Gov. Sandoval on the Park: ‘In Las Vegas, anything is possible’

By John Katsilometes

Monday, April 4, 2016 | 10 p.m.

Gov. Brian Sandoval was sporting the same classic haircut but a new frame Monday at MGM Resorts' new attraction The Park. A creature of habit (at least in relation to his grooming), the governor has been using the same barber for 35 years, Don Diehl at Paradise Barber Shop in Sparks.

Fourteen bucks is the Governor’s Rate at Paradise Barber Shop.

Sandoval also has slimmed some, likely about 15 pounds. “Thanks for noticing,” he said, laughing at the mention. “I’m just trying to take care of myself.”

Sandoval joined the ribbon-cutting ceremonies at The Park on the Strip, presenting a certificate of commendation to MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren in a ceremony near the attraction’s entrance facing the Strip.

How our conversation played out after the ribbon was cut:

The last time I talked to you was about a year ago at the ribbon-cutting for Resorts World Las Vegas. When you see this type of investment here at The Park and T-Mobile Arena, do you think it will really inspire investors to follow through on their announced plans?

I hope it does because others will see in the community how successful this project is. You can have an idea like this and create what really is a remarkable project, an example that in Las Vegas, anything is possible.

How involved are you in a project like this from the governor’s seat? Is your office at all consulted on a project of this scope and this importance?

I’m aware of what is going and kept up to date, but this is MGM Resorts’ business. Their capital, their investment and their risk. But I know in advance what’s happening, and it makes me excited because I know that people are interested in the future of this city and the future of this state.

You’ve seen the plans and the renderings. How does the final product compare?

To see it come on line — I actually think the reality is better than the drawings. This has exceeded all my expectations, which were extremely high. For Jim Murren and MGM, they really took a lot of risk here, to invest the type of capital they have, but I think it’s going to be very beneficial … it’s a business decision for them, but I do believe you can never have enough parks, especially on the Strip. There is nothing like this on the Strip, this type of gathering place.

Is there anything to say from your office about the stadium being proposed by Las Vegas Sands on Tropicana Avenue?

I appointed the (Southern Nevada) Tourism Infrastructure Committee with Steve Hill as the chair. That’s been part of my charge, for them to systematically go through the needs of transportation, the needs for a stadium, the needs for the convention center, all of it. We’ve kind of been doing this piecemeal before. I thought it was important to look at it and get everybody who is a stakeholder … I do hope we get a stadium, but it comes down to money. It always comes down to money.

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