Las Vegas prepares for New Year’s Eve celebration invasion

The Las Vegas Valley is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors this New Year's Eve with performing artists, celebrity appearances and a $500,000 fireworks show atop seven strip casinos.

Law enforcement strives to make New Year's Eve 2012 as safe as 2011, when police said no traffic fatalities or major crimes were reported.

An eight-minute fireworks display timed to music will be shot off the rooftops of the MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood Resort, Caesars Palace, Aria, Treasure Island, The Venetian and the Stratosphere.

Partygoers can look forward to seeing celebrity hosts at New Year's Eve parties: Kim Kardashian at 1 Oak at The Mirage, Nicki Minaj at Pure at Caesars Palace, and Ice-T and Coco at LAX at the Luxor.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers also will perform in the Chelsea Ballroom at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, FUN. at Haze at Aria, and Foster the People at the Bank at the Bellagio.

Outside these events, the Metropolitan Police Department expects to schedule all officers during the 24-hour New Year's Eve shift.

Most officers patrolling the Strip will not be in uniform. However, individuals should still "feel very secure," officer Bill Cassell said.

Nevada Highway Patrol expects to place twice as many troopers on the roadways through Tuesday.

According to trooper Loy Hixson, troopers from all over the state will be recruited to Las Vegas for the holiday.

The National Guard is also expected to station about 200 soldiers around the Strip, McCarran Airport and other locations for their annual training exercise.

These soldiers will be available to respond to any incident in the valley.

Authorities will continue to enforce the "Absolute Zero Tolerance" policy for impaired driving.

"We want everyone to have a good time," Cassell said. "But if we spot anyone driving while impaired, they will go to jail."

While police encourage celebration, they say following a few rules and tips can help celebrators stay out of trouble and stave off regrets.

■ AAA is offering a free 10-mile ride service called "Tipsy Tow" between 6 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday for individuals unable to drive.

Partygoers can call AAA's roadside service number at 1-800-222-4357 and ask the operator for a "Tipsy Tow." Anyone can participate, a AAA membership is not required. The responding worker will take drivers and passengers, as space allows, and their cars home.

■ The Regional Transportation Commission will also provide free bus rides from 6 p.m. Monday to 9 a.m. Tuesday.

■ The use of metal and glass containers on the Strip and downtown will be banned from 6 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday. Plastic cups and containers are allowed.

■ Large backpacks, satchels or knapsacks that could carry cans or bottles are discouraged.

■ A curfew on the Strip for unaccompanied minors has been set for 9 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday.

■ People parking and walking toward the Strip or downtown are encouraged to park in well-lit areas, hide valuables, lock their cars, and take their keys.

"It's also a good idea to wipe off the suction cup ring left on the window if you have a GPS or radar unit that mounts to the window," Cassell said. "The ring is a 'something's valuable inside, let's break in' sign."

Temperatures are expected to be around 31 degrees. Individuals attending celebrations outdoors should dress warm.

Around 4,000 pedestrian barriers will assembled along the Strip on Monday, while road closures will begin around 5 p.m. and continue until around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Contact reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0264.