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The Marina Hotel and Casino opened in 1975, at 3805 Las Vegas Boulevard.
The resort held the Port of Call Restaurant. The decor was authentic seafaring with colorful nautical trappings. The casino held four poker tables, and a sports and racing book.
In 1980, Kirk Kerkorian's dream, the MGM Grand (now Bally's LV), became a tragedy. Even though the MGMs interior was rebuilt safer, Kerkorian knew that his dream would always be associated with death and tragedy.
He proceeded to buy the Marina in 1989, and changed its name to the MGM Marina. Seeing the Marina as a stable, solidly built resort, he decided not to destroy the resort but to build around it, making the Marina a part of his dream. The 100 acre Tropicana Country Club was also bought. On November 30, 1990, the Marina was closed and on October 7, 1991, ground breaking occurred to recreate Kerkorian's The City of Entertainment. A total of 1,500 workers put in 12,000 man hours per day with construction costs averaging $1 million each day.
Chip scans courtesy of Ross Poppel
and Silver State Treasures
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