| LAS VEGAS, Jan. 22, 1999 - The Tropicana Resort Casino
(Aztar) is making history in Las Vegas once again as it prepares to debut
their amazing new addition to the property, the Casino Legends Hall of
Fame. The Casino Legends Hall of Fame is home to the largest and most unique
collection of casino memorabilia ever assembled, paying homage to those
who made Las Vegas the gaming and entertainment capital of the world. The
collection traces the evolution of Nevada gaming from its legalized inception
in 1931 through the present day.
The grand opening festivities include the star-studded Inaugural Induction
Gala, set for Thursday, February 4, in the Tiffany Theatre. Scheduled to
perform during the Gala are crooner Bobby Barrett and Las Vegas showroom
legends Shecky Greene and Sam Butera, among others. Famed comedic duo Mario
Daniel are the Masters of Ceremony.
The Casino Legends Hall of Fame honors those individuals whose significant
contributions in their respective careers have made an impact on the gaming
and entertainment industries of Las Vegas. The first group of inductees
recognized for their achievements are as follows:
| Builders Visionaries -- Benny Binion,
Hank Greenspun, Howard Hughes, Jr., LeRoy Neiman, Jay Sarno, Bob Stupak
and Lou Walters
Gamblers -- Doyle "Texas Dolly"
Brunson and Thomas "Amarillo Slim" Preston
"Good Guys" -- Sen. Harry Reid and
The Honorable Grant Sawyer
Showgirls -- Barbara Beverly Crockett,
Janet Ford Spelman and Debbie Davis Lee
Headliners -- Frank Sinatra, Dean
Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, Louis Prima, Keely Smith, Sam Butera,
Siegfried Roy, Shecky Greene, Liberace and the McGuire Sisters
LeRoy Neiman Award -- Kenny Rogers |
Each inductee will be recognized in the Hall of Fame with photos, memorabilia
and a commemorative award designed by world famous American artist LeRoy
Neiman. In addition to Neiman's induction into the Hall of Fame as a Visionary,
he will present his first "LeRoy Neiman Award for Artistic Excellence,"
an award that honors an individual whose vision cannot fit into one category
and whose talent knows no boundaries. LeRoy Neiman is proud to honor the
legendary recording artist Kenny Rogers as the recipient of the LeRoy Neiman
Award for Artistic Excellence. Rogers will be present to accept his award.
Additionally, Rogers' gracious memorabilia donation highlighting his
amazing career will be on display in the Hall of Fame adjacent to a permanent
installment of LeRoy Neiman's work. The February 4th induction is the first
of many. The Hall of Fame is scheduled to hold inductions semi-annually,
with the next Induction Ceremony set for September 1999.
Aztar (NYSE: AZR) is a publicly traded company that operates the Tropicana
Resort Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada; the Tropicana Casino and Resort in
Atlantic City, New Jersey; the Ramada Express Hotel and Casino in Laughlin,
Nevada; Casino Aztar in Caruthersville, Missouri; and Casino Aztar in Evansville,
Indiana. |
