Ryan Growney, general manager of the South Point, is full of stories. He could tell you how owner Michael Gaughan bought that bronze statue of Benny Binion for a dollar, or about that Budweiser Clydesdale that placed a bet beside him.
South Point turns 20
And Growney himself is a bit of a character. The GM hails from Las Vegas, though his Southern drawl and cowboy aesthetic might suggest otherwise. “My horse is in valet,” he jokes. Growney, who came from rodeos to casinos, knows the South Point inside and out. As we tour the property, he spouts off facts with the precision of a cattle rancher counting heads: 2,163 hotel rooms, more than 175,000 square feet of event space, a 400-seat showroom, a dedicated race book, 11 restaurants—including the Coronado Cafe with its $6.95 steak and eggs special.
“For so many people that are looking for the Vegas experience, but have decided that they just can’t go to the Strip and do that stuff anymore, this is your spot,” Growney says. South Point backs that up with some of the most impressive amenities of any locals’ casino in Las Vegas. Here’s what stood out on our walkthrough.
Tournament Bowling Plaza
South Point’s $35 million tournament bowling plaza far exceeds the expectations of a nationally recognized facility—because it is. With high vaulted ceilings to give it that “stadium feel,” 60 pristine lanes and LED scoreboards, the facility wears its investment on its sleeve.
“Reno has a tournament bowling facility standalone, not attached to a hotel and casino, but this is the only other tournament bowling facility in the United States,” Growney says.
The plaza opened in 2014, after the property signed a 12-year deal with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) to host major tournaments like the USBC Open Championships and USBC Women’s Championships. More than 55,000 bowlers rolled in for last year’s Open Championship, and the contract has now been extended to 2039.
Bingo Hall
Bingo is one of the oldest forms of friendly competition. But at South Point, it’s a way to hit the mega jackpot. As Growney shows off the 600-seat bingo room, he casually mentions that South Point has hosted multiple million-dollar games of bingo. He says it began with a $150,000 game; the $250,000 game that followed needed half of the South Point’s exhibit hall. The casino runs seven bingo sessions daily with a cashball jackpot, and in true Vegas fashion, complimentary drinks are served.
The Garden Buffet
Garden Buffet
While most casinos ditched the beloved buffet, South Point doubled down. The old-school amenity features six live cooking stations, a salad bar, prime rib and Champagne brunch, plus special seafood nights. Dining ranges from $20 to $60—one of the best buffet deals in town.
“That’s what we’re known for,” Growney says. “The prices are too low, the portions are too large, the quality is too good.”
One regular even travels twice weekly from Aliante for the buffet, Growney says. The property also gives back to the community. This Veterans Day, the property offered veterans and active-duty military a complimentary buffet for two, serving more than 5,000 meals that day.
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