In less than two weeks, The Vegas Shoot, known as the largest and most prestigious indoor archery tournament in the world, will hold its 54th edition on February 7-9, 2020 at the South Point Hotel Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Attracting more than 3,700 archers from all around the world, from beginners to Olympic Champions, the trip to Vegas means there’s a wide range of options and prices.
Whether you chose to attend individually, as a couple, with your family or with a group of friends, there’s only one thing that will cost the same for everybody: the registration fee, of course, according to the division you register in.
For those who have a limited budget or haven’t been able to save much during the last 12 months, here’s some advice on how to do Vegas on the cheap.
Sleep
1. South Point or Grandview
The Vegas Shoot is held at the South Point Hotel, which offers 250,000+ sq. feet of shooting space and over 2,000 hotel rooms. It’s chosen among most of participants due to its facilities and because being honest, it’s great to jump from bed to the shooting hall directly. Oh, and the practice halls run 24 hours.
Attendees receive rates of $78.00 midweek and $114.00 weekend + daily resort fee. Rates are not guaranteed once the main archery reservation is sold out. Rooms made outside of the NFAA block will be charged increased rates.
A few meters away is The Grandview Las Vegas. There, attendees receive rates of $89.00 midweek and $129.00 weekend. Each reservation will have a one-time resort fee of $25.00. The two bedroom rate is $159.00 midweek and $199.00 weekend. Each two bedroom reservation will have a one-time resort fee of $50.00.
Price: $78.00 - $199.00
Recommendation: Vegas is famous for gambling, right? The Southpoint is a local haunt with some of the best deals in Sin City. Don’t miss it! (Playing with a group of friends is always more fun.)
2. Airbnb
Prefer a place that looks more like a home? Then Airbnb is a great option for you. From the famous Vegas Strip to the suburb of the city, there’s a wide range of options where you can choose individual rooms or an entire house or apartment.
Airbnb is mostly recommended for big groups traveling together who would like to share expenses, cook home-made dinner and feel at home while away.
Price: $30.00 - $200.00 per night
Recommendation: places outside of the city are cheaper than at the center. Uber and taxis work perfectly if you don’t have a car to move around.
3. Green Valley
It’s a fairly new suburb on the southeast part of Vegas with lots of shopping, bars and restaurants. Prices are considerably low in comparison with the Strip or other places in the city.
Hotels offer very good deals for the weekend and the area is known as one of the safest places in the US.
Price: $150.00 - $600.00 two people/three nights
Recommendation: it’s a very family-oriented area.
Eat
1. Steak n’ shake
There are three Steak n’ shake restaurants in Vegas, one of which is at the South Point.
The diner offers premium burgers and milk shakes as its specialty. Opens every day from 10h30 ‘til midnight.
You can get a decent meal for two or three bucks, but at the end of each shooting session there’s usually a wait. This place is popular among archers!
Price: ¢75 - $9.95
Recommendation: combos are always best. If you are on a diet, they also offer good salads for less than $10.00.
2. Buffet
From fancy lobster tail to steak, from Mexican to Asian fusion, buffet is always a good option to get a variety of tasty food at affordable prices. And there are a lot all around the city!
The Seasons Buffet at the Silverton Casino, Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan, Tacos El Gordo and District One Kitchen & Bar.
Price: $5.00 - $25.00
Recommendation: Don’t let the name of a resort fool you. Most big hotels will have a buffet-style restaurant. Some can cost a bit, though, so google the price in advance.
3. Walmart
Because every room has a fridge and there’s nothing better than having your own goodies, Walmart is always a great option. Whether you chose to buy snacks or mark your own simple meals, prices are typically low.
Price: starts below $1
Recommendation: the best thing about Walmart is not worrying about time. It’s open 24/7.
Enjoy
1. Wander the Strip
Vegas is a unique place. If it’s your first time visiting, you’ve got to wander the length of the main Strip - and see the huge themed hotels that make the city so famous.
The Strip is 4.2 miles long - and the Southpoint, which is 7.9 miles away, does a cheap shuttle to the south end.
Price: Minimal.
Recommendation: the famous Bellagio fountains, as seen in Oceans Eleven, run a show from Monday to Saturday, every 15 minutes from 20h00 ‘til midnight. Just find a spot along the railings and enjoy!
2. Archers appreciation
During the Indoor Archery World Series Final, the Vegas Shoot usually puts on a free dinner for all attendees.
Price: free
Recommendation: free dinner and watch some of the best archers in the world.
3. Old town
Refurbed but maintaining a decidedly original atmosphere, old Vegas - Fremont Street - features some of the original Vegas casinos, like the Golden Nugget.
Things are generally cheaper here than on the main strip and the pedestrianized avenue hosts a load of street entertainers.
Price: cheaper than main strip
Recommendation: Slotzilla. A zipwire above the party below. You’re in Vegas; why not? (It costs $25.00 but worth every penny.)