Today’s featured dealertainer at The Quad is Scott as Garth Brooks.

Can our Garth Brooks sing? Yes. Can the real Garth Brooks deal blackjack? We have no idea, but let’s not get bogged down by “details” or “facts.”

Find out more about the dealertainers at The Quad.

The Quad’s renovations are in full swing, and that means some of the old things, vestiges of a bygone era, must go.

An entirely new casino area has opened at The Quad, in the space formerly occupied by O’Sheas, so the hotel’s old casino area has been closed, walled off, and begins its own journey toward rebirth.

Check out those exposed security catwalks from a time when Las Vegas casino security was done old-school.

A distinctive symbol of the The Quad’s former identity were the dragons. The dragons came down recently, and we got one last photo of these once-imposing beasts before to their departure.

After three decades standing watch, it was time for the dragons to be retired.

As we tend to do sometimes, we got a little choked up seeing these iconic symbols being removed, so we sort of had to touch one. As we were doing that, we noticed a clump of paper wedged into the dragon, so we did what any self-respecting Las Vegas blog would do, we sort of kicked at it. Hello, it’s called “investigative journalism.”

The paper fell loose, and it was a newspaper. Yellowed. Brittle. Sort of gross. So, we naturally embraced this piece of Las Vegas history, cradled it to our bosom and took it home to photograph it.

Told you it was kind of gross.

Come to find out, the newspaper was from (wait for it) Feb. 5, 1979. We are no math expert, but we believe that’s more than 30 years ago. The former iteration of The Quad got its Asian theme in Nov. 1979, by the way.

Trust us, if we'd used Photoshop to doctor this, the year would have been 1812 or something.

There’s no way to know why the newspaper was wedged into that particular part of the dragon, between the dragon and the casino ceiling, or who put it there. Perhaps a construction worker installing the dragons?

What we know is it’s the sports section of The Milwaukee Journal. While tattered, the newspaper still shows a snapshot of the days when The Quad got its last new name.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, the pages we discovered in The Quad’s now-retired dragon can be viewed online in the archives of The Milwaukee Journal.

The original.

One story mentioned Danny Ongais, the only Native Hawaiian to ever compete in the Indianapolis 500. See the Ongais story here.

We just touched racing history. In a completely appropriate manner, of course.

Another story talks about George Bamberger, a former ball player and then-manager of the Milwaukee Brewers. Read more.

Oh, great, now we're craving one of those delicious Bambergers from BurGR.

And this blog’s favorite article in the sports section of The Milwaukee Journal on Feb. 5, 1979?

This one, of course.

We are who we are.

Now’s a great time to swing by The Quad to see all the Vegas newness. No dragons, they also didn’t have dealertainers in 1979.

The Quad, early 2013.

While Las Vegas is constantly moving forward, we also like to remember our storied past, no matter how, in ways seemingly miraculous or mundane, we might be reminded of it.

Vegas throws a lot of parties each year, but St. Patrick’s Day weekend is a time when it tends to party the hardest. It’s impossible to keep up with everything going on, so here, we’ll just highlight a few liver-challenging St. Paddy’s Day items that caught our eye.

Margaritaville at Flamingo is going to have a ton of featured drinks on St. Paddy’s Day. Try the Irish Apple, Irish Mon, the Lucky Landshark or the “Off to See the Leprechaun Marg O’Rita,” a cocktail name we are not just making up. See more.

Mad props to Margaritavilla's copywriter. We're stealing that line next year.

Also at Flamingo, Carlos’n Charlie’s will bring some Mexican flair to St. Patrick’s Day, as evidenced by this graphic. Mainly because sharing a graphic is much easier than writing something.

The Internet says Ireland and Mexico are 5097.01 apart. Especially the .01 part.

Bally’s Las Vegas will be bringing the fun with its “St. Patrick’s Day Beer Truck Shenanigans,” Mar. 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. A live DJ will do his thing, and Coors Light and Guinness girls will pass out swag. Drink specials will abound, like Irish Car Bombs, Jameson shots and draft beers up the O’Yinyang.

At Paris Las Vegas, look for an exclusive cocktail concocted by Greg Waters, Bar Manager at Sugar Factory American Brasserie. The drink is called the Frozen Irish Ass, a play on the traditional Moscow Mule with Irish Whiskey, a touch of ginger liqueur and mint. Mostly, we just love saying Frozen Irish Ass in a corporate blog.

Frozen Irish Ass. Frozen Irish Ass. Frozen Irish Ass. Frozen Irish Ass.

Of course, The Strip provides ample opportunities to acquire liquor-based entertainment for your St. Paddy’s Day revelry. They include the Flamingo Wine & Spirits shop and the brand-new “Q” Wine & Spirits in The Quad.

Liquor? We barely know 'er. Thanks, we'll be here all week!

Cabo Wabo Cantina and PBR Rock Bar in The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will each have a cavalcade of specials in honor of St. Paddy’s Day, of course. At PBR Rock Bar, try the $5 Irish Car Bomb shots, and at Cabo Wabo, go for the green Waboritas for $4.

We do not condone this T-shirt.

If you be craving something cool on St. Paddy’s Day, stop by Trevi inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace for their “Luck of the Irish” gelato, creamy pistachio gelato with a Pirouette cookie, for $4.50 per scoop.

That’s just the tip o’ the iceberg when it comes to things to do in Las Vegas for St. Patrick’s Day, so stumble your way over to the Las Vegas Sun for a Frozen Irish Ass ton of other events and specials.

Of course, lots of Vegas visitors miss the epic St. Patrick’s Day blow-outs at the now-closed O’Sheas. Well, it turns out we won’t have to go another St. Paddy’s Day without O’Sheas.

Plans are under way to have an O’Sheas inside The Quad! By this time next year, about where the cashier cage currently sits (near the former space of the relocated dealertainers), the O’Sheas legend will continue with a sweet new bar, gaming tables and a stage for live entertainment.

Here’s a look.

That girl it totally flirting with us. Just like at the old O'Sheas. Probably.

And if you’re still pining for O’Sheas this St. Paddy’s Day weekend, stop by for a fist-bump with former O’Sheas mascot, Lucky, at Carnaval Court at Harrah’s on Mar. 17.

Lucky’s real name is Brian Thomas (pictured below), by the way, and nobody throws a party like Lucky.

This seems a perfect time for a gratuitous photo of Lucky and Holly Madison.

More future O’Sheas.

Outside the new O'Sheas, the slot machines will be less translucent, unfortunately.

And, yes, future O’Sheas will have beer pong. Some things just aren’t negotiable.

Proposed tagline for the new O'Sheas: "Same great time, a lot less sticky."

Have a great, safe St. Patrick’s Day, and if you meet this blog during the festivities, please don’t be offended if we don’t remember you afterward. Our goal is to not remember much of anything. It’s how St. Patrick would’ve wanted it. And that’s the story we’re sticking to.

It seems like only yesterday (because it was yesterday) we were peeking our head in at The Quad’s new casino area, and there was so much to be done! The dealertainer tables were being assembled. The shelves at the new “Q” Wine & Spirits store were yet to be filled. The roulette wheels were being leveled. And the shiny, new Catalyst Bar at The Quad was still dry. (Insert retroactive sad face here.)

Today, seemingly miraculously, The Quad’s casino floor is bustling with guests, the liquor store has opened, hooch is flowing at the Catalyst Bar and there are two new entrances into the joint. What a difference a day makes!

One of the two new ways to access the fun, just across from Margaritaville at Flamingo.

The hotel’s dealertainers (blackjack dealers who also perform onstage) are already settled into their new digs.

The dealertainers didn't skip a beat. See what we did there?

The two new entrances should make getting into The Quad easier than it’s been for the last few months due to renovations. Now, guests can enter adjacent to the hotel’s porte-cochère (see below), as well as on the other end of the casino (across from Margaritaville at the Flamingo, mentioned previously).

This work-in-progress entrance is near the porte-cochère, and not too far from Carnaval Court at Harrah's Las Vegas.

Here’s a video highlighting some of the changes to The Quad.

For guests who frequented O’Sheas back in the day, these will be familiar stomping grounds, as much of the expanded casino sits where O’Sheas used to be.

Tons of new tables and machines. These are happy times for this blog.

There’s a lot to take in, but all of it’s good!

We're pretty sure this is new, too. Who can keep track?

And perhaps the crown jewel of the newly-unveiled casino at The Quad is the Catalyst Bar, sure to be a popular launching pad for any number of Vegas adventures as word spreads about this dramatic new addition to the Vegas nightlife scene.

For the foreseeable future, if you can't easily reach this blog, this is where we are.

Oh, and let’s not forget one of the more miraculous aspects of today’s new offerings. Yesterday, the “Q” Wine & Spirits store was looking a wee light on the actual wines and spirits.

There's a chance this blog wept openly upon seeing this.

Fear not, however. There are some things Vegas does very, very well.

Here’s the same store today!

This Las Vegas blog does not use the term "miracle" lightly.

According to the hotel’s Director of Retail, Keith Burns, the overnight transformation of the “Q” Wine & Spirits store (which sits just across from the dealertainer area, and just inside the porte-cochère-adjacent entrance) was months in the making. Each area of the store’s space was mapped out, down to the smallest detail, so once the space was ready to be filled, the glorious bottles of liquid joy could be stocked quickly and with precision.

Even the treats are part of the plan (see below). One side salty. One side sweet. We have no idea why we’re so fascinated by all of this other than to say a blog cannot live by craps alone.

One of each of anything edible, thanks.

So, you may want to check out the newly-expanded casino at The Quad for yourself. From the liquor store to the new dealertainer pit and the Catalyst Bar, there’s sure to be something to catch your fancy. Whatever a fancy might actually be.

We may never leave our chair. They sort of caught our fancy, too.

Find out more about The Quad.

We know The Quad hasn’t officially debuted its new casino area and Catalyst Bar yet, but who can wait?

We popped in for a sneak peek, and honestly, our mouth’s still agape. Which, admittedly, is not a great look for us, but we digress.

The finishing touches are being put on the Catalyst Bar. Do people still say "holy smokes"?

The Catalyst Bar is the centerpiece of The Quad’s expanded casino area, and we can’t wait to have our first cocktail at this impressive bar.

We apologize for thinking the renderings might have been a little full of themselves. They sort of nailed it.

There are lots of new flourishes in the renovated casino. We especially like the fancy light fixtures.

The Quad is definitely discovering its vibe.

The expanded casino will be the new location for The Quad’s dealertainers, blackjack dealers who also perform as music’s greatest stars. Or they’re performers who deal blackjack. We can never keep that straight.

One of the tables in the dealertainer pit gets it assembly on.

During our visit, we got to see a funky tool being used to level one of the new roulette wheels. This tri-point level (called an AccuLevel) sits in the groove where the ball circles the wheel before dropping into the numbered slots. A perfectly level wheel ensures the game’s fair for players and the casino.

We have no idea why we find all this so fascinating. We just do.

There’s something exciting about new table games. What’s not to love about the arm rests on the new craps tables at The Quad, pictured below?

What an amazing rack. We should probably leave it at that.

Another new addition to The Quad is the “Q” Wine & Spirits store. The shelves will soon be filled with a few of our favorite things, including, but not limited to, wine and spirits.

At least we think this is the "Q" Wine & Spirits store. The sign was still in the works.

Unrelated to anything, look what we found in the hotel’s gift shop, nearby. This blog’s other favorite things!

Insert gratuitous photo of Quad candy here.

There’s a lot to take in at The Quad, so plan to spend some time checking out the new casino area, the new Catalyst Bar, the new porte-cochère, the new Registration and Total Rewards desks, and much more.

In a much-anticipated announcement, Caesars Entertainment (whose blog this is) has confirmed the popular, mid-Strip resort, the Imperial Palace, will soon be rebranded as “The Quad Resort and Casino.” Or just “The Quad.” Up to you.

In typography, that bottom part is called the "tail." A good fit for Sin City, don't you think?

While the name of the Imperial Palace is changing to The Quad, it’ll still be the high-energy party place guests have enjoyed for years.

The Imperial Palace name change marks a new beginning for the hotel which has been a part of Las Vegas since the 1950s. From 1959 to 1979, the hotel was called the Flamingo Capri.

Construction is already under way at the soon-to-be Quad, and the hotel’s casino and porte-cochère (French for “the drive-up entry place thingy”) are perhaps the most visible evidence of the changes to come.

How was the name The Quad chosen? Basically, the concept of a “quad” brings to mind good times for many. A quad is a gathering place, a place to meet and make new friends. It doesn’t hurt that a “quad,” in poker, also means four-of-a-kind. But that might just be us.

This blog loves it some fancy new stuff in Las Vegas.

In a way, The Quad is keeping everything people loved about Imperial Palace and is adding more things to love. The things to love will be done in phases. First, the casino (note the sleek new check-in desk, for example) will be revamped and expanded. Next, the hotel’s retail promenade and dining levels will get their make-over. Other renovations are expected to be announced down the road.

In case you wondered, the hotel’s expansive Auto Collections aren’t going anywhere, and neither are the casino’s dealertainers.

So, the IP’s days are numbered! Collect those gaming chips while you still can.

The Quad’s coming. And the party’s just getting started.

One of the cool things about The Linq development project happening in Las Vegas is that it’s not just one thing. It’s not just a giant observation wheel, or new places to shop or drink. From what we’ve seen and heard so far, The Linq could end up being a new way to experience Vegas, or at least the middle part of it.

Just about daily, The Linq and its associated renovations give us something new to ogle. Every day brings a new surprise, and things are going up almost as quickly as they’re being torn down. Yay, new!

Every draped cloth means there's a surprise in store.

We popped into the soon-to-be-renamed Imperial Palace (hint: it won’t be a Horseshoe) for a look-see, and poked our camera behind the fabric and plastic for a peek at the hotel’s brand new reception desk.

The new check-in area at IP, still a work in progress. Theme-free and inviting.

We haven’t heard when the current reception area will be moved, but it’s clear the IP is moving toward a more current, but still accessible, vibe.

The new check-in area sits next to the “dealertainer” pit, and it looks like the small bar that occupied the space is gone. We played many a video poker hand in that intimate bar, but it was probably time for it to go. It was getting sticky.

We cruised out the front door of the Imperial Palace, and let’s just say, the times they are a’changing.

That's where the Rockhouse used to be. Wow.

Yep, that’s the former home of the Rockhouse. Walls gone. Heck, everything’s gone. This is where cars used to drive up to drop people off at the IP’s front door. Now, it looks like it’s getting some A/C.

Continuing out the former porte-cochère, there are fewer and fewer themed elements remaining.

The last blue and white thingy.

You can now see things you never could. For example, you can see Carnaval Court (on the left, below) from the former drive-up area of the IP. Weird.

We're fairly sure there was a building here before. So-long, building.

Next, we circled around toward Harrah’s Las Vegas and Carnaval Court. Recent construction has freed up a lot of space for Linqy goodness.

This area can't be seen by the public. Only people who read this blog, because we don't live by society's rules. Lucky you.

We can’t wait to see what’s next.

It's like a blank slate upon which The Linq can use its filbert brush to paint its Vegas magic. Or something.

Please feel free to keep the surprises coming, The Linq.

This is the only Las Vegas icon that's ever gotten a facelift. Swear.

Read more from the guy people are calling the “mayor” of The Linq, Jon Gray.

The “Queen of Soul” herself, Aretha Franklin, is coming to Caesars Palace on July 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Rolling Stone magazine put the iconic singer at the top of their “100 Greatest Singers of All Time,” and she’s been entertaining audiences for decades. In 2005, she was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which, we should add, are going for a fortune on eBay right now.

You better think, THINK, about getting your Aretha tickets before they're gone.

Get your tickets to Aretha Franklin at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Did you know there’s another way to hear Aretha Franklin in Las Vegas, at another “Palace”? And these shows are completely free!

One of the best singers we’ve heard on the Las Vegas Strip is Tamara, an Aretha Franklin impersonator who performs at Imperial Palace as a “dealertainer.” Tamara and her fellow dealertainers sing for guests between dealing rounds of blackjack. Or maybe it’s the other way around.

Think Tamara lip-syncs? Definitely not, and show a little respect!

No matter which Aretha you prefer, music remains the soul of Las Vegas entertainment.

Well, that and strippers. But mostly music!

We’re not sure “Sir Jac” would “Die 4 U,” but this talented “dealertainer” would definitely dance parts of himself off to entertain “U” and your fellow guests at Imperial Palace.

The indefatigable Sir Jac as the inestimable Prince. Thanks again, Internet thesaurus!

We love that Sir Jac (possibly not his birth name) never seems to stop dancing, even when he’s dealing blackjack.

Here’s a little peek at his time on the dealertainer stage at Imperial Palace, courtesy of one of his fans.

Find out more about the Imperial Palace dealertainers, and take a look at all our featured dealertainers.

We weren’t sure how to feel about this at first. The Imperial Palace has a new Amy Winehouse “dealertainer.” Dealertainers are those folks who deal blackjack and also perform as music’s icons, past and present.

Once we got past our “too soon” moment, it occurred to us, the real Amy Winehouse seems to have loved a good time, and this blog gets the feeling dealing cards and singing songs and helping Vegas visitors create unforgettable memories is something Ms. Winehouse might have gotten behind.

So, here’s Gloria, as Amy Winehouse.

Gloria, channeling Amy Winehouse at the IP.

Learn more about the dealertainers at Imperial Palace, and check out all our featured dealertainers.

Just about everyone loves them some “dealertainers,” those multi-tasking folks who deal blackjack at Imperial Palace while taking on the persona of music’s immortals and performing for guests.

Today, we feature Karen who does a turn as Tina Turner when she’s dealertainmenting, which, we realize, might not be an actual word.

What's splitting 8s got to do with it?

Find out more about the Imperial Palace dealertainers, and tell us your favorite in the Comments section.

Today’s featured Imperial Palace dealertainer (part blackjack dealer, part entertainer) is Kerri, who appears to be the monozygotic twin of Wynonna Judd. Whatever a monozygotic twin might be.

Kerri does her Wynonna Judd thing.

Come to find out, Kerri is a former member of the cast of Legends in Concert, the celebrity tribute show at Harrah’s Las Vegas.

See all our featured dealertainers, because experts agree, there’s a lot of money to be made by “wasting more time on the Internet.”

Do you have a favorite Imperial Palace dealertainer? This blog does not especially care. Because the more it’s about you, the less it is about this Las Vegas blog, and we won’t be a party to that.

You  know them, you love them, they’re the famed dealertainers of the Imperial Palace.

We should amend that a bit. You probably know a few of the IP’s famed dealertainers (blackjack dealers who also perform onstage), but do you know them all? You probably will, if you keep reading this Las Vegas blog.

Today’s featured dealertainer is Jeff as singer Michael Buble.

Jeff and his biggest fan. See what we did there?

Check out all our past featured Imperial Palace dealertainers, because having you read our “old stuff” means less energy being expended by this blog coming up with “new stuff,” and we’re big fans of that.

Just as the real Rod Stewart breezes back into Caesars Palace for the second year of his successful Las Vegas residency (starting Nov. 3, 2011), we discover a new addition to the dealertainer (dealers who sing, or the other way around) line-up at Imperial Palace!

It’s Vic taking on the persona of, wait for it, Rod Stewart. Imagine that!

Vic, tonight's the night. For, you know, dealing blackjack and singing and stuff.

Check out all our featured dealertainers at the IP, because otherwise you’ll be stuck having to “interact with your family” or “accomplish something” or “be a productive member of society,” and nobody wants to see that.

Today’s featured Las Vegas dealertainer is Susan, who takes on the persona of Charo as she performs and deals blackjack in the always-lively dealtertainer pit at Imperial Palace.

Susan's isn't exactly like the real Charo. You can actually understand what she's saying.

Bonus real-Charo trivia: The enduring performer’s real name is María del Rosario Pilar Martínez Molina Gutiérrez de los Perales Santa Ana Romanguera y de la Hinojosa Rasten. We did not make that up.

Find out more about the Imperial Palace dealertainers and take one home as a souvenir. Which, upon further reflection, would be relatively illegal, so nevermind.