1st phase of center redo OK’D

The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority has approved the first phase of a $2.5 billion makeover of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Phase I of creating the Las Vegas Global Business District consists of planning and is budgeted at $150 million. If the plan goes to conclusion, the eight- to 10-year project would upgrade the convention space and create an international-trade center and a transportation hub.

Container Park: Work is under way on a downtown complex called Container Park, with restaurants, bars and stores housed in prefabricated cubes. Up to 30 tenants are expected for the complex at Fremont and Seventh streets, with completion slated for October.

Celine extends: It’s been revealed that Celine Dion secretly signed a long-term deal with Caesars Entertainment that has her playing the Colosseum through 2019. Dion apparently signed the contract a couple of years ago, but it was not disclosed at the time.

Blackjack mini tournament: The Gold Coast is running a new blackjack mini tournament on Saturdays, with an entry fee of $20. Starting with a bankroll of $500, the six players with the highest totals after seven hands compete in a winner-take-all final for $500. Enter as often as you like between 11 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

High limits: Venetian has opened a high-roller slots salon, with limits reportedly running up to $5,000 per spin. Among the many perks for players: butler service.

Question: What are the details on the sale of the old Western Casino downtown?

Answer: Zappos Chief Executive Officer Tony Hsieh has acquired the shuttered Western for $14 million. Plans have not been revealed, but it’s more likely the building will be converted into retail or office space than reopen as a casino.