Official Closing Date Announced for the Iconic Mirage

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 05/29/2024

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Mirage in Las Vegas Announces Official Closing Date

An official closing date has now been announced for the iconic Mirage in Las Vegas. The Seminole Tribe of Florida recently announced plans to close the famous Mirage casino resort on July 17, paving the way for its transformation into the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas.

The announcement marks the end of an era with the closure of the famous venue, which has become a fixture of the Strip and an important part of the area’s gaming and entertainment scene. For many, it will be a huge loss to the Las Vegas Strip, as it has become one of the major landmarks over the decades.

In a Facebook post, officials from the Mirage said:

We look forward to the beginning of an exciting journey into a new era as Hard Rock Las Vegas will ignite the Strip with entertainment, innovation, and world-class hospitality.

The upcoming Guitar Hotel is set to be a towering structure standing at an impressive 700 feet and designed in the shape of a guitar. It received unanimous approval for construction from the Clark County commissioners in March of last year.

Rooms Being Canceled and Refunded

In line with the Seminole Tribe’s plans for the Mirage’s transformation, all existing room and show reservations that are booked for after July 14 will be canceled and refunded, as outlined in an official press release.

While the exact timeline for the transition was not specified in the release, officials believe that the property will undergo a comprehensive overhaul lasting around three years. It is expected to reopen under its new brand in the spring of 2027.

There will also be a huge impact on employees as the transition takes place. The Seminole Tribe said that all employees would be laid off during the renovation period. However, according to the press release, $80 million in severance packages will be allocated to support affected staff members during this period.

Hints at Early Closure

It was initially reported that the Mirage wouldn’t close during the transition, but there have recently been strong hints that this would not be the case. An internal memo circulated by Cirque du Soleil last month disclosed plans for the permanent closure of ‘The Beatles LOVE’ show on July 7, stating that renovations were set to begin slightly after this date.

The Mirage was originally established by the famed casino magnate Steve Wynn in 1989, and it went on to become an iconic landmark that played a huge role in shaping the Las Vegas Strip and the local entertainment scene.

Many believe that the Mirage set a new standard for luxury and entertainment on the Strip after opening. It became synonymous with headline acts with ticket prices as high as $100, including the legendary Siegfried & Roy residency.

The Seminole Tribe acquired the Mirage’s operating rights from MGM Resorts in December 2022 for $1.1 billion. This then set the stage for its closure and transformation into the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas.