Hard Rock International is now one step closer to finalizing its $1.08 billion acquisition of the operations of the iconic Mirage hotel and casino from MGM Resorts International, after the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) endorsed the transaction on December 7.
The matter will now proceed to the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) for final approval on December 22.
Throughout the course of the NGCB hearing, Hard Rock, which is owned by the Seminole Indian Tribe, laid out its plans to completely overhaul and expand the longstanding Strip property, most likely beginning late next year.
James Allen, president and CEO of Hard Rock, told regulators that the overall room count for the property will expand by 600, from 3,044 to 3,644. Casino space is expected to almost double, from 94,000 square feet to just under 175,000 square feet.
Convention space, which is becoming an increasingly attractive amenity given the resurgence of the convention industry, will be expanded from 200,000 to 283,000 square feet.
Slot and table game numbers will increase dramatically—the property currently boasts 836 machines and 51 tables, which will grow to 2,000 and 212, respectively. Allen also said that Hard Rock plans to add three additional food and beverage outlets.
One of the most anticipated details was the fate of the Mirage’s famous erupting volcano, which has become a local favorite over the years, to the point that a petition was started to save the attraction once it was announced that the property was changing hands.
Unfortunately for some, Hard Rock plans to remove the volcano to make way for a prominent guitar-shaped tower, which is a staple of the company’s other properties. Allen said that he originally wanted to build the tower around 1,000 feet, but county officials refused to approve it; instead it will stand at approximately 550 feet.
During the hearing, Allen acknowledged that “the volcano is legendary, but as you saw in the renderings, the guitar-shaped hotel replaces the volcano.”
Joe Lupo, the future president and CEO of Hard Rock Las Vegas, says the building will be special.
“I think having a new product out here is really important,” he told GGB in an exclusive interview. “When you see the Guitar hotel on the strip, you’ll have to go inside and check it out. What Jim Allen is designing, is going to be really so new, it will be like the Mirage in 89 that was a game changer in Las Vegas. There’s a lot of similarities in the change that that’ll make this one property you’ll have to visit on your Las Vegas trip.”
As far as the property’s sportsbook, its existing operator BetMGM is expected to remain in place. Surprisingly, Hard Rock has also inked a deal to keep the Beatles-inspired Love Cirque du Soleil show, after the troupe had previously announced that it was closing up shop.
Two other Mirage sometimes controversial staples are leaving however, the dolphin show and the Siegfried and Roy tigers.
“I know there are some people who really care about these animals, especially the team at the Mirage,” Lupo explained. “And it wasn’t an easy conversation, but it’s just not a long term feature. We’re going be doing construction, and that that environment will change back there is not healthy for the animals.
“However, I do believe after reading a lot of comments that most people think that there, there’s some better relocation efforts and better sites for the animals and that are not usually located here in the middle of the desert. We’re going to our best to take care of the animals and ensure they have a long, healthy life. We will work really hard to ensure they go to great environment. So I feel very comfortable with that knowing that we’re going to do the right thing.”
With regards to staffing, Allen said current employees will be invited to stay on, especially given the fact that they will need all the help they can get on account of the planned expansions.
In all, Hard Rock hopes to have the property completely restored and turned around by late 2025 or early 2026.
After the hearing concluded, Allen told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he felt it was “a great day for the Hard Rock entity, and we’re looking forward to taking the next step with the Nevada Gaming Commission.”
If ultimately approved by the NGC, Hard Rock would make history by becoming the first tribal-owned operator to plant its flag on the Strip, the most iconic street in the U.S. gaming industry.
While there are already two other tribal outfits in town—the Palms, operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, operated by Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment—neither of them are actually on the Strip itself.
“I think Las Vegas is still the gaming and entertainment capital of the world,” Allen told the Review-Journal. “I think we all understand there’s a tremendous amount of business in Macau, but it’s just not the same type of destination that Las Vegas is. It’s a monumental historic day for us to be a part of this amazing history.”
