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What's missing from Las Vegas newspapers, TV and radio this week?

The answer is easy for Sin City denizens: casino Super Bowl party ads.

That's because there aren't any big bashes planned, at least the kind where you pay a C-note, watch the game on widescreens, stuff yourself with all-you-can-eat "stadium fare" and get intoxicated with friends at open bars ... a big part of the Vegas mystique.

The Goliath NFL wiped them out last year, holding potential lawsuits over resorts that didn't kowtow to demands they cease and desist from airing the game at events people pay to get in.

The league cited broadcasting rights.

Oh, the gleaming alabaster palaces still will roll out red carpets for the rich, famous and media types, cook up fancy food (medallions of veal anyone?) and throw open the liquor cabinet, top shelf and all, but casinos don't like to discuss these "private" affairs.

Someone might be left out, inadvertently or otherwise.

Besides, letting the public know how the other half lives isn't real Strip smart.

Many resorts will show the big Pittsburgh-Seattle game throughout their casinos, offering food and drink specials.

Vegans and tourists also have the option of watching Super Bowl XL in sports books throughout Nevada; just come early, stake your claim (some bet shops feature more comfortable chairs than others), make your wagers and start searching for those specials.

Harrah's will give patrons Super Bowl t-shirts with $50 parlay wagers and showing the game at its Piano, Carnaval, Winning Streaks and other bars, while Fiesta Rancho will give away a 2006 Dodge Ram during festivities.

Many former NFL stars will spend Super Bowl weekend in Sin City, but most will maintain low profiles to escape media glare.

They'll limit public appearances to things like "tributes" and charity auctions, then mix and mingle "privately."

John Elway, for one, should thank the Steelers for creaming Denver in the AFC title game, as he already was committed here. So's Dan Marino, who never really had a reason to believe he'd be anywhere else on Super Bowl Sunday.

Philadelphia bad boy Terrell Owens will paint the town red, starting at 10 p.m. Friday at Caesars Palace's upscale PURE Nightclub; a deejay will focus on rock and rap music.

Like all free Americans, Vegans also can watch Matt Hasselback and Ben Roethlesberger duel in the friendly confines of their favorite pub, or tavern; they're on many neighborhood corners, like anywhere else.

The Steelers have several fan bars in Vegas while the Seahawks have one.

Bob Taylor's Ranch House and Supper Club in the far northwest valley has catered to Las Vegans since 1955.

The current owner hails from Pittsburgh and has turned the classy steak house saloon into a Steelers bastion.

"We'll have food specials, beer specials, shots and everyone will be dressed in yellow and black," a restaurant spokeswoman said.

"Everything we cook is mesquite grilled, you know.

"We're having a big Super Bowl party."

So is Rascals, another Steelers stronghold on Vegas' East Side.

"We have a free Super Bowl buffet -- actually, it's pretty nice and I'd be here myself (even) if I didn't have to work -- for anyone who buys a $25 square on our board," said a lady who answered the phone.

"But we only have two squares left, so we'll think up another gimmick by Friday so those who didn't get down on this one get another chance for free buffets.

"We'll have free well drinks too and 50-cent drink tickets that let you uprade on brands.

"And there's no cover charge."

Seahawks fans also have a haven, at Smoke Ranch Junction on the city's West Side.

"Sure, we're having a big Super Bowl party," said a voice at the other end.

"We'll have a free buffet and drink specials."

Bars rely on regulars for most Super Sunday business, but emphasize their shindigs are open to the public, which, in fact, they ardently pursue.

Those seeking something truly spectacular might give the Red Rooster a whirl; it's a swinging joint.

The Seattle-Pittsburgh match-up will be shown on big-screen TVs and a buffet will be served.

BYOB.

Cost is $40 for couples and single men; single women are free. No tickets will be sold in advance.

A dress code will be in effect: Men, boxers only; women, just panties.

# posted by blogs71375 : 2:29 AM