Bellagio and New York-New York could reopen first after shutdown

Acting CEO Bill Hornbuckle said on Thursday that the company is looking at reopening “two or three properties initially” as soon as officials deem it is safe to do so.

Hornbuckle made the comment while reporting MGM Resorts International’s first quarter earnings, which he said were “ahead of expectations” at the beginning of the year, but took a downturn because of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting closure of properties across the U.S.

"Then from there we're talking about what other properties should open, if any, at that point in time. We tend to lean into New York-New York because it’s one of our simpler places to run; it’s 2,000 rooms. We’re probably looking at Bellagio at the other end,” he said.

"I’m sure the competitors that are down the street are going to open because they only have one, in the context of Wynn and Sands, so I want to be in the high-end business,” he said.

Restaurants and sporting events

MGM also doesn't plan to open all the restaurants at each hotel. Some will be open and there will be takeout food and beverage options, as well.

Hornbuckle said big concerts, sporting events and professional fights are likely out of the question in the near term."I think the idea that we're going to get 15,000 people in T-Mobile (Arena) for a concert anytime this year is probably a stretch,'' he said the exceutive.