After nearly 35 years of entertainment, luxury, and excitement, the iconic Mirage Casino-Resort in Las Vegas is closing its doors for good. The announcement came as a shock to many, as the Mirage has been a staple of the Las Vegas Strip since its grand opening in 1989. The news was first reported by Men’s Journal, a popular men’s lifestyle magazine.
The Mirage, owned by MGM Resorts International, has been a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike. The resort’s signature volcano eruption show, featuring a massive man-made volcano that spews fire and water into the air, has been a must-see attraction for visitors to the city. The Mirage was also home to the iconic Siegfried & Roy magic show, which ran for over a decade before ending in tragedy when Roy Horn was mauled by one of the show’s tigers.
Despite its long history and popularity, the Mirage has struggled in recent years to compete with newer, more extravagant resorts that have popped up along the Strip. The rise of social media and online gaming has also posed a challenge to traditional brick-and-mortar casinos like the Mirage.
In a statement released to Men’s Journal, MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle cited the ongoing challenges facing the resort industry as the reason for the Mirage’s closure. “We have made the difficult decision to close the Mirage Casino-Resort after nearly 35 years of operation. We are grateful to our loyal customers and employees who have supported us over the years, but unfortunately, the economic realities of the current landscape make it impossible for us to continue operating the property,” Hornbuckle said.
The closure of the Mirage will undoubtedly leave a void on the Las Vegas Strip, as the resort was one of the oldest and most beloved landmarks in the city. Many are mourning the loss of the Mirage, with some taking to social media to share their fond memories of the resort. “I can’t believe the Mirage is closing. I have so many great memories of staying there and watching the volcano show. It’s truly the end of an era,” one Twitter user wrote.
As the Mirage prepares to shut its doors for the last time, visitors and employees are making one last trip to the resort to say goodbye to a Las Vegas institution. The final day of operation for the Mirage has not yet been announced, but fans of the resort are encouraged to visit one last time to experience the magic and excitement that made the Mirage a household name in Las Vegas.
