Can Neonopolis handle all this Nerd action?

The Kats! Bureau at this writing is the Red Velvet Stage at Downtown Grand, named for the red-velvet curtain of the live-music venue, which faces the casino floor. No music at the moment, but a couple big-screen TVs are set up to broadcast (I expect) Final Four action on Saturday afternoon.

More from here, and elsewhere:

REVENGE OF THE NERD

The new nightclub at Neonopolis is formally opened, title of The Nerd, taking over the second floor of the entertainment and retail center at Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street.

Thursday morning’s opening party featured such nerd-like amenities as Star Wars Stormtroopers, Spider-Man and a display of the Iron Man Hammer Drone costume. Also ringing the venue, with its dozen bowling lanes and quartet of pool tables, are painting of the “Breaking Bad” cast and goofy old newspaper comics.

Who is the ultimate authority of the nerd effects at The Nerd? Proprietor Jonathan Borchetta, who also operates the Voodoo Zip Line at the Rio.

“I am a nerd myself, and I being self-indulgent,” Borchetta said at the opening event. “Everything around you is to be a living, breathing comic book.” The Nerd is keeping 7 p.m.-4 a.m. hours, nightly, with a DJ on most of those nights. Playing, what, Devo?

Anyway, the big question is if this place can survive where many inventive projects have either failed or failed to even open. I’m remembering the ill-fated Krave alternative nightclub, and a very nerd-friendly Star Trek Experience eight years ago that was never realized. But Borchetta was taken by the zeal of Neonopolis owner Rohit Joshi, and of the appealing location of the entertainment center.

“We kind of stumbled on this open space in Joshi’s building, and met him and were really impressed with his excitement,” Borchetta said. “It’s been a blessing. Every tenant here is on the same page.” Borchetta is also a partner in the E Sports Arena at Neonopolis and is going after what he calls “the youth movement.”

“We’re going after the whole Millennial audience,” he said, then was taken away, by Joshi, to pose with a Stormtrooper.

THE LEWIS EFFECT

On Sunday, a day after Jerry Lewis caught Criss Angel’s “Mindfreak” show at Luxor, I asked the entertainment legend what he thought of the production. His response: “It was one of the best magic shows I have ever seen.”

COMEDIC CONFAB

Amy Schumer, in town to promote the upcoming comedy “Snatched” at CinemaCon, surprised Carrot Top with a visit to his show at Luxor on Wednesday night. The two had never met. “She said she loved me and has wanted to meet me. Very cool, very sweet,” was C.T.’s take on the backstage visit.

NAVIGATING REDNECK RIVIERA

Celebrating its first Academy of Country Music Awards weekend, Redneck Riviera at Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s is summoning the heavy hitters. It’s “Party for a Cause” after-party on Saturday stars pub owner John Rich, Clay Walker and Adam Craig (doors are at 10 p.m). Sunday’s VIP show, also 10 p.m., features Big & Rich, with the Tony Marques Band opening.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section, and Fridays in Neon. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.