Las Vegas, NV – In a bold move signaling confidence in the economic recovery, the renowned Mirage Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip has announced a massive expansion plan, the first of its kind in over a decade for the iconic property. The expansion, detailed in a press release early this morning, includes a new luxury tower, an expanded casino floor, and a state-of-the-art virtual reality gaming zone, setting a new standard for integrated resort experiences in the city.
The Mirage, owned by global hospitality and entertainment company MGM Resorts International, has been a staple of Las Vegas tourism since its opening in 1989. The expansion comes at a time when Las Vegas is witnessing a robust return of tourists, with recent data indicating a surge in both domestic and international visitors.
“This expansion is not just about enlarging our physical space but substantially raising the bar for luxury and entertainment in Las Vegas,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts International. “The new facilities will cater to both our traditional client base while also embracing newer trends in gaming and technology.”
The expansion will see the addition of a 400-room luxury tower, aimed at catering to high-end clientele with exclusive amenities and personalized services. The casino floor will be enlarged by 30,000 square feet, incorporating the latest in slot technology and table games, along with a new sports betting lounge.
Perhaps the most innovative addition is the Virtual Reality Gaming Zone, which will occupy 5,000 square feet of the expanded area. This space is designed to offer immersive, cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, capitalizing on the growing interest in VR gaming. Alongside traditional VR setups, the zone will feature multiplayer VR platforms, allowing guests to engage in virtual combat, sports, and adventure experiences.
“The integration of virtual reality is part of our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the gaming industry,” said Hornbuckle. “We believe it will attract a younger demographic and offer a new type of entertainment that complements our traditional offerings.”
The economic implications of the expansion are significant. MGM Resorts anticipates that the project will create over 1,000 construction jobs and an additional 500 permanent positions once the new facilities are operational. The expansion is projected to boost local tourism further and generate substantial tax revenues for Nevada.
Local officials have expressed strong support for the project. “The Mirage has been a cornerstone in the Las Vegas Strip’s portfolio of attractions. Expanding this historic resort will bring more visitors and jobs to our city, contributing significantly to our economic recovery,” said Carolyn Goodman, Mayor of Las Vegas.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2023, with a projected completion date in mid-2025. The announcement has already positively impacted MGM Resorts’ stock, which saw a 4.3% increase earlier today.
Industry analysts view this move as a response to increased competition both domestically and internationally. “Las Vegas needs to continuously reinvent itself to stay ahead of the curve,” said Robert Goldstein, a gaming industry analyst. “This expansion by The Mirage is exactly the kind of innovation that keeps the city at the forefront of the global entertainment industry.”
The expansion is poised to set a new standard in luxury and entertainment, underscoring Las Vegas’s status as a premier destination for travelers seeking the ultimate in gaming and resort experiences. As The Mirage embarks on this ambitious project, it reinforces the city’s enduring allure and ongoing transformation in the fast-evolving world of casino resorts.