Coupon book salesman. Entrepreneur. Gambler. Hopeful politician. Casino owner. Husband and father. Stratosphere developer. Survivor. Legend.
Bob Stupak was a lot of things, but today we’re remembering him for his contribution to the Las Vegas skyline—a very tall contribution. One that stands 1,149 feet high and is topped by two observation decks, a restaurant and a rollercoaster.
Not one to approach life quietly or on a small scale, Stupak was known for his outlandish promotions, unsuccessful runs for political office (Las Vegas mayor in 1983 and 1987; Nevada lieutenant governor in 2006) and high-limit bets—he won a million-dollar bet on the 1989 Super Bowl and a bracelet in the WSOP the same year, as well as once challenging Donald Trump to a board game bet. Appearing on the big and small screen, he had a walk-on part in Ocean’s Eleven and was featured on 60 Minutes and networks such as A&E and the History Channel. He even paid to play with the Harlem Globetrotters.
No doubt, Stupak made his mark—and dreamed big. He once proposed building a 15-story hotel, modeled after the Titanic, complete with a casino inside an iceberg and time-share condos in the smokestacks. But his biggest idea of all, the Stratosphere, is nothing short of a landmark contribution to the Las Vegas Strip.
Like most legends, Stupak’s journey was winding. Born in 1942 in Pittsburgh, he first came to Las Vegas in 1964. He soon ventured to Australia, where he continued a coupon business, then returned—and stayed—in Las Vegas in the early 1970s. A couple of years later, he opened a restaurant, followed by Bob Stupak’s World Famous Historic Gambling Museum & Casino, then Vegas World, which thrived on Stupak’s signature promotions (including a rumored rooster who played tic-tac-toe). Vegas World closed in 1995, and Stupak soon began developing the Stratosphere on the same site. He originally envisioned an 1,800-foot tower, but it was deemed too high, and so the tower, still the tallest casino-hotel in Vegas, was built at 1,149 feet.
Around this time, one of Stupak’s hobbies—motorcycles—nearly killed him. In 1995, his Harley-Davidson collided with another vehicle, breaking every bone in his face and leaving him in a coma for weeks. Doctors didn’t expect him to live, but Stupak was a survivor.
In 1996, he was honored by then-Mayor Jan Jones who officially dubbed him “Mr. Las Vegas.”
Stupak died Sept. 25, 2009, at age 67 after a battle with leukemia, leaving Las Vegas with a lasting legacy.
The Stratosphere released the following statement regarding Stupak’s passing: “Bob Stupak was a true visionary and he will be sorely missed. He was instrumental in developing the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower—an icon in Las Vegas, as Mr. Stupak was himself. He will be remembered for his many community initiatives and his many innovative projects within the gaming industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Stupak is survived by his son, Nevada; daughters Nicole and Summer; two sisters; two grandsons; and two ex-wives. Contributions in his memory can be sent to the Stupak Community Center.
Amanda Huggett is the Associate Editor of Casino Enterprise Management Magazine and can be reached at (701) 293-7775 or editor2[at]aceme.org.