On July 17, the Las Vegas Strip lost an icon when the Mirage closed its doors for the final time. The property will be shuttered for the next three years and will reopen as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Hard Rock will replace the Mirage’s iconic volcano with a 700-foot guitar-shaped hotel tower that will redefine the Strip skyline.
Originally opened in 1989 by Steve Wynn, the Mirage is widely credited as being one the most influential casinos in history. It set new standards for architecture, design and operations, and many of the resorts currently on the Strip can trace their influences back to the Mirage. Many of the officials who took part in its story consider it to be the pinnacle of their careers.
In the decade following its launch, Las Vegas gaming just about doubled in every way. This includes marked increases in gaming revenue, room inventory and visitation. In the week prior to closure, the property held several ceremonies and events. About 140 employees worked at the property for all 34 years.
The casino was also mandated by state regulations to give away $1.6 million in built-up progressive jackpots. The floor was packed for hourly giveaways, and the total was split between $1.2 million in slot prizes and $400,000 from tables.
