.........starts today! We bowl on Monday 2:30 Team and Tuesday 11:40 Minors. For those who haven't ventured out yet (and/or those who are going who have not been to Vegas before), I will post my thoughts as we go along.
Bear in mind my game is in poor shape, but I will try to comment accurately on all that I do and see. Hope it helps. Oz.
3/20/2009:
SOUTHWEST / ORLANDO AIRPORT -
No problems getting here. Outside check-in was a breeze, even with a 4-ball roller. Would have preferred to ship rather than check balls, but ran out of time. Southwest charges $25 for a third bag or the same for an overweight bag (51 - 70 lbs) so I separated the 4-ball into 2 bags. (not preferred but stuffing cleaning rags / towels inside keeps the balls from rolling / bouncing).
Flight was uneventful, although flights to Vegas on Friday are generally pretty full, and mine was. I used to fly a lot for business and rarely took Southwest. Now I travel very little for business, and always use Southwest. Both cost ($303 incl. tax. round trip at time of purchase)and service were fine. $6 for a cocktail on the plane is a sham, and of course you don't get a movie. I read and slept.
AVIS - Since I used to rent from Avis a lot, I still use them. I am not sure of their regular prices as I get a business discount. However, even with that ther cost for 5 days for a full size (Impala) car is close to my flight cost. No bargain there. We have 2 teams coming, so the car is a benefit as we plan to golf and get out of town at least 1 - 2 days. Getting the car was a breeze.
STRATOSPHERE - We finally (after 12 years) are all staying in the same hotel. I have been to Vegas 3 - 4 times before, but never stayed at the Stratosphere, and have heard mixed reviews. Valet parking was easy once you figure out where to go (no signs on the strip you have to guess that you turn left before the tower to get to check-in area). Self-parking is simple as well. No charges other than valet tipping, of course.
I would consider the lobby area and casino area to be small and plain. Check-in was easy for me and I actually received the room I had booked. Can't say the same for our group that came in on Thursday night, as all of the King rooms were allegedly sold out. They were given a line about using a 3rd party site (I booked through the hotel site and they used vegas.com). They had even called vegas.com customer service prior to leaving and waited on the phone while the vegas.com staff confirmed the reservation and room-type. My opinion is that their late arrival (9:30 - 10:00 PM) was the cause, as most of these mid-priced hotels "spell out" that the room type is simply a "request". One of the managers was rude (dont know the name) but a second was helpful and despite first night problems (there had rooms, just not the right type), they were upgraded free of charge.
I booked a "Strip-view Premier King" which is as advertised. Roomy but not huge, comfortable bed, reasonable bathroom and a view of the strip from the 23rd floor (these rooms are apparently 14th floor and higher). Everything works (lights, television, A/C) but there is no safe or fridge. The bathroom "sundries" are minimal. The bed is comfortable. The room is clean. There is room for more furniture other than the small table and chairs, dresser and 2 bed tables, but being semi-claustrophobic, I enjoyed the open space. At the time I booked (January) the total cost for 5 nights, including all taxes, was $340. A bargain for the room I have.
Circle Bar is the main bar on the casino level. Good atmosphere but pricey drinks ($5.25 for a draft Guiness). The sportsbook is small and dull. There is a bar in the sportsbook which was trashy and the "room" reminded me of OTB when I used to live in CT. The odds were standard and the staff was professional.
Trip to the Tower was a hassle as the escalator to the 2d floor (the "R" floor - for retail) was being worked on. You have to take a 2d elevator then walk to another escalator. As hotel guests, admission is free (not to the rides, just the tower) but there are no signs and nothing in the literature about this, so we waited in line and then had to get out of line to go get our free ticket. The observation deck is great - both inside and outside. 360 degree view of Vegas. We went during the day but plan to go back at night. There is a small "Bar" on 109 which is just a service bar. There is another bar on 107 but this opens at 4 PM (we were a little early with the time change) Again - no signs.
MIRAGE - went to watch NCAA here since Stratosphere sportsbook was dead. Lively, fun, crowded and hard to move around. However, lots of yelling as we watched 2 overtime games (Wis-Fl St & Oh St - Siena). Good energy and a fun place to start a Friday night.
CARNEGIE DELI - pricey NY style deli adjacent to Mirage sportsbook. Sandwiches are excessively large, and you pay for them ($11.95 - $14.95). If you have a fridge and don't mind lugging around 1/2 a sandwich, no problem. OF NOTE - I ordered the Woody Allen, 1/2 pastrami and 1/2 corned beef. BEWARE - this sandwich, I was informed when, NOT BEFORE, this monstrosity arrived, has 2 full pounds of meet! I ate about 1/3 of it. For $17.95, it's pricey, but if you consider it to be 3 large sandwiches, it's really not too bad. It stood about 10" high. Photo to follow.
Back to Stratosphere - Poker games run regularly although the poker room is small and there is little energy. We decided not to participate as we were all pretty beat, but will likely join in the next few nights. There are No Limit tournies at 12:00 Noon - 4 PM - 8 PM & Midnight with a $60 buy-in. There were a few $1-$2 No Limit tables going, but there are only 9 tables in the room.
We should be practicing today (Silver Nugget is apparently $1/game for USBA members) and playing some golf. Sun came up as I was typing this, around 7 AM local time. If this is too wordy and I should break it down to different topics, let me know. Oz.
3/21/2009:
Lots of NCAA games so it was difficult to get outside! We ended up at the Silver Nugget to bowl the BTM & the 1-2-3 but it was a little late so we ended up practicing for a while. The center is fine and is about 2 miles north of the Cashman Center. Of course there is a walk-through to the Casino. Bowling was $1/game as advertised and the staff could not have been friendlier. Rick is running the BTM tournies again this year and told us the 1-2-3 is very popular. (
www.bowlingthismonth.com for those unfamiliar with the tourney). Of note is that only $30 of $85 entry fee goes to prize fund, which I did not really pay attention to until this year. $30 goes to the mag subscription, which is steep, but I like the mag so I dont worry).
We will bowl these and the BJ today, so tomorrow's update will have more substance. I will post a Statosphere-specific topic to avoid clogging this up.
3/22/2009:
Fixed my dates - I was off by one day somehow. I guess that's not tough to do out here.
HOOVER DAM:
If you have never been, it's a sight to be seen. 30 miles or so and 45 minutes from the strip. Parking $7 not bad for a carload. It was raining in Vegas but beautiful at the dam. We did not do the tour as we ran out of time. Just walking around on the top of the dam, taking photos and seeing the new expansion bridge construction was worth the trip. For those who plan on the tour, earlier is better as there are less people. The full tour is about 2 hours and costs $30. It's worth it, but we just didn't have time.
BOWLERS JOURNAL:
Is at the Gold Coast, just off the mid-strip area across the street from the Rio. The casino is spread out so it was a long trip from self-parking through the casino (there is a walkway connecting) down 1 escalator, around the sportsbook and up another escaltor to the bowling alley. There are 70 lanes all on one side so it is very long. We were bowling at the low end of the house (15-16 to start). Mike Jasnau and his training session was on 1 - 2, then a buffer and the BJ lanes were 5-6 through 17-18.
Started 15 - 10 with box condition Total Inferno, pin up. It was a little touchy at the exit point so I switched to a polished HyRoad, pin just under. I am speed dominant (19+) with medium revs (350-375). Moved right 2 + 2 and finished with 225. Moved to 17-18 and the backends were strong. Pete McCordic had been on this pair when we were on 15-16 and he had a great look on the gutter with medium speed and getting the ball down the lane with decent revs. I stayed with the HyRoad and found it was running away on a slight pull and skidding through the break point when going right. Took out the TI and tried to move right to use the same line that the prior group used and found it was very speed sensitive. Ended up with 1 double, several splits and 150. Moved to 5-6 and found both 5-6 and 7-8 to have been chopped up. I starting losing grip in game 3, and couldn't get a good read. Was able to get a better fit and when we moved to 7-8, found a line similar to 15-16, only had to use a little more side rotation to get the ball down the lane. BTW, low-to-cash on the spot was 860 singles 1640 doubles (4 games, of course).
As usual, I would have preferred to bowl on fresh oil, but it is what it is. I would say the tournament is run ok as ususal the center is low-key the pro shop staff seemed eager to help and the beer in the lounge was cold. One note - if you are considering getting something from the snack bar while you are bowling the BJ, it is a LONG walk as the food is completely at the other end of the house.
SILVER NUGGET:
Back for more practice at $1/game on the "USBC pattern". We again ran out of time and may bowl the BTM after Nationals. Found the shot to be playable although I cant say who bowled before us. I did not ask about the surface, but is seemed to be playing with reasonable hook and back end. I altered between the HyRoad straight (as much as possbile!) up 10 with speed and the TI swinging 15 - 10 / 20 - 12. Has a very good look.
SAM'S TOWN:
Took a ride out to Sam's Town. Had not been there for a while. Ate at Billy Bob's Saloon. A mid-upper priced steakhouse. Nice atmosphere and a couple of the guys have their wives with them so we relaxed. The food and the service was good. Drinks were good. $321 for 9 people plus tip with 4 appetizers to split for the table, a couple of soups, a few drinks and no room for dessert (salad, bread, potatoe come with dinner). Overall, I would rate it as average for the price.
The center area of the "town" where you enter is very nice and lighted trees, rivers, and pathways. It worth the 10 minute ride from the strip of you want to get a feel for the off-strip atmosphere. The casino had mostly older clientele and we did not spend any real time there.
We did not bowl (The 40-Framer is here) but checked out the center. It is in the basement and has been updated. 55 lanes and a lot of local league and recreational bowlers (Sunday night). There was no one bowling the 40-Framer so we did not get a chance to see what was going on there.
Packed it in early as the time change and lack of sleep is catching up with me. Forgot to mention that there are no exhaust fans in the Stratosphere bathrooms. Not a big problem since the air is so dry, but if people are rooming together it is a consideration.
TEAM today at 2:30.
3/23/2009:
Went to Silver Nugget early to get a little practive before team. Just cant get ready with 10 guys / 10 minutes (I have not been bowling much in the past 3 years and am getting older.....Ouch!). The practce helped make me feel comfortable and we were in and out in an hour.
2:30 TEAM:
We have 2 lefties, 8 righties (usually 7 & 3, but emergency left one of our lefties at home). We were on 35 - 36. We do not have a team that works hard on breaking down the pattern. There are many different styles but we were all trying to get it to 10 at the far marker to start.
Started with Rule GP2 at 500 for 4 frames. The reaction was smooth but some of the other guys were getting a better back end reaction with less surface so I switch frames 5 --> to an Hammer Anger at 1000. I missed 3 1-pinners in the first 4 frames so that's how my day went. With the Anger I was straight up 10 for the next five frames and moved 2 + 1 then 3 + 1 to finish the game. As most have stated, losing it right did not give room for return. I had 1 washout, but tugged a couple for fear of losing it. went double, wash, double and then another dreaded 9-0 in the 10th that sealed my fate at 158. Felt good that I had found something, though.
Stayed with Anger moving to 15 - 10 second game. The pin on this ball is down so it revs early, but had no probs as there was plenty of head oil left. Could not strike, but started making spares and ended 183. A great photo op was missed as I left a 9-pin and on the spare ball, lost the ball which dropped directly on my left big toe and right turned into the ditch at about 15 feet.
At this point 35 was a little dry in the middle and 36 was a little slick. I stayed with the Anger on 36 and switched to a polished HyRoad, pin under ring, for 35. Without bowling I was missing shots but the Hyroad on the dryer left lane had a nice arc if I hit it, 17 - 12. Again too many missed spares, a score was a non-reportable 172.
General comments - the shot is touchy but certainly playable for the above-average bowler. I did not find the amount of oil that others mentioned, but they were speed sensitive. Without going into too much detail, we had a strapper that could virtually play down 2 or swing the lane. 2 strokers who were at 15-12 for the entire game. A slow roller that was 20 - 10. The two lefties were 1) slow 15 - 8 and very hard up 10 or 12.
We had one dropped pin on 35 but no other lane problems. So of the guys who slide more found a small sticking spot on the approach of 36, but was corrected.
Brackets were tough for our better bowlers as the McCordics and Hollands cleaned up most. It seems some people stayed away for this reason as there were a fair amount of refunds in the $10 brackets with 300 bowlers.
Generally, I like the set-up of the Cashman Center. It is well-lit and parking is a breeze ($3 per session or $9 3-day unlimited in and out). We had cars so trip to Binions was no problem. We bought the 5 for $10 20 oz drafts and prime rib sliders at Benny's Bullpen near the Bracket Pick-up. Hit the spot. Drafts are Miller Light Fosters or MGD. Nachos were also pretty good.
Stayed close to home last night but walked over to Sahara (against advice) and will only say that I would not return. We were tired and went to the buffet, and without being overly critical, was on par with Golden Corral for $15 ($8.99 with a Sahara card, however). Carving station pasta/pizza station/dessert line and miscellaneous stuff.
Minors today at 11:40. I could give info on what some of our better bowlers were using, if anyone requests, but most of the higher rev or higher track players were using pearls or lower surfaced solids by the middle of the 2d game. I used the Total Inferno 1 frame but did not feel comfortable with the look so put it back in the bag.
3/24/2009:
Nothing to report in the morning hours other than one of our guys hit the Stratosphere 3-Card Poker table Monday night for a straight flush that netted him about $3500. They acted like he hit a $1M Progressive Slot. Temporarily shutting the game down new cards changing dealers (although she made an error on a payout to a different player so this may have been justified - however, she was very flustered as if she was new). When he went to cash in, they examined the $100 chips under light individually! I understand they need to be careful, but his table was about 50 feet from the cashier cage.....
11:40 Minors:
Check-in smooth and uneventful. Plenty of lockers to be found, by the way. Also, ATMs close by and in squad room ($300 limit). Our guys were spread across 19 - 24, with out 4 being on 19 - 20 for doubles. We came a little early and watched the squad finish. They were reasonably consistent playing the track area, but most had slower speed and shiny stuff. There appeared to be a hole punch in the middle already.
Started Doubles w/ the HyRoad playing 15 - 10 and had a decent reaction. Shot 207 clean. Towards the end of the game the ball was checking up a little early and I had moved about 3 + 1 but was mentally unable to get the ball far enough down the lane for fear of losing it right. Last ball of 1st game switched to the Total Inferno to see the reaction and smashed it playing 18 - 12. Started 2d game with TI - mistake. It was rolling great but very speed sensitive and started 2-4-10. Immediately put it back in the bag and took out the HyRoad again. Was unable to get the ball far enough down the lane, and the back end was too weak for me when I moved further left. Chopped a 3-6 and missed a 9-pin in between 3 strikes - 173. Again used the TI on the last ball to see if it would work - again smashed it. Another mistake as I had the same issues to start game 3 as game 2. Started with washout and split. Decided to move to the point with the HyRoad. Not a great shot for most people but I had long been a down and in player so was comfortable that with the correct speed, could hit it. Was able to go up 5 with some side roll and toned-down speed, but a couple of slight tugs sent the ball way left. Could not do much and ended with 179. Doubles partner shot 598 with a glossy surface stroking it with slower speed 18 - 12 or so. At least we will cash something (1157).
Struggled in Singles when we moved to 17 - 18. The team that had been on those lanes were all different styles and consistency. The track area was burned up, inside 10 was still slick, and I changed balls / lines too many times. The shot was still in the inside, and the higher rev players were way in and getting the ball to come back. I shot 517. No need to address most of the set as I missed too many spares, was tired from not bowling much (but thanks to 5-hour energy, was ok. Also, the toe held up, but looks like someone dropped a 15-lb bowling ball on it.) I decided to think how I played singles the past 2 years with my Slash. Moved way left and stoke it up the back of the ball. OK. Moved out with my left foot on 40, release at 30 over 20 at the arrows to about 15-16. Smashed the last 5 to finish at 179......how stupid am I?
One of our guys who is a high-track stroker was 20 - 15 or thereabouts for 6 games with a Black Widow Pearl. After a 173 start, was +35 for the last 2 games of doubles and 720 locked in Singles. Just a reminder that if you can repeat shots, you can score.
I found the 11:40 squad to be very playable if you are smart, consistent and willing to be open minded. I have no doubt that the higher scores will come from this squad.
Back to Binions for brackey pick-up only, and then a few beers at the Strat. sportsbook. Decided to hit the strip and went to Caesar's.
MESA GRILL - not for the faint of wallet but we wanted a good meal. Everything was great, but you paid for it. If you are a fan of food, and have some $$ to spend, it's worth it. I understand it's not for everyone, so I'll leave it at that.
CAESAR'S - took about 2 seconds to notice that I was in Vegas now (as compared to the Strat). Lots of action, a whole different vibe. Difficult to find tables (we wanted to play craps) so we hung out for a while and went to Excalibur. It was crowded but definitely 2 notches down, IMO. Played craps but there was no energy so we left. (In the mean time, we got a call from our 3-card poker buddy who hit the same bet & was subjected to the same routine! However, being up $8000 in 2 nights certainly helped him forget it)
Back to Strat and played 3-card of our own. Player 2 seats down hit the straight flush this time for about $500. My 3-card buddy shows up just to say hello as he was leaving the next day. Decides to sit to my left and hits the straight flush again. This time the bet was lower so he only collected $2350 on the hand! Same routine, but they were used to it now. I also hit one for $500 about 10 hands later - 3 in an hour and they were probably not happy, but we were).
Did not get back to Silver Nugget so cant report on that. Some of the guys will likely bowl today, but I leave at 5 PM.
Final comments on Strat - the comp credits are very weak. The rooms are fine and I cannot complaint about service other than what has been mentioned already. Without a car, I would not stay hear, although you can get the Monorail at the Sahara, about 5 minute walk.
Final comments on bowling. Not as much surface needed as some people think unless you are speed dominant. For example, I had bowled at Kegel (Lake Wales, Florida) the week before I left to come out, and was using the GP2 at 500 on the Nationals pattern 12-10 and was getting a great reaction. The shot is not exactly the same, but could not use that surface / ball combo in Vegas. 1000 abralon to start team then transition from there.
Hope this was helpful. I know it was long and that I left some things out, but wanted to put as much as possible in for those who have not been out here. Any questions I will gladly anwer.
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Just bowl!
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