October 13, 2000: The second episode of CSI, a gritty crime show portraying Las Vegas detectives who solve murders using physical evidence and scientific sleuthing, airs on CBS, with the show already a hit. It spawns spinoffs set in New York and Miami, as well as a host of other imitators.

October 14, 2008: The annual PGA stop in Las Vegas is reborn as the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Timberlake, an avid golfer, retains the tradition of having two showgirls flank the champion as the trophy is presented. Marc Turnesa wins that week’s inaugural tourney.

October 15, 1998: Steve Wynn opens the $1.6 billion, 3,026-room Bellagio, ushering in a new era of Vegas luxury with festivities reporting to cost $88 million. Among the attractions are magnificent dancing fountains, a massive Dale Chihuly glass sculpture on the lobby ceiling, an art museum and a botanical garden.

October 16, 2011: Dan Wheldon, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, is killed in a horrific crash on the 11th lap of the season-ending race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Grieving drivers circle the track in a five-lap tribute before the race is cancelled.

October 17, 2010: The Liberace Museum closes after 31 years. At its peak, 450,000 people a year came to see the famed pianist’s costumes, candelabras and other glitzy memorabilia. His foundation put the collection in storage, but said they hope to mount a traveling exhibition.

October 18, 1968: Circus Circus hotel and casino, featuring continuous circus acts, a carnival midway and thrill rides, opens on The Strip. It remains a popular destination for families and budget-minded tourists.

October 19, 2003: Former NBA star and wild child Dennis Rodman emerges from the Treasures strip club, takes a borrowed motorcycle for a spin and immediately crashes into a pole. The 70 stitches patch him up, but his dream of a basketball comeback is through.

October 20, 1967: The Las Vegas Country Club opens its new golf course to the public with an amazing bargain: $10 to play the course. The clubhouse opens the following year and LVCC becomes a private, exclusive gathering place for the Vegas elite.

--Researched and written by Mike Precker