The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) has accelerated the process of transferring the Mirage from MGM Resorts to Hard Rock International. Contrary to the original plan of deliberating on the issue on Dec. 22, the commission convened today and granted Hard Rock a Nevada gaming license.
The Mirage will be sold to Hard Rock and the deal will be finalized on Monday, December 19.
The approval for Hard Rock and its key employees to receive a license to operate in Las Vegas came just over a week after the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) recommended it. This endorsement paves the way for the completion of the Mirage’s sale from MGM Resorts to Hard Rock.
At the NGCB meeting, Hard Rock CEO Jim Allen revealed several details about Mirage’s future. He repeated that the Mirage is undergoing a complete overhaul to align with the Hard Rock brand. It’s not just a minor renovation.
Allen stated that there are currently no plans to shut down the Mirage during the construction phase. However, there might be a necessity to temporarily close the Mirage at some time during the 30-month construction project, as efforts are made to transform the property into Hard Rock.
After the deal is finalized, MGM Resorts will offer transition services to Hard Rock for 120 days to guarantee a seamless transition.
Essentially, the company is developing a new property in the location where the Mirage currently functions. Hard Rock felt it necessary to issue a statement to clarify that there are no specific plans to shut down the Mirage during the construction process.
What’s staying at the Mirage
After Hard Rock takes over, The Mirage will continue to operate under the same name. This detail was initially announced when the deal between the two companies was made.
Although there might be modifications on the property next year, substantial construction at the Mirage doesn’t seem to start until late 2025 or 2025. A significant part of the casino is likely to remain unchanged for some time.
Several venues within the Mirage will persist into next year. Hard Rock has secured an extension with Cirque Du Soliel, ensuring The Beatles LOVE will remain through the upcoming year.
The Aces of Comedy series will persist even after the takeover by Hard Rock. This is taking place regardless of some performers from past years relocating their shows to different venues.
California Pizza Kitchen and Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steakhouse, two dining favorites at the Mirage, will remain open next year. However, Hard Rock has yet to reveal further information regarding bars and restaurants at the Mirage.
Hard Rock intends to refurbish all of the hotel rooms eventually, but this probably won’t occur immediately.
Furthermore, Hard Rock will retain the Villas for its high-rolling guests. The company plans to refurbish these exclusive accommodations in the future.
BetMGM Las Vegas will maintain operations of the Mirage sportsbook even after Hard Rock assumes control. While this arrangement is set to alter in the future, the company has not yet disclosed the exact timeline for this change.
What’s going at the Mirage
Hard Rock has been relatively secretive about its closure plans at the Mirage. A few attractions are undoubtedly set to disappear.
The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat of Siegfried & Roy is currently shut down, with no plans to reopen. In due course, the Hard Rock will also close its pool. A new pool complex is in the works as per the company’s plans.
The volcano at The Mirage situated outside the casino will ultimately be shut down and demolished to accommodate the new guitar hotel tower.
The Mirage will undergo a complete overhaul and be transformed into a new property that embodies the essence of the Hard Rock brand.
What’s coming to the Mirage
The conversion of the Mirage into Hard Rock is expected to take several years. The company appears to be targeting 2025 for the rebranding of the property to Hard Rock, although the construction process might extend beyond this time frame.
A controversial new feature is set to be introduced to the property – a massive guitar-shaped hotel tower, which will take the place of the Vegas Strip’s volcano. This hotel tower will offer around 800 suites, dining options, a compact casino, and an infinity pool.
Hard Rock is also planning to add a music memorabilia museum at the front of the property.
Hard Rock is set to expand the casino floor from 94,000 square feet to 174,000 square feet. The number of slot machines will eventually be more than doubled and the number of table games will be tripled.
Once Hard Rock finishes its renovations, The Mirage will boast a higher number of restaurants. Their plan is to up the count of dining establishments from 18 to a minimum of 21. In the new guitar hotel tower, it’s anticipated that there will be at least one restaurant.
Guests will first notice a new rewards program among the changes. As soon as the company assumes control, The Mirage will join Hard Rock’s Unity rewards program. Those intending to visit the Mirage can register for an account here.
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