'Star Trek: The Experience's' Last Days

Star Trek: The Experience celebrated its tenth anniversary this year but will close on September 1st, to the dismay of Star Trek fans.

As reported by In Business Las Vegas, even though the attraction is closing soon, business is still brisk. ""I went out the other day, and the lines extended back into the corridor," said Chad Boutte, operations manager and marketing director for The Experience.

There was a time when such long lines caused problems for the Hilton. Gaming regulators were not happy with the children waiting in line to get into the attraction, because they were standing next to slot machines which were located near the entrance to The Experience. The Hilton was obliged to pay a fine as a result.

Fans are unhappy with the pending closure. Boutte reports that he has received over five thousand emails and a stack of petitions nearly six-feet high from fans hoping to stop the closure. Many fans are blaming the Hilton for the loss of The Experience. "Some of them are saying they are so upset that they'll never stay at a Hilton again, and some of them say they'll never come back to Las Vegas again," said Boutte.

It is not yet known what will take the place of The Experience. "There's no timetable, no rush to make a decision," said Las Vegas Hilton spokesman Ira David Sternberg. "I think all options are on the table. It's an interesting venue." Options for the space include another themed experience, more gaming, or a theater show.

The Experience's last public show will occur around 8:30 P.M. and then the attraction will be open for a VIP event to be attended by fans chosen by the attraction's management as well as celebrities. Boutte is considering auctioning five tickets for the "final mission" on eBay because of the high interest.

Following the party, at 10 P.M., at the entrance to The Experience, there will be a "decommissioning ceremony" which will be open to the public.

To read more, head to the article located here.

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