With The Mirage having recently closed its doors to undergo a transformation into Hard Rock Las Vegas, Steve Wynn, the visionary behind its creation, has offered a heartfelt tribute to the resort that redefined Las Vegas. Wynn's reflections on The Mirage underline its profound impact on the city and its place in the annals of modern hospitality.
The Mirage: A Vision Realized
Steve Wynn, now residing in Florida, embarked on the journey of developing The Mirage in the mid-1980s. The resort, which opened its doors on November 22, 1989, was a groundbreaking achievement in the hospitality industry. Wynn’s tribute highlighted that while “The Mirage” might have suggested something illusory, the resort itself was a “dazzling and commanding reality,” standing as the largest hotel ever constructed at the time.
Wynn’s commentary reflected on how The Mirage had a transformative effect on Las Vegas. Before The Mirage, no new hotels had been built from the ground up in Sin City in over a decade, due in part to the expansion of gambling to other regions and the rise of Indian gaming in California. The arrival of The Mirage marked a new chapter for the city, accelerating its growth and contributing to Las Vegas becoming the fastest-growing city in America.
The Mirage's innovative design and attractions set a new standard for the industry and revitalized the Las Vegas Strip. It played a crucial role in the city’s development, shaping its modern identity and leaving an indelible mark on its landscape.
The Mirage became renowned for its distinctive features and attractions. Wynn’s tribute recalled the resort’s lush exterior, which featured a garden of Canary Island palm trees and a striking waterfall. Its central atrium, which resembled a midsection, symbolized the promise of growth and excitement.
One of the resort’s most memorable aspects was its live entertainment, particularly the Siegfried & Roy show. The duo’s performances, along with the unique animal exhibits—including dolphin lagoons and a variety of exotic animals—were central to The Mirage's allure. Wynn praised the resort for its devotion to marine education, noting that it dedicated weekday mornings to local schoolchildren, allowing them to learn about marine mammals and observe dolphin antics.
Legacy and Influence
Wynn’s tribute emphasized The Mirage’s significance in shaping both the local economy and the broader entertainment industry. The resort provided livelihoods for nearly 8,000 employees and their families, and it played a pivotal role in the careers of Siegfried & Roy and other performers. It served as a cultural and economic anchor in Las Vegas, reflecting its far-reaching impact on the city’s development.
As The Mirage transitions to its new identity as Hard Rock Las Vegas, Wynn’s reflections serve as a reminder of the resort’s enduring legacy. His tribute captures the essence of The Mirage as a transformative force in Las Vegas history, celebrating its role in shaping the city’s modern character.
The closing of The Mirage marks the end of an era. Yet, its influence on Las Vegas remains a defining chapter in the city’s storied past, echoing the significant changes it brought to the Las Vegas Strip and the broader hospitality industry.
Source:
''Mirage developer Steve Wynn offers tribute to resort as it closes'', reviewjournal.com, July 15, 2024.
