Lots of great information there.
Last time I was in vegas for the opening rounds was three years ago. We did a watch party at the Hard Rock Cafe on the strip. $150 per person, reserved seat, open bar including liquor and breakfast lunch and dinner buffet. Great deal and since you had a reserved seat you could come and go as you pleased.
my ND group will be making our usual pilgrimage.
Will be bright-eyed and ready to go at 8am on Thursday!
at the Flamingo. Free food, free booze and sequestered away from the riff raff.
How do you keep riff raff away from free food and free booze?
It’s about 10 miles south of the strip.
But they set up the ballroom on the 2nd floor with huge projection screens on each wall and 3 smaller TVs beside each projection tv. Anywhere you sit allows you to see all 4 games.
They also set up additional cashiers booths.
It’s a great atmosphere. Many locals prefer going there than to the strip. You might give it a try on Thursday or Friday.
I was in Vegas one year for the opening of the tournament, it was definitely an experience. Just be sure to get your seat reserved early (like 5am-6am early).
Day. Group of five of us, placed our bets that morning, then had the cabana from 9-5 to watch the games in, drink, eat and occasionally jump in the pool. Surprisingly easy to do so, as most of the dudes were busy squeezing into a sweaty, smelly sportsbook.
Weather didn't look cooperative.
Most of those are reserved well ahead of time.
We always enjoyed the parties in the ball rooms or LVH theater. But you still need to get there early.
Also place Thursday morning bets Wednesday night.
The MGM/M-Life hotels have it, you register and get activated at the sportsbook desk when you get there, load some cash on your account and can place bets right from your phone, which was great for avoiding lines and not worrying about timing of bets.
Our group sets up shop at the Mirage every year and at least at that book, we've figured out to occasionally bet $10 on some of the random horse races going on and tip the person taking your bet $5 and they'll usually throw you a handful of free drink tickets for the day as a thank you. I don't think they get tips at near the rate dealers at the tables do so they usually appreciate it.
As far as seats, you're right. It's become such a production that most stuff is reserved well in advance and sold at an absurd price to have access to a comfy chair all day. Our group has a standing room only spot we take over every year and frankly, we like it better that way.
The app is called Play MGM. I believe you have to set up and activate the ability to use the account in person, so visit the sports book when you arrive and do it ahead of Thursday. The app has a geo function that only allows it to work within the state of Nevada so unfortunately you can't take the action with you when you leave.
You can download the app in advance from the app store. But you need to hand over cash at the sports book to fund your account. Then you can use the app to place bets.