After 34 years of entertaining guests with its iconic volcano show and luxurious accommodations, The Mirage announced that it will be closing its doors for good. The decision came as a shock to many, as the resort has been a staple of the Las Vegas Strip since it opened in 1989.
Rumors had been circulating for months about the possible closure of The Mirage, but no one expected it to happen so suddenly. The resort’s owner, MGM Resorts International, cited the ongoing economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason for the closure.
“MGM Resorts International has made the difficult decision to close The Mirage permanently due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business,” said a spokesperson for the company. “We want to thank all of our loyal guests and employees for their support over the years.”
The Mirage first opened its doors in 1989 and quickly became a symbol of luxury and entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip. The resort’s iconic volcano show, which featured a fiery eruption set to music and lights, drew in crowds from around the world. The Mirage was also home to some of the biggest names in entertainment, with residencies from artists like Siegfried and Roy, Bruno Mars, and Boyz II Men.
Despite its popularity, The Mirage has struggled in recent years to compete with newer, more modern resorts on the Strip. The rise of online gambling and the decline in the number of visitors to Las Vegas have also taken a toll on the resort’s bottom line.
The closure of The Mirage is a blow to the Las Vegas hospitality industry, which has already been hit hard by the pandemic. Many of the resort’s employees will be out of a job, adding to the already high unemployment rate in the city.
As news of The Mirage’s closure spread, many longtime guests and employees took to social media to share their memories of the resort. Some expressed sadness at the loss of a beloved Las Vegas institution, while others lamented the end of an era.
“It’s truly the end of an era,” said one former employee. “The Mirage was more than just a resort, it was a symbol of Las Vegas itself. I can’t believe it’s gone.”
While The Mirage may be closing its doors, its legacy will live on in the memories of those who visited and worked at the resort over the years. The volcano may no longer erupt, but its fiery showmanship will always be remembered as a shining example of Las Vegas extravagance.
