LAS VEGAS – In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves throughout the city’s entertainment and hospitality industry, The Mirage Hotel & Casino has announced that it will be closing its doors for the last time on December 31st, 2022.
The iconic resort, which first opened in 1989, has long been a staple on the Las Vegas Strip and has played host to some of the biggest names in entertainment over the years. From Siegfried & Roy to The Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil show, The Mirage has been synonymous with luxury, entertainment, and excitement.
But according to a statement released by MGM Resorts International, the company that owns The Mirage, the decision to close the resort was not made lightly. The statement cited a decline in business due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason behind the closure.
“We have had to make some difficult decisions in recent months in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of our company,” said MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle. “Unfortunately, the continued impact of the pandemic on the travel and entertainment industries has made it impossible for us to continue operating The Mirage in its current form.”
While the closure of The Mirage is undoubtedly a blow to Las Vegas, it is not the first major resort on the Strip to shutter its doors in recent years. In 2020, the famous Mirage Hotel & Casino closed its doors for permantely due to COVID-19 pandamic
The announcement has left many employees at The Mirage feeling uncertain about their futures. According to the statement released by MGM Resorts International, the company is working to relocate as many employees as possible to other properties within its portfolio.
“We are committed to assisting our employees during this transition period and are working closely with them to provide resources and support as they navigate this challenging time,” said Hornbuckle.
As for what will become of the iconic Mirage building after its closure, no plans have been announced yet. However, many Las Vegas locals and visitors alike are hopeful that the resort will be repurposed and continue to be a prominent fixture on the Strip for years to come.
In the meantime, The Mirage will continue to operate as usual until its final day of operation on December 31st, 2022. Guests with reservations or tickets to shows at the resort are advised to contact The Mirage directly for more information on refunds and cancellations.
As the final countdown begins for The Mirage, Las Vegas residents and visitors alike are left to wonder what the future holds for this beloved resort and what new adventures lie ahead for the iconic property.