Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy the Super Bowl in Reno or Sparks, you have plenty of options. Most casinos have tailgate-style parties planned for the big game, expecting a boost in business. When it comes to betting, the Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event of the year, and that's why so many parties are planned. The Nugget has a few activities planned, including Gilley's Big Game Tailgate Party. More than 300 people are expected to attend.
"We'll have some Corona swag to give away," Scott Kidd, Nugget Vice President of Food & Beverage said. "I've got a guitar, signed by Charlie Daniels, we're giving away. So, it's not only just the game but we're gonna have a lot of interactive fun. Of course, commercial watching."
Admission costs $50, and includes alcoholic beverages and an all-you-can-eat Stadium Buffet until the game is over. The saloon is filled with big screen TVs, and a couple of 8-foot screens will be brought in for the game. More than 1,000 people are expected to watch the Super Bowl, throughout the Nugget, including a private ballroom party and at the race and sports book.
"It's always fun to see the group go back and forth," Kidd said. "I think everybody really has a lot of camaraderie, really has a good time getting together. Especially, in the Gilley's atmosphere."
A sellout crowd of 3,000 are expected at the Peppermill's Big Game Blitz, in the Tuscany Ballroom. $70 pays for an assigned seat at a table. $650 will reserve a table for ten. Many more will watch the game throughout the casino, placing bets.
"People will be here at 5:00 in the morning, staking our their chairs and stuff," Terry Cox, Peppermill Director of the Race/Sports Book said. "It's really kind of crazy. Fun crazy."
Cox says when the Denver Broncos square off against the Carolina Panthers, both NFL fans and non-fans will fill the casino.
"It's the novice factor. Everybody's interested in this game," Cox said. "The whole casino is a big party, like always. We'll be jam-packed, right here in the sports book. It will be wall-to-wall people."
Downtown will also benefit from the Super Bowl, with parties planned in multiple casinos, as well as the Reno Ballroom. The Silver Legacy, Eldorado, and Circus Circus will have the game in almost every sports book, bar and ballroom. Glenn Carano is the General Manager of Eldorado and Silver Legacy. He says the properties are making a complete weekend out of the big game, starting with 'The Piano Guy' on Friday, and Mike Tyson's 'Undisputed Truth' on Saturday. The party will culminate with Super Bowl 50.
"Such a great environment of football in the air, great food throughout the properties, and you're sitting around, watching the game with a lot of great friends," Carano said.
Carano won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys, and invites former NFL players to attend the parties, all over downtown Reno. This year's players include Conrad Dobler, Phil Villapiano, Tony Hill, Dan McGwire, and Frank Hawkins.
"We have a great time throughout the weekend and they sign autographs, they take pictures, they do it all," Carano said. "They're great guys."
Carano expects about 5,000 people to watch the game between the three properties. Tickets for the party at the Reno Ballroom cost $50 in advance, or $60 at the door.
"You get all the food you want, drink, have a lot of fun, and if you have to stay over, don't want to drive home, get a room.," Carano said.
The Super Bowl brings locals and visitors to the local casinos. Officials say that is helping to fill up the hotels, helping the local economy.
