Hard Rock International announced this week that Joe Lupo will become the President of the forthcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Lupo is expected to assume leadership of the property by the end of this year or the beginning of next year.
Hard Rock International acquired the operations of The Mirage from MGM Resorts last year, but the sale has not yet closed and is pending regulatory approval. Despite the sale, the land on which The Mirage sits is still owned by VICI.
After the Nevada Gaming Commission completes its licensing process, Lupo will take on the role of President at Hard Rock Las Vegas.
He technically had the ability to supervise the property’s transition from The Mirage to Hard Rock. The company, as part of its purchase, obtained a three-year license to run the property under the name of The Mirage.
Lupo is well-acquainted with the Hard Rock brand, having worked at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City for the last four years.
Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, is eager to bring Lupo’s talent to Las Vegas.
Joe Lupo’s dedication and expertise have led to financial results that consistently exceed expectations. Moreover, our team members show an unparalleled commitment to excellent guest service and satisfaction. I am certain that Lupo will achieve further success at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.
Before entering the casino industry, Lupo was a student at UNLV. Following his graduation, he held positions at several Boyd Gaming properties located in Las Vegas and Laughlin.
Sweet, there will be a guitar-shaped hotel tower on the Vegas Strip
Not many official statements have been made regarding the fate of The Mirage following its sale to Hard Rock. However, the company did emphasize one specific point in their statement concerning Lupo’s appointment.
Nevada gamblers can celebrate as the Hard Rock still intends to construct a guitar-shaped hotel tower on the Vegas Strip. The guitar tower will be erected on the land where the iconic volcano currently stands in front of The Mirage casino.
This change has not been met with universal approval. So far, a petition to preserve the volcano at The Mirage has gathered 7,500 signatures.
Bloomberg reports that Hard Rock is set to invest up to $1.5 billion in the renovation of The Mirage. The makeover will encompass the entire property, including hotel rooms, the casino floor, and restaurants.
The Hard Rock brand is synonymous with music. Once renovations are finished, Hard Rock will also include a venue for live music performances.
The Beatles Love by Cirque Du Soliel will continue to be staged at the property till 2025. Part of the agreement for the show’s continuation was negotiated with Hard Rock International.
Hard Rock Las Vegas to open in 2025
The contract with Cirque Du Soliel could provide some foresight into the future of The Mirage and Hard Rock Las Vegas.
In July, Hard Rock issued a statement providing a glimpse of the opening date for their new property. The information was subtly included at the end of a press release which was not associated with Las Vegas.
“Hard Rock recently declared its plans for property expansion in Las Vegas, which is slated to open in 2025.”
The imminent announcement of the opening date, closely followed by Cirque Du Soleil’s declaration that The Beatles Love will stay at the property, strongly suggests that the property will continue to be The Mirage for a few more years.
This might also indicate that the property may stay open throughout part or all of the renovations. Keeping the doors open during the construction phase will pose a significant challenge for Hard Rock.
The current property’s Porte-cochere, which is typically where people arrive, is around the existing volcano. Due to ongoing construction, cars will probably need to be redirected to a smaller entrance located to the north of the lobby.
Guests who are walking towards the property can access it from the south, where Rhumbar is currently located.
During regulatory meetings and once approved, Hard Rock International should disclose plans for its new Las Vegas property.
Related Articles
