Hundreds of professional cowboys and thousands of excited fans will stampede into Las Vegas October 26-30 for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) 2011 World Finals. Here’s a look at some special PBR Hotel Package Deals, a Competition Update and some advice on how to get PBR tickets for this year’s thrilling championship run.

Eight seconds can seem like eternity when you’re a professional bull rider. But it’s generally long enough to qualify for the prize pool. Or sustain serious injury. That’s what makes bull riding such a popular spectator sport. This year, contestants from the United States, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Canada and several other countries will ride a host of mean, snorting, kicking 2,000 pound bulls to vie for more than $3 million in prize money during the five-day PBR World Finals event.

Competition Update: Last year’s PBR champion, Renato Nunes recently confirmed he intends to compete in the finals again this year, although he has been out of competition since mid-May when he had surgery on his left shoulder (riding arm). He fractured and dislocated the shoulder during competition in Tampa and then re-aggravated the injury in early May in Seattle. Currently Renato is in 30th place and fellow Brazilian Silvano Alves, a pro for only three years with already over $630,000 in career winnings is ranked #1 in the 2011 BFTS Stats.

2011 PBR Hotel Package Deals

Neon Cowboy Vegas Vic likes to watch the PBR World Finals from a safe distance.

Many Las Vegas resorts are offering special deals for the PBR 2011 World Finals. Packages usually include seating at the event, deluxe room accommodations and transportation back and forth to the arena at the Thomas and Mack Center on the UNLV campus. Since regular tickets cost $18 to $248 per day, per person (before taxes and service fees) and a cab ride could easily cost $30 each way, hotel package deals can be a great way for groups of fans to save money. Often it’s a great opportunity to stay in the same resort as many of the cowboys who are participating too.

For instance, the Silverton Casino has two options. The Balcony Package for $829 includes 5 nights lodging (including taxes and resort fee), transportation back and forth to the event site everyday and 2 tickets per day in the upper deck seating (Balcony Section 209). The Plaza Package for $1,299, also includes room and transportation but offers an upgrade in seating with two Plaza Seats (Section 103). If purchased separately, the Plaza Seats for two people for all five days would cost almost that with taxes and fees, so the room and transportation are basically free with this offer. To get in on either of these last minute deals, call Angela McLaughlin at 1-866-722-4608 ext. 8695 or email her at: angela.mclaughlin@silvertoncasino.com

The Gold Coast, located just off the Strip between the Rio and the Palms on Flamingo Road, offers a tiered, 6 day/5 night based on room occupancy. It includes Plaza seat(s) and daily round trip transportation to the event. The single ticket, single occupancy rate is $869. The double occupancy, two Plaza Seats per performance package is $1,419; the triple occupancy, triple ticket package is $1,904; and the quadruple occupancy, quadruple ticket package is $2,449. It’s not quite as good a deal as the Silverton, but rooms and tickets to the PBR World Finals are selling out fast and the Gold Coast is more centrally located. Call 800-331-5334 and mention offer code YPBR11 for this deal.

The 2011 PBR World Finals Package at the South Point Casino is offering a similar tiered occupancy/Plaza Seat (section 118 or 120) and transportation each day deal ($975 single occupancy/single ticket/day; $1,530 double occupancy with 2 Plaza Seats/day; $2,085 triple occupancy with 3 Plaza Seats/day; and $2,640 quadruple occupancy with 4 Plaza Seats/day). The added perk of staying at the South Point is that many of the performers (along with their leather vest and cowboy hat wearing entourages) will stay there too because of the plentiful RV and tractor trailer friendly parking. Also, the South Point completed a major re-model of their sports book last year and much of the PBR action will be available there on closed-circuit TV. They also have a 64 lane bowling alley and a $2 any drink Happy Hour on Fridays from 4-10PM. Call 1-866-791-7626 for more info or to book.

Aside from special events during the 2011 PBR World Finals at Mandalay Bay, the MGM Grand, South Point and Hard Rock, many fans and contestants are likely to wander into the new PBR Rock Bar and Grill at Planet Hollywood. In addition to a 3,000 square foot patio that faces the Strip, 115 flat screen TV’s, and close proximity to Holly Madison’s Peep Show, there is a very popular daiquiri bar where lots of attractive tourists from all over the world find their courage before climbing aboard the mechanical bull.

Between all the fun and PBR festivities, don’t forget to eat! Check out our rundown of the BEST STEAKHOUSES In VEGAS and our look at the BEST BUFFETS IN VEGAS.

For a full list of events at the 2011 PBR World Finals click here.

More information about the contestants, the Professional Bull Riders 2011 World Finals, or other events on the bull riding circuit can be found by clicking here. To purchase tickets to the 2011 Professional Bull Riders World Finals directly, go to www.UNLVtickets.com or click here.

Check back soon for deals and information about the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) which will be held in December right here in the neon paradise that is Las Vegas!

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In a town where the party never stops, New Year’s Eve is the busiest night of the year. People from all over the world come to Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve for one reason — the party atmosphere starts early and ends late!

Here is a look at the hottest deals in Vegas for New Year’s Eve 2010/2011 along with a few survival tips from a local for ringing in the New Year.

Party for Free on The Strip

On New Year’s Eve, the Las Vegas Strip closes to traffic from Mandalay Bay to the Sahara around 5PM and it becomes the biggest and wildest block party in America. Vendors, bands and fireworks line the street for blocks. Everyone is friendly, tipsy and ready to dance into the small hours.

Private Party Celebrations

Party like it's 2011 at the New Years Eve Bridge Bash at NYNY

For those who want access to entertainment and a bar, here’s a run-down of some of the best New Year’s Eve parties in Las Vegas:

The Fremont Street Experience downtown offers an alternative to the scene on the Strip but all of the same food, drink and entertainment amenities for a fraction of the cost. This year, a host of cover bands on three different stages will entertain the crowds from 6PM. The cover charge is $20/pp. For more info, including room availability click here.

The NYNY Bridge Bash featuring an open bar from 9PM-1AM, go-go dancers, party favors, and DJ Chris Landry. Tickets are $99/pp.

The TI-”11″ the New Year’s Eve Party at Treasure Island features an open bar from 9PM-Midnight, live entertainment, party favors and outdoor viewing of fireworks for $100 if you stay at Treasure Island, or $125-150 without a room.

Mandalay Bay Block Party: These tickets go for $50 and you get a block party pass good for 5 drinks. Similar events are also planned at Luxor and Excalibur.

Dinner Celebrations:

For those with a taste for wine and elegance, consider the Foundation Room’s New Year’s Eve Celebration high atop Mandalay Bay. They are offering a 6PM and 9PM dinner seating with wine pairing starting at $225/pp.

Or, a 5-course meal at Top of the World at the Stratosphere.

Las Vegas Nightclub Parties

The Palms is offering a range of New Years Eve Celebrations.

For those who want to party in the hot Vegas club scene, here’s a run-down of some of the other New Year’s Eve parties in Las Vegas this year:

The Palms: Paul Oakenfold at Rain; LMFAO at Moon; Bunnies and Playmates galore at the Playboy Club. Check out the details or the raw video of last year’s party at: http://www.n9negroup.com/newyears/

The Luxor: Cathouse Drink Till You Drop; The MGM Grand Studio 54 New Years Eve; Cirque du Soleil’s New Year’s Eve celebration at the Mirage (only $75 for a 2 hour open bar); and dozens of other club celebrations. (More Info: http://www.clubzone.com/nye1/las-vegas-new-years-eve.html)

Celebrity Party Hosts:

R&B superstar Rihanna hosts the New Year’s party at Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace.

Kim Kardashian will host the New Year’s Eve party at Tao nightclub at the Venetian.

Diddy hosts the New Year’s Eve 2011 bash at LAX nightclub at the Luxor.

New Years Eve Hotel Deals

Unfortunately, New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest times of year in Las Vegas, which makes finding a deal on a room almost impossible. The fact that this year the celebration is on a Friday night means you can expect to pay $200/night and up at most resorts near the Strip; or about $150/night downtown. If you have a favorite resort and have a player’s card there, be sure to ask what kind of deal they can offer you. Otherwise, get a room with two queen beds and buddy up, or pay for an extra cot. Plus remember, all rates are subject to increase the closer we get to the big night.

Great value at the refurbished Tropicana Las Vegas. Buy 3 Nights get the 4th FREE! Plus 2 Tickets to their ‘Trop ‘Til You Drop’ Party which features live music, and an open bar ($150+ Value). Discounted Web Rates from $499 + tax.

Signature at MGM Grand New Year’s Eve Package
https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=offer&code=SIGNYE11&pid=005

Circus Circus: NYE $188 (2 night min.)
https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=offer&code=EDECENT&kbid=624665&pid=ccc

Mandalay Bay Rooms (min 2 nights)
https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?pid=MBH&host=offer&kbid=624665&code=PNYE

Vdara New Years Eve Suite Package
http://www.vdara.com/promotions/

The Gold Coast right between the Palms and Rio on Flamingo is always a great place to call about deals. http://www.goldcoastcasino.com/hotel-reservations

If you don’t mind staying a bit off the Strip, consider the South Point Casino where you can ring in the New Year with the Spazmatics 80’s Dance Party. The open bar event is only $60/pp and you can still book a room for around $150/night. http://www.southpointcasino.com/

If you find any other good deals, please leave a comment below!

TIPS TO REMEMBER

TIP #1 – if you’re planning on attending one of the outside parties, bring a jacket! Expect nighttime temperatures in the 30’s or 40’s. You can check the local weather forecast here.

TIP #2 – make sure everyone in your party has a room key and ask for a few extras when you check-in to avoid standing in line again. All of the casinos on the Strip close their doors from around 10PM – 1AM on New Year’s Eve and you need to show a room key to get inside during those prime time party hours.

TIP #3 – if you’re driving, get to where you’re going early. I-15 on and off ramps eastbound and westbound close at Tropicana, Spring Mountain, Flamingo and Sahara from about 5PM on.

TIP #4 – Las Vegas and Clark County have liberal open bottle laws that allow you to walk in public places with a drink in your hand. But those laws DO NOT extend to inside your vehicle anymore. Consider using the Las Vegas Monorail (http://www.lvmonorail.com/) which runs from the Hilton to the MGM Grand and only costs $5 for a one-way ticket (or $12 for an all day pass). If you’re willing to wait for a ride, call a taxi service like Ace Cab ® 702-736-8383.

TIP #5 – If you’re having trouble booking a flight, remember that Southwest Airlines has the most number of direct flights to Las Vegas from most cities in the U.S. and they don’t charge baggage fees like most other airlines.

Have a Great Time and Happy New Year!

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Enjoy great savings on tickets to Mystère by Cirque du Soleil this Winter. Receive two (2) tickets for only $99 plus tax and fees over select performance dates now through December 15 as well as several January and February 2011 show dates. That adds up to savings of up to $100! Book Direct with Treasure Island. (Mystère is dark (no performances) on Thursday and Friday each week.)

About Mystere

Mystere was Cirque du Soleil's first permanent spectacle on the Strip, and in 15 years it has barely aged. Many fans swear it's still the best.

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Garth Brooks has scheduled 5 more weekends of concerts at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. The dates for these concerts are September 10, 11, 12; October 1, 2, 3; October 22, 23, 24; November 5, 6, 7; and November 19, 20, 21. Show times are Friday: 8:00pm, Saturday: 8:00pm and 10:30pm, and Sunday: 8:00pm.

Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-877-65-GARTH. As always, tickets will be non-transferable and you will be required to provide the names of each person attending the show when you purchase. Click here for more details.

To get a feel for the show read Mike Weatherford’s review from the Las Vegas Review Journal. We have seen the show and loved it. If you are a music fan and have ever seen the VH1 series Storytellers or Unplugged, then these Garth Brooks shows are, in our opinion, a cross between the two.

Tickets for future performances are probably going to sell quickly. Our advice is to sign up at the Wynn Las Vegas Box Office to receive future concert information.

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The new Viva ELVIS™ by Cirque du Soleil® opened with a gala premiere February 19, 2010. If you are looking for a great ticket deal for the newest Cirque du Soleil show, check out this special offer on shows through October 31st, 2010. Book direct through Aria and Ticketmaster using offer code ARIA and find tickets priced from $50. (The theater is dark on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Children under +5 and older.)

About Aria Vegas:

As part of the new, very impressive City Center, Aria is the most public of the five buildings that make up the mega-plex. City Center is worth visiting just for the architecture. Aria, which means "atmospheric air" in Italian, is worth visiting in particular because room rates are surprisingly affordable and it's home to "Viva Elvis", the latest Cirque du Soleil show to debut in Vegas.

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Value and luxury come together at the Golden Nugget’s new Rush Tower in historic downtown Las Vegas. The $150 million development opened in late November 2009 and adds an element of sophisticated elegance to the one true resort on Freemont Street.

From the floating reservation desk to the 500 new, well-appointed rooms and suites that are 20% larger than regular rooms at the Nugget, the investment in luxury shows. Rush Tower also includes four two-level penthouse suites and 70 corner suites that either showcase incredible views of the Las Vegas Strip or the famous Golden Nugget pool. Standard features for all the new rooms include pillow-top mattresses, feather down comforters and 42” plasma TV’s. Other amenities include iHome docking stations so you can play your own music, deep soaking tubs and Raintree showers.

For seafood lovers, the new Rush Tower also entices guests with the Chart House Aquarium Restaurant, which features a custom-designed menu with numerous specialty items and a 75,000-gallon tropical aquarium filled with over a thousand exotic and colorful fish. The sleek, aquamarine interior is clearly inspired by the sea and will make you completely forget that you’re in the middle of the Mojave Desert, even in the hottest summer months. For guests that want to take advantage of the warm Las Vegas sun, they can relax by the tower’s two-level infinity-edge pool. Surrounded by six ultra plush cabanas and covered lounging areas, the Rush Tower pool adjoins the third level of the Golden Nugget shark aquarium and pool, which was voted Top Ten Pools of the World by Forbes magazine after it opened in 2006.

Rooms in the new Rush Tower (excluding tax) start at about $100/night during the week and $150/night on Fridays and Saturdays. The corner suites go for about $150/night during the week and $175/night on week-ends. The penthouses go for about $350-400/night. When booking a room for a multiple night stay, ask for a $50 or $75 casino credit good at any of the Golden Nugget restaurants, or a couple of day passes to the Golden Nugget spa.

The friendly folks at the reservation desk will be happy to do what it takes to prove that the new Rush Tower offers a level of luxury that used to be only available on the Strip.

Sign-up for Rush Tower and Golden Nugget special discounts here or view a QuickTime movie showcasing the new Rush Tower here.

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