If you don’t feel lucky upon entering Ameristar, then consider gathering liquid courage at Depot #9 first. Open only on Friday and Saturday nights, Depot #9 evokes a train station with its high ceilings. The wood-and-brick bar area gets noisy and crowded with Star Pavilion preshow ticket holders or people not yet sauced enough to hit the crap tables. Off to the side, for those who want to lounge, is a retired Pullman railroad car, with cushy chairs and antique-looking furniture. Live music – blues, jazz or cover bands – helps build the party atmosphere.
