Demolition of The Mirage to begin within the next week, Hard Rock officials confirm

The iconic Mirage resort and casino has officially closed its doors, marking the beginning of its transformation. The property is now surrounded by fences as crews prepare for demolition, which is set to start within the next week. The renowned volcano will be dismantled, making way for a new centerpiece: a towering guitar.

A closing ceremony held on Wednesday morning saw many bid farewell to The Mirage. Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, attended the event and addressed the project's future. 

"What I can tell you is the atrium will not be in the future," Allen stated, withholding further details pending an announcement later this year or in early 2025. However, he did confirm the plans for a giant guitar hotel tower, a structure that will stand nearly 700 feet tall.

"This building will be approaching 700 feet," Allen said. "It will become a true icon and it is something that creates international tourism, not only for Hard Rock, but also Las Vegas."

The ambitious construction project is expected to span about three years, with bulldozers arriving soon. "We have been slowly mobilizing the last five, six months. But really, this time next week, we will be in major demolition," Allen added.

Despite the extensive changes, Allen emphasized the importance of preserving The Mirage's legacy. "The only thing we are strongly considering is there will be a spot where people will be able to come and see the legacy of The Mirage," he noted.

The Mirage's demolition marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Las Vegas Strip. Known as the first mega-resort on the Strip, The Mirage revolutionized the casino business model with its focus on non-gaming amenities such as entertainment, dining, exotic animals, and free attractions.

The Mirage opened on November 22, 1989, under casino mogul Steve Wynn. MGM Resorts acquired the property from Wynn in 2000, which was later sold to Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe, for $1.1 billion in 2022.

Originally designed by Wynn to resemble an oasis on the Las Vegas Strip, The Mirage featured notable attractions such as Siegfried and Roy’s white tiger show and a Cirque du Soleil show set to Beatles music.