Iconic Mirage Casino in Las Vegas Closing, Rebranding with Guitar-Shaped Hard Rock Hotel

The Mirage, an iconic Las Vegas landmark known for its Y-shaped design and Beatles-themed imagery, will be closing its doors on July 17. Hard Rock International (HRI), the current owners of Hard Rock Hotel, have announced a major transformation of the property, including the construction of a nearly 700-foot tall guitar-shaped hotel. This change marks the end of an era for The Mirage, which opened in 1989 as the first megaresort on the Las Vegas Strip. Its success spurred a building boom throughout the 1990s, forever altering the landscape and business model of Las Vegas tourism.

“We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying 34 years at The Mirage,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, in a statement. Unfortunately, the closure will result in the layoff of over 3,000 employees, with $80 million earmarked for severance pay. The new resort, which will open in 2027 under the name Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas (HRHCLV), is expected to create more than 6,000 jobs, while the renovation process will generate over 2,500 construction jobs.

The Mirage: A Legacy of Entertainment of Hard Rock Hotel

Since its opening, The Mirage has been a major attraction on the Strip, initially captivating visitors with its nightly erupting volcano fountain, one of the first free sidewalk attractions in Las Vegas. The hotel quickly became synonymous with high-profile shows, most notably hosting Siegfried & Roy for 14 years. Their performances, featuring white lions and tigers, were a significant draw. The hotel also housed the Cirque du Soleil show “LOVE,” a tribute to The Beatles, which will also end its run as a result of the closure.

The Mirage was the world’s most expensive resort when developer Steve Wynn opened it for $630 million, making it a pioneering project in luxury and scale. Over the years, it has not only been a hotel but a symbol of the evolving entertainment scene in Las Vegas. From Cirque du Soleil’s Nouvelle Expérience to the high-energy atmosphere of its casino, The Mirage has left an indelible mark on the city.

Guests who have reservations or show tickets beyond July 14 will receive automatic cancellations and refunds, and those who booked through third-party providers are advised to contact them directly for rebooking or refunds. Despite the closure, the Hard Rock Cafe on The Strip will remain open.

A New Chapter for Las Vegas

The transition of The Mirage to Hard Rock Hotel ownership is part of a broader trend of transformation on the Las Vegas Strip. In 2022, Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, purchased The Mirage from MGM Resorts for nearly $1.1 billion, marking it as the first Strip property to be managed by a Native American tribe. This follows the recent closure of Tropicana Las Vegas in April, which will be replaced by a $1.5 billion baseball stadium for the Oakland Athletics, set to open in 2028.

The Mirage’s evolution into the HRHCLV represents a new chapter in the ongoing story of Las Vegas. The guitar-shaped hotel will be a striking addition to the skyline, promising to continue The Mirage’s legacy of innovation and entertainment in a new form. As Las Vegas continues to reinvent itself, the closing of The Mirage and the introduction of new attractions underscore the city’s relentless drive to remain a top global destination for entertainment and tourism.

Curious to learn more? Explore this News on: Mr. Business Magazine