The iconic Mirage hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip is closing its doors on July 17th to make way for extensive renovations and construction that will transform the 80-acre property into the Hard Rock Las Vegas, featuring a hotel tower in the shape of a guitar. This closure marks the end of an era for a property that played a significant role in transforming Sin City into an ultra-luxury resort destination. The closure will also result in the layoff of over 3,000 employees, with Hard Rock International expecting to pay out $80 million in severance to affected workers.
The Mirage, which was developed by former casino mogul Steve Wynn and opened in 1989 as the Strip’s first megaresort, has been a popular destination known for attractions such as the volcano fountain and entertainment shows featuring acts like Siegfried and Roy taming white tigers. The property was also home to a Beatles-themed show that brought Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr back together for public appearances throughout its 18-year run. The closure of the Mirage will mark the end of this iconic show as well as the loss of a beloved Las Vegas landmark.
This closure comes as another Strip casino, the Tropicana Las Vegas, closed its doors in April after 67 years to make way for a $1.5 billion baseball stadium planned as the future home of the Oakland A’s. The Mirage will be the second casino to shutter this year on the Strip, signaling a shift in the landscape of the Las Vegas hospitality industry. The closure of these iconic properties reflects the changing demands and trends in the market, as well as the need for modernization and renovation to keep up with the evolving needs of visitors to Las Vegas.
Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and purchased the Mirage from MGM Resorts in a cash deal worth nearly $1.1 billion, has outlined plans to reopen the property in 2027 under the Hard Rock brand. The closure and renovation of the Mirage represent a significant investment in the Las Vegas hospitality industry and are expected to bring new life and energy to the iconic property. Despite the layoffs and disruptions caused by the closure, Hard Rock International has committed to ensuring that affected workers are supported through severance packages and possible rehiring when the property reopens.
The closure of the Mirage marks a new chapter in the history of the Las Vegas Strip, as the property undergoes a transformation that will see it reemerge as the Hard Rock Las Vegas, with a new look and branding that reflects the changing tastes and preferences of modern travelers. The closure of the Mirage also highlights the competitive nature of the hospitality industry in Las Vegas, where properties must constantly reinvent themselves to stay relevant and attract visitors in an increasingly crowded market. The closure of the Mirage and the upcoming renovations signal a new beginning for this iconic property and promise to create a fresh and exciting experience for future guests at the Hard Rock Las Vegas.
