Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we gather here to bid farewell to The Mirage Las Vegas, we celebrate a landmark that has left an indelible mark on the Las Vegas Strip and beyond. On this final day of The Mirage Las Vegas, July 17, 2024, we reflect on the legacy of a resort that transformed the landscape of luxury, innovation, and hospitality.

• When The Mirage opened its doors on November 22, 1989, it wasn’t just another hotel-casino; it was a pioneering vision brought to life by Steve Wynn. At a time when Las Vegas was known primarily for its themed hotels and gambling, The Mirage introduced a new era of sophistication and opulence. Its Polynesian-inspired design, complete with a majestic volcano that erupted nightly and a lush indoor rainforest, offered guests an escape into an exotic paradise. This attention to immersive detail set a new standard for what a resort could be.

• The hotel’s lobby design focused on creating an immersive experience. Its grand lobby featured a massive aquarium behind the front desk, showcasing a vibrant underwater ecosystem. The attention to detail and the emphasis on creating an environment that transported guests to a different world set a new benchmark for hotel design.

• The Mirage was a trailblazer, the first true mega-resort on the Strip, with a construction cost of $630 million, making it the most expensive hotel-casino ever built at the time. This bold investment paid off, proving that there was a market for high-end, integrated resorts that offered more than just gambling. The Mirage’s success demonstrated that Las Vegas could be a destination for world-class entertainment, luxury, and unique experiences.

• One of the most significant contributions of The Mirage was its role in transforming the entertainment landscape of Las Vegas. From Siegfried & Roy’s magical performances with white tigers to the innovative The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil, The Mirage showed that top-tier entertainment could be a cornerstone of a resort’s appeal. These shows drew millions of visitors and set a precedent for other resorts to follow, making entertainment a vital part of the Las Vegas experience.

• Another way the Mirage transformed the Las Vegas Strip is the the culinary scene. On opening day, the resort featured a variety of dining options that combined high-end cuisine with innovative concepts. Kokomo’s, with its tropical ambiance and menu, became a favorite for its seafood and steaks, the renowned Italian restaurant Onda served authentic Italian dishes. Another standout was Moongate, which offered exquisite Chinese cuisine, enhancing the resort’s reputation for diverse and high-quality dining option and elevated culinary offerings that would become a hallmark of The Mirage and influence other resorts on the Strip.

• Beyond entertainment, The Mirage revolutionized casino operations and hospitality standards. Wynn introduced new concepts in customer service, staff training, and casino management. The focus on high standards of service and the guest experience became integral to The Mirage’s operations, setting a new industry benchmark. The extensive use of surveillance cameras to enhance security also became standard practice, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for guests.

• The Mirage’s economic impact on Las Vegas was profound. Its success spurred a wave of investment and development on the Strip, leading to the construction of numerous other high-end resorts. This development boom transformed the economy of Las Vegas, creating thousands of jobs and attracting millions of visitors annually. The Mirage also set a precedent for financing large-scale developments, using junk bonds as a successful strategy that many future projects would emulate.

On this day of The Mirage’s closure, we honor the countless memories it has created for guests from around the world. The Mirage was more than just a place to stay; it was a destination in itself, a beacon of innovation and luxury. Its legacy will live on in the hearts of those who experienced its magic and in the very fabric of Las Vegas itself. Truly, The Mirage transformed the Las Vegas strip.

Thank you, Mirage, for your contribution to the evolution of the Las Vegas Strip. Your influence has been immeasurable, and your presence will be dearly missed. As we say goodbye, we remember not just a building, but a visionary masterpiece that forever changed the world of hospitality and entertainment.