Just days after announcing his imminent retirement from music, legendary ranchera singer Vicente Fernandez has unveiled “Guadalajara, Guadalajara,” an ambitious casino project to keep him busy when he puts down the microphone.
A Jalisco native, Fernandez plans to inject Vegas with a heady dose of authentic Mexican culture. Shaped like a giant agave plant, “Guadalajara, Guadalajara” is loosely based on the popular themed casino, “New York, New York.” It is scheduled to open by the end of the year.
Guests will be able to witness live “charreadas,” or rodeos, and enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine while being serenaded by some of Mexico’s finest singers. Hotel rooms will be based on quarters in Fernandez’s ranch on the outskirts of Guadalajara, while even the casino bathrooms will be modeled on the dimly lit Tijuana side streets.
Fernandez wants guests to exchange their dollars for pesos in the casino, but this proposal has caused some concern from the Nevada Gaming Commission. With unstable exchange rates, the commission is worried about confusing or discouraging guests.