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Nugget Casino Resort

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Coordinates: 39°32′02″N 119°45′29″W / 39.533956°N 119.75817°W / 39.533956; -119.75817
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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Kastandlee (talk | contribs) at 04:03, 8 June 2014 (Put comments of Ascuagas into past tense due to subsequent events). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel & Casino
File:John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino Resort logo.png
Address 1100 Nugget Avenue
Sparks, Nevada 89431
Opening dateMarch 17, 1955
ThemeClassic
No. of rooms1,600
Total gaming space85,000 sq ft (7,900 m2)
Signature attractionsRose Ballroom
Celebrity Showroom
Notable restaurantsThe Steakhouse Grill
Restaurante Orozko
Casino typeLand-based
OwnerGlobal Gaming & Hospitality
Previous namesDick Graves' Nugget
Renovated in1984, East Tower
1996, West Tower
2008, East Tower
WebsiteOfficial website

John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel & Casino is a hotel and casino in Sparks, Nevada. The main portion of the casino consists of two 29-story towers nestled between Interstate 80 and the Union Pacific rail yard. There are additional attached buildings underneath and across Interstate 80 from the towers. It is located in Downtown Sparks/Victorian Square.

Dick Graves' Nugget first opened on March 17, 1955 in Reno. Jim Kelly opened the Nugget in Carson City. In 1960, John Ascuaga, then general manager, bought the Nugget. Ascuaga had little money when he purchased the small venue so he paid via loan, which he paid back in full within the amount of years granted. Ascuaga earned money from the success of his business, which led him to expand, over and over again throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The Celebrity Showroom, first known as the Circus Room, was constructed in the 1960s and played host to big name entertainment like Liberace, Sergio Franchi, The Osmond Brothers, Robert Goulet, and more. John Ascuaga had become a popular figure with these stars and certainly a professional in his career, the Nugget was widely seen as the jewel of the area. Ascuaga made more money as time went on and he signed a check for over $30 million to build the first hotel tower in 1982. Construction began shortly thereafter and was completed December 26, 1984. Ascuaga deemed it one more Christmas present to the community and also deemed it an "exclamation point in the sky." Although he had enough money for the tower, he wasn't so sure it would be a success. It was, indeed, and launched the Nugget into further stardom.

The Nugget's primary attraction from the 1980s to the late 1990s was Bertha the Elephant and her baby, Tina, who entertained in the Circus Room many a time. They were also favorite attractions at the annual Nevada Day parade in Carson City. Bertha died in the late 1990s after being with the Ascuaga family for over 10 years.

In 1995, John Ascuaga announced that a second tower would be built, costing $75 million. Ascuaga designed it with local mastermind architect Peter Wilday whose works include the Atlantis and the Peppermill. The tower opened along with a new restaurant and hotel lobby on December 26, 1996. That was the last major expansion done by the Nugget. In 1997, Ascuaga's daughter Michonne took over as CEO, running the hotel and casino along with her brother Stephen. The two said at the time they would keep the business in the family and continue to make re-investments. They also said there was no need for more hotel rooms. The hotel's original tower was remodeled entirely at a cost of $17 million, all new rooms featuring modern appointments like 42" LCD screens, plush bedding and carpet, and more. The Circus Room, remodeled and renamed the Celebrity Showroom in the late 1980s, still entertains audiences with contemporary and classic performers from yesteryear. The Nugget still is one of the most profitable hotels in the area and keeps its net profits high. The hotel is accredited for the special events it puts on, like the annual Nugget Rib Cook Off held in September where cookers come from all over the country to Star-Spangled Sparks on July 4, the largest fireworks show in Northern Nevada after New Year's Eve in Downtown Reno.

Sale to Global Gaming and Hospitality

On October 10, 2013, the Ascuaga family announced it had reached an agreement with Las Vegas based Global Gaming And Hospitality, an internationally renowned casino/hotel asset management and consulting firm to sell the 1600 room property. A sale price was not disclosed, arguably the last lone family run casino/resort in the industry, of which had no sister properties or outside backing, the Ascuaga's affirm they were not in a position to improve their property. With the sale to GGH, they are confident many changes will be made that will ensure the continued success of the property. Global Gaming CEO Cartlon Geer, who has roots to Northern Nevada, will become the new CEO and President. He confirmed that with the help of partner Husky Finance, they will begin in 2014 $50 million worth of improvements and remodeling to the entire property, a new name is likely but not in the near term.

The sale is pending regulatory approval, but is expected to close by the end of 2013. The Ascuaga's will remain on board in advisory roles through the transition and after the sale is completed.

See also

References

External links

39°32′02″N 119°45′29″W / 39.533956°N 119.75817°W / 39.533956; -119.75817

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