The Sahara, Las Vegas Strip’s Oldest Hotel & Casino, Set to Close May 16 CheapOair Staff March 11, 2011 general The Sahara first opened in 1952 The oldest remaining strip resort in Las Vegas will close its doors on May 16 after plans to redevelop the property fell through following Sin City’s recent economic downturn. Owners SBE Entertainment Group and Stockbridge Real Estate Funds said that continuing operations at the Sahara was no longer economically viable. Plenty of options remain on the table for the property going forward, including complete renovation and re-branding. The Sahara is now working with MGM Resorts to find rooms for those affected by the May 16 closing. The two are also working together to employ affected Sahara employees at ten MGM properties throughout Las Vegas. First built in 1952, the Sahara is the northernmost casino on the Strip and was featured in the original “Ocean’s Eleven” film in 1960. Source: Bloomberg