Welcome, Rock 'n' Roll Marathon 2016 attendees! We know you won’t always be on the convention floor, so we’ve compiled a resource to help you make the most of your down time while you're in town—time-saving tips, the best places to eat (and recommended dishes for each) and much more. Enjoy!
Insider Tips
Once the marathon is over, where should I have my friends and family meet me? Although the finish line for the marathon, half-marathon and 10K is technically at The Mirage, runners are not able to exit the “secure zone” area (where you get your medal, water, Gatorade, etc.) until the Flamingo and Las Vegas Boulevard South intersection. So, save some legs for your 0.4-mile victory lap, and do not have your friends and family meet you at The Mirage.
Can I get married during the marathon? A “Run Through Wedding” at mile three will host more than 200 couples getting married or renewing their vows, then jumping back on the course to finish their race.
What’s the easiest way to get around during the race? The Las Vegas Monorail is great for getting around race weekend. Just park near one of the various stops and take it to any number of properties, including SLS, the closest stop to the 5K and 10K runs.
I forgot to register for the race. Where do I go if it’s the last minute? If registration is still available come race weekend (many distances will sell out beforehand), it will be available at the Health & Fitness Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Nov. 10-12.
Live Acts
One of the best things about the Rock ’N’ Roll Marathon is, of course, the music! While enjoying some down time, make sure to check out some of the musical offerings centering around the event.
Snoop Dogg
Whether you call him Calvin Broadus, Snoop Doggy Dogg or Snoop Lion, one thing is certain: He’s one of music’s greatest rappers, giving us everything from “Gin & Juice” to “What’s My Name,” as well as proving an adept actor and entrepreneur. He headlines at the Las Vegas Village from 3-4 p.m. on Nov. 13.
Other bands performing include:
Come back buddy A three-piece band inspired by Buddy Holly and The Crickets, performing some of the ’50s greatest hits.
Joker’s Wild A California-based modern rock band.
Kella bo bella band A three-piece band that offers a mixture of soul, jazz, rock and more, all with a elaborate visual element.
Rory Seldon with InnerSession Band A soul, funk and R&B band.
Neoterics A trio playing garage, pop, alternative, rock and more.
Las Vegas Monorail Hot Spots
While you’re in town for the Rock ’N’ Roll Marathon, odds are you’ll have a lot of time available to explore the Las Vegas Strip. One of the best—and most affordable—ways to do that is via the Las Vegas Monorail, which stops at eight resort properties. To help you get the maximum amount of fun out of the Monorail, we’ve assembled a food and beverage tour, complete with recommended restaurants and bars at each property—as well as specific dishes and cocktails.
MGM Grand
Fiamma Trattoria & Bar
Fiamma Trattoria & Bar (Eat) All things Italian find a home here. Fiamma, which means “flame” in Italian, features a fireplace lounge and a book of 700 wines from around the world. Dive into lobster gnocchi or lasagna Bolognese. Recommended dish: Grilled Mediterranean octopus.
Whiskey Down (Drink) Pair a list of 50 whiskies hailing from America, Canada, Ireland and Scotland with blackjack tables and video poker 24 hours a day at Whiskey Down. Quaff rare finds such as the 1960 Scotch whisky The Last Drop or Louis XIII cognac. Recommended drink: Fire in the Hole, made with Grey Goose vodka and Fireball cinnamon whiskey.
Bally’s
BLT Steak (Eat) Head to this steakhouse that also hosts the famous Sterling Brunch on Sundays. Hell’s Kitchen season 15 winner Ariel Malone heads up the kitchen that dishes out Dover sole and a 28-day dry-aged New York strip steak. Recommended dish: Popovers packed with Gruyère.
Indigo Lounge (Drink) Grab a group of friends and go VIP at Indigo Lounge, a nightclub-inspired lounge. Sip a Whisky Smash or Le Palace. Stick around for live entertainment as the night progresses. Recommended drink: the signature Speakeasy.
Paris
Yong Kang Street Dumpling & Noodle House
Yong Kang Street Dumpling & Noodle House (Eat) This Taiwanese-inspired eatery was one of the first restaurants with dim sum carts on the Strip, and features a collection of 20. The pan-Asian menu features congee, roast duck and barbecue pork. Recommended dish: Lobster fried rice.
Napoleon’s Lounge (Drink) Dueling pianos in an old-Vegas setting decked out with red curtains and wood-paneled walls await. Slip the piano
players notes with song requests. Recommended drink: Midnight in Paris with Godiva chocolate liqueur.
Flamingo
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (Eat) Yes, you can order a Cheeseburger in Paradise at this three-level ode to Jimmy Buffett’s incredibly popular hit. Recommended dish: Volcano nachos piled high with cheddar cheese, olives and chili. Make sure to wash them down with souvenir blender cups filled with such things as the tasty Who’s to Blame margarita.
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar (Drink) Right inside the Margaritaville Casino, find this beachy center bar with faux palm trees. A menu of a dozen tequilas, margarita flights and more await. Recommended drink: the Havanas and Bananas with dark rum, Baily’s Irish Cream and creme de banana.
Harrah’s
Oyster Bar at Harrah’s (Eat)
All things seafood are celebrated at this popular hangout, with its 360-degree bar. Order oysters prepared six different ways. Fans love the seafood risotto, while the Bourbon Street jambalaya and Parmesan-crusted halibut are worthy of consideration. Recommended oysters: You really can’t go wrong, but make sure to try barbecue grilled and pico de oysters.
Numb Bar & Frozen Cocktails (Drink) Grab frozen drinks galore at this bar named for the frosty concoctions that may give you brain freeze if you drink too fast. Recommended drink: The Up All Night, an energy drink paired with alcohol, available in souvenir glasses.
The Linq
Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar (Eat) It’s a party paired with American comfort food at the Food Network star’s restaurant. Dip into Vegas fries with spicy buffalo seasoning and blue cheese crumbles or Fireball Whisky Wings. Recommended dish: The Mayor of Flavortown burger topped with pastrami and Swiss cheese.
3535 (Drink) Order one of the 35 infusion concoctions at this bar named for The Linq’s address. Try these cocktails in flights and even as bottle service. Recommended drink: The Mint Oreo martini with Mint Oreo-infused Skyy Vodka and crushed Oreo cookies.
Westgate
Fresco Italiano (Eat)
No passport required to dine at this casual Italian restaurant dressed like a Tuscan-inspired village. Order antipasto from rolling carts dishing table side, then pair pastas and sauces to create your own version of Italian fare, or order classics like chicken rustico. Recommended dish: The bone-in veal chop parmigiano.
International Bar (Drink) Westgate’s casino bar sits in the center of the gaming floor, open 24 hours a day. Lounge seating surrounds the bar, named for Westgate’s former incarnation as the International. Fans love the selection of beers. Recommended drink: 10 Barrel Brewing Co.’s Apocalypse IPA.
Katsuya by Starck
SLS
Katsuya by Starck (Eat)
A delicious blend of master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi’s dishes and designer Philippe Starck’s decor. Order specialty dishes such as yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and baked crab hand rolls. Recommended dish: Spicy albacore sashimi with crispy onion.
Bar Centro (Drink) Head to José Andrés’ bar for speciality cocktails from the Spanish chef. The Med Martinez combines Tanqueray gin, PX sherry, Luxardo Maraschino, sherry vinegar and olive oil. Recommended drink: La Invencible, a blend of Bols Genever, Amontillado sherry, Pedro Ximénez sherry and bitters.
Click here for a list of ways to de-stress and relax after that grueling marathon.
