LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — With only two months left in 2019 — it’s clear the year 2020 is right around the corner, so 8 News Now wanted to take a look back at the decades that came before. We wanted to relish in how much Las Vegas, especially the Strip and downtown are, has grown and changed through the years, and the best way to do that is by honoring and remembering the past.
8 News NOW Social Media and Marketing Producer Nikki Bowers sat down with the anchors Brian Loftus, Tedd Florendo, Kirsten Joyce, and Denise Valdez to challenge them to a game of “8 In 80.” We did this to see how much they knew about Las Vegas’ history in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Watch the videos and then check below to see how well each anchor did on the questions.
Brian vs. the 1960s:
LAS VEGAS IN THE 1960s QUESTIONS
Question: On August 10, 1960, what popular movie starring the Rat Pack debuted in theaters?
Answer: Ocean’s 11
Question: In 1963, the man known as “Mr. Las Vegas” performed for the first time at a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. — Who is the man, and what hotel did he perform at?
Answer: Wayne Newton, The Flamingo
Question: On August 25, 1964, there was a massive fire on the rooftop of a popular hotel. The fire was so bad it caused $1 million in damage. What hotel did this happen at?
Answer: The Sahara
Question: On May 20, 1964, the movie “Viva Las Vegas,” starring Elvis Presley, was released in theaters. Who was his leading lady in that movie?Answer: Ann Margret
Question: On November 27, 1966, this famous billionaire, who was also a former owner of KLAS-TV, moved to Las Vegas. What was his name?Answer: Howard Hughes
Question: In 1967, what famous duo debuted at the Tropicana
Answer: Siegfried & Roy
Question: On December 31, 1967, what famous daredevil crashed after attempting a famous jump at Caesars Palace?
Answer: Evel Knievel
Question: In 1969, legendary Blues singer B.B. King performed for the first time in Las Vegas. What Strip property did he perform at?
Answer: Caesars Palace
Tedd vs. the 1970s:
LAS VEGAS IN THE 1970s QUESTIONS
Question: Billionaire Howard Hughes left Las Vegas on November 26, 1970. He was Nevada’s largest private employer, casino owner, and property owner. What local TV station did he own?
Answer: KLAS-TV
Question: What city did Las Vegas legend Elvis Presley died in in 1976?Answer: Memphis, Tennessee
Question: In January of 1974, how many inches of snow fell on the Las Vegas valley setting a record?
Answer: 9-inches
Question: In 1979, what flamboyant Las Vegas entertainer nicknamed “Mr. Showmanship” opened a museum that displayed his rare cars and extravagant wardrobe.
Answer: Liberace
Question: In 1977, this Strip property known for holding famous fights in its arena was once called the “World’s Largest hotel.”
Answer: MGM Grand Hotel
Question: On January 14, 1974, this famous legendary lead singer performed her last show with her Motown girl’s group before embarking on a solo career.
Answer: Diana Ross
Question: In 1979, Las Vegas’ first “locals” casino debuted on the Boulder Strip. What is its name?
Answer: Sam’s Town
Question: What year did the Las Vegas Stadium open?
Answer: 1971
Kirsten vs. the 1980s:
LAS VEGAS IN THE 1980s QUESTIONS
Question: In 1985, this famous western competition came to Las Vegas for the first time?
Answer: National Finals Rodeo
Question: On November of 1980, which hotel caught on fire that killed 87 people and injured 700?
Answer: MGM Grand Hotel
Question: Which professional sports better, former Las Vegas casino executive, and organized crime associate was Martin Scorsese’s film “Casino” based on?
Answer: “Frank Lawrence “Lefty” Rosenthal
Question: In 1988, this wealthy businessman purchased the Sands?Answer: “Sheldon Adelson
Question: In 1983, this former longtime United States Senator was elected into office?
Answer: Harry Reid
Question: In 1987, this airport finished a $300 million expansion project that featured new central terminal, additional gates and remodeled runways?
Answer: McCarran International Airport
Question: In 1989, this casino magnet opened this Strip property that houses a famous volcano. What is the name of the property?
Answer: Steve Wynn
Question: In 1982, this museum opened to share history about the state of Nevada?
Answer: Nevada State Museum
LAS VEGAS IN THE 1990s QUESTIONS
Question: On April 9, 1990, the UNLV men’s basketball team won the national title with a 103-73 victory over Duke in Denver. — Who was the coach who led them to victory?
Answer: Jerry Tarkanian
Question: On June 19, 1990, what castle-themed property opened on the Las Vegas Strip?
Answer: Excalibur
Question: On December 18, 1992, the Las Vegas Bowl is played at what stadium for the first time?
Answer: Sam Boyd Stadium
Question: On November 7, 1995, what hotel was imploded, but then the footage was used in Tim Burton’s movie, “Mars Attack?”
Answer: The Landmark Hotel
Question: On December 14, 1995, what popular $70 million experience opened in the downtown area?
Answer: The Fremont Street Experience
Question: On December 25, 1995, what famous Rat Pack member died of lung cancer?
Answer: Dean Martin
Question: In September 1996, this $72 million development opened to professionals with the need for speed.
Answer: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Question: On September 7, 1996, what famous rapper died from his injuries after he was shot while driving on the Las Vegas Strip?
Answer: Tupak Shakur
