Chef Emeril's Star Studded Opening Night!

Chef Emeril Lagasse opened his newest restaurant at The Palazzo Las Vegas, Lagasse’s Stadium – a ground-breaking new place to dine, watch and play. Celebrity sports fans and athletes came out to support Emeril and their love of great food and sports including Chef Emeril Lagasse, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Dillon, Rex Lee, Melissa Rycroft and fiancé Tye Strickland, Bruce Jenner, Laker’s player Derek Fisher, female race car driver Danica Patrick, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres, Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner, Lakers coach Brian Shaw, football star Warren Sapp, retired basketball player Gary Payton, baseball player Greg Maddux, Howard Stern’s wife and model Beth Ostrosky, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Carson Kressley, actor Dan Cortese, actor Chazz Palminteri and more…

Inspired by two of Chef Emeril’s lifelong passions – cooking and sports – Lagasse’s Stadium marks a new dining standard for a sports and entertainment venue. Custom sports viewing walls consisting of nearly 100 high definition screens provide unprecedented access to nearly every major college and professional sporting event, including must-see bowl games, track races, tournaments, and championship match-ups.

“As a long-time season ticket holder, on big game days you’ll find me tailgating with friends and supporting my favorite teams,” says Emeril Lagasse. “I’m happy to team up again with our friends at The Palazzo to create the ultimate sports establishment. At Stadium, we’ll be serving serious food for serious fans.”

Overheard and spotted throughout the night:

- Danica Patrick, a huge food lover and fan of cooking, requested cooking lessons from Emeril. Her husband gave her an Emeril bread maker for Christmas last year

- Danica Patrick and her husband Paul couldn't wait for their relaxing spa day at Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Palazzo. They just got back from a long business trip in Japan and were in need of a day of relaxation—Danica was especially looking forward to a spa treatment created especially for jet-lagged travelers

-Warren Sapp, a big fan of Entourage, was excited to meet Rex Lee and yelled “Lloyd!” Rex’s character name on Entourage, as he approached him.

-Kevin Dillon and friends hung out at Sushi Samba before heading over to Lagasse Stadium. Kevin discussed some fun ideas he had for the next season of Entourage, including having Emeril as a guest on their show teaching him and the boys how to cook (since Johnny Drama’s character always cooks for the Entourage).

-Jeremy Piven put Rex Lee on the spot when legendary football player Warren Sapp approached them. Jeremy: Warren, Rex doesn't know you are. Rex: Yes I do. Warren Sapp! Jeremy: (puts hands up)- I stand corrected.

-After the party, Jeremy dined on the patio at LAVO at The Palazzo with Dara Torres

-Husky football player Warren Sapp attempted to stand on tip toe to fit in with lengthy basketball stars Brian Shaw, Derek Fisher, and Gary Payton as pictures were taken.

-Kevin Dillon apologized to Atlanta Braves legendary Pitcher Greg Maddux for arriving to the party wearing a New York Mets shirt.

-Melissa Rycroft came to the opening with her fiancé Tye Strickland

-Melissa, a veteran Dallas Cowboys cheerleader goofed around with pom poms and struck some old cheerleading poses, getting into the spirit of the venue

-Melissa and Warren Sapp, both of whom danced on Dancing with the Stars, practiced dance moves they had learned

-UFC fighter Frank Trigg, wife and brother dined at Table 10

-Napolean McCallum dined with his wife at Emeril Lagasse's Table 10 prior to heading down to the big event.

- Greg and Kathy Maddux also, dined at Table 10

-Beth Ostrosky Stern looked stunning in a form fitting black mini dress with nude cut outs and stilettos.

-Carson Kressely thinks The Palazzo is gorgeous and really wants to stay in one of our beautiful suites.

-Derek Fisher hung out and relaxed the day after at a cabana at AZURE

-Melissa and Tye also took a daybed at AZURE on Saturday and are seeing the show Jersey Boys before heading over to dinner at LAVO

- On Saturday, Melissa Rycroft of The Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars dined with fiancé Tye Strickland at TAO. They drank Love Potion #9 cocktails and enjoyed Satay Bass, Sushi, Wasabi Filet and Sausage Rice.