The iconic Mirage casino, a cornerstone of the Las Vegas Strip for nearly three decades, is set to close its doors after years of financial struggles and declining visitor numbers. The announcement comes as a shock to many in the industry, as the Mirage was once seen as a symbol of Las Vegas’ glitz and glamour.
Opened in 1989 by legendary casino developer Steve Wynn, the Mirage was the first resort on the Strip to feature a tropical theme, complete with a massive artificial volcano that erupted nightly in a spectacular display of fire and water. The resort quickly became a must-see destination for tourists, who flocked to its lavish hotel rooms, world-class restaurants, and star-studded entertainment offerings.
Over the years, the Mirage set the standard for what a Las Vegas megaresort could be, and its success inspired a wave of similar projects on the Strip, including the Bellagio, the Venetian, and the Wynn. However, as competition in the rapidly expanding Las Vegas market intensified, the Mirage began to struggle financially, with decreasing revenues and rising costs.
In recent years, the Mirage has seen a decline in both its gaming and non-gaming revenue, as younger visitors have gravitated towards newer, more modern resorts on the Strip. The resort’s once-popular nightclub, 1OAK, closed its doors in 2018, and its famous Cirque du Soleil show, “The Beatles LOVE,” has seen declining ticket sales.
Despite efforts to revitalize the property, including a $400 million renovation in 2019, the Mirage’s owners, MGM Resorts International, have decided to close the resort for good. In a statement, MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle cited the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a major factor in the decision to shutter the iconic property.
The closure of the Mirage marks the end of an era for Las Vegas, as one of the last remaining original megaresorts on the Strip prepares to fade into memory. The resort’s closure is sure to be felt not only by its employees and loyal customers, but by the entire Las Vegas community, which has long relied on the Mirage as a symbol of the city’s glitzy, over-the-top entertainment culture.
As the Mirage prepares to close its doors for the final time, many are left wondering what will become of the iconic property. Some speculate that the resort could be demolished to make way for a new development, while others hope that the Mirage’s legacy will be preserved in some form. Whatever the future holds for this once-great Las Vegas institution, one thing is certain: the Mirage will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to experience its magic.
