I just watched the local Vegas news and have the newspaper. Apparently the
power outage at the Bellagio is still out. They couldn't figure out at first
what caused the problem, but now apparently are replacing electrical systems
underground (looked like it was near Flamingo or on Frank Sinatra drive behind
the Bellagio) where the problem may have been caused by animals or water.
They HOPE to have it repaired later today...... Power has now been out since 2
a.m. on Sunday - over 58 hours. Costs are estimated at a loss of $3 million a
day - possibly as much as $1 billion out of a year's revenue (in cash flow)
according to the Las Vegas Review Journal (I don't know how they got that figure
from $3 million a day).
During a news conference it was suggested that a design flaw in the 1.6
billion resort caused some of the problems. The newspaper reports that
transmission cables for both primary and backup power run parallel to one another through
the same duct work. Thus you can't fix the primary and run the backup system
at the same time!!! (bizarre).
Strangely the newspaper reported that lights were on in the Bellagio's
nightclub "Light" while off elsewhere. Also computers in the MGM Grand Conference
Center, which normally run from the Bellagio, were shut down, cutting off its
booking and reservation system, but manual booking was being done.
Guests in 2000 rooms were relocated to other hotel rooms on Sunday. Another
800 rooms were also being relocated to sister MGM properties such as MGM, TI,
Mirage, NYNY, etc. And some people even went to various Caesars properties.
Air is being circulated by minimal emergency power to make sure that the
artwork hanging in the hotel and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is not damaged.
Guests who have reservations or questions should contact 702-693-7223.
Performances for "O" have been cancelled through at least today (Tues.).
Bellagio workers who are now out of work will not be paid. Up to 8000
workers are affected to some extent, though some are still working at the property.
Once power is restored it will take time to restock all the restraunts (all
food has been removed apparently), recheck all the electronic room looks,
recheck elevators, turn on and recheck all slots, clean rooms, etc.
My personal guess for reopening is no sooner than Thursday at this point....
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