Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine, Your destination for travel resources and entertainment.

Live in Las Vegas 

“Las Vegas is full of opportunity, energy, and outdoor activities. A rebirth is happening despite the economy. Looking to the future, I see our city becoming a hub for technology, a leader in medicine, and an admired cultural area. Everyone here is excited about being a part of the uniqueness of our community. When you love a place, you want to contribute to its vibrancy, and residents here feel like they can be a part of the city’s growth and development. It’s a family of people that take such pride in this community.” —Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman

“Here in Vegas, you don’t have to schedule your life around a clock. You can do things anytime you want, and the weather is amazing. I ride a motorcycle to work all year and have met the most interesting people while working at the airport, who share the most wonderful stories about their lives." —Chris Chapin, Las Vegas Operations Agent, Southwest Airlines

“Even as the overall economy experiences challenges, this city continues to grow with new resorts and attractions, such as The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, opening this spring. It’s a testament to the strength of our community that we continue to move toward economic recovery and support institutions that enhance the lives of our residents.” —Jason Gastwirth, Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Caesars Entertainment

Facts of Life in Las Vegas

• With a population of 1,951,269, Clark County  includes the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, and Mesquite. 

• Nevada has no state income tax. 

• The Las Vegas Strip isn’t located in the city of Las Vegas—it lies in the unincorporated community of Paradise, Nevada. 

• When she took office in July 2011, Carolyn G. Goodman became the first mayor in the United States to be sworn in by a spouse. Her husband, Oscar B. Goodman, preceded her in the office. 

• Clark County is the country’s fifth-largest school district, with more than 311,000 students. 

Work in Las Vegas 

“Downtown Las Vegas is the most community-focused place I’ve ever been. It’s where the bar owners hang out at each other’s bars, and everyone cares about the development of the community. By relocating Zappos to this area, we hope to integrate with our surroundings and help with revitalizing downtown. You can feel the excitement of what’s happening and what’s to come.” —Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos

“There’s great entrepreneurial enthusiasm in Las Vegas. Since the city is very pro-growth, it creates a community that people and businesses are excited to invest in.” —Derek Stevens, Co-owner, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino

Facts of Work in Las Vegas 

• In early 2012, online clothing and shoe retailer Zappos will move its headquarters from Henderson, Nevada, to the old city hall building in downtown Las Vegas. 

• McCarran International Airport is the eighth-busiest airport in North America, according to Airports Council International.

• fDi Magazine, a division of Financial Times Ltd., ranked Las Vegas No. 2 on its 2011 list of “Top 10 Large Cities for Business Friendliness.”  

• Computer software engineering is the fastest growing occupation in Clark County.

• Three Fortune 500 companies are based in Las Vegas: Caesars Entertainment, Las Vegas Sands, and MGM Resorts International. 

• Symphony Park, a 61-acre mixed-use urban community, is currently being developed downtown.

Play in Las Vegas 

“I fell in love with the glitz of Las Vegas at a young age and had to move here. Folks from all over the world converge at our airport, and if you’re a people person like me, you’ll never get bored here. You can go snow skiing and waterskiing in the same day—that’s how diverse it is.” —Bob Battista, Las Vegas Operations Supervisor, Southwest Airlines

“The feeling here is one of ingenuity, freshness, innovation, and excitement. There are a variety of communities within the Las Vegas Valley, and all of them have distinct personalities. It’s easy to make friends here—people are very open-minded and recognize that this city is made up of residents from all around the world. There’s also a deep sense of community engagement and volunteerism; it’s part of the DNA of Las Vegas.” —Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO, MGM Resorts International

“Las Vegas is a truly American city with transplants converging to pursue their dreams. The whole world comes to Las Vegas, which gives companies an opportunity to expose their brand to a massive range of people. This city holds great promise for those willing to take a chance.” —Paul Hobson, General  Manager, Stratosphere Casino, Hotel, & Tower

“Southwest Airlines began service to Las Vegas in 1982, and to commemorate our 30 years here, Customers can expect to celebrate with us in the airport. We may even have a few fun surprises up our sleeve! Vegas holds a special place in our Employees’ hearts, and the city is fun, quirky, and offers tons of great Customer Service. We like to think those characteristics fit Southwest pretty well too!” —Michelle Agnew, Communications Specialist, Southwest Airlines

“Vegas is the epicenter of some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. I can jump in the car and be in some of the most spectacular locations within a few hours. Around every corner a whole new world opens up. Deserts, mountains, forests—this city has it all!” —Peter Lik, Photographer, LIK USA

Facts of Play in Las Vegas 

• “Vegas Vic,” the neon cowboy looming over Fremont Street, is the world’s largest mechanical neon sign.

• In May 2011, Golf Digest named Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas the sixth-greatest public course in America.

• The CityCenter Tram travels along a 2,100-foot-long electric track, connecting the ARIA, Bellagio, Vdara, and Monte Carlo resorts to the Crystals at CityCenter retail district.

• The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, opening in March 2012, will feature dance, music, and Broadway shows on its nearly five-acre campus.

• The VIP Bowling Suite at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, a Station Casinos property, includes state-of-the-art audio-video equipment and 12 private lanes.

• The Mob Museum, which features interactive exhibits about the history of organized crime and law enforcement, is slated to open in February 2012.

• The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino feature 170 stores, 15 restaurants, and a multi-million dollar indoor fountain show.  

• Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas has been named a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel for six consecutive years. 

• Celebrity chefs Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali own restaurants in the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian.

• Green Valley Ranch, a Station Casinos property located a few miles off the strip, features a huge outdoor area with a sand-bottom pool.

• Elvis’ first successful run in Vegas began at the International Hotel (now the Hilton) in 1969, where he continued to perform until 1976. 

• The Monte Carlo has been named a AAA Four Diamond hotel for the past five years.

• The Sleepy Lagoon Tattoo Parlor opened poolside at the Hooters Casino Hotel in September 2010. 

• The Golden Gate Hotel & Casino is the oldest hotel in Las Vegas, and originally had the city’s first phone number, which was #1. 

Heal in Las Vegas 

“There is an increased interest in the medical tourism industry, based on our high quality, low costs, and accessible location. The collaboration between St. Rose Dominican Hospitals and Stanford Hospital & Clinics will raise awareness of the excellent care offered here.” —Rod Davis, President and CEO, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals

“Las Vegas has great potential for practitioners; we have a very high patient-to-physician ratio. We’re developing unique areas of service, such as the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Children’s Heart Center of Nevada, which will have a positive impact on our local economy.” —Howard Baron, President, Clark County Medical Society

Facts of Health in Las Vegas

• Clark County is home to 15 full-service hospitals and 14 specialty hospitals, including rehabilitation and long-term acute care facilities.

• With three campuses in the area, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals are the community’s only nonprofit, religiously sponsored hospital system.

• In 2011, the Nevada Cancer Institute was named Outstanding Building of the Year–Medical by the Nevada chapter of Building Owners and Managers Association International.

• University Medical Center, an affiliate of the University of Nevada School of Medicine, was the only hospital in Nevada to receive Gold Plus awards for cardiac care from the American Heart Association in 2011.

• The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health opened in 2009, providing care for patients with cognitive disorders. 

Happening in Las Vegas 

Must-See Shows

• Cirque du Soleil has seven permanent shows in Las Vegas: Mystère; Kà; “O”; Zumanity; Viva Elvis; Believe, with magician Criss Angel; and Love, featuring the music of The Beatles. 

• Crooner Frankie Moreno sings alongside a 10-piece band three nights a week at the Stratosphere.

• Mötley Crüe will headline 12 shows at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from February 3 through February 19.

• Comedic magicians Penn & Teller perform six nights a week at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

• Celine Dion performs 70 shows a year at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. 

• Ventriloquist Terry Fator regularly wows crowds at The Mirage.

• David Copperfield performs at the MGM Grand.

January 12–14 

21st Annual Las Vegas Antique Motorcycle Auction, at South Point Hotel Casino

Get your motor running at the world’s largest antique motorcycle auction, held in South Point Hotel Casino’s exhibit hall, where interested buyers bid for 500 bikes that are up for grabs. The coveted wheels range from Harleys and Nortons to BMWs and Ducatis, some as old as 105 years. The event revs up on Thursday night as 75 cycles take the stage. On Friday and Saturday 425 more join the display, including the actual 1971 Husqvarna Steve McQueen rode in the film On Any Sunday. To keep your wheels spinning even later, check out the high-speed flat track motorcycle races happening a few doors down in the hotel’s equestrian center. Now that’s what we call a thundering herd. 

January 19

Thirsty 3rd Thursday Pub Crawl, in downtown

For just 20 bucks, sip the cocktail of your choice (top-shelf excluded) at six hot spots during this guided bar hop, held every month in downtown. The journey begins at 7 p.m. at Hennessey’s Tavern. After you finish your first drink, an enthusiastic employee will lead you to the next five stops: Hogs & Heifers, Side Bar, Mickie Finnz, the bar at the Gold Spike Casino, and, capping off the night, Las Vegas Country Saloon. Come hungry, since the deal also garners you a half-price entrée and app. Previous crawls have attracted hundreds, and organizers never turn a thirsty comrade away—another example of Vegas hospitality at its finest. 

January 29

Chinese New Year Celebration & Asian Food Festival, in Chinatown Plaza

Keep the New Year’s festivities rolling at this celebration in Chinatown Plaza, about a mile west of the Strip. A crowd 5,000 strong is expected to welcome in the Year of the Dragon while sampling authentic Asian cuisine, such as Hong Kong roast duck, wonton noodles, and cups of  Taiwanese boba tea. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture while watching a traditional dragon dance, where as many as 50 people bring a giant fabric serpent to life. Kick up your feet during the kung fu demonstrations, or gaze skyward as acrobats perform stunning balancing acts. Vegas resorts, such as The Palazzo, The Venetian, and the Bellagio, take part in the celebration by flaunting Chinese decor throughout their properties. The displays are guided by feng shui, we’re sure.