The iconic Mirage Hotel and Casino closed its doors for the final time yesterday (July 17), ending 34 years of business.
The Las Vegas venue was acquired by Hard Rock from MGM Resorts in 2022 and will now undergo a three-year renovation, reopening as the Hard Rock Las Vegas in 2027. The Mirage and its tropical theme will be wiped away to be replaced by a 700-foot-tall hotel tower in the shape of a guitar.
In the days leading up to the closure, gamblers flocked to the casino as the Mirage gave away $1.6m in slot machine jackpot winnings in accordance with Nevada State law.
The casino was reportedly giving away $20,000 at a time to players in half an hour intervals and one guest was escorted out by security after winning $200,000 in the venue’s last-ever blackjack jackpot.
The Mirage has been PACKED as people try to win part of the $1.6million prize pool.
— Las Vegas Issues (@VegasIssues) July 14, 2024
This lady just won the Mirage’s final blackjack prize of $200,000. pic.twitter.com/ZUwTbki7OC
On the scenes at the venue, the Vegas Confessions Podcast said: “The way this is working is $1.2m is being paid out on slots and $400,000 on table games. Everybody hears about it and they say that there are fights happening all over the place to get on machines. People are just trying to put money in when this name is being called so potentially it is them.
“It’s just weird, people are there for the money and not the property. It’s a different dynamic and crowd, it’s going to be intense. It’s not the same at all and for the people who are going for that last visit, you are not going to be able to enjoy it because you are going to be fighting the crowds. It’s sad because I feel like it’s an iconic property and it’s not getting the love I feel it should get.”
The Mirage was opened in 1989 by casino mogul Steve Wynn and was the first of an era of luxe resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. The resort had many attractions including its iconic volcano that sat outside the venue.
The Volcano performed nightly shows and fired flames from its top for the final time on Wednesday ahead of the closure.
The Mirage ended its farewell ceremony this morning with one final volcano show. 🌋
— Las Vegas Issues (@VegasIssues) July 17, 2024
The volcano has been a staple of the Las Vegas Strip since it opened, nearly 35 years ago.
Video: Michael Bittle pic.twitter.com/sXfPFMu6Qr
According to reports from KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas, demolition work will get underway next week ahead of the start of renovations.
