Vegas in your 40's

So last week I took time away from the family and travel ball to go watch the RAAAAIIIIDDDEEERRRRSSSS get smoked by the Chiefs in Vegas. It was a good buddy of mine who has tickets and so why not. Flew on Saturday , caught the Sphere, Dinner and gambled. For the record I am a 49er fan and my buddy is a Cowboy fan so literally there for the experience.

THe Sphere: This place is pretty cool. As a 44 year old I have to say that going up what seemed to be like a mile long escalator started to make my anxiety levels rise a little bit. Once you get to your seat the screen and interior of the sphere is absolutely massive. Once again slight panic on how I'd be escaping in the event of any issues. Geez the more I type this the more I think with age might just come more anxiety lol. Anyhow the show was pretty dope. It was about the world and what started it and what they think may end it. Ya I know grim but the experience was cool.

Transportation: We did not rent a car as we were only in town for the night but let me tell you we took about 6 or 7 cab rides all together and not 1 of them was under 25$. The traffic in Vegas was at an all time worst. They recently had some Grand Prix car races and so apparently the city is a little on its head from it. To get from the sphere back to Mandalay took approximately 30 minutes and was only a 3 mile walk.

Gambling: I enjoy roulette and black jack. Craps always look like a blast but can be overwhelming with all that is going on. Instead I found this game above where a machine rolls large dice and you can learn and play from a screen. This was easily the funnest game I had found. I played this for a while and it was about 5$ to buy in. There was not a table in Las Vegas under 25$ a hand. It has become crazy to play or buy anything in the casino. At one point I bought an energy drink and it was 8$. Another funny rule was that there is no swearing at the tables. I saw a guy who asked to leave after dropping an F bomb a few times on a bad draw in Black Jack.

Raiders game: This was by far the funnest event of the weekend. This place is as clean of a stadium as I have ever been to. Everyone there is in a Vegas mood and seemingly there to enjoy the day much more than just enjoy the game. That being said I would have to estimate that the crowd was easily half in red and routing for the Chiefs. With the Raiders not actually being from Vegas I assume there are not as many "Home" fans as there would be in Oakland or La and I am sure this all plays into the Raiders success at some point. As far as a "rowdy" crowd it just is not there. I'd easily take my kids to a game there and not have any worries.

As for me I think 24-48 hours in Vegas is about my limit now in my old age. I will leave the night clubs and nonsense to the next generation. If planning a trip just add a 30% fee to about anything you might think things cost and expect to gamble in much more muted fashion from years past. Enjoy!