Venue News: Mirage Las Vegas Announces Closure for Hard Rock Resort Transformation

May 20, 2024

After more than three decades of operating on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mirage Las Vegas will be shutting its doors on July 17. The landmark 3,044-room resort will undergo a three-year renovation and construction project that will transform the tropical-themed property into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas.

Expected to open in spring 2027, the new hotel-casino will feature a guitar-shaped, 660-foot hotel tower, similar to its sister property in Hollywood, Fla.

“We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying 34 years at The Mirage,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International (HRI), in a May 15 statement announcing the closure. 

Jim Allen, Hard Rock International
Jim Allen, Hard Rock International

Credited with ushering in a new era of ultra-luxury resorts, the Mirage opened in November 1989, the creation of casino mogul Steve Wynn. As the first resort to create a sidewalk attraction with its artificial volcano erupting nightly, it was home to other quintessential Las Vegas features including Siegfried and Roy’s white tigers magic show and the Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show, “LOVE,” the latter of which ends its 18-year run on July 7.

After purchasing the Mirage from Wynn in 2000, MGM Resorts sold it in December 2022 for more than $1 billion to HRI, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The property remained open while rebranding and renovation plans were finalized.

The resort has also been a popular destination for meetings and event groups, with plentiful spaces including a 90,000-square-foot Events Center, a 40,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom, two smaller ballrooms measuring 5,280 and 10,500 sq. ft., a 4,680-sq.-ft. event room and 1,829-sq.-ft. boardroom.

According to HRI officials, more than 3,000 Mirage employees will be laid off beginning in July, and it will pay out $80 million in severance.

Mirage Las Vegas Event Center
Mirage Las Vegas Events Center

The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, which represent about 1,700 Mirage employees, said that affected workers will get $2,000 for each year of service, plus six months of pension and health benefits or a lesser amount while maintaining seniority rights for the duration of the property’s closure and 36 months of recall rights.  

“Culinary Union members at The Mirage have a strong union contract, ensuring that workers are protected, even as the property closes its doors entirely for three years from July 2024-May 2027,” said the union’s Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge in a statement. “[We] will continue to ensure workers are protected and centered in the property’s future.” 

The Mirage’s closure marks the second time this year that a historic Strip hotel-casino has shuttered. On April 2, the Tropicana Las Vegas closed its doors after 67 years to clear the way for a $1.5 billion professional baseball stadium that is planned to be the future home of the Oakland Athletics.

“We look forward to the beginning of an exciting journey into a new era as Hard Rock Las Vegas will ignite the Strip with entertainment, innovation and world-class hospitality,” resort officials said on the Mirage’s Facebook page.

Have some trade show-related venue news to share? Reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

 

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  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.