Las Vegas’s Deadliest Disaster: The Troubled History of MGM Grand Hotel
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
- Join me on the first ever Expedition Hotels as we head back and look at The Troubled story of the original Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel & The billionaire who ruined/saved MGM Studios.
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Credits -
Kuro Walther - • 1973 Viva Las Vegas!
AnilaFilm - • Las Vegas 1979
Vintage videos - • A Tour Of Las Vegas In...
Paul Reeves Patrick - • Elvis opening night at...
Mackenzie Rough - • Las Vegas Strip, 1973
Vintage Las Vegas - • Las Vegas, 1947: Flami...
Zera Starcat - / @zerastarcat
DivineTaer - • The Rat pack - birth o...
Dave Etter - • Las Vegas Strip 1975 8mm
Brian P - • 1974 Las Vegas
Andrew Wood - • Las Vegas - 1976
B Pintar - • Wizard of Oz Attractio...
What hotels do you want to see get an Expedition?
Nickelodeon Hotels
Fountainbleu Las Vegas (which just opened after like 17 years of construction).
You could get at least a dozen quality videos of the Disney World hotels, those would be a ton of fun to watch.
vegas luxor would be cool :) they had so much rubbish there, like the sega arcade, imax ridefilm simulation experience etc
The tropicana. Its so beat down. might be a good story. Also, the Alladian aka Planet Holloywood. so many owners . You're awesome!
It absolutely warms my heart that the CEO of MGM was willing to pay out any legitimate injury or death claims without question out of his own pocket if necessary and except accountability and learn from it and make the hotel safer. This is a man with integrity and one that I would be honoured to work for which is something I that can’t say about a lot of suits and ties nowadays in something tells me that it kept him up at night that his place of fun and excitement turned into a death trap
It's heartening to know that the MGM Grand Hotel upgraded its fire safety system after the disastrous fire of November 1980, and that Kerkorian generously compensated the victims' families afterwards. This shows me he was a man of honor and integrity. 🙏🏻💟
I actually didn't know the MGM Grand name had such a storied history, nor did I know it's predecessor was still around today as Bally's/Horseshoe
Right?!
I've just finished watching Poseidon Entertainment's video on 90's themed experiences where he briefly talked about this resort. Glad to see an in-depth look at its history!
Wow you're so gay
And now we get an in-depth look at the MGM theme park with all the memorable characters we love
Mickey: hoho😊
@@bretton_woods I'm gay now Daddy
I stayed there about 15 years ago. It was the biggest hotel I ever stayed in. Too big. It took us 20 minutes to walk from our room to the parking lot. It did have the best smell when you walked in.
You probably were in the rooms in the back. Those were rooms from the Marina Hotel and Casino that MGM bought and literally connected and annexed to the MGM Grand hotel. Google MGM Grand Marina Hotel to see this amazing and odd, before and after, building connection.
As a local, The Mirage has the best smell imo. Imma riot if Hard Rock changes it
That would have been the new MGM. Not the one in this video.
@@loC2olI just seen this comment sadly mirage is gone now I hope the hard rock fails miserably.
Crazy how “The Grandest Hotel Ever Built” in Vegas is like a dinky little one about 10 years later.
Right?!
This is so random but I want to say that I think you have my favorite method of branding and adding variety out of all my favorite creators. I love all the different logos and the series that go with them, and that I don’t have to subscribe to 15 different channels to see them all.
Unlike Simon Whistler, who has about 20 different channels, some of which cover the same content as others.
@@alaeriia01there’s ones he owns and ones he just works as a host, making the whole thing confusing. Seems like Simon is slowly backing down from the ones he doesn’t actually own.
As a Vegas native and local, I just found out yesterday that Bally’s was now the Horseshoe 😂 I always hear Horseshoe and think of Binion’s Horseshoe on Fremont street. I love the new hotel focused episodes and can’t wait for the next one! 👍🏻
I completely forgot about Bally's changing too. I still call The D, Fitzgerald's a lot, and it hasn't been Fitzgerald's for over a decade now
😂
Yeah, Since the change is only like 2 years old (roughly) I wouldn't be surprised if people think of the Fremont Street Horseshoe over the new one...which is owned by the same group that owns Ceaser's Palace!
Wait what? 😂 why did they do that to us? lol. I was so confused seeing that. It doesn’t belong there for those that know that
Las Vegas won’t be the same without those Ballys rings that I walk by and glance at while going somewhere else!
Oooooo there are some wild hotel stories out there. 2024 is going to be really fun for this channel!
Exactly!
👀 😮
My mom and Dad were staying in the MGM Grand when it caught fire, luckily they got out safe.They said it was one of the scariest times in their lives.
this is such a cool series, i'm obsessed with historic hotels so i can't wait to see more! i know it's a little different because it's kind of a resort but Cliff House in San Francisco could make a cool episode
Good suggestion
@@ExpeditionThemePark thank you! i think some other great ones would be the original waldorf-astoria, the madonna inn, and the barbizon!!
I’m obsessed with historic/haunted/motor lodges. I lived in Vegas from 1985-2000, and witnessed the implosion of several landmarks, as well as the construction of iconic hotels (Excalibur, Luxor, Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Mirage, as well as several others). It was a busy time in the history of Vegas. But I’ve also seen the tragedies that can happen in huge hotels. I much prefer small motor lodges - especially since I love the history behind motor lodges.
The MGM grand fire was kinda unique because it demonstrated a rare form of heat theory that was only in text books. It was the rare chimney effect that makes fire travel upwards and out. The fire was also fueled by casino chips that were full of chemicals that burned so hot that firefighters were literally forced to wait out the flames while trying to get people out. The chips also created a no oxygen environment literally suffocating people on the upper floors.
This fire really changed how Las Vegas operates its casinos. Every hotel on the strip immediately added hidden sprinkler systems throughout the casino floor and hotel rooms, they also added firefighting foam dispensers to the roof. The biggest change was the elimination of casino chips in their entirety and switching to an electronic card system which made things safer and simpler.
The MGM fire actually started in an auxiliary kitchen right behind the casino floor because somebody forgot to turn off a burner and it lit something up.
The MGM was rebuilt after the fire but with full firefighting tech in the roof and the auxiliary kitchen was destroyed for storage space so not to repeat the mistake again. Actually every hotel got rid of their auxiliary kitchens near the casino for storage and every dish excluding the restaurants on the ground floor are from a central kitchen in the basement. The MGM may look really good but the actual gold is just colored metal and the marble is actually an engineered stone that looks like marble. It was to reduce costs but keep the look of elegance. It’s because real Marble is impossible to get anymore as the supply is so low but the replacement is just as good and looks beautiful if it’s done correctly. Gold was also earmarked for jewelry and electronics some time ago so you don’t really find people using it to build anymore.
What do you mean electronic card system? That must be really new.
That is completely not true the casinos never stopped using chips. Where did you get your information it is wrong.
It was after the Hilton fire 3 months later that prompted the city to force hotels to add fire suppression systems.
They didn't do it out of the goodness of their hearts.
Almost everything you wasted the time to type is incorrect here.
Another great addition to the channel. Vegas alone should be worth several episodes.
Thanks!
Vegas alone would be worth a whole season.
Seeing this video made me so happy! I'm a born and raised Las Vegas resident, and I've always been extremely fascinated with the history and information behind all the hotels and casinos. I've also been the biggest fan of your videos for years (I love your vegas ones the most!), and words can't describe how excited I am for these new hotel based videos!!!
My mom witnessed the MGM Grand Hotel fire and for the rest of her life preferred lower level hotel rooms and motels with exterior corridors as they are easier to evacuate in the case of a fire.
I would like for you to cover traditional rustic style state and national park lodges.
My favorite lodge is the Pere Marquette State Park Lodge in Grafton, IL which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and opened in 1940.
The Giant City, Starved Rock, White Pines, and Watch Tower Black Hawk Lodges are other Illinois state park lodges also built during this time period in the same style and designed by the same architect.
After witnessing fires in tall buildings, and the collapse of the Champlain tower in Florida… I’m in the same camp as your mom. I prefer being on the ground floor of hotels - and I’ve stayed in numerous historic motor lodges. Motor lodges, when selected carefully, are the absolute BEST!!
Good to see Lance make a return. It was stupid to leave him out for so long....Really stupid.
Too long
Who?
The way you enunciate your words, it reminds me quite a bit of the British rapper, Ren. Awesome content either way.
Until the final 2 sentences in this video I was thinking, "I thought the MGM Grand Hotel and theme park was fairly new when I went in the early 1990s". I never knew there had been an earlier MGM Grand Hotel in Vegas.
Big fan of theme parks, Vegas and nostalgia. Big fan of your channel and the other ones with similar content. BUT THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST EPISODES - OF ANYTHING - I'VE SEEN! I'm writing while it plays in the background. I'll get back and rewind and enjoy the yet unseen remainder. I'm simultaneously thinking of all the people I will suggest it to. CAN'T REMEMBER BEING THIS ABSORBED AND ENTERTAINED. won't point out the one miniscule inaccuracy. THANK YOU! Nice job.
Compilation of the all the 90's construction of Vegas hotels to make them more family friendly - Excalibur, Luxor, New York New York, etc.
Yeasss
Yup. I lived in Vegas, courtesy of my dad being in the USAF, from 1985 until 2000. We moved there when I was 9, and I moved away at age 24 (for a job opportunity.) I witnessed a lot of change and growth during those years!
Nice new series! Can’t wait for the Overlook! And Charles Lindburgh ofcourse, where I spent 2 nights in the opening year. Thanks for making these videos.
Thank you for watching
Love your vids and content! I know growing up as a kid we were always so pumped to stay at Circus Circus. Not sure how much content there is with them but id love learning a little more of their backstory! 🤷🏻♂️
For sure! I love Circus Circus
You do great videos .. we appreciate the time and effort you put into them … thank you
This is a great idea for a video! I’ve always been curious why MGM is related to casinos!
Thanks!
This is such a great idea for a new series! I would love a history of Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point
It’s on my list!
@@ExpeditionThemePark yesssssss! Such a beautiful and historic hotel, I cannot wait!
This hotel was home to many WCW PPV events (including Halloween Havoc 98' Hogan-Warrior 2 & Halloween Havoc 99' Goldberg-DDP)
This is a great video, love this direction. Its a great idea.
Thanks so much!
Glad to see you branching out to bring more info to us...
Thank you
There was a roar when the fire appeared in the buffet. It scared the hell out of guests, for they evacuated to somewhere with security. Extinguishing the fire was a great pride for a new, clean aspect of the room.🦁
As always, this was great. So much information. Great video! And I just knew Lance would make an appearance. Was not disappointed!!! HAHA!
Thanks so much
First off, THANK YOU for pronouncing Nevada correctly! I grew up not too far from the MGM Reno, which at some point was Bally's Reno, then the Reno Hilton, and is now the Grand Sierra Resort. Would love to see a video on its history!
Awesome video great content great presentation!!Well done. I look forward to you future projects
Kinda cool how it all came full circle to airlines again.
New series! Very excited to see more of these, this one was great!
Thanks!
The way i SCREAMED at seeing Cabana Bay!!!! Oh my godddd. That is the only resort I stay at for universal orlando. I will be checking in in a few days time. I can NOT wait to see that video if you do that!!
I love that resort!
Love this!!! I think it's a great edition to this channel. I've always had an interest in hotels, especially vegas ones as well. When I went to vegas often it was in the late 90s and early 00s, ironically the end of family friendly vegas but I was old enough to wander around the strip on my own and explore and I loved it. I often went into Bally's because of the monorail and didn't know it was originally the MGM grand -- which I also went into the new MGM grand because of the monorail! The new one still had the enclosure for the lions back then and it was very fun to see them every day. We stayed at the venetian but I wanted to stay at luxor or excalibur because that was relevant to my interests lol, but the new mgm with the wizard of oz theming and bally's with that old hollywood feel were definitely on my list of maybe next time. (I was always outvoted though lol.) I would love to go back as an adult now and partake of all the entertainment, and check out bally's in more detail now that I know its history!
Thanks!
I stayed at The Westgate before the pandemic! That hotel is gigantic, and the room updates a few years ago have made a big difference (we had an old room before requesting an updated room)
LANCE RETURNS! But I'm so excited for this new series, and hoping you talk about Circus Circus because that was one of the grossest hotels I've ever walked through
He’s back!
Here I was thinking about the MGM Grand where it is today until the point that Bally’s came up. I had no idea there was another MGM Grand. When I heard about the fire previously I thought it was still the same location. So interesting!
I stayed at the MGM Grand when I went to Vegas for the first time- it was amazing! I haven’t been there for years but I’m happy you’re a channel that branches out for all aspects of entertainment while traveling- fantastic work!
Thank you!
Different hotel. That's the current MGM. The hotel in this video is now called Horseshoe.
My brother just graduated from a medical school eponymous to the "head" of the company who owned the MGM Grand Hotel. He's staying in town for residency; he ain't movin' like many otherz.🦁
Thanks for the upload, great video as always. 👏🏼
Thank you.
Great video as always but I do have one complaint regarding your recent uploads - What is that you ask? TAKE ONE GODDAMN GUESS! - Don't forget where you came from, The FACE/OFF references have always been the cornerstone of this channel's success. Hear my voice... I'M YOUR VIEWER!
Don’t worry, I have big plans for Castor Troy this year 😁
Absolutely here for a hotel series! Let’s do this!
Yessss
Love the new theme! Can't wait for additional hotel videos.
Thank you
I'm so excited to watch this! I would love to see one for First World Hotel, the largest hotel in the world.
Love this channel so much and this new coverage of hotels is just so awesome!!! Can’t wait for the videos to come. Great job as always. Happy New Year! 🎉
Man, well done as usual! Great stuff. I’m headed to Vegas next month so this was a fun watch.
A very thorough and informative inaugural episode of Expedition Hotel. Thanks Sam.
Will you and Jackie be releasing another Expedition Enthused podcast soon? Its been awhile.
Hopefully soon. We have talked about recording it but have not had time over the holidays and making videos. If i would gues, hopefully next week
Looking forward to it
The wizard of oz shoes were actually finally recovered as of last year. Three pairs exist, one is in private hands, one in the Hollywood museum, and the last pair went to the wizard of oz museum which were stolen but were found in some random prop house in Hollywood. Honestly the MGM auction saved a lot of props that would never have been found. Some museums have pieces that were just wasting away but now are on display, other pieces are in private hands that are on loan sometimes. We now know that the auction saved Hollywood history and he knew what he was doing just we never realized it at the time. It’s like the story of the original Death Star model as it was sent to a scrapyard and used as a trash can for years until being rescued and fully restored, it’s now on display at a museum which George Lucas actually liked seeing again. Without the auctions and people willing to buy props we wouldn’t see them ever again. Although the legendary Egyptian movie set in the California desert is still somewhat lost as the director wanted to bury it once finished so another film company could never reuse the set although its location is known kinda. It took CGI to create a decent modern adaptation.
Doesn't glen Beck own a pair? I could be mistaken but I remember hearing on a podcast from someone that recently went to his studio.
Can’t wait to see what other crazy hotels you cover!
Thanks!
Ooooo i love this addition with the hotels, there are some amazing historical hotels, like the Stanley or the Hawthorn in Salem...exciting! I can't wait to see more!
I expected a link to the MGM Grand Adventures video afterward, lol.
I work in the casino industry these days and it's fascinating to see how the entire industry evolved under a handful of individuals and how small/consolidated it really is, and how many companies have merged and split and whatnot.
So many!
I am not gonna lie, when I began this episode and I saw “Expedition Hotels” I thought, “Has he run out of ideas for theme parks?” But when I got to the end, I went, “Ah-ha!” when I saw the connection. Very clever, Sam.
New series Sam? Brilliant! Count me in!
Thank you!
I wonder... Have you covered the Disney Hotels before? If not, those would make for good episodes for Expedition Hotels as they already tie in with the Disney parks.
I have not and that’s the plan! I used to work at Disney Hotels so it’s close to my heart
Have u done the hotel at what use to be camelot theme park uk
I did not know this! I’m a huge fan of Disney and Universal Resorts. I’m so excited! The beginning was epic! I loved it!!!!
oooh can't wait to see that! @@ExpeditionThemePark
This was great! Can’t wait for part two!
Thanks!
Thank you for putting the "magician" in the video, it makes me laugh every time
Great idea.. i love this.. please keep expanding on this.. thanks…
Thank you
Yay for the new series! Always happy to see new Expedition videos.
You should talk about lagoon amusement park's history and in the resistance years
I ❤Lagoon
I've watched for over a year and only just realised I wasn't subscribed I'm so sorry! That is now rectified though. I loved this!
Thank you!!
My experiences with MGM are limited to the movies, cartoons, and the famous lion logos. Actually, MGM's Leo The Lion logo is actually the reason lions are my favorite big cat! I was so interested in the roar, imagine how surprised I was when I found out the roar was actually a tiger roar and they just dubbed over the lion. As for the hotel, I have mixed feelings. What I can say was that there was no excuse for the poor quality of the old hotel that led to the fire. As for a future hotel for Expedition Hotel, although not technically extinct, I nominate Howard Johnson's due to the fact that it lost it's restaurant and nursery rhyme/fairy tale theming that made it stand out from other hotels. Actually, Howard Johnson's first started as a restaurant then they added the hotels, but now it's a shell of it's former self. I'd love to see you cover defunct restaurants and/or restaurants that are a shell of their former selves one day. R.I.P to both Burger Chef and Red Barn, the two chains that I find the most interesting, but sadly closed long before I was born [I'm a 2000s person].
It’s in the works!
Okay I am SO stoked for an Expedition Hotels series!!! Your vids are always the best!
Cary Grant was also at the Landmark's opening. Makes me wonder how many of the folks that were there for the Landmark also attended the International's opening
Expedition Hotels Nice!!
❤️ love
And like a week before Elvis signed Apollo 11 had just splashed down.
My dad worked as a stage hand after the lion head entrance was taken down.
Nice!
Great job, fantastic work!
Thank you! Cheers!
@@ExpeditionThemePark 🍻
I saw the MGM Las Vegas fire with my own eyes when I was a kid. It was amazing to see. I was attending a relative's funeral south of town(back when you could see it from a distance with no other large hotels nearby other than the Tropicana).
I have lived in Vegas since 1993, and love hearing history about this city I didn't know.
Glad you did!
I can't wait for coverage of The International. Its Westgate now but I was there recently and it's so cool to think so much happened where I was standing.
The guy jumping from the rollar coaster clip 😂
"that was stupid"
always
Its always that desperado scene 😂. Its become a kind of easter egg now, keep it up!
This was a excellent start to another series, Sam!
I stayed at both the Hilton/now Westgate (about 15 years ago) and the Horseshoe (a few weeks ago). Love hearing the connection between the two!
I am glad you are doing another series .. I watched all your other videos
I didn't know that they rebranded the MGM recently! I stayed at that hotel more than I can count. My aunt gambled for living and my family was poor so we always got her free hotel rooms. I have a lot of fun memories from there.
An amazing episode. I love this new format and want to see more
YES NEW SERIESSSSSSSSS
Woooo
Fun Fact: My grandma and grandpa were featured in a news paper article about the MGM grand hotel fire with my aunt who was a baby at that time.
(They surived thankfully)
SEE! I AM IMPORTANT!! LETSSS GOOOOOOOO
DAMN Sam Great Vid. Looks like another GREAT series in the works 👍👍
Great video, so always!
So down for this series! Keep it up man 👍
Aww you barely hear of a man that high up trying their best to make proper amends, good on him for that at least. Rest in peace to those lost ❤
I frequently stayed at LV Hilton quite a few times in the 1990’s-2000’s, especially when they had the Star Trek attraction and,for awhile, it was a Really nice place…it doesn’t have a great location, but it was really nice…until they sold it to Westgate
Yeaaaa
Kerkorian's final major "investment" was "The Promise", a 2016 film with major actors and a real director that cost $100m and only grossed $12m. It's what you would call a "vanity" project, since it wasn't made to make money, and it's one of the most expensive vanity projects ever.
The film was a may have been a personal "vanity" project, but the motives were hardly shallow. Kerkorian wanted a film about the Armenian Genocide which Kerkorian's parents had escaped from before his birth.
Unfortunately, Kerkorian passed away while the project was in preproduction in 2015. I'm sure everyone had the best of intentions, but the bills were paid and everyone knew it didn't matter if the film was good. I think that takes the creative pressure off. For that reason, it's a mixed bag.
I'm sure Kerkorian got what he would have wanted, though. The story is out there.
Yeah the guy is really interesting
Love this video..
Never been in Vegas. thanks for sharing.
A cracking new series very much look forward to more!
Very interesting documentary, good work xx
I think the MGM is stunning. I stayed there in July of 2004. It was truly spectacular.
1:39 I've Been To Las Vegas Nevada In The United States Of America During My Los Angeles California And Las Vegas Nevada Holiday Megatrip Back In March And April 2016 And It Was Super Awesome. This Is Were The 1971 Metro Goldwyn Mayer And United Artists James Bond Action Adventure Spy Thrilling Blockbuster Movie Ian Fleming's Diamonds Are Forever The Movie Was Filmed At Pinewood Studios In The Capital City Of London In England In The United Kingdom Back In The Late 1970's In The 20th Century. Thanks Mate. X
11:30… You NEVER pass up a chance to get a dig in at poor Lance Burton’s expense, do you Sam?! (For the record, I actually got to see his show at the Monte Carlo several times in the early 2000’s and he had a very entertaining and surprisingly Un-cheesy show! He’s always been one of my favorites…)
I’m jealous!
I know the lions that they had in their lobby probably weren't ethically right but i'm kind of sad i missed the dissonance of seeing them by a few years :-(
0:30 Great Scotland Yard. It's Home Alone 2 Lost In New York. My All Time Favourite 20th Century Fox And John Hughes Children's Live Action Christmas Coming Of Age Fantasy Action Adventure Family Comedy Blockbuster Movie. Thanks A Lot Expedition Theme Park Mate. X❤
Wow, back when Horseshoe have a luxury front entrance or an entrance at all
Yup!
Not me just finding out Ballys was basically gym themed. Explains the lack of theme.
I get it.
I’m sure you know, and I’d love an ep on this, that the “new” MGM Grand actually added (a lot) to the Marina Hotel and Resort. The current stair-stepped West Wing is the old Marina tower.
14:40
Assuming the olives are about 1 inch in diameter, that would be about 30 BILLION olives. (30,273,408,000 by my count).
Even if they buy their olives in bulk at the start of the year, that's still ~83k olives/day.
Even if every one of the 5000 rooms was booked with 4 people in each, and each martini had 6 olives in it, each person would still need to drink nearly 700 martinis a day.
I get that most people aren't going to be staying in the hotel.
heck, they employ 8k people. if we assume about a 1:20 ratio of workers to guests (typical in restaurants, though there's redundant staff needed for doing different jobs and such), that's still only ~160k guests a day, and at 6 olives a martini, would still have each person drinking 86 martinis a day.
All of that to say: How many olives did they REALLY need to have on hand?!
This is the best comment.