The Mirage Hotel & Casino Las Vegas to Close for Major Renovations
Earlier this month, Hard Rock International (HRI) announced its plans to shut down The Mirage Hotel & Casino on July 17 to begin extensive renovations. At the heart of the transformation is a striking new 700-foot-tall guitar-shaped hotel tower, a signature of the Hard Rock brand.
The final date for guests to stay at The Mirage is set for July 14. The hotel’s famous volcano, a longstanding attraction, is also set for demolition, although it is not yet known when this will take place. While the hotel tower will remain open during the rebranding, the rest of the property will undergo substantial changes.
Job Losses and Show Cancelations
The closure will result in over 3,000 employees losing their jobs. To support these individuals, HRI has committed to providing $80 million in severance packages. Furthermore, the famous Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show “LOVE” will have its last performance on July 6. All reservations made for stays after July 17, as well as bookings for other shows and restaurants associated with The Mirage, will be automatically canceled and refunded.
Guests with slot vouchers can redeem them until the hotel closes. After the closure, vouchers can be mailed in for redemption until their printed expiration dates. Mirage casino chips will be accepted until the closing date, with Treasure Island Casino honoring them for an additional 120 days.
A Continuation of Thirty-Five Years of History
The Mirage has a rich history, having first opened in November 1989. It was the first major project on The Las Vegas Strip by developer Steve Wynn. Designed by architect Joel Bergman, The Mirage was the most expensive hotel-casino in history at the time, costing $630 million.
The resort introduced several innovative features, such as a large atrium, an indoor tropical forest, and, of course, the famous volcano. Occupying 65 acres, the resort currently houses 3,044 guest rooms. Wynn sold Mirage Resorts to MGM Grand in 2000 and went on to establish Wynn Resorts in 2002. HRI took ownership of The Mirage in 2022, making it the first Strip property operated by the .
Originally, HRI indicated that renovations would commence in 2024, but there have inevitably been delays. The upcoming redevelopment will span nearly 1.44 million square feet. The new hotel tower will feature 600 guest rooms across 37 floors, compared to the current 31-floor structure of The Mirage.
The project is anticipated to create about 7,000 permanent jobs, doubling the current workforce, along with 2,500 construction jobs. In addition to the new hotel tower, the revamped resort will feature enhanced amenities, including state-of-the-art entertainment venues, expanded dining options, and upgraded gaming facilities, which will likely include several baccarat options.
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A Part of the Las Vegas Community
Jim Allen, CEO of Hard Rock International, expressed his gratitude to the Las Vegas community, unions, government organizations, and the Gaming Commission for their support and cooperation over the past year.
“We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after 34 years at the Mirage. We’d also like to thank the Unions, community leaders, local and state government organisations and the Gaming Commission for their support and fair negotiations over the past year.”
Since acquiring The Mirage, HRI has engaged with the Las Vegas community. Last year, the company became a presenting partner for the November 2023 Formula 1 event, hosting a 3,000-seat grandstand in front of the hotel and various fan activities. HRI has also committed to supporting employees during the transition, offering career assistance and resources to help them find new opportunities within the company or elsewhere in Las Vegas.
The closure and renovation of The Mirage is just one of several changes taking place on the Las Vegas Strip. In September last year, the state-of-the-art music venue, the Sphere, opened just a block away. Other notable developments include the December opening of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and the launch of Resorts World in 2021. On the southern end of the Strip, the Tropicana recently closed, with demolition plans set for October. The site will eventually host a $1.5 billion professional baseball park and a new Bally’s casino resort, with the ballpark expected to be completed in 2028.
