Saying Goodbye to The Mirage Casino and Hotel Las Vegas

The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is officially closing its doors, July 17, 2024. After more than 30 years of operation, the property will undergo an extensive transformation to become the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas. The redevelopment will include the construction of a nearly 700-foot guitar-shaped hotel tower, which is expected to significantly alter the Las Vegas skyline. The newly rebranded resort is scheduled to reopen in 2027.

The Mirage has been a staple on the Las Vegas Strip since its opening in 1989, known for attractions like its iconic volcano show and the Cirque du Soleil show "The Beatles LOVE." The closure marks the end of an era for the beloved resort, but the new Hard Rock property promises to bring fresh entertainment and hospitality offerings to the area. During the transformation period, employees will receive severance packages, and there will be efforts to connect them with new job opportunities in the community.

The Mirage is a renowned hotel and casino resort located on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada. Here's a brief history of the Mirage Casino

Planning and Construction

• Developer: The Mirage was developed by Steve Wynn and his company, Mirage Resorts, Inc.
• Construction Began: Groundbreaking took place in November 1987.
• Opening: The Mirage officially opened its doors on November 22, 1989.

Innovations and Impact

• Funding: It was the first resort to be built with the help of Wall Street junk bonds, an innovative funding method at the time.
• Cost: The construction cost was approximately $630 million, making it the most expensive casino-hotel in history up to that point.
• Design: Designed by architect Joel Bergman with interiors by Roger Thomas, the Mirage set new standards for luxury and design in Las Vegas.
• Features: It introduced several innovations, such as a large, artificial volcano at its entrance, which erupts nightly, and a large atrium with a rainforest.

Influence on Las Vegas

• Resort Boom: The success of the Mirage is often credited with starting a building boom on the Las Vegas Strip, leading to the development of other mega-resorts such as the Bellagio, the Venetian, and Mandalay Bay.
• Economic Impact: The Mirage significantly boosted Las Vegas’s economy by attracting a new wave of tourists and convention business.

Ownership Changes

• MGM Resorts International: In 2000, MGM Grand Inc. acquired Mirage Resorts for $6.4 billion, and the Mirage became part of MGM Resorts International’s portfolio.
• Recent Developments: In December 2021, MGM Resorts International announced an agreement to sell the operations of the Mirage to Hard Rock International for nearly $1.1 billion. This sale was completed in December 2022. Hard Rock International plans to remodel the property and rebrand it as a Hard Rock Hotel.

Attractions and Features

Secret Garden

• Description: The Secret Garden is home to a variety of exotic animals, including white lions, white tigers, leopards, and a panther. This habitat was created by the famed magician duo, Siegfried & Roy, known for their work with big cats.
• Features:
  • Exotic Animals: Visitors can observe these majestic creatures in a lush, jungle-like environment designed to mimic their natural habitats.
  • Conservation Focus: The garden emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation and the preservation of endangered species.

Dolphin Habitat

• Description: The Dolphin Habitat is a sanctuary for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, offering an educational experience for visitors.
• Features:
  • Dolphin Pools: Several interconnected pools where dolphins can swim, play, and interact with guests and trainers.
  • Educational Programs: Opportunities to learn about dolphin behavior, biology, and conservation efforts through interactive experiences and informative displays.
  • Trainer for a Day: A program that allows guests to experience what it's like to work with dolphins, including feeding, training sessions, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Visitor Experience

• Interactive Elements: Guests can participate in various interactive programs, such as painting with dolphins, dolphin yoga, and other unique experiences designed to connect people with these intelligent marine mammals.
• Educational Value: The attraction provides an educational perspective on wildlife, emphasizing the importance of conservation and responsible care for animals.
• Family-Friendly: The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat offer activities and exhibits suitable for all ages, making it a popular destination for families visiting Las Vegas.

• Shows and Entertainment: Over the years, the Mirage has hosted numerous notable shows and performers, including the Siegfried & Roy magic show, Cirque du Soleil’s "LOVE," a tribute to The Beatles, and comedian Terry Fator.
• Volcano: The Volcano at The Mirage is a famous attraction located at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. It features a man-made volcano that "erupts" at regular intervals, offering a spectacular show of fire, water, and music. The volcano was created by the design firm WET and has been a popular attraction since it was first introduced in 1989.

The show includes:

Fire Effects: Flames shoot into the air, creating an impressive visual display.

Water Effects: Waterfalls and jets of water accompany the fiery eruptions.

Music and Sound: The eruptions are synchronized with music and sound effects to enhance the experience.

The Volcano at The Mirage has undergone several updates and renovations over the years to improve the experience for visitors. The show is free to watch and typically occurs several times each evening.

• Legacy

The Mirage is often hailed as the first modern mega-resort in Las Vegas and is credited with transforming the city into a major destination for entertainment and luxury accommodations. Its development marked the beginning of a new era for Las Vegas, leading to the construction of other large-scale, themed resorts and changing the city's skyline forever.