Tropicana Casinos and Resorts have announced that the company is changing the name of its property in Laughlin to Tropicana Express. The change, which aims to leverage the brand awareness of its legendary sister on the Las Vegas Strip, will take effect on July 28 and will be ushered in with special promotions for visitors including a player-event program, the Steel Drum Band, Caribbean Steel playing in Victory Plaza and a special concert with Bobby Vinton at 8 p.m. in the Pavilion Showroom topping off the night's celebration. Tickets for Vinton's show are $35, call 800-243-6846.

The name change has been in the works since early this year when William J. Yung III acquired Aztar Corporation, the previous owner of the Laughlin property. Since then, the new ownership has invested $12 million dollars to enhance the guest experience with new rooms, a new restaurant, new slots and entertainment, and a refreshed marketing promotion.

Tropicana Casinos & Resorts is a privately held corporation that owns and operates 14 casinos and resorts in the United States and Caribbean. The company is owned by William J. Yung, III, whose ownership of gaming interests dates to 1990 when he purchased a small casino hotel in Lake Tahoe, Nev.

The Aquarius will host a performance with country singer and songwriter Kris Kristofferson on Saturday, Aug. 11, at 9 p.m. in the air-conditioned, 1,958-seat Aquarius Pavilion. Tickets start at $29.95, call 800-435-8469.

Kristofferson identifies himself first and foremost as a writer. With living legend status, Kristofferson is hailed as one of America's more important voices. Some of Kristofferson's most recognized classics include: "Me and Bobby McGee," "Sunday Morning Coming Down" and "For the Good Times."

For nearly two decades, the original Kiss Army tribute band has been dedicated to providing KISS fans with the most authentic recreation of the band's classic era. All four members of the band have the pedigree and the passion to fully re-create the classic KISS experience. They will headline at Don Laughlin's Riverside, Aug. 15-18. Tickets are $20, call 800-227-3849.

Jim Seda as "the Demon" prowls the stage and stalks the audience. Gary Stevens generates unrivaled excitement with his unbridled energy and classic Stanley stage raps. Val Popovic spews out legendary Frehley riffs and solos with unique flair. And Mike Sivo, as Peter Criss, keeps it all together with his thunderous, rhythmic jungle beats.

The name KISS Army spans almost two decades of different line-ups in the KISS tribute world. KISS Army founding member Jim Seda spawned the legendary tribute band in New York, where KISS started their meteoric rise to stardom.

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Kenny Rogers will headline at the 3,300-seat Aquarius Outdoor Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. This exclusive, one-night-only concert will be the first single-night performance that Rogers has done at the resort in many years. Tickets start at $40, call 800-435-8469.

Rogers, predominantly known as a country singer, consistently dominated the pop charts for years with songs that had universal appeal. Some of his most recognized classics include: "Lady," "Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town" and "Buy Me A Rose." Rogers' music led him to a second career as an actor on television and in film. Rogers' song, "The Gambler" was a story song so vivid that it became a TV movie starring him in the title role. The movie spawned four follow-ups making it the longest running miniseries franchise on television.

The Pioneer is celebrating its Round-Up Club that was started 21 years ago. It was the first players club in Nevada. One of the first rewards to club members was a free room, which is a common place practice nowadays.

The Pioneer was the fourth casino built in Laughlin and first opened in 1979 as the Colorado Club. Margaret Elardi, owner of the Pioneer Club in Las Vegas, purchased the property in 1981 and renamed it the Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall on Jan. 1, 1982. She also added 160 rooms, tennis court and swimming pool, and increased the casino space.

The "River Rick" 147-foot cowboy sign resembling his cousin, the "Vegas Vick" sign in Las Vegas on Fremont Street, was erected in March 1983 at a cost of $1.5 million. The sign continues to be a dominate figure on the Laughlin skyline.

Harrah's is offering special room packages online. They can be booked online at www.harrahslaughlin.com. Package rates are based on single or double occupancy.

The Room and Spa package is valid Sunday through Thursday during July and August. The package starting at $50 per night includes two-night accommodations and a $50 credit coupon for the Salon & Day Spa.

The Room and Jet Ski Package valid Sunday through Thursday during July and August includes two-night accommodations and one-hour jet ski rental. The Room and Jet Ski Package rates start at $67 per night.

In August, the Harrah's Laughlin's Todd Luxton: Ultimate Elvis Tribute Package includes two-night accommodations and two tickets to see the Todd Luxton tribute show in the Fiesta Showroom. Package is valid Aug. 12-16 and 19-23. Rates for this offer start at $84 per package.

NASCAR parties are on tap at the Colorado Belle in the property's Mardi Gras Room. Admission to a NASCAR party is $10 and includes two drinks, stadium snacks and an entry to win official NASCAR merchandise in drawings. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets are available at the One Club booth or at the door on the day of the event.

The next race that will be shown on big screen televisions during a party will be the Sharpie 500, on Aug. 25, from the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. Built on a former dairy farm in 1960, the .533 mile oval track features 36-degree banking/turns.

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