Do you think Chicago should have something Similar to Times Square or/and the Los Vegas strip?

[Sarcasticity]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

Meanwhile, NYC racks up million after million of international tourists while Chicago is barely known outside of the US (ask any foreigner and they'll always mention NYC, Miami, LA, Las Vegas and San Francisco first). Chicago lacks that extra something which makes it a go-to destination.

I think it's location within Midwestern kinda pulls it down. Most people think the US consists only of the East and West coast and nothing in between

[chicagogeorge]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

Meanwhile, NYC racks up million after million of international tourists while Chicago is barely known outside of the US (ask any foreigner and they'll always mention NYC, Miami, LA, Las Vegas and San Francisco first). Chicago lacks that extra something which makes it a go-to destination.

Funny, but incorrect. Not that I think Chicago can compare with NYC or Miami, or LA in tourism, but Chicago is still one of the top tourist destinations in the US.

Travel experts estimate that 14,660,000 Americans visit Chicago for pleasure, annually, while another 13,000,000 travel to Chicago on business. Chicago also sees its fair share of international tourists as an estimated 1,010,000 individuals from various part of the world visit Chicago regularly. This brings the total estimated number of tourists for any one year to a whopping 28,670,000

[diablo234]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

Meanwhile, NYC racks up million after million of international tourists while Chicago is barely known outside of the US (ask any foreigner and they'll always mention NYC, Miami, LA, Las Vegas and San Francisco first). Chicago lacks that extra something which makes it a go-to destination.

Funny you should mention that since when I last visited Chicago a few years ago, I did a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park and I remember that I was the only American on the tour. Everyone else was from Europe including a few Germans, French, and Swiss people. I also remember helping out a few Brits on holw to use the "L" system so it is safe to say that many Europeans are attracted to Chicago.

[Northsider]

Chicago lacks that extra something which makes it a go-to destination.

Is this a problem? In the business world Chicago is still a big contender (so it seems). I really couldn't care less if we didn't make big gains in international (hell, even domestic) tourism. Again, I just don't think Chicago's that kind of city. We're much more of an introverted city than the NYCs and Miamis of the world. Certainly Chicago could be a big tourism spot, and it is in some respects, but it's just not going to have that allure that cities like NYC, SF, and Miami have.

[spencer114]

Chicago is great and doesn't need to be like New York. That said, Tines Square is pretty amazing and unlike anything in the states. It's creepy that it is all just advertisements but it is quite beautiful at night and the glow is mesmerizing from 20-30 blocks away.

[Mudhen419]

went to new york for NYE 2010 and we didnt even go to Times Square.. On our second day we went about 10 blocks or so south of it. I wanted to check it out for a few mins but I was kind of a tag-a-long on the trip so I wasnt the one making the decisions. Instead of going to TS for the ball drop we went to a house party in N. Brooklyn that a few people i went to high school with were throwing. It was awesome... 12 story building with roof top access and at quarter till midnight we all went up on the roof and waited for the strike of 12 to make a toast. It was awesome. All of Manhattan was in front of us fireworks everywhere. We could see so many bridges and buildings. Wish i woulda had my droid back then to take good pics.

Im going to chicago for the second time in late spring/early summer for a cubs game (first time i was on a greyhound and transferred to another bus at chicagos terminal) Is millenium Park and navy pier worth going to? (even if there isnt really anything special going on?) Hows parking in those areas?

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by Jennifat

Isn't Millennium Park basically the quintessential public gathering space in Chicago? Sure, it doesn't assault you visually with lights and advertisements large enough to swallow a small town, but it's a pretty cool iconic spot.

Why on Earth would a world-class city like Chicago want a tacky, trashy tourist and entertainment trap district like the Las Vegas strip? Chicago doesn't depend on middle class gambling addicts to survive.

You sound so ignorant of Vegas. Trashy, tourist and entertainment trap?!?! Vegas charge less money on average for its hotel rooms compared to Chicago while giving a far better and newer hotel rooms. Vegas resorts upgrade their hotel rooms on a regular basis because of the wear and tear from the millions of visitors that come each year. Resort entertainment facilities/amenities is simply better and continue to get better in Vegas, whether it is broadway shows, world class artists from around the world or Vegas productions numbers. I doubt Chicago can match it! Las Vegas is known as the 'Entertainment Capital of the World' while Chicago is known for what? Skyscrapers??

Vegas has some of the best nightlife, shopping and dining destinations in the world. Weather wise, Vegas wins again, Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall!!! How about trade and convention, yes Vegas kicks Chicago out to the ghetto as far as hosting the largest prominent conventions in the world.

What does Chicago have that Vegas does not have, Oprah, Chicago can have her!!!

Oh by the way just in case you didn't know, Vegas resorts make more money on entertainment, dining, shopping and especially nitelife now more than gaming. Of course there will be people who would be willing to gamble their money, nothing wrong with it!! NO one is holding a gun to their head which leads me to crime, I heard crime in Chicago is HORRENDOUS!! Just saying!!

I'm glad Vegas is not like Chicago!!!

[Ichiban]

The comment about Chicago not needing "middle class gambling addicts to survive" is particularly funny since the city has been lobbying to get a casino for years.

[Northsider]

This thread unraveled pretty quickly. <eyeroll>

It's safe to say the majority of Chicagoans are quite content without a 'bright lights' district like Vegas and NYC.

[Jennifat]

Originally Posted by jbkayaker12

You sound so ignorant of Vegas. Trashy, tourist and entertainment trap?!?! Vegas charge less money on average for its hotel rooms compared to Chicago while giving a far better and newer hotel rooms. Vegas resorts upgrade their hotel rooms on a regular basis because of the wear and tear from the millions of visitors that come each year. Resort entertainment facilities/amenities is simply better and continue to get better in Vegas, whether it is broadway shows, world class artists from around the world or Vegas productions numbers. I doubt Chicago can match it! Las Vegas is known as the 'Entertainment Capital of the World' while Chicago is known for what? Skyscrapers??

Vegas has some of the best nightlife, shopping and dining destinations in the world. Weather wise, Vegas wins again, Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall!!! How about trade and convention, yes Vegas kicks Chicago out to the ghetto as far as hosting the largest prominent conventions in the world.

What does Chicago have that Vegas does not have, Oprah, Chicago can have her!!!

Oh by the way just in case you didn't know, Vegas resorts make more money on entertainment, dining, shopping and especially nitelife now more than gaming. Of course there will be people who would be willing to gamble their money, nothing wrong with it!! NO one is holding a gun to their head which leads me to crime, I heard crime in Chicago is HORRENDOUS!! Just saying!!

I'm glad Vegas is not like Chicago!!!

The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

You're missing the point completely. This isn't a "city vs. city" thread. The thread was created to discuss whether Chicago needs to emulate New York or Las Vegas, and obviously my opinion is "no, no it doesn't."

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by Jennifat

The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

You're missing the point completely. This isn't a "city vs. city" thread. The thread was created to discuss whether Chicago needs to emulate New York or Las Vegas, and obviously my opinion is "no, no it doesn't."

If you can back up your claim then go for it, otherwise you only sound ignorant with your "opinion" of Vegas!!

I'm glad Vegas is not like Chicago!!

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by Ichiban

The comment about Chicago not needing "middle class gambling addicts to survive" is particularly funny since the city has been lobbying to get a casino for years.

Ouch but that is ok, Oprah will bring in the visitors!

[chicagogeorge]

Sounds like you have a case of penis envy. Vegas and Chicago are two very different cities.


Vegas is one of the greatest tourist destinations in the world. Been there a dozen times. Would I ever live there. No. Not for me.

Somehow it doesn't crack the top 65 in "Global Cities" Chicago is #6
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/node/373401

Originally Posted by Ichiban

The comment about Chicago not needing "middle class gambling addicts to survive" is particularly funny since the city has been lobbying to get a casino for years.

The city has, but there was lot of opposition. IN 2004 only 25% wanted to expand gambling. Today it's to about 50%.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2...os-wgn-tv-poll


Personally, they should put a casino on the Chicago River or on Lake Michigan. Why allow the suburbs to siphon off revenues.

[Jennifat]

Originally Posted by jbkayaker12

If you can back up your claim then go for it, otherwise you only sound ignorant with your "opinion" of Vegas!!

I'm glad Vegas is not like Chicago!!

I sound ignorant because I think Las Vegas is a fantastically tacky tourist trap? How is that untrue? The entire city is built on illusions.

[Ichiban]

Originally Posted by Jennifat

I sound ignorant because I think Las Vegas is a fantastically tacky tourist trap? How is that untrue? The entire city is built on illusions.

Yeah but you had mentioned that Chicago doesn't need middle class gambling addicts to survive when in fact the city is banking on a casino to help close the budget deficit. Is a casino somehow less tacky if it's located in the Loop as opposed to the Strip?

Although the OP was asking about "bright lights" which I agree Chicago doesn't need, I think the idea of a casino merits discussion since the city leaders are pushing for one.

[Jennifat]

Good god, talk about beating a dead horse. I don't know how one casino proposal that would rake in relative pocket change for the city of Chicago is in any way comparable to a city whose entire existence relies on gambling and tourism for survival.

How many homes have been foreclosed on in Las Vegas, again? You're making points that are irrelevant to the discussion.

[Ichiban]

If you think Chicago's civic leaders are looking to make pocket change off this deal you might want to email the mayor to let him know he's been wasting his time. With the urgency he's pushing for this I doubt he shares your opinion.

Originally Posted by Jennifat

How many homes have been foreclosed on in Las Vegas, again? You're making points that are irrelevant to the discussion.

There was no area of the country that was hit harder than Vegas once the recession rolled around.

I've actually followed this story with great interest because this isn't the first time the city of Chicago has looked to the proverbial "silver bullet" to solve their budget woes (i.e. the privitization of parking meters which by all accounts has been a disaster). Getting a casino could pay off in a big way or it could be a huge disaster.

If the question is "should Chicago have something similar to the Las Vegas Strip" I would much rather debate the pros/cons of having a casino as opposed to having some ridiculous flashing lights.

[goonsta]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

Meanwhile, NYC racks up million after million of international tourists while Chicago is barely known outside of the US (ask any foreigner and they'll always mention NYC, Miami, LA, Las Vegas and San Francisco first). Chicago lacks that extra something which makes it a go-to destination.

Usually that extra something is generic, or practical (location). You can say the same thing internationally for travelers to Europe: Paris, London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, and everyone else. And soon as Amsterdam's new laws come into effect, I bet its going to get knocked down too. It doesn't lessen the status or interesting qualities of the city.

And like George mentioned with the Europeans who visit the FLW homes, the travelers from Europe to Chicago tend to be a little more cultured and want to immerse themselves in the history, music, architecture and local culture of the city, rather than just indulge in whatever spectacle is happening in one area. They've done their research and recognize that Chicago is a jack of all trades and along with its local qualities. I suppose Chicago could build some mega Amusement park and make the international tourism level as high as Orlando, but nah.....

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by chicagogeorge

Sounds like you have a case of penis envy. Vegas and Chicago are two very different cities.

Somehow it doesn't crack the top 65 in "Global Cities" Chicago is #6.

Not in my lifetime, my parents taught me well and "envy" is a not a subject they teach in college but somehow many in here @ Skyscrapercity cannot handle someone who tells it like it is!!

May Chicago get a grip on its crime, such a shame for a world city like you said but hey at least they got Oprah!!

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by Jennifat

I sound ignorant because I think Las Vegas is a fantastically tacky tourist trap? How is that untrue? The entire city is built on illusions.

If you look at the tiny details on how these themed resorts were built you will not say that it is tacky but granted it is obvious you judge the book by its cover. Somehow, what is lost on you is the fact that Vegas built all these billion $$$ resorts to bring in visitors and it works.

Vegas visitors get more for their money because of the immense competition in the city be it for lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment. Vegas is far more affordable than Chicago. Now explain to others how that can be a tourist trap?

By the way, if you want to discuss about what is on offer in Chicago go ahead, I'm sure others will be interested.