Farewell to The Mirage: A New Chapter Begins

On Wednesday, Las Vegas bid farewell to The Mirage, an iconic resort that had wowed visitors since its opening in 1989. The final eruption of the resort’s signature volcano marked the end of an era, as crowds gathered to witness the closing ceremony led by Joe Lupo, property president of The Mirage. Among the attendees were 137 employees who had been with the resort since its inception.

Jim Allen, head of the new owner Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, announced that demolition work on the volcano would commence immediately. The site is set to transform into a 600-room hotel shaped like a guitar, featuring beams resembling guitar strings that will light up the night sky from a 660-foot tower. The new Hard Rock Las Vegas is expected to open in 2027.

A Historical Landmark and Its Legacy

Elaine Wynn, a philanthropist and ex-wife of Steve Wynn, the casino mogul who built The Mirage, reminisced about the resort’s grand opening. In November 1989, two performing tigers belonging to Siegfried & Roy were the first to enter through the doors. The resort’s atrium, adorned with tropical foliage under a domed glass ceiling and a faint piña colada scent, captivated the first wave of visitors.

During its final week, The Mirage saw standing-room-only crowds vying for a chance to win a share of $1.6 million in slot machine progressive jackpots, a requirement by state regulations to clear the books before closing. Daily prize pots reached up to $250,000, drawing eager participants.

The Mirage, which cost $630 million to build, was more than just a gambling venue. It was the world’s largest hotel at its opening and featured unique attractions like bronze mermaid statues, a massive shark and fish tank behind the check-in desk, and luxurious shops and restaurants. The resort hosted legendary performers, including Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and the famous illusionist duo Siegfried & Roy. More recently, it was home to The Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show “Love,” which concluded its 18-year run this month.

Steve Wynn, in a statement, reflected on the impact of The Mirage, which he called a catalyst for the explosive growth of Las Vegas. The resort’s innovative features inspired the development of other themed resorts such as Bellagio, Venetian, and Paris Las Vegas. This led to a decade-long building boom, making Las Vegas one of the fastest-growing cities in America.

The Future: Hard Rock’s Ambitious Vision

The Mirage’s closure and subsequent transformation into the Hard Rock Las Vegas mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Strip. The Hard Rock brand, acquired by the Seminole Tribe in 2007, operates casinos in Florida, Atlantic City, and New York, as well as in 76 countries worldwide. The new guitar-shaped hotel in Las Vegas will echo the design of the successful Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in Florida.

Michael Green, a history professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, remarked on the city’s constant evolution. The Mirage, once state-of-the-art, now gives way to new, luxurious developments designed to attract high-end clientele and provide access to exclusive dining, entertainment, and sports packages.

The closure of The Mirage also temporarily reduces the number of available rooms on the Strip following the recent shutdown of the Tropicana. This reduction in room capacity comes at a time when Las Vegas continues to set records in room rates and visitor numbers. Analysts anticipate that the closure might benefit neighboring hotels by temporarily reducing competition.

As Hard Rock International embarks on this ambitious project, they plan to rehire many of The Mirage’s former employees. The new resort is scheduled to reopen in spring 2027, promising exciting new attractions and long-term residencies from high-profile artists.

The Mirage’s legacy as a revolutionary resort that reshaped Las Vegas will endure, even as the Strip looks forward to its next groundbreaking development.

Source:

The last cards have been dealt as the iconic Mirage closes its doors on the Las Vegas Strip, apnews.com, July 18, 2024.