LAS VEGAS --
F1 is coming to Vegas this weekend, and unless you're part of the Liberty Media ownership group, it has been, at least for the locals, a DISASTER.
CEO Greg Maffei told us that the race will generate around $1.7 billion for the local economy.
Yea, SO WHAT!
The folks that work on or around the Strip have told us that a normal 20/30 minute commute to work could take almost TWO HOURS! People were super pumped when they heard that F1 was coming to Vegas, and were ready to open the wallet.
The prices were OUTRAGEOUS when ticket sales started, but they have dropped faster than brick in a barrel of feathers. Some folks paid around $7,000 to sit along the track, and now you can find tickets on the secondary market for around $1,000 or less. And some websites are reporting that there are THOUSANDS of unsold seats.
Also heard that they might be using seat-fillers so it doesn't look like a cup half empty situation. Imagine paying full boat price and then hearing that the tickets have dropped dramatically and some people might even get in on a FREEBIE! OUCH! And the hotels that were GOUGING people with inflated prices have come back down to earth. They were initially asking over $1,000 per night and have dropped the prices WAY DOWN, even under $300.
Then we have the weather. The best & the brightest thought it was still gonna be summer here in Vegas but the temps will drop down to around 50 degrees or lower. And there is also a chance of rain.
Since I was at the BEST F1 race, in Monte Carlo back in the day, I'll pass on the Vegas Grand Prix and watch 'Taken 1', 'Taken 2,' and 'Taken 3' with my guy Liam Neeson for like the 12th time!
PARTY TIME!!!
Situated up on the Rooftop of Drai’s Beachclub Nightclub, you can enjoy an epic three-day racing experience hosted by Marky Mark Wahlberg. You'll get some really stunning track views, all-inclusive food and beverages and live entertainment.
There is a kick off party, sunset sessions for qualifying races and a once-in-a-lifetime race day extravaganza. Plus, commentary on the live action racing from David Coulthard. Three-day VIP bungalows and cabanas are also available, complete with private screens, dedicated hosts, bottle service upgrades and more.
Single Day tickets start at $395 plus taxes and booking fees. Yell if you're coming and I'll meet you up on the roof!
TIPPING???
A bunch of folks will flying in from all around the world, and we heard from a few of our favorite people that they're worried about getting tips. Talking about the dancers that might or might not perform a lap dance. So, the girls are gonna add a 20% charge to each dance just in case.
YOU GONNA TAKE A NAP???
We understand that the majority of the viewing audience for the race will be in Europe and Asia, so the powers that be decided to go 'lights out' at 1:00 AM Sunday morning on the East Coast, and 10:00 PM here in Vegas. As John McEnroe would say, YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!
LOX & BAGELS!!!
Missed the mark last week but still hitting at a very tasty 64% and ready to rumble with a winner on Thursday night. After a few intense hours of study and looking at some of the past box scores, we have come up with a DELICIOUS prop wager.
Gonna take the Ravens minus a 1/2 point to win the 1st quarter. Baltimore has played at home five times, and has outscored their opponents 46-3. Cover your ears 'cause I'm gonna scream. FORTY SIX TO THREE! So gimme the Ravens for a medium size bundle to be on top of Cincy at the end of the first quarter.
----------------------------------------------------
Benjamin Eckstein is a nationally syndicated sportswriter/oddsmaker. His column, America's Line, with the Ecks & Bacon appetizer, has run in the New York Daily News and over 100 other papers since 1988. You can follow him online at www.americasline.com. He is beloved by most, when he picks winners, and detested by others, when he picks the occasional loser. If you wanna piece of Eck, hit his Email...ben@americasline.com.
