LEADING THE WAY: South Point GM Ryan Growney on Building a Las Vegas Western Sports Destination
Ryan Growney has spent more than two decades in the Las Vegas hospitality industry and today serves as general manager of the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, one of the city’s premier gaming and entertainment destinations.
A Las Vegas native, Growney oversees a resort featuring more than 2,100 hotel rooms, a 100,000-square-foot casino, 11 restaurants, a 64-lane bowling center, 180,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, and the renowned Arena and Equestrian Center.
During his tenure, South Point has become one of the country’s leading destinations for Western sports, hosting events such as the National Finals Rodeo, Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Finals, and the World Series of Team Roping. He also helped secure a landmark partnership with the United States Bowling Congress that brought a $35 million tournament facility and arena expansion to the property.
Growney’s career includes leadership positions with Boyd Gaming, the Barbary Coast, Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, Sam’s Town, and the opening of the South Coast Hotel & Casino before it became South Point. A graduate of Georgetown University with a degree in finance, he is also a proud Las Vegas native and Bishop Gorman High School valedictorian.
His passion for Western culture extends beyond the resort. Growney spent seven summers with the Growney Brothers Rodeo Company, where he became an accomplished horseman and trick roper while training under legendary performer Tomás Garcilazo. Today, he remains active as a competitor in the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association.
Most recently, Growney helped negotiate an expanded partnership between South Point and Professional Bull Riders, reinforcing the property’s status as one of the premier homes for Western sports and entertainment.
The agreement brings PBR branding and experiences throughout the resort, highlighted by the new PBR Lounge, a Western-themed venue featuring dedicated PBR programming, specialty cocktails, live entertainment and rider appearances.
“This partnership is a natural evolution of a relationship that has meant so much to our property and our guests for more than 20 years,” Growney said. “The new PBR Lounge and expanded presence throughout the property will give our guests even more ways to engage with the excitement of professional bull riding year-round.”
South Point also continues to serve as a host hotel for the annual PBR Teams Championship and has hosted the PBR Challenger Series Championship and American Bucking Bull Inc. World Finals for more than 20 consecutive years.
Casino Player recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ryan Growney to discuss his career, South Point’s continued growth, and why the resort has become one of the country’s premier destinations for Western sports.
CP: Ryan, it’s hard to believe it’s been 14 years since our last interview. What are you most proud of in those 14 years at South Point?
RG: That even after 20 years, we just keep getting better. We have a team right now fully committed to setting a high bar and then raising it the following year. Whether in regard to property improvements like the $10 million Spa remodel we have going on right now, or making sure the South Point 400 NASCAR race in the fall is a bigger and better experience for the fans in attendance than it was the year before.
What is a “normal” day for you at South Point?
I am afraid there is no such thing as a normal day at the South Point. If you want a normal day? You can go work at a bank. To me, the best part about the casino business is you never know what might happen on any given day.
While 75% of Las Vegas casinos closed their buffets, South Point’s buffet remains open. Would you explain why? Do you have a favorite restaurant at South Point?
Our owner, Michael Gaughan, has been in this business for over 50 years, and we believe some old-school philosophies still work well. Buffets have always been a staple in Las Vegas and the biggest reason we have kept ours? Our customers love it. The other reason is that we are feeding 10,000+ meals a day, and without the buffet, we wouldn’t be able to feed everyone.
As far as my favorite restaurant is concerned, that one is easy. We have so many amazing dining options in this town, but I would put our Gourmet Room, Michael’s, up against any of them.
The Coronado Cafe is known for its food specials. What are some of them?
The Coronado Cafe has such a large menu and so many special dishes, including our famous Chinese Food Menu. However, as far as specials are concerned, our Graveyard Specials have to be the most touted. People start lining up 30 minutes before they are being served. The menu is available from midnight to 6 a.m. and some of the highlights are the “Old Vegas” Style Bay Shrimp Cocktail for $2.95; the Two Eggs, Hash Browns, Toast, with Bacon or Sausage for $4.95; and the most popular is the 7-oz. Steak, 2 Eggs, Hash Browns and Toast for $6.95.
Basically, while other Las Vegas casinos constantly rotate and change their restaurant lineup, South Point’s core of restaurants has remained the same for over 10 years. Is this an “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” approach?
Again, I have to go back to our Owner, Michael Gaughan. This is the fifth property he has built in Southern Nevada, and he knows better than anyone what the locals want. With 11 amazing restaurants, pretty much anything a guest is craving, they can find here.
Although South Point is just a short drive from the Strip, a lot of tourists just don’t want to journey away from the Strip. What would be some of the reasons that would make the trip to South Point worthwhile?
We have 2,163 hotel rooms and built two of the most unique venues in the country with our Equestrian Center and Tournament Bowling Plaza. These get our hotel rooms started, and over the years we have drawn plenty of guests from the Strip. Once a guest gives us a chance, you would have a hard time getting them to go back. I believe for three reasons. One is the value we offer with regard to food and beverage prices; the second is the fair odds across the casino; and the final is service. Locals will often expect a higher level of service than someone coming to town once or twice a year, and our out-of-town guests receive the benefit of that.
Are there specific experiences South Point offers that other casinos don’t?
The most unique thing offered at the South Point would be our Equestrian Center. We have three arenas, 1,200 horse stalls, and will host 46 weeks of equestrian-related events annually. This means we have cowboy hats and horses on property 46 weeks a year, and I do not think there is another casino in the country making that claim. Most of those shows are free and open to the public and also have gift shows associated with them, which makes for a great experience.
What would you personally like to tell Casino Player readers about South Point?
There are really only three casinos left in Las Vegas owned by an individual. The South Point is the only one that also caters to locals and is owned by Michael Gaughan. His philosophy is to take care of your employees, and your employees will take care of your customers. He also makes sure his customers are going to get a better deal, whether from a service, value or gaming standpoint, than anywhere else. We don’t charge for parking, all blackjack still pays 3:2, and during the NCAA and NFL season we offer $2 beers on Saturday and Sunday. One of the biggest compliments I receive is that the South Point does not have a corporate feel to it, and I think that goes a long way.
South Point Announces $2 Million Bingo Extravaganza
Bingo enthusiasts from across the country will soon have the chance to compete for a share of one of Las Vegas’ biggest bingo prize pools. South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa has announced that online is open for its highly anticipated $2,000,000 Bingo Extravaganza.
The multi-day event will take place Oct. 30 & 31 and Nov. 3 & 4, bringing together thousands of players for a high-energy bingo experience and the opportunity to win a portion of the $2 million prize pool. Known as one of Las Vegas’ premier bingo destinations, South Point continues to attract a loyal following with large-scale tournaments and special events designed for bingo fans.
For more information and registration details, visit www.southpointcasino.com.
