The iconic Mirage hotel-casino located on the Las Vegas Strip is set to close its doors on July 17, marking the end of an era for the property. The closure is necessary in order to make way for major renovations and construction that will result in the rebranding of the property as the Hard Rock Las Vegas, featuring a hotel tower in the shape of a guitar that will rise nearly 700 feet above the heart of the Strip. The decision to close the Mirage comes after 34 years of operation and aims to revamp the property into a modern and luxurious resort destination.
The closure of the Mirage will be the second one on the Las Vegas Strip this year, following the shutdown of the Tropicana Las Vegas in April after 67 years of operation. The Mirage, which first opened its doors in 1989, played a significant role in transforming Sin City into an ultra-luxury resort destination, sparking a building boom in the 1990s. The property was known for its Polynesian theme, volcano fountain, top-notch entertainment shows, and extravagant attractions like the white tigers of Siegfried and Roy. The closure of the Mirage will also mark the end of the Beatles-themed show that ran for 18 years and brought Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr back together for public appearances.
The closure of the Mirage will result in layoffs for over 3,000 employees, with Hard Rock International expecting to pay out $80 million in severance. The Culinary Workers Union, which has represented about 1,700 employees at the Mirage since it opened, has ensured through a contract that laid-off workers will receive $2,000 for each year of service. Additionally, the contract allows workers the option of being recalled to work and maintaining their seniority when the hotel reopens under the Hard Rock Las Vegas brand. The Culinary Workers Union will continue to advocate for the protection and well-being of the workers as the property transitions to its new identity.
The Mirage was acquired by Hard Rock International in 2022 from MGM Resorts in a cash deal worth nearly $1.1 billion, making it the first Strip property to be run by a Native American tribe. Owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Hard Rock International initially stated that the Mirage would continue to operate under its current name for several years while renovation plans were finalized. However, the decision to close the property and commence renovations came earlier than expected, with the Hard Rock Las Vegas projected to open in 2027 with a fresh and modern look that will cater to the evolving tastes of visitors to the Las Vegas Strip.
For visitors who had reservations at the Mirage beyond July 14, they will be canceled and refunded as the property prepares for its closure. The transition to the Hard Rock Las Vegas will bring a new look and feel to the iconic property, with a guitar-shaped hotel tower set to soar above the Strip, symbolizing the evolution of Las Vegas as a premier destination for luxury and entertainment. The closure of the Mirage marks the end of an era for one of Las Vegas’ most iconic properties, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s renowned hospitality and entertainment industry. The Hard Rock Las Vegas is expected to bring a fresh and innovative approach to hospitality that will captivate visitors and further solidify Las Vegas’ reputation as a world-class resort destination.
