Nighttime views of the Sahara Hotel and Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Sahara Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: William Bennett
Sign details: The Sahara lies at the northern most end of the survey, on Sahara, and Las Vegas Blvd The Sahara was remodeled in the late nineties to create an entirely new facade utilizing a large pylon, a porte cochere and various independent illuminated signs. On the eastern side of the property another porte cochere is located just west of Paradise Rd. across the street from the Sahara's original pylon.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Sign environment: The Sahara utilizes many of the new elements of Las Vegas to create an environment. The western side of the property facing the strip is composed of a giant pylon, a domed porte cochere, and a roller coaster for the themed attraction incorporated into the property. To the north across Sahara Ave. the Holy Cow casino gives way to the distinctly older and smaller venues on the remaining northern stretch of the strip, while the entire heart of the boulevard lies to the South. Palm trees and various foliage surround winding drives which lead up to the open air dome, fore the circular valet. Along the twisting lanes leading to the parking garage, you can see fiberglass figures riding on camels, and various text signage upon the structures. Walking through the lush surroundings toward the north side of the property, you encounter the giant pylon, being able to walk right up next to it. The roar of the rollercoaster is rather deafening as it zooms right over a pedestrians head, as the signage for the NASCAR gives way to human sight.
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign designer: New Pylon: Jack M. Larsen Jr. and Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign - date of installation: 1996-2000
Sign - date of redesign/move: During the reconstruction which took place between 1996 and 2000, the original pylon was moved east across Paradise Rd
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the Sahara is definitely linked to the desert theme so often seen throughout Las Vegas history. The name itself is the name of what is probably the most famous desert in the world. Elements of the design give way to this theme with rather heavy-handed iconography. Examples of this include the image of a camel on the pylon and rear porte cochere, as well as the statuary of men riding on camels. The text is the same classic Sahara text seen throughout the properties history, and definite reference the cure and angle of some Arabic writing, but also are linked to shapes seen in the architecture from that region of the world. Other properties which can be linked to this theme in Las Vegas History include, the Dunes, and the Aladdin. The Aladdin and the Sahara also share the trait of being a Vegas icon, revamped to meet the current trends of Las Vegas. The Sahara falls into that trend of being geared more toward the family theme these days, with the addition of the NASCAR Cafe as well as the roller coaster. The other property which incorporates a roller coaster is the New York New York.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics

Local news segments report on the Desert Inn implosion. Ben Correa reports from the parking lot area after the implosion, showing 18,000 tons of debris. The Stardust Hotel is clearly seen behind the reporter. Video of the implosion is shown, and people are interviewed as they wait for and watch the implosion at 2:00am. Steve Crupi reports from the Frontier Hotel property where they had a different but similar view of the implosion. Both reporters say that Steve Wynn's latest project construction will begin on the site shortly. Second segment also reports on the implosion, but also goes into detail about the history of the Desert Inn with old news footage, audio, and black-and-white stills from when the casino was relatively new. Audio clips of past performers and entertainmers play over image stills. Original media VHS, color, aspect ratio 4 x 3, frame size 720 x 486. From the Stardust Resort and Casino Records (MS-00515) -- Photographs and audiovisual material -- Digitized audiovisual material file.