To mark the twilight of an era in Las Vegas history, The Mirage Hotel & Casino will host a spectacular commemorative ceremony on July 17 before closing its doors for good.
The Mirage to Close Ahead of Schedule to Make Way for Hard Rock’s Ambitious Plans
At the crack of dawn, starting exactly at 9 a.m., a constellation of gaming industry titans will take to the podium. Expect insightful speeches from none other than Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, Joe Lupo, president of The Mirage, and Alan Feldman from the UNLV International Gaming Institute.
The final curtain call will fall at 11 a.m. sharp, marking the end of an epoch for the first megaresort on the famed Las Vegas Strip. This grand closing starkly contrasts with April’s subtle, almost whispered departure of the Tropicana Las Vegas, making it a poignant moment in Sin City’s colorful tapestry.
Hard Rock International, having acquired The Mirage from MGM Resorts International for a staggering $1 billion in December 2022, is committed to acknowledging its legendary status.
A Beacon of Innovation and Spectacle
Speaking to this sense of legacy, Josh Swissman, founding partner at GMA Consulting, poignantly remarked that The Mirage altered the very DNA of Las Vegas. With striking attractions like the eruptive volcano and lush atrium shows, along with the enchanting Siegfried & Roy displays, Swissman noted that these contributions redefined the Strip. He emphasized that this shift heralds a new era, driven by a tribally owned and operated gaming enterprise.
Oliver Lovat, CEO of Denstone Group, chimed in, praising The Mirage as “the big one”—the trailblazer that set the stage for massive 3,000-room behemoths like Bellagio and MGM Grand.
Despite holding strong with a loyal clientele that has cherished its offerings for nearly three decades, The Mirage is stepping aside ahead of schedule. This is all to pave the way for Hard Rock’s visionary redevelopment plans.
The Mirage’s Demise Marks the Beginning of a New Era on the Strip
What’s on the horizon? The Hard Rock redevelopment project isn’t just flipping the script; it’s rewriting the story. Picture this: a sprawling 700-foot guitar-shaped hotel tower set to rise, a new theater, expanded retail and convention spaces, and a significant enlargement of the casino floor. The development is expected to double The Mirage’s current employment numbers during construction, fostering even more jobs once the project is complete.
In its final days, The Mirage has transformed into a whirlwind of activity. A six-day, $1.6 million cash giveaway has drawn throngs of visitors, all eager to savor their last moments at this storied venue. Gaming operations will officially wind down around midnight on July 17, sealing its legacy.
But the memories won’t just fade into the neon-lit ether. Memorabilia from the resort will be auctioned off in mid-August, with employees getting the rare chance to bid on pieces of history. Additionally, some of the resort’s iconic signage might find a new home at the Neon Museum.
Looking ahead, Hard Rock Las Vegas is anticipated to open its doors in Spring 2027, ushering in a fresh era with its dazzling Guitar Hotel. This eagerly awaited transformation promises not just to refine but revolutionize Las Vegas tourism, injecting a thrilling new energy into the Strip’s dazzling array of offerings.
