Mirage employees look ahead as Las Vegas Strip resort prepares to close July 17

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – In a few weeks another casino and resort on the Las Vegas Strip will close.

Employees at the Mirage spoke with 8 News Now about what they will miss and what it all means for the future.

“As the months progressed I started seeing the slot machines being turned off, Gabriel Fuentes shared with 8 News Now. “It became a pinch me moment like is this actually happening?”

Fuentes works as a barista at the Mirage and said he can’t believe it’s all coming to an end, as the resort is closing its doors on July 17.

“The morale of the team is very bittersweet, we are happy that we are still here, but sad that we all are going to be leaving each other and going off to different properties,” Fuentes added.

He told 8 News Now that he has a couple of job offers in the works, but he is not too worried. As part of the Culinary Union’s contract, workers are given several options so that they are paid regardless, even with the Strip resort shutting down.

“One of the options is to get $2,000 for every year worked, plus six months of benefits paid and a pension, because of the financial gain we got through the contract, I am feeling very secure,” he added.

Chris Brown is another resort employee who has worked at the Mirage for two decades. He said he will miss everything the resort has to offer and is not opposed to returning to the Hard Rock Hotel once it reopens.

“I’m looking forward to coming back if the door is open, but if I’m established at one place, then I’ll stay there most likely,” he said.

The 3,000-plus-room resort will continue to operate as the Mirage until the renovation and rebranding of the property to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino are complete which is expected to take about three years.

Fuentes also shared with 8 News Now that on the last day, the property will have a celebration in front of the volcano with the doors closing in the early afternoon on July 17. As for merchandise and souvenirs, the stores inside are offering 50% off particular items.

The Mirage Hotel and Casino is best known for shows such as Siegfried and Roy’s tiger show which debuted in 1990 and lasted until 2003. Currently, it is home to the Beatles “Love” Cirque du Soleil. The last show is scheduled for Saturday, July 6.

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