In a move that marks the end of an era, the iconic Mirage hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip will shut its doors on July 17th. This closure will pave the way for extensive renovations and new construction on the 80-acre property. Set to reopen in 2027, the site will emerge as the Hard Rock Las Vegas, boasting a striking guitar-shaped hotel tower nearly 700 feet tall, dominating the Strip’s skyline.
The Mirage has been a landmark since its inception, credited with transforming Las Vegas into a hub of ultra-luxury resorts. It was developed by the former casino mogul Steve Wynn and opened its doors in 1989 as the Strip’s first megaresort with a Polynesian theme. Its innovative design and attractions, such as the volcano fountain, set the stage for future developments like the Venetian’s canals and the Bellagio’s dancing fountains. The Mirage was also famous for hosting the legendary Siegfried and Roy with their white tigers and the Cirque du Soleil show set to a Beatles soundtrack.
The closure of the Mirage is not an isolated event. Earlier this year, the Tropicana Las Vegas also shuttered after 67 years, making room for a $1.5 billion baseball stadium, which will become the new home of the Oakland A’s. These closures reflect the ongoing evolution of the Las Vegas Strip, where old icons make way for new developments.
As part of the transformation, more than 3,000 employees will be laid off, with Hard Rock International committing $80 million in severance payments. The Culinary Workers Union, representing about 1,700 Mirage employees since its opening, secured a contract last year ensuring laid-off workers receive $2,000 for each year of service and the option to return to work when the hotel reopens, retaining their seniority.
This transition also highlights a significant milestone for the Mirage. In 2022, it became the first Strip property managed by a Native American tribe after Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, purchased it from MGM Resorts for nearly $1.1 billion. The Mirage continued operating under its original brand while renovation plans were finalized.
Reservations at the Mirage are being accepted until July 14, with any bookings beyond that date being canceled and refunded. As the curtain falls on the Mirage, Las Vegas bids farewell to a historic venue that played a pivotal role in the city’s rise as a premier entertainment destination. The forthcoming Hard Rock Las Vegas promises to usher in a new chapter of luxury and innovation, keeping the spirit of the Strip alive.
