Down To The Last Minute

Ready to don your finest duds and head out tonight to ring in 2010?

Not so fast. Fact is, if you haven't already scored tickets to that big concert, party or to-do on the Strip, it might be too late.

But don't worry. Las Vegas just happens to be New Year's Eve Central, and that means there always are at least a few alternatives to be found for procrastinators, value-seekers and others who just prefer a different means of welcoming in the new year.

Obviously, there's nothing to prevent you from trekking out this evening to join the throngs of tourists and fellow locals on the Strip. But those who wish to celebrate with a throng of fellow humanity also might head downtown, where the Fremont Street Experience will be the scene of a New Year's Eve party that begins at 6 p.m.

The party, open to people 21 and older, will feature eight tribute bands, Mayor Oscar Goodman doing the countdown to midnight and a fireworks display under the canopy. Best of all, a Nevada ID gets locals in for an affordable $10 ($20 for everyone else).

Thomas Bruny, director of marketing for Fremont Street Experience, says New Year's Eve crowds there are about evenly split between locals and tourists. And, while some celebrants buy tickets in advance, the "vast majority" of tickets are same-day purchases.

(By the way: Bruny says the party continues on Friday and Saturday, when five of the tribute bands will perform; admission is free.)

Many Southern Nevadans prefer spending New Year's Eve at their favorite local bars. For example, regulars at valley PTs and Sierra Gold taverns this year will find full-tilt New Year's Eve celebrations at PTs Golds at 6610 S. Fort Apache Road and 10075 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson, and at Sierra Golds at 6515 S. Jones Blvd. and 6929 Aliante Parkway in North Las Vegas.

Those locations will feature live DJs, free party favors, free specialty shots, $50 bottle service and a free champagne toast at midnight, says Christopher Abraham, Golden Gaming Inc. vice president of marketing. There will be no cover charge or entry fee.

But, Abraham adds, all PTs and Sierra Gold locations will offer party favors, champagne toasts and general New Year's Eve revelry this evening.

And, for all, there's this appropriate freebie: According to Abraham, everyone who comes in to celebrate New Year's Eve at any location will receive a voucher for a free Bloody Mary on New Year's Day.

For some, a darkened movie theater is a welcoming place to spend New Year's Eve. Jerry Olivarez, executive director of public relations for Brenden Theatre Corp., which operates theaters at the Palms, says this evening actually will be a good time for catching a movie.

Theaters tend to be less crowded, he explains, and "it is a good moviegoing night for those that have been there/done that and really just want to enjoy it.

"It's almost like being in a private screening. Especially now, with all the blockbusters that are out, you're going to have enough room around you to really sit down and relax."

Olivarez says some moviegoers probably will make an entire evening out of it, catching dinner first, seeing a movie, hanging around to see the fireworks along the Strip at midnight and then visiting one of the Palms' nightclubs. Tickets for evening movie showings today begin at the usual $10.25 adult/$6.75 seniors and children prices.

Another advantage of New Year's Eve moviegoing, according to Olivarez: "You're not going to have long lines at the concession counter."

If watching a movie at home is more your style, movie rental outlet Blockbuster notes that New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are two of its busiest days of the year. Representatives of several valley stores say they plan to be open until at least 10 p.m. today to accommodate last-minute renters.

And, for those who prefer dinner with their movie, pizza may be the plat du jour. In fact, John Arena, owner of Southern Nevada's Metro Pizza restaurants, expects tonight to be one of his busiest delivery days of the year.

Particularly between 5 and 7 p.m. today, Metro Pizza outlets will be very busy, Arena says. Then, he adds, "we try to stop delivering around 8:30 or 9 because we don't want our drivers and staff to be at risk."

Because of that, Arena recommends that those who are planning on dining in this evening call in to place their orders as early as possible.

For locals who choose to work off calories, Southern Nevada's two Crystal Palace Skating Centers will have New Year's Eve parties today from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

At the roller rink at 3901 N. Rancho Drive, attendance will be by invitation only, says manager Aimee Sanderson. But, she adds, people who visit the center in person during the day today may request a place on this evening's guest list.

There, the $25 tab includes admission, skate rental, a glow bracelet, two slices of pizza, two soft drinks, a bag of chips, an ice cream product and eight game tokens, Sanderson says.

At the Crystal Palace rink at 4680 Boulder Highway, the cost is $15 per skater, which includes admission, skate rental, and hats and noisemakers, says manager James Newman.

"It's open to all ages," he says. "We get them from 2 years old up to 70."

However, at both venues, access is limited and only parents may leave or re-enter once the party begins.

And if bowling is your New Year's Eve sport of choice, Sam's Town's Bowling Center, 5111 Boulder Highway, is hosting a private event this evening. However, Whit Jones, bowling center manager, says about half of the center's 56 lanes should be available for open bowling as well.

Jones recommends calling ahead of time to check on lane availability.

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@review journal.com or 702-383-0280.