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Snowstorm, I-80 Closure Whack Casinos4 November 2003RENO -- As reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal: ``The first snow of the season in the Sierra last week, coupled with a nasty crash on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 early Friday morning that closed the main artery into Reno for much of the day, impacted Northern Nevada casinos and resorts in predictable ways. ``Northern California gamblers or those planning a weekend getaway stayed away in large numbers, operators reported Monday. ```People just couldn't get though,' said Chuck Bluth, owner of the Cal-Neva Resort Spa & Casino in Crystal Bay, who estimated 12 to 15 rooms remained vacant. 'The road was closed for so long that I couldn't blame them.' ``Bluth said the timing of the snow and the fact that weather reports called for just a dusting, combined with the accident and road closure, caught everyone by surprise. ```How can you close Interstate 80 to eastbound traffic and not have it affect downtown Reno?' said Rick Heaney, owner of downtown's Nugget Casino. ``…For properties in the Carson City and Douglas County, U.S. 395 through the state capital was also closed for much of the day for Nevada Day activities, presenting a daunting double-whammy to casinos that day…" |