Station Casinos' 40th anniversary celebration kicks off today with a fireworks display and a month of special contests, gift offers and specials.
The company got its start on July 1, 1976, when Station founder Frank Fertitta Jr. opened a 5,000-square-foot gambling parlor called The Casino on Sahara Avenue west of the Strip. The Casino, which was attached to a motor inn, underwent an expansion a year after opening, when Fertitta added a bingo room and changed the name of the establishment to the Bingo Palace. The Bingo Palace later evolved into the Palace Station, and the company grew again when it opened Boulder Station in 1994. Today, after starting with 90 employees, Station has grown to a workforce of more than 12,000 across 19 gaming venues. In addition, the company recently announced plans to purchase the Palms.
Mayor Bill Briare, left, and Palace Station owner Frank Fertitta Jr. wave to the crowd aboard the 1875 vintage steam locomotive at the Palace Station grand opening on April 6, 1984.
To mark the anniversary, Station plans to stage a fireworks show at 9 p.m. today at Palace Station. Also scheduled as part of the commemoration:
• Guests can earn points to receive a Bingo Palace T-shirt from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 4, and Boarding Pass holders can receive a hat on July 14 by presenting their card and ID.
• Special Boarding Passes and $5 commemorative chips will be available.
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and all-nighter specials will be offered at Grand Cafes and Fiesta Cafes. Specials also will be on the menu at T-Bones Chophouse at Red Rock Resort and Hank's Steaks and Martinis at Green Valley Ranch Resort, while Board Pass members can receive $25 off bills of $50 or more at the Charcoal Room at Palace Station.
• Guests can play a kiosk game every day in July for a chance to win up to $40,000 cash, free slot play, points and other prizes. Station also is giving away cash, cruises and cars in a scratch card game Fridays through Sundays, and a special drawing for up to $10,000 will be held at 6:15 p.m. July 31 at each Station property. In addition, a kiosk game also will be offered at Wildfire properties.