This special is taped in Las Vegas, in the Samba Theatre at Harrah's Rio; it is the only time The Price Is Right was not taped in Studio 33 (a.k.a. The Bob Barker Studio).
This special uses a specially-built, not-quite-duplicate set; all the doors look vaguely like Door #1, green TPIR signs hang from the back of the lowest level of the audience, and there are two Turntables -- one on each side of the stage. Each Turntable also has lights in its walls, and their "game sides" are largely gold-colored. Additionally, the set's walls are pink, and there is no gap between Door #1 and the left-hand Turntable.
This special uses a slightly altered version of the "30 Years" logo for its title graphic; the Big Doors use the regular version.
This special features the debut of what will become the standard primetime opening music and consolation prize music.
This special has a different opening than normal; Rod reads a special spiel over clips of various fans and buildings in Las Vegas.