Las Vegas is bidding farewell to another historic casino: The Mirage.
Just over a month after the closure of the Tropicana, another iconic hotel-casino is making way for a new Hard Rock establishment.
Developed by former casino mogul Steve Wynn and opened in 1989, The Mirage, a beacon of luxury and entertainment, will close its doors on July 17 after 34 years of operation.
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What will replace The Mirage?
This iconic establishment, along with others like it, played A pivotal role in transforming Las Vegas into the luxury tourist destination we know today.
The Mirage is known for hosting Siegfried and Roy’s famous white tiger shows and Cirque du Soleil’s acclaimed performances featuring a Beatles soundtrack.
According to NBC News, the 32-hectare casino will be demolished to make way for Hard Rock Las Vegas, which will feature a guitar-shaped hotel tower nearly 700 feet tall, set to open in 2027.
Hard Rock International President Jim Allen expressed gratitude to the Las Vegas community and team members for their hospitality over the years: “We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying 34 years at The Mirage,” he said.
Hard Rock Hotel Plans
The new Hard Rock establishment will mark the end of one of The Mirage’s most iconic features: its volcanic fountain.
The Mirage was the first to adopt this decorative element, which inspired other hotels, such as the Bellagio, to incorporate unique features such as Venetian canals.
If a Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas sounds familiar, there used to be one off-strip near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In 2021, it was rebranded as Virgin Las Vegas.
The new Hard Rock plans include renovating the three-winged hotel, replacing the iconic “Mirage” lights with “Hard Rock” signage, and adding a guitar-shaped tower overlooking the Strip, with six spotlights on its rooftop mimicking the instrument’s strings.
With the construction of the new Hard Rock, the implosion of the Tropicana, and the annual road work on Las Vegas Boulevard for the Formula One Grand Prix, the Strip is in for a chaotic few years.
If you want to experience the Mirage’s volcano show, its lush atrium, or the 20,000-gallon aquarium behind the front desk, you have only a few months left before they disappear into the summer heat of the desert.
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Job Layoffs?
Closure impacts 3,300 employees. The closure will result in the layoff of The Mirage’s 3,300 employees. However, Hard Rock International has committed $80 million to compensate affected workers.
The Culinary Union, which has represented about 1,700 Mirage employees since its inception, confirmed that laid-off workers will receive $2,000 for each year of service.
The agreement between the Union and Hard Rock International also allows workers to return to their jobs when the new establishment opens, preserving their seniority:
Late last year, the Culinary Union negotiated redevelopment and closure terms ensuring workers could choose either a service recognition bonus of $2,000 per year of service plus six months of pension and health benefits or a lesser amount while maintaining seniority rights for the duration of the property’s closure and 36 months of recall rights.
Guests with reservations after July 14 need not worry. Full refunds will be provided, ensuring a seamless transition.
Additionally, casino chips must be redeemed before the closure, though CNN reports they will also be accepted at Treasure Island casino for 120 days post-closure, ensuring the continuity of your gaming experience.
You’ll check back here regularly to stay updated on the news.
