Just some further trivia, the Flamingo (Sierra St.) was originally the Sahara Reno, built & operated by the Del Webb Co. Del Webb also bought the Primadonna, on Virginia St., then built an elevated walkway connecting the 2 properties over Sierra St. The idea was to provide easy access for the gamblers along Virginia St. (from Harrah's, Harolds Club, etc.) to make their way over to the Sahara Reno.
When Del Webb Corp. sold both properties to Hilton, they were renamed Hilton-Reno (then Flamingo Reno); and Paco's (then Flamingo), respectively.
The behind-the-scenes games of controlling the real estate along Virginia St. in the blocks immediately south of the RR tracks is an interesting one... but I digress too much.
Sad to see the decline of some of the downtown Reno casinos. I hope new owner of the Flamingo can revitalize it, but it's uphill battle I'm afraid.
Played my first hand of blackjack when I was 21 (many years ago) upstairs at Harolds Club. Downtown Reno has been a sentimental favorite of mine ever since.
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