End of an Era on the Strip: The Mirage Hotel Closure Paves the Way for Hard Rock Transformation

The iconic Mirage hotel is set to close its doors on July 17, marking the end of an era on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Acquired by Hard Rock International in 2022, the hotel will cease operations after over three decades of service.

Opening its doors in 1989, The Mirage played a crucial role in shaping the future of Las Vegas as a luxury and entertainment destination. It set the stage for the development of other prominent resorts such as Excalibur, Luxor, and the MGM Grand.

Hard Rock International announced plans to transform the property into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas. The new resort will feature a distinctive nearly 700 ft. guitar-shaped hotel at the heart of the Strip, expected to debut in 2027.

Jim Allen, the chairman of HRI, expressed gratitude to the Las Vegas community and staff for their support during the transition from The Mirage to the upcoming Hard Rock establishment.

The Mirage’s closure comes after the recent shutdown of another Strip landmark, The Tropicana Las Vegas, in April. This move was made in anticipation of a potential $1.5 billion deal for a Major League Baseball stadium by Oakland A's owner John Fisher.

The proposed ballpark project has faced criticism and uncertainties, leading the team to consider a temporary relocation to Sacramento and the use of a Triple-A ballpark until the Las Vegas stadium is ready for the 2028 season.

The Tropicana site, constructed in the 1950s, is scheduled for demolition by implosion later in 2024, as reported by ABC News Las Vegas affiliate. The future use of the land remains to be seen.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has not yet provided any official statements regarding the closures and developments on the Strip, leaving many to speculate about the changing landscape of the renowned entertainment district.