Vegas Day Drinkers - Episode 34 - The State of Benjamin

Vegas Day Drinkers Club – Episode 34: "The State of Benjamin"

Last week it was the State of the Union. This week, Chris and Darren deliver the State of Benjamin — a full rundown of everything happening in Las Vegas and beyond, served ice cold with a craft beer in hand. Named in honor of co-host Darren Benjamin, this episode is packed with big news, local nostalgia, and the kind of conversation you can only have when you're day drinking with your new friends and old friends.

The Sphere is officially the hottest venue on the planet. Chris and Darren break down the just-announced Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II rematch on September 19th — the first professional boxing match ever held at the Sphere, streaming free on Netflix — and the jaw-dropping news that Metallica is bringing eight — EIGHT — shows to the Sphere in October. Las Vegas is the center of the universe right now, and we're here for all of it.

On the bigger picture front, we dig into the massive new lithium mine opening at Thacker Pass in Esmeralda County, Nevada — potentially a game-changer in the global competition for lithium dominance against Australia, Argentina, and China. This one hits close to home and has implications for the entire country.

Closer to the Strip, we pour one out for Champagne Cafe on Maryland Parkway. Opened in 1966 and a cornerstone of what Chris calls quintessential Vegas kitsch, its closing marks the end of an era. We also explore Boulder City's thriving bar scene — featured on the cover of last week's LV Weekly — and make the case for why it's the perfect half-day getaway for serious day drinkers.

Oh, and did we mention? Team USA swept the gold in BOTH men's AND women's hockey at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. We celebrate accordingly.

All of this sipped alongside a cold one from Enegren Brewing out of Baldwin Park, California. Cheers.

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