MGM Resorts will recommence round-the-clock hotel operations at Mandalay Bay, Park MGM, and The Mirage starting March 3. The move was expected, as the company hinted at this during their quarterly earnings call the previous week.
Las Vegas is gradually reopening, although it will be some time before it sees pre-coronavirus levels of visitation. The city’s slow but steady progress is highlighted by the recent announcement from MGM Resorts. This follows the introduction of new capacity limitations in casinos, restaurants, and bars by Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak earlier this week.
Another increase is set to occur in March, with a subsequent update scheduled for the start of May.
Three MGM Resorts hotels returning to normal hours
Mandalay Bay and Park MGM hotels, which are part of MGM Resorts, are resuming their full-week service after a midweek closure in November. Despite the closure, guests were not completely devoid of accommodation options over the past few months. Four Seasons and Delano at Mandalay Bay, along with NoMad Hotel at Park MGM, remained operational even when the main hotels were shut down.
The Mirage was also shut during weekends in November and the entire property was closed on January 4th. March 2021 will mark the first opportunity for guests to visit The Mirage in the new year.
The spokesperson for MGM Resorts disclosed that this adjustment is due to the surge in interest from leisure travelers towards Las Vegas. Furthermore, the CEO & President of MGM Resorts, Bill Hornbuckle, stated:
“Seeing positive shifts in public attitudes towards travel, significant advancements in vaccinations, and a decline in COVID-19 cases, resuming full-week operations at Mandalay Bay, Park MGM, and The Mirage is a crucial move for us.”
Not only visitors will benefit from these properties reverting to seven-day service, but MGM Resorts will also see an increase in staff employment. Hornbuckle addressed this aspect as well.
“We remain hopeful for Las Vegas’ recuperation and confident in our capability to reemploy our workers as the business volume permits.”
MGM Resorts, one of the biggest employers in Nevada, shows confidence in guests returning as capacity restrictions rise, indicating a positive move by Sisolak.
New NV casino capacity limits
Nevada has already altered its capacity restrictions and will further increase them shortly after Mandalay Bay, Park MGM and The Mirage reopen in March.
This week, the legal capacity at casinos, restaurants, and bars was boosted from 25% to 35%. On March 15, there will be another increase in capacity limits, this time from 35% to 50% at these establishments.
Sisolak intends to inform the public about possible changes to the restrictions on May 1.
The expansion of capacity is definitely beneficial for business. One limitation that’s being removed will be advantageous for visitors – the need for reservations at restaurants. Furthermore, restaurants now have the permission to accommodate six people per table, as opposed to the previous four.
The new restrictions imposed on bars and restaurants in Nevada proved to be an inconvenience for casino guests who may not be fully aware of all the rules. However, guests can now freely enter a restaurant whenever they feel like it.
The limit on capacity for public gatherings has been raised from 50 to 100 people and is set to increase further in March.
Starting from March 15, large gatherings like conventions and live entertainment will experience an increment in capacity limits. Venues with a capacity to accommodate 2,500 individuals will be allowed to host either 250 people or 50% of their capacity, depending on which number is lesser.
Under the new restrictions, a venue with a larger capacity can accommodate even more guests. Venues that offer fixed seating for over 2,500 people are permitted to fill up to 20% of their available seating for an event.
Before they can welcome the public, larger venues are required to present a plan for guests. The Vegas Golden Knights are currently preparing a proposal that will enable fans to attend games in person for the first time in this season.
Increasing capacity just in time for March Madness betting
Traditionally, the initial weekend of March Madness is one of the busiest times of the year in Las Vegas. The capacity restrictions are set to increase once again right before the NCAA Basketball tournament commences on Friday, March 19.
The rise in capacity limits will enable a greater number of fans to enjoy the games at sportsbooks, restaurants, and bars. The prior 50-person capacity restriction partially contributed to a reduced number of Super Bowl watch parties.
The expansion of gatherings to 250 people should pave the way for more March Madness viewing parties. However, visitors should be aware that the first weekend of the NCAA Basketball tournament has undergone a date change. Rather than taking place from Thursday to Sunday, the games are now scheduled from Friday, March 19 to Monday, March 22.
Seating for watching the games will be limited. If you’re planning to visit Las Vegas for the initial weekend of March Madness, it’s advisable to make a reservation. Although the queues for betting at the sportsbook won’t be as long as in past years, you can save time by funding a mobile sports betting app instead of waiting to place your bets on the games.
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