Is The Mirage Changing Names? The End of an Era and the Dawn of Hard Rock Las Vegas

Yes, The Mirage is indeed changing names. The iconic Las Vegas Strip resort, a brainchild of Steve Wynn and a landmark since 1989, will transition into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. This transformation marks a significant shift in the Las Vegas landscape, signaling the end of an era for one of the Strip’s most beloved properties.

The Mirage: A Legacy of Innovation

Before delving into the details of the name change and rebranding, it’s crucial to understand the legacy of The Mirage. Conceived by Steve Wynn, The Mirage opened in 1989 and instantly revolutionized the Las Vegas experience. Its defining features, including the erupting volcano and the indoor tropical rainforest, set a new standard for themed resorts and attracted millions of visitors worldwide. For many years, it was owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, who acquired it in 2000. The Mirage became synonymous with luxury, innovation, and unforgettable entertainment.

Hard Rock Takes Over: A New Chapter Begins

In December 2021, Hard Rock International acquired The Mirage from MGM Resorts International for a staggering $1.075 billion in cash. This acquisition made Hard Rock the first Native American tribe to operate a hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip, a momentous achievement in the gaming and hospitality industry. While MGM Resorts International retains the rights to the Mirage name for potential future use, the physical property is embarking on a new chapter under the Hard Rock banner.

The Transition: From Mirage to Hard Rock

The transition from The Mirage to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a gradual process. The property will continue to operate as The Mirage until the comprehensive renovation and rebranding are complete. This phase is projected to last between 18 and 40 months.

Demolition and Renovation Plans

Hard Rock International plans a significant overhaul of the property. The company will close The Mirage and gut the entire three-wing hotel and casino. Billions of dollars will be invested to expand and upgrade the property, aligning it with the Hard Rock brand’s signature style and experience. A key element of this transformation involves demolishing the iconic volcano that has welcomed countless visitors to the front of the property. In its place, a 36-story hotel tower shaped like a guitar will be constructed, becoming a new landmark on the Las Vegas skyline.

FAQs About the Mirage Transformation

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the changes happening at The Mirage, here are some frequently asked questions:

1. Will the iconic Mirage volcano be demolished?

   Yes, sadly, the volcano will be torn down as part of the remodeling plans. It will be replaced by a guitar-shaped hotel tower.

2. What will the new hotel be called?

   The property will be rebranded as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

3. How long will the transition take?

   The transformation is projected to take between 18 and 40 months. The Mirage will remain open during at least a portion of this time.

4. When will the Hard Rock Las Vegas open?

   Hard Rock Las Vegas is expected to open in 2025 or 2026.

5. What will happen to the dolphins at The Mirage?

   The dolphins from Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat have been relocated to Coral World Ocean Park’s Sea Sanctuary at Water Bay in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

6. What happened to the tigers at The Mirage?

   The tigers have been moved from the Secret Garden to two facilities verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

7. What is happening to the Cirque du Soleil LOVE show?

   LOVE will remain in place for a while, at least until the end of 2023 when Cirque issued a memo annoucing an extention of the show.

8. What is Hard Rock International planning to build in place of the volcano?

   A 36-story hotel tower shaped like a guitar. This will be a major landmark on the Las Vegas Strip.

9. Why was The Mirage sold to Hard Rock International?

   MGM Resorts is focusing on the south side of the Las Vegas Strip, where it controls most of the area’s resorts and wants to generate synergies between those and the company’s digital offerings.

10. Is The Mirage still open during the change?

    There are currently no plans for The Las Vegas Mirage to cease operations as it undergoes a transformation into the Hard Rock-branded resort and casino.

11. What other Las Vegas casinos are being demolished?

    Texas Station, Fiesta Rancho, and Fiesta Henderson are slated to be demolished and the land will be sold. The Tropicana will also be demolished. The rotunda at Caesars Palace is also soon to be demolished.

12. Is The Mirage going to be rebuilt?

    The biggest change at the property will be the construction of a guitar-shaped hotel. The 600-room, 660-foot-tall project — approved Wednesday by the County Commission — will replace The Mirage’s volcano attraction along Las Vegas Boulevard and it will bring Hard Rock’s famous music branding to the Strip skyline.

13. Does The Mirage still have its Siegfried & Roy Secret Garden?

    The exhibit closed in September 2022 after the death of K2, a bottlenose dolphin living in the exhibit.

14. How often does the Mirage volcano erupt before its closing?

    Every hour from 8 pm to 12 am.

15. What is Hard Rock International?

    The Hard Rock brand is recognized globally for delivering unique, top-notch experiences for our guests. Building on the well-known Mirage brand, we have taken steps to further elevate your loyalty program. You can learn more about how Games Learning Society principles may be applied to enhance visitor experiences at resorts such as this. GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable insight on how interactive and engaging activities can elevate consumer engagement.

The Future of The Mirage (Hard Rock Las Vegas)

The transformation of The Mirage into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas represents a significant investment in the Las Vegas Strip. Hard Rock International aims to create a premier entertainment destination that combines the brand’s iconic music theme with a world-class gaming and hospitality experience. The guitar-shaped hotel tower will undoubtedly become a new landmark, attracting visitors from around the globe. While the change may be bittersweet for those who cherish the legacy of The Mirage, it also represents an opportunity for innovation and excitement.

The change of name signals a new direction for the location that was once The Mirage. The goal is to elevate the Las Vegas strip with Hard Rock International’s new design.