The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority has approved the first phase of a $2.5 billion makeover of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Phase I of creating the "Las Vegas Global Business District" consists of planning only, and is budgeted at $150 million.

If the plan goes to conclusion, the eight- to 10-year project would create a "World Trade Center building" and a "multimodal transportation center."

» Container Park: Work is under way on a downtown complex called Container Park, with restaurants, bars, and retail outlets housed in prefabricated cubes. Located at Fremont and Seventh, up to 30 tenants are expected, with completion scheduled for October.

» Celine extends: It’s been revealed that Celine Dion has secretly signed a long-term deal with Caesars Entertainment that has her playing The Colosseum through 2019. Dion apparently signed the longer contract a couple of years ago, but it was not disclosed.

» Blackjack mini: The Gold Coast is running a new blackjack mini-tournament on Saturdays, with an entry fee of $20. Starting with a bankroll of $500, the six players with the highest ending totals after playing seven hands compete in a winner-take-all final for $500.

Enter as often as you like between 11 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Question: What are the details on the sale of the old Western Casino downtown?

Answer: Zappo’s CEO Tony Hsieh has acquired downtown’s shuttered Western for $14 million. Plans for the property have not been revealed; however, it’s more likely that the building will be converted into retail or office space than reopen as a casino.

For more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, and good deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.