Las Vegas, Nevada – In a city known for its glitz, glamour, and larger-than-life personalities, myths and legends often overshadow the truth. One such myth that has circulated for decades is the story that Elvis Presley was set to open the International Hotel (now known as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino) in 1969. However, new evidence has emerged to bust this long-standing myth.
For years, it was believed that the King of Rock and Roll himself was the original headliner at the International Hotel, which was the largest hotel and casino in the world at the time of its opening. The story goes that Presley was set to perform a series of shows at the hotel to mark his return to live performances after a long hiatus from the stage. However, recent research has revealed that this story is simply not true.
According to historical records and interviews with former employees of the International Hotel, it was actually comedian Don Rickles who headlined the hotel’s grand opening in 1969. Rickles, known for his quick wit and sharp tongue, was a popular entertainer at the time and drew a large crowd to the hotel’s showroom for his performances.
So why has the myth of Elvis opening the International Hotel persisted for so long? Some speculate that it may be due to Presley’s close association with the city of Las Vegas and his legendary performances at other venues, such as the Las Vegas Hilton. Others believe that the myth was perpetuated by fans and media outlets looking to capitalize on Presley’s fame and the mystique of Las Vegas.
But regardless of how the myth started, one thing is certain: Elvis did not open the International Hotel in 1969. In fact, Presley did not perform at the hotel until several years later, when he began a legendary residency at the property that lasted until his death in 1977.
So the next time you hear someone claim that Elvis Presley opened the International Hotel in 1969, you can set the record straight. The real headliner of the hotel’s grand opening was Don Rickles, not the King of Rock and Roll. And while Las Vegas may be a city built on myths and legends, it’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the history of this iconic destination.