Travel Roundup: MGM Fears, Amtrak Death, Delta's NY Yankees and More

(MoneyWatch)  Gaming expo reveals Las Vegas fears -- At a three-day gaming exposition in Las Vegas, executives seemed preoccupied by the economy, many predicting weak casino sell-offs or contracting with property management as ways companies will cope in the coming year. Financing was considered the biggest setback to most attending the conference. "Gone are the days when you could put up story boards and get (a project) financed," MGM Mirage Chief Financial Officer Dan D'Arrigo said. MGM is still trying to drum up another $1 billion to complete its CityCenter project. [Source: Las Vegas Sun]

Man on tracks killed by Amtrak passenger train -- An Amtrak passenger train that had left Cedar Rapids bound for Chicago struck a man on the train tracks Friday night in southwest Michigan. Engineers told police they sounded a warning several times but the man ignored their honking. The train, going 65 mph, couldn't stop in time and struck the man, who died at the scene. Thre were no other injuries. The train was delayed two hours following the accident. [Source: WZZM]

Delta becomes Yankees' airline -- Delta Air Lines was named the official airline of the New York Yankees. As part of the deal, Delta will have a luxury suite at Yankee Stadium opened in the spring. The sponsorship also extends to the team's Tampa Yankees. The airline may be hedging its bets, because it's also the official airline of the Mets, too. [Source: Reuters, Tampa Bay Business Journal]

Kloeppel promoted to president of Gaylord Entertainment -- Gaylord Entertainment Company appointed David Kloeppel president of the company Friday, promoting him from executive vice president and chief financial officer. Before joining Gaylord, Kloeppel was vice president in mergers and acquisitions at Deutsche Bank in New York City, where he was responsible for lodging, leisure and real estate sectors.
[Source: Hotel Interactive]