In a significant move that signals a new era on The Las Vegas Strip, Hard Rock International (HRI) has announced it will be shuttering The Mirage hotel-casino for extensive renovations starting in July. The iconic Mirage’s current hotel operations will come to an end on 14 July, with its celebrated volcano attraction also scheduled for demolition, although a final date for this has not yet been released.
Hotel guests with bookings beyond the mid-July cutoff can expect their reservations to be automatically cancelled and refunds to be processed without additional action required from their part, ensuring a smooth transition for those affected by the closure.
Having opened its doors in November 1989, The Mirage heralded a new chapter in Las Vegas’s storied history. The brainchild of Steve Wynn, the property became an immediate landmark on the Strip. The Mirage was a part of Wynn’s legacy until its sale to MGM Grand in 2000. Wynn then left to establish Wynn Resorts in 2002. The Mirage continued operations under various flags until HRI took charge in 2022.
This transition also marks a historical moment as the Florida Seminole Tribe, to which HRI belongs, now operates this complex, representing the first tribal-run casino resort on The Strip. Covering a substantial 65 acres, The Mirage boasts 3,044 guest rooms and stands tall with its 31-floor hotel tower.
The planned renovation is part of a massive redevelopment by HRI. Initial talks of the refurbishment hinted at a 2024 commencement; however, the project has now been pushed forward. The renovation promises to reshape the skyline with an additional hotel tower comprising 600 guest rooms over 37 floors, spreading across nearly 1.44 million square feet.
Jim Allen, HRI’s CEO, shared heartfelt gratitude in a release, “We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after 34 years at the Mirage.” Allen also extended thanks to “the Unions, community leaders, local and state government organizations, and the Gaming Commission for their support and fair negotiations over the past year.”
Since stepping foot in Las Vegas, Hard Rock International has swiftly become a notable presence in the city, aligning itself with prominent events and local engagements. Last year saw the company play a significant role as a presenting partner of the November 2023 Formula 1 event, which included a dedicated 3,000-seat grandstand in front of The Mirage. The hotel-casino complex didn’t stop there; it also hosted various educational and hospitality events to showcase its engagement with fans and the community.
The Mirage’s closure is but one of the latest in a series of transformative changes creeping along The Strip and its surroundings. The recent opening of a state-of-the-art music venue, the Sphere, and the launching of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and Resorts World are testaments to the ever-changing landscape of this entertainment mecca.
Meanwhile, at the opposite end of The Strip, the Tropicana closed its doors last month, setting the stage for its potential demolition, possibly in October. The site is primed for redevelopment with ambitious plans for a $1.5 billion professional baseball park and a Bally’s casino resort. The ballpark is slated for completion in 2028, while timelines for Bally’s project remain forthcoming.
These shifts in The Strip’s canvas reflect the dynamic and unceasing evolution of Las Vegas’s character, as new visions come to light, transforming the skyline and redefining expectations for a global audience of visitors and thrill-seekers.
