In the past week, the Mirage has held ceremonies and farewell events to celebrate its 34 years of operation. Guests have flocked to the property, capturing selfies and purchasing commemorative trinkets available in its gift shops. A particularly popular aspect of the final days has been the payout of $1.6 million (€1.47 million, £1.24 million) in accumulated progressive jackpots, as state regulations require that such funds be disbursed before a property closes.
The casino floor saw a surge in activity leading up to the closure, with players eager to participate in hourly giveaways and occasionally contending for space. The $1.6 million was allocated as $1.2 million in slot prizes and $400,000 from table games, with prizes distributed on an hourly basis. Between July 9 and July 11, $200,000 was awarded each day, followed by $250,000 on July 12 and 13, and $100,000 on July 16. Bill Krackomberger shared his experience visiting the property during this final week, noting the immense foot traffic akin to New Year's Eve.
The last performance of 'The Beatles LOVE' by Cirque du Soleil occurred on July 7, having entertained over 11 million attendees during its 18-year residency, according to local TV station KSNV. Sunday night, July 14, marked the final night for hotel guests, with an official closing ceremony set for 9 AM on Wednesday. This ceremony will pay tribute to approximately 140 employees who have worked at the Mirage throughout its history, with the property officially closing at 11 AM.
Following its closure, the Mirage will undergo a three-year renovation and transformation into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, although an opening date has yet to be announced. Initially, there were plans to keep the property partially open during renovations; however, officials ultimately opted for a complete shutdown, believing it would enhance the overall customer experience.
The iconic volcano feature of the Mirage is set to make way for a new 700-foot guitar-shaped hotel tower, a signature design for the Hard Rock brand. This tower will boast 600 rooms across 37 floors, along with a 5,000-seat theatre and over 20 new dining establishments.
Hard Rock acquired Mirage’s operations from MGM Resorts International for $1.08 billion in December 2021, while the land itself is owned by the real estate investment trust VICI Properties. Hard Rock, which is owned by the Seminole tribe of Florida, remains the only tribal-owned casino operator on the Strip.
The Mirage has been a pivotal establishment in Las Vegas history, with significant influence on the development of the city. In the 1980s, Las Vegas was stagnating, with no new projects since the original MGM Grand in 1973. A devastating fire at the MGM Grand in November 1980 had further marred the city’s image. Amid growing competition from legalized casinos in Atlantic City and Indian gaming in California, Steve Wynn emerged with a refreshing vision for the resort experience. After gaining experience with the Golden Nugget in the 1970s and early 1980s, Wynn and his partner Michael Milken raised more than $500 million of the total $620 million needed to bring the Mirage to fruition. Construction commenced in 1987, leading to a property that was notable not just for its size—3,044 rooms made it one of the largest hotels in the world at that time—but also for its architectural innovation.
The hotel’s design, notably the Y-shaped tower and efficient elevator system, minimized guest travel distances, a standard that has since been replicated in resorts worldwide. The property also included features that improved staff efficiency, such as staff-only elevators and a cutting-edge baggage handling system similar to that at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Such innovations made guest service more timely and effective.
With its tropical paradise theme, Wynn aimed to create an oasis in a dry desert environment, enlisting the help of Don Brinkerhoff of Lifescapes International. The design team sought to appeal to all of the natural senses, incorporating water features, specially crafted lighting, and distinct scents, including a signature piña colada fragrance throughout the resort. The volcano attraction with its timed eruptions was a drawn to guests as a symbol of value and excitement. Following the announcement of Hard Rock's plans, a petition to save the volcano gained over 11,000 signatures.
The Mirage opened its doors on November 22, 1989, drawing an extraordinary crowd of tens of thousands. Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts, recalls the event as a spectacle, where a surge of 25,000 people rushed through the entrance. The opening garnered significant national and international media attention. The Mirage set itself apart through an emphasis on entertainment and non-gaming amenities. The renowned act of Siegfried and Roy debuted on February 1, 1990, and generated approximately $40 million annually for over a decade. The Cirque du Soleil LOVE show began in mid-2006, becoming a Las Vegas fixture.
In 2014, Wynn highlighted the Mirage’s financial success, noting it was the first casino to make over $500 million in revenue, with non-gaming revenue exceeding gaming income. Mirage Resorts was sold to MGM for $6.4 billion in 2000, and operations were later acquired by Hard Rock in 2021.
According to estimates, the Mirage notably impacted Las Vegas's growth. In 1988, the city's room inventory was just over 61,000; by the year 2000, this figure had exceeded 124,000, with gaming revenue increasing from $3.1 billion to $7.6 billion. This growth led to a construction boom, resulting in new properties like the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and others, which continued to reflect the luxury resort style that emerged from the Mirage.
The closing of the Mirage encapsulates a wider trend in Las Vegas: properties must continuously evolve to stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape. However, this is not without its challenges, as past establishments are often replaced by new developments. Even Wynn, whose vision shaped the Mirage, has distanced himself from the Las Vegas scene, having left Wynn Resorts and sold his stake following serious allegations in 2018. He recently agreed to a $10 million settlement with regulatory bodies in Nevada and has since retired to a life of seclusion in Florida.
