Working In Sporks: Off Script, Off Strip

Ahh Las Vegas. We (3PT) have spent many a days and nights here – not in the way most people would or do…at least I think (I have 0 evidence on most things I discuss). One of us (Tyler) even lives here!

Not to ruin the much-anticipated conclusion of this journey of a blog post, but this post is less of me making a point and more just a chance to talk. It really worked for a title and presented the perfect opportunity to mention two things at once – you know, the ol’ two birds with one stone. Damnit. I just thought of a better title: Risk It To Get The Biscuit. Maybe that’s the subtitle. Which do you like better? Second blog post ever here…trying relatively hard to keep you entertained, while balancing food puns and not wasting your time. It’s hard to do (ex:  “food buns” instead of “puns.”). I digress. Here is my attempt at making the association between scripts and palates.

Our Vegas ventures include: hotel to lobby, lobby to hotel restaurant, restaurant to lobby store, buy ice cream sandwich, from store back to respective rooms, finally – sleep. That actually is congruent with most people in the events world 100% (Re: data, zilch).

Mandalay Bay is not only the home of the Las Vegas Aces but our home during Aces business trips.

BUT ONE NIGHT late into the Aces inaugural season…we took the opportunity to venture out. This time…off the strip. Vegas is a lot of things – mostly brightness through the hotel window – but when one goes out into the brightness, they will find neon and LED. As per recommended by locals to go to “FREMONT STREET” (first propositioned by “Have you been to Fremont street?”), we went to Fremont Street. A soft night out led to a chance to bond and brainstorm game presentation.

At this point in the Aces season, we were moving and grooving. The game presentation staff had been surfing the same wave, and it started to show. Naturally, we tend to stick to the script. But when an opportunity presents itself, we ad-lib. So when we discovered the Spurs dancing kid was sitting courtside, one must go off script.

Quickie rundown: Dance cam, 1st quarter, 1st timeout: kid gets camera time and as if a moose had walked on the court - he owns the crowd’s attention. Prior to the second half, we dressed the dancing kid in an Aces jersey, with an extra layer. Once we got a whistle for break, we took the moment to spotlight the kid in a dance off with Bucket$ the mascot. Back and forth dance battle, but then the kid took his hoodie off to reveal an Aces jersey! Crowd went wild…and as if it was scripted in advance, went off without a hitch (*Note, this moment, in its entirety, takes up approximately 30 seconds in the grand scheme of production. It’s the little things people, celebrate the little things). Moments like this boost the general confidence and game focus for fans and staff alike.

Take advantage of opportunities to explore more with your friends and peers.

Now, I am not telling you that going out before an event leads to better game presentation. That would be irresponsible; more realistic advice, stick to the script. However, I do believe taking advantage of windows to spend time together versus a methodical evening routine can certainly assist in confidence with each other to pull off an entertaining moment completely off script. In summary, going off script can illuminate raw character (individual and group); therefore, group exploration and a twist to the normal routine minimizes fear.

If you fancy a chance at group or self-exploration off the strip, check out:

Atomic Liquors

What: Bar

Where: Fremont Street

Good for: solo cocktail, music, groups, post event relaxation, post event party, mid event relaxation, a place to get away from the rest of it, a place to go by yourself

Favorite part: old “atomic liquors” sign, sets you up to enjoy a cheap drink or to be surprised by a very good drink…both choices are available

The Golden Tiki

What: Bar

Where: Off the strip, W Spring Mountain Rd

Good for: distractions, bad days, philosophical conversations, tasty beverages, escapism

Favorite part: Praise be Don the Beachcomber, this is what a modern day tiki bar should be –transformative almost between décor and music and therefore nothing like outside. Well crafted cocktails, shareable drinks, over the top mugs – a place where everyone’s hand in a circle of cheers is capped with a fruity, colorful concoction. Stay for 2 or stay for 6, no more, no less, and no in-between.

Evel Pie

What: Pizza

Where: Fremont Street

Good for: Pizza!!! Quickly, after drinks, before walking, after walking, breaks, happiness

Favorite part: To me, this place is exactly what a pizza place should. Choice of pie or slice, a very mixed crowd of people (age, gender, race, sobriety). And wonderfully, awfully decorated with grungy and theme (in this case, Evel Knievel)

BONUS: Sights to See

Although this blog is themed towards food and live events, I will occasionally jump off script and mention a few sights to see (perhaps you have a late flight, or an extra day).

One whole extra day: Vegas is worth a trip on its own – but not for the strip. If you have time for a hike, head out to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The natural desert can truly be a treat!

Rental car with half a day: 20 mins south of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign is a seemingly random art structure – the Seven Magic Mountains. A scene at sunset captures the essence of the desert colors with wide open space and giant painted rocks

Half a day: Neon Museum…old, neon signs. Creative, colorful, timeless, and totally energy in-sufficient.

Everything is brighter in Vegas the way everything is bigger in Texas. Even the rocks.