Stratosphere Tower welcomes 40 millionth visitor

By HOWARD STUTZ LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

11 years ago

James Kennedy of Birmingham, England, was greeted by Stratosphere General Manager Paul Hobson at the entrance to the 1,149-foot-tall tower with balloons, an entourage of Stratosphere employees and cameras. Kennedy was recognized as the Stratosphere’s 40 millionth visitor. (Courtesy, Red 7 Communications/YouTube)

A man was shot near the Stratosphere late Monday night, according to Las Vegas police. (Review-Journal File Photo)

The Stratosphere Resort and Casino’s main entrance and tower pictured on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2006. (RUBEN D. LUEVENO/REVIEW-JOURNAL)

The Stratosphere Tower welcomed its 40 millionth visitor Monday and the guest turned out to be British tourist making his first ever trip to Las Vegas.

Just after 10:30 a.m., James Kennedy of Birmingham, England, was greeted by Stratosphere General Manager Paul Hobson at the entrance to the 1,149-foot-tall tower with balloons, an entourage of Stratosphere employees and cameras.

Hobson presented Kennedy with a Stay & Play Getaway at the hotel-casino valued at $2,500.

The Stratosphere opened in April 1996, providing visitors with a panoramic view from the tallest freestanding observation tower in the country. The Tower is the tallest structure in Las Vegas and the tallest building West of the Mississippi River.

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.