From Pickleball Courts to Rodeos: Injury Liability at the Plaza Hotel & Casino

For generations, the Plaza Hotel & Casino has stood at the very head of Fremont Street, a symbol of classic Las Vegas and a gateway to Downtown. It is a place with history, one of the city’s original resorts, now reimagined with bold new energy. Rooftop pickleball courts, open-air bars, modern dining, and a rare downtown equestrian arena have transformed the Plaza into something entirely new, while its vintage foundation remains firmly in place. 

That mix of old and new is part of the Plaza’s appeal. But it also creates legal responsibilities that cannot be ignored. If you were injured at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, your injury should not be dismissed as bad luck or the cost of progress. Nevada law is clear. Property owners must provide a safe environment, regardless of whether the venue is sixty years old or brand new. 

A Downtown Icon With Modern Expectations 

The Plaza’s recent revitalization has brought fresh attention to Main Street and the entire 

Downtown Las Vegas area. New venues such as the Carousel Bar and Pinkbox Doughnuts invite foot traffic directly from the sidewalk, blurring the line between public space and private property. Oscar’s Steakhouse continues to attract diners seeking a refined experience in a historic setting. Above it all, the rooftop pool and pickleball complex draw locals and visitors alike, while the CORE Arena hosts rodeos and equestrian events unlike anything else in Downtown. 

With these upgrades come heightened expectations of safety. Guests reasonably assume that a recently renovated property has addressed hazards, updated surfaces, improved lighting, and implemented modern safety protocols. When injuries occur in these newly developed areas, the question is often not whether the Plaza owed a duty of care, but how that duty was breached. 

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The “Main Street Reimagination” and New Liability Zones 

Open-air concepts, such as the Carousel Bar, encourage constant movement between the sidewalk and the casino environment. Drinks are served steps away from pedestrian traffic. Food is carried in and out of tightly packed spaces. These conditions can create predictable slip and fall risks, especially when spills migrate onto outdoor surfaces that may not offer the same traction as interior flooring. 

Transitions between sidewalks, patios, and indoor flooring are particularly hazardous if the surfaces are uneven, poorly marked, or slick from spilled beverages. Lighting plays a critical role here as well. At night, shadows and visual distractions can obscure changes in elevation or surface texture, making it difficult to distinguish between them. If the Plaza failed to properly design, maintain, or monitor these areas, injuries that occur may be the result of negligence. 

Open access also raises security concerns. When venues are directly accessible from Main 

Street, the resort must take additional steps to monitor behavior, prevent altercations, and protect patrons from non-guest interference. Fights, assaults, or aggressive behavior that spills into these spaces can lead to serious injuries if the security response is inadequate or delayed. 

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CORE Arena and the Risks of a Unique Downtown Venue 

One of the Plaza’s most distinctive features is the CORE Arena, a rare equestrian and event space located in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. Rodeos and horse-related events present a significantly different risk profile compared to a typical casino or concert venue. 

Crowd control is essential in these settings. Guests move through temporary seating, uneven ground, and high-traffic walkways. Trip hazards can arise from cables, temporary barriers, or poorly maintained steps. During crowded events, insufficient staffing or poor flow management can result in falls, collisions, or panic situations. 

There is also the inherent risk associated with live animals. While serious animal-related incidents are rare, safety barriers, distance controls, and staff oversight must be flawless to ensure the highest level of safety. If fencing fails, pathways are not properly secured, or spectators are allowed too close to active areas, the consequences can be severe. 

Rooftop Pool and Pickleball Courts 

The Plaza’s rooftop amenities have become one of its most talked-about features. Thirteen pickleball courts overlooking Downtown have turned the resort into a destination for players and tournaments, while the rooftop pool offers sweeping views and a social atmosphere. 

Pickleball injuries raise important legal distinctions. Some injuries are inherent to sport, such as strains or missteps during play. But others are not. Cracked or warped court surfaces, inadequate drainage, poor lighting, or improperly maintained net systems can all contribute to preventable injuries. When a player is hurt because the facility itself was unsafe, that is no longer a sporting risk. It is a premises liability issue. 

The pool deck presents its own challenges. Large open decks, frequent foot traffic, and wet surfaces create classic slip hazards. Lifeguard coverage, clear signage, and non-slip materials are essential. When these measures are lacking, falls and near-drowning incidents become foreseeable. 

Historic Property, Modern Legal Duties 

Like other historic Downtown properties, the Plaza has older structural elements beneath its modern upgrades. Plumbing systems, elevators, flooring, and electrical components must be maintained to current safety standards. The age of the building is not a legal defense. Under Nevada law, historic status does not excuse worn carpeting, leaking pipes, malfunctioning elevators, or uneven flooring. 

In fact, when a property invests heavily in visible renovations but neglects underlying infrastructure, it can strengthen a negligence claim. If an injury occurs because a dangerous condition was left unaddressed during a major redevelopment, the owner may face increased scrutiny.  

Dining Injuries at Oscar’s Steakhouse and Other Venues 

Oscar’s Steakhouse is a destination restaurant with a reputation built on quality and experience. That reputation carries legal expectations. Food poisoning claims can arise if proper storage, preparation, or sanitation practices are not followed. The same applies to other food outlets within the Plaza. Whether casual or upscale, restaurants have a duty to serve food safely and maintain clean, hazard-free dining spaces. 

Who Owns the Plaza and Why It Matters 

The Plaza Hotel & Casino is owned by the Tamares Group, led by Jonathan Jossel. This is a private ownership structure, not a publicly traded casino conglomerate. While the ownership may differ from giants like Caesars or MGM, the legal obligations remain the same. 

Private investment groups often manage properties aggressively, striking a balance between redevelopment goals and operational costs. When safety takes a back seat to speed, aesthetics, or profit, guests can pay the price. Shook & Stone has experience handling claims against private owners and understands how to investigate decision-making, maintenance records, and security practices in these environments. 

What to Do Immediately After an Injury at the Plaza 

If you are injured at the Plaza, your first step should always be to seek medical attention. Even seemingly minor injuries can become serious over time. 

Reporting the incident to Plaza security or management is critical. Ask that an official incident report be created. Document the scene as soon as possible, especially in outdoor or high-traffic areas where conditions change quickly. Photos and videos of spills, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or broken equipment can be powerful evidence. 

If witnesses saw what happened, gather their contact information. Avoid signing waivers or accepting compensation without understanding your legal rights. 

Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Nevada 

Nevada law generally provides two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence and weakened claims. Acting promptly helps preserve your rights and strengthens your case. 

Why Shook & Stone for a Plaza Hotel Injury Case  

Shook & Stone understands Downtown Las Vegas. We understand how historic properties evolve, how new amenities create new risks, and how private ownership groups defend injury claims. Our team has experience handling complex premises liability cases involving outdoor venues, sporting facilities, and mixed-use developments. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.  

Talk to a Downtown Las Vegas Injury Lawyer Today 

An injury at the Plaza Hotel & Casino should never be brushed aside because the property is historic or newly renovated. You have the right to expect safety, whether you are attending a rodeo, playing pickleball, dining at Oscar’s, or enjoying Main Street. 

 If you were injured at the Plaza, contact Shook & Stone today for a free consultation. Call us 24/7 at (702)570-0000 or reach out through our online contact form to discuss your case with experienced Downtown Las Vegas personal injury attorneys. 

Learn more about Las Vegas Premises Liability Lawyers, Hotel & Casinos.