Considered to be the greatest sports influence in the history of Las Vegas, the passing of Jerry Tarkanian was a swift blow to many. Since his passing, it has been well thought out as to what would be the best way to honor the man who’s impact on the city of Las Vegas, college basketball, and so many lives is impossible to sum up with mere words.
Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and beyond collectively decided to dim their lights starting at 10:30pm on Wednesday, after the UNLV-Boise State basketball game. To give an idea of just how rare an occurrence the dimming of lights on the Strip is, this is will mark only the eighth time in history it’s happened. The previous time was in 2009, when the hotels participated in “Earth Hour.” The last time an individual was honored with the dimming was Ronald Reagan after his passing in 2004.
The idea was coordinated by former UNLV alumni Tony Cordasco and Scott Gulbransen, who began a social media campaign the day following Tarkanian’s death. Cordasco said their proposal was an obvious choice, and quickly gained the support of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Nevada Resort Association.
The Sands properties, all of Caesars International Strip properties, MGM Resorts International Strip properties among others will participate. Station Casinos Inc. began displaying Tarkanian’s picture on all of their properties’ electronic marquees two days following the coach’s death. Station properties will also dim their lights Wednesday night.
