Hello everyone! The Las Vegas Strip is about to lose one of its most iconic landmarks, as the Mirage Hotel and Casino will close its doors by 11 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time this Wednesday. This legendary mega-resort is making way for a new and exciting venture, marking the end of an era for many Las Vegas regulars.
A closing ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. local time, according to FOX 5 Las Vegas. The Mirage’s famous volcano, known for its thrilling nightly shows, had its grand finale on Tuesday evening. Spectators gathered to witness the last eruption, a spectacle that has been a beloved free attraction for decades.
Chris Jacobs from Sacramento reminisced, “We took a long walk from Circus Circus one time to just see the volcano…. Very loud, nice explosion, fire, the steam coming up was intense. Going to go in there now, make sure I get my last goodbyes.”
The final three-minute eruption took place at 11:30 p.m., a fitting end to a long tradition. Operations began to wind down shortly before midnight. The last call for alcoholic drinks was made, and most of the table games were halted by 12:30 a.m. The last roll of the dice on the final craps table happened just before 1 a.m., as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
One dealer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her sadness, “I’m really going to miss this place. A lot of the people here are like family to me. I can’t believe I won’t be coming back here anymore.”
In May, the Mirage’s owners, Hard Rock International, announced the closure of the nearly 35-year-old property. The plan is to overhaul and refurbish the site, including the addition of a 700-foot tall guitar-shaped hotel, similar to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. This new development will bring a fresh look to the Strip, expected to open in 2027.
The transition comes with significant changes for the employees. Over 3,000 workers will be laid off, with Hard Rock International committing to pay $80 million in severance.
However, there is a silver lining: close to 6,000 jobs will become available once the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas opens.
The Mirage has been reflecting on its history throughout July on social media. Their latest Facebook post reads, “Thank you for sharing so many memories made here at The Mirage over the past three decades. We have more to share and love hearing your stories of first vacations, family reunions, and more.”
As the Mirage closes, it’s a time for both nostalgia and anticipation. While we say goodbye to a cherished Las Vegas icon, we look forward to the exciting new chapter that will unfold on this legendary site. Stay tuned for more updates as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas takes shape!
