Discover the history of the Sundance Hotel and Casino in Downtown Las Vegas, from its opening in 1979 to its transformation into The Fitzgeralds.

Sundance Casino Las Vegas A Downtown Fremont Street Gaming Throwback

For an authentic taste of 1980s Downtown gaming, bypass the modern resorts and seek out historical records of the establishment that once stood at 1 Main Street. This gaming hall, preceding the Plaza Hotel, offered a distinct experience centered around its unique western theme. Its location, directly overlooking the Fremont Street Experience's inception point, provided patrons with unparalleled views of the developing downtown spectacle. The gaming floor was known for its favorable odds on single-deck blackjack and a significant collection of classic coin-operated slot machines, a stark contrast to today's ticket-in, ticket-out systems.

The establishment's primary draw was its intimate, almost rustic atmosphere. Unlike the sprawling mega-resorts that would later dominate the Strip, this place fostered a sense of community among players. The low-stakes poker room was a local favorite, renowned for its friendly dealers and regular tournaments that attracted a dedicated crowd of regulars rather than transient tourists. Finding a seat at one of these tables felt like joining a private club, where the focus was on the game and camaraderie, not flashy distractions.

Exploring the legacy of this particular downtown gaming parlor reveals a pivotal chapter in the city's history. It represented the final era of smaller, independently spirited gambling houses before corporate consolidation reshaped the urban core. Memorabilia and photographs from this period showcase a simpler, more personal approach to hospitality and entertainment. For history enthusiasts, researching this specific entertainment complex provides a direct link to the soul of old Fremont Street before its complete transformation.

Sundance Casino Las Vegas: The Story of a Fremont Street Original

To understand the evolution of downtown, examine the property at 1 Fremont Street. It began its modern life as the Sundance Hotel, opening its doors on July 2, 1980. This establishment was a joint venture between Moe Dalitz and his partners, figures deeply connected to the city's formative years. The structure itself was notable for being the first major hotel-gaming complex built downtown in nearly a decade, signaling a potential resurgence for the area. It featured over 600 rooms, a significant addition to the district's lodging capacity.

The gaming floor was a product of its time, focusing heavily on traditional table games and coin-operated slot machines. Patrons from the 1980s would recall the distinct clatter of coins and a more intimate gaming atmosphere compared to the sprawling megaresorts that would later define The Strip. A key feature was its prime location, directly at the west end of what would become the Fremont Street Experience. For seven years, it operated under this name, carving out its own identity amidst legendary neighbors like the Golden Nugget and the Pioneer Club.

In 1987, a pivotal change occurred when Lincoln Management Group, led by the Boyd family, acquired the property. This acquisition was a strategic move for the Boyds, expanding their already significant downtown footprint. They initiated a complete transformation, rebranding the establishment as the Fitzgeralds Hotel & Gambling Hall.  https://pixbet-login.app  brought a distinctive Irish theme, complete with shamrocks and a "luck of the Irish" marketing angle. The physical structure was renovated, and the gaming options were updated to stay competitive. This era lasted for decades, solidifying its place in the downtown collective.

The final chapter began in 2012 when brothers Derek and Greg Stevens purchased the building. Recognizing the need for a modern overhaul, they undertook a massive renovation. The Irish theme was stripped away, replaced by a sleek, contemporary design. The property was renamed The D Las Vegas, a nod to Derek's nickname and his Detroit roots. This transformation marked the end of the Sundance/Fitzgeralds legacy and the beginning of a new, high-energy era for 1 Fremont Street, making it a cornerstone of the revitalized downtown district.

Navigating the Original Sundance: Casino Games, Dining, and Hotel Life in the Early '80s

Focus your gaming efforts on the single-deck blackjack tables, where the house edge was noticeably lower than the multi-deck shoe games prevalent elsewhere on Fremont Street. The minimum bet was often just $1, making extended play sessions accessible. For slot players, the most rewarding machines were typically the mechanical reel types, specifically the "Double Diamond" progressives, which offered higher payout percentages compared to the newer video poker terminals just beginning to appear on the floor.

The Gaming Floor Experience

• Craps Tables: These were known for their lively atmosphere and generous 5x odds, a better proposition than the 2x or 3x odds found at many larger Strip properties. The dealers were known for their speed and professionalism.
• Keno Lounge: This offered a traditional, relaxed pace. Patrons would fill out their paper tickets with a crayon, and runners collected them throughout the establishment. Payouts were modest, but it was a low-stakes diversion.
• Poker Room: The small, often crowded poker area primarily featured Limit Hold'em and Seven-Card Stud. The games were populated by local grinders rather than tourists, offering a challenging but authentic downtown gambling experience.

Dining and Refreshments

The 24-hour coffee shop, simply called "The Cafe," was the primary dining spot. It was renowned for its $2.99 prime rib special, available after 4 PM. This deal included a baked potato, a small salad, and a dinner roll. For breakfast, the "Gambler's Special" for 99 cents consisted of two eggs, bacon or sausage, hash browns, and toast. The main bar served complimentary domestic draft beers like Pabst Blue Ribbon and Budweiser to active players, delivered by cocktail waitresses in modest, single-color uniforms.

Hotel Accommodations

Rooms in the tower were basic and functional, designed for sleep, not luxury. They featured queen-sized beds with firm mattresses, wood-veneer furniture, and small CRT televisions that received a handful of local channels. The decor was dominated by earth tones–browns, oranges, and deep greens. Bathrooms were compact, equipped with a shower-tub combination and basic amenities. The key advantage was direct elevator access to the gaming area, allowing for immediate immersion into the downtown action without stepping outside.

The 1987 Transition: Unpacking the Sale and Rebranding to Fitzgeralds Las Vegas

Lincoln Management Group orchestrated the 1987 acquisition for approximately $11 million, initiating a complete overhaul of the property's identity. The transaction, financed partially through high-yield bonds, marked a strategic shift for the downtown gambling establishment. The new ownership immediately began phasing out the previous Southwestern theme, which had defined the building since its 1980 opening. This rebranding effort was not merely cosmetic; it involved a calculated move to capture a different market segment.

The chosen theme was "The Luck of the Irish," a concept directly borrowed from its sister property in Reno, Fitzgeralds Reno. This allowed for brand consistency and cross-promotional opportunities between the two Nevada gaming centers. The transformation involved installing green-hued carpeting, shamrock motifs, and leprechaun imagery throughout the gaming floor and public areas. The exterior signage was completely replaced, with the new name "Fitzgeralds" displayed in prominent gold lettering against a green background, a stark contrast to the former desert-inspired palette.

Operationally, the transition saw changes in marketing strategies. Promotions were redesigned to align with the Irish-luck concept, featuring giveaways and events themed around St. Patrick's Day and Celtic folklore. The management targeted tourists seeking a more whimsical and themed entertainment experience than what was offered by neighboring Fremont Street properties. This thematic differentiation was a key component of their plan to carve out a niche in the competitive downtown district. The entire rebranding was completed within months, culminating in the official relaunch under the Fitzgeralds nameplate before the end of the year.

Finding Sundance Today: A Guide to Its Modern-Day Location as The D Las Vegas

To find the site of the former gaming establishment, go directly to 301 Fremont Street, at the corner of Fremont Street and 3rd Street in downtown. This specific intersection is a primary landmark for locating the property now known as The D. The building occupies the entire city block between 3rd and 4th streets. For precise navigation using a rideshare app or GPS, input "The D" as your destination. The main entrance sits directly on the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall.

The property is identifiable by its prominent red exterior and the large "D" logo. A key feature is the outdoor "Vue Bar" on the second floor, offering a clear view over the pedestrian thoroughfare. Another marker is the escalator that transports people directly from the street level up to the second-floor vintage slot machine area. This escalator is a distinctive architectural element visible from the mall. The establishment is situated directly across from the Four Queens Hotel & Gambling Hall and adjacent to the Fremont Street Experience's SlotZilla Zipline take-off tower, making it easy to spot.

For those driving, access the self-parking garage from 3rd Street. The entrance is clearly marked. Once inside The D, some original structural elements of its predecessor remain, particularly in the layout of the main gaming floor. The second level, dedicated to older coin-operated machines, offers a feel for the historical gambling atmosphere of the original place. This floor is a specific point of interest for anyone tracing the building's history.