The Stardust closed on November 1, 2006. Gaming operations began to shut down that morning, followed by the full closure at 12:00 p.m. It was the largest resort to close on the Las Vegas Strip since the Sands Hotel and Casino in 1996. Long-time customers found the Stardust more personable compared to newer resorts, and they turned out in thousands for the resort's final days. Bill Boyd said about employees, "They're leaving as if they're losing their closest friends. That's why we had such a great place: The employees were loyal and made our customers feel at home. The way Boyd Gaming operates, it's much more of a family atmosphere than many other places."