The Vegas Strip Will Go Dark Tonight for an Unlikely Icon

Since the shimmering Las Vegas Strip first went dark following the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, only seven people have been honored in this fashion. All have been major figures in American culture, on a short list that includes Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Dean Martin. The lights dimmed to mark Elvis Presley's death in 1977 as well as the 2004 passing of President Reagan—the last person to be honored in this way. (Earth Day was commemorated in this way in 2009.)

Tonight at 10:30 p.m., Sin City will again become uncharacteristically somber. Hotels along the Strip, including the MGM Grand and Caesar's Palace, will dim their lights. And it will be to honor a man many people have likely never heard of: Jerry Tarkanian, who passed away last week.