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>> Stratosphere Las Vegas
The Stratosphere Las Vegas is a hotel and
casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, owned by American Casino Properties
which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Real Estate
Partners.
It is most notable for its tower, which at
1,149 ft (350 m) is not only the tallest structure in Las
Vegas, but also the tallest building in the United States
west of the Mississippi River.
The top of the tower has an observation deck,
rotating restaurant and the following rides:
- The Big Shot at 1,081 feet is the highest thrill ride
in the world;
- The High Roller at 909 feet is the second highest ride
in the world and the highest roller coaster;
- Insanity the Ride, opened in 2005, at 900 feet is the
third highest thrill ride in the world;
- XSCREAM at 866 feet is the fourth highest thrill ride
in the world.
The Stratosphere is the northernmost of the
major Strip casinos and the only one actually in the City
of Las Vegas. While the Stratosphere was originally intended
to become a major tourist attraction and major strip property
while it was being built, it was decidedly less popular than
first envisioned due to its distance from the other major
Hotel Casinos and attractions on the Strip. It now has a reputation
for being less expensive than many Strip hotels. Many visitors
find its location at the far end of the Strip a bit inconvenient
and the area immediately to the north – between the
Stratosphere and Downtown – a trifle insalubrious.
History
The Stratosphere opened on April 30, 1996.
It was conceived by Bob Stupak to replace his Vegas World
Casino. The complex was built by the Stratosphere Corporation
which lost control when he was forced to file for bankruptcy.
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