Encore '82'

The Sands Spectacular

"On January 15, 1982, the Sands marked the completion of a $15 million renovation project with a grand reopening celebration that included marching bands, celebrities, fireworks and 200,000 balloons. The festivities began about 6:45pm outside the front entrance to the hotel with music by Valley and Clark High School Marching Bands and flag dancers.

The crowd spilled over from the Sands property and filled the parking lot at the Castaways Casino across the street. The celebration, titled "Encore '82" featured entertainer Sonny King as Master of Ceremonies and Sammy Davis Jr., as special guest. King introduced Jack Pratt Sr., Chairman of the Board of Inns of America.

"We look upon this reawakening of the Sands Hotel with a great deal of confidence and pride in this beautiful city.

— Jack Pratt, Sr.

"I spent 17 glorious years of my life and career on this property. I'm glad to see that the new owners have carried on the grand spirit that was the sands in the old days. As an entertainer who has been appearing in this town since 1945, I'm proud to be a part of this occasion.

— Sammy Davis Jr.

As the crowd cheered, Davis ceremoniously lit the Sands tower, the huge marquee and the porte cochere. This was followed by the release of more than 200,000 balloons from the top of the tower, the roof of the hotel and the base of the marquee.

For several minutes afterwards, the clear, cool black sky was changed into a mass of blue, red, yellow, pink and orange dots rising slowly into the night. Once the balloons were freed, the fireworks began, ending several minutes later with a loud and colorful finale.

After the outdoor festivities, the public was invited inside to view the remodeled 30,000 square foot casino (twice the size of the old one). Invited guests went to the main ballroom for a dinner-dance with a six course dinner and music provided by Harry James and his Orchestra.

During the party, Davis was called to the stage to receive an oil painting of himself that adorned the wall of the old Sands Casino.

After receiving the portrait, David coaxed James into accompanying him on the song "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You."

Several show business and political celebrities attended the party including U.S. Representative James Santini, Joan Rivers, Norm Crosby, Ben Vereen, Eric Estrada and Peter Lind Hayes.

The extravaganza was produced by Tommy Walker Spectaculars, which also planned the Reagan Inaugural Celebrations, three Superbowl halftime shows, and the opening ceremonies of the 1980 Winter Olympics.