Mirage Hotel in Vegas is Officially Closed

Photo byCraveDFW

The Mirage, a symbol of opulence and innovation, opened its doors on November 22, 1989. Brainchild of developer Steve Wynn, it was the first mega-resort on the Las Vegas Strip, costing a then-unprecedented $630 million. The Mirage's opening marked a pivotal shift in Las Vegas's evolution, introducing the concept of a fully integrated resort that combined luxury accommodations, world-class entertainment, and unique attractions.

From its inception, The Mirage was a marvel. Its lush tropical theme, complete with a 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and a rainforest atrium, set it apart from the traditional casino environment. The resort's most iconic feature, the volcano, erupted nightly in a dazzling display of fire and water, captivating visitors from around the world.

The Mirage was also home to Siegfried & Roy, whose magical performances with white tigers became synonymous with the resort's allure. Their long-running show was a cornerstone of The Mirage's entertainment offerings, drawing huge crowds and cementing the resort's status as a premier destination on the Strip.

The success of The Mirage triggered a building boom in Las Vegas, inspiring the construction of other mega-resorts like the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Venetian. Its emphasis on luxury, combined with family-friendly attractions, broadened the city's appeal beyond gamblers, making it a destination for families, conventions, and international tourists.

In 2000, MGM Resorts International acquired Mirage Resorts, including The Mirage, for $6.4 billion. Under MGM's stewardship, The Mirage continued to thrive, hosting acclaimed shows such as Cirque du Soleil's "LOVE," a tribute to The Beatles, which became another defining element of the resort's identity.

Despite its enduring legacy, The Mirage faced increasing competition from newer, flashier resorts on the Strip. In December 2021, MGM Resorts announced the sale of The Mirage to Hard Rock International for nearly $1.1 billion, signaling the end of an era. The deal, finalized in December 2022, included plans to transform the iconic property into a Hard Rock Hotel, complete with a guitar-shaped tower.

The announcement of The Mirage's rebranding and closure was met with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. Longtime visitors and employees reminisced about the resort's golden years, while acknowledging the ever-changing landscape of Las Vegas. The transformation into a Hard Rock Hotel represents a new chapter for the property, blending its storied past with the vibrant future of the Hard Rock brand.

The Mirage's history is a testament to innovation and luxury, setting the stage for the modern Las Vegas we know today. As it transitions to become the Hard Rock Hotel, the spirit of The Mirage will live on, remembered for its groundbreaking contributions to the Strip's evolution and its unforgettable impact on countless visitors. The legacy of The Mirage is not just in its physical structures but in the memories and milestones it created, forever etched in the heart of Las Vegas.

Here are three sources detailing the closure and transformation of The Mirage Hotel:

1. **"Hard Rock to Rebrand Mirage as it Acquires Iconic Las Vegas Hotel"**

*Source: Forbes*

*Date: December 17, 2021*

*URL: [Forbes Article](https://www.forbes.com/sites/robreid/2021/12/17/hard-rock-to-rebrand-mirage-as-it-acquires-iconic-las-vegas-hotel/?sh=5d9c8f1424c7)*

This article covers Hard Rock International’s acquisition of The Mirage and the plans to rebrand it, providing context on the closure of the Mirage under its previous identity.

Sources:

MSN Travel and Liesure: Las Vegas' Mirage Hotel to Close This Summer — What to Know If You Have a Reservation (msn.com)

ABC NEW: Mirage closing in July 2024, transforming into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (ktnv.com)

Las Vegas Sun: Mirage to close in July for Hard Rock rebranding; reopen tabbed for 2027 - Las Vegas Sun News