Golden Nugget Becoming the TV Poker Venue
The legendary Golden Nugget is once again one of the hottest spots in Las Vegas, as it prepares to play host to two of top poker television shows in the upcoming months. The Golden Nugget has played host to several card-themed shows already this year, including the World Series of Blackjack for GSN, the Speed Channel's Mobil High Endurance Charity Poker Challenge, as well as the highly-rated National Heads-Up Poker Championship for broadcasting giant NBC.
Joining this already powerful lineup of made-for-television gaming programming is the latest addition to the poker programming lineup for GSN, High Stakes Poker. This shows has already garnered plenty of attention thanks to its all-star lineup and the excessive amount of cash each player must provide if they wish to sit in the "big game."
Players scheduled to appear are the legendary Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Jennifer Harmon, Barry Greenstein, and Phil Hellmuth. Each must bring at least $100,000 to the table if they wish to get in on the action. Taping will take place from November 2-4 and will be closed to the public, making the action perfect for television. Most people have never seen action with these dollar amounts, so the show should find an audience. High Stakes Poker will premiere January 12, 2006.
The second show taping at the Golden Nugget is the third installment of FSN's popular series, Poker Superstars. The 36-episode series is produced by Henry Orenstein and features 24 of the game's best players. Getting in on the action are Johnny Chan, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Todd Brunson, Phil Ivey, Phil Hellmuth, and poker's Cinderella story, Chris Moneymaker. Once again, the action on the felt will be closed to the public, taping November 9-16 and will air beginning March 12, 2006.
According to vice president of marketing for the Golden Nugget, Dan Shummy, the Golden Nugget is the perfect stage to watch these types of programming. "The Golden Nugget is the birthplace of poker in Las Vegas. We are pleased to host these popular televised poker games and be part of the poker phenomenon."