaurants to sell beer, wine, and cocktails as takeaway orders — as long as those drinks are sealed. Supporters say it helps local businesses during a time when inflation is squeezing profit margins. [KVVU]

• There are pros and cons to the idea. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

🤑 Fall Clearance Sale Returns

The Vegas hospitality industry is joining together to bring back its five-day sale on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The first version debuted with hype and fanfare last year to boost Vegas tourism while visitation numbers tanked. [LVCVA]

• City Cast Las Vegas takes a hard look at the strategy and how much it really helps resorts, restaurants, and other businesses in today’s news roundup. The episode also discusses accusations of racial bias involving Clark County School District Police and the effectiveness of political endorsements. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]