Friday, March 11, 2016—Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. is attempting to retrieve Elvis memorabilia that is on loan at the Graceland Presents Elvis attraction. The event was held at Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. stated the casino is holding items “hostage,” which are involved in a dispute with the Elvis exhibition operators.
The exhibition closed earlier in March. The exhibition started in April 2015, with numerous fans expecting a great time and enjoying the displayed items. The exhibition stated it was the largest of its type for Elvis memorabilia, at least outside of the Graceland Estate. It is unknown why the exhibit closed abruptly several days ago.
According to a statement made by The Westgate, Exhibit A Circle LLC defaulted on a 10-year lease. Exhibit A stated Westgate violated the agreement first; however, no details have been released to elaborate on the situation.
The Elvis Estate filed papers in Clark County District Court Wednesday claiming the estate had been denied any access to security cameras, which are monitoring the items. The court order asks for the memorabilia to be returned immediately. Elvis Presley Enterprises did not make further comments on the legal action. The estate did inform media that Westgate had seized the valuables without any legal basis for doing so.
Mark Waltrip, the COO of Westgate, did not comment. The items were on loan to Westgate because it was the former Las Vegas Hilton and The International, which is where Elvis performed numerous shows during his career. According to memorabilia records there was a $1 million-a-year contract signed on a tablecloth by Elvis, which was on display. The contract agreed that Elvis would perform at the casino. There was also a single-button black suit on display, which he wore for his first performances at the casino.