Mirage Demolition Begins for Hard Rock Transformation

The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, a staple of the city’s mega-resort landscape for over 30 years, has begun its demolition process. The iconic hotel, which officially closed its doors on July 17, is set to be reimagined as a Hard Rock property by 2027.

The transformation will see the replacement of the Mirage’s famous volcano—a symbol of the hotel’s vibrant history—with a new Hard Rock structure. This new development will feature a striking guitar-shaped hotel, a signature of the Hard Rock brand, positioned on the former site of the volcano. The demolition of the volcano marks the beginning of a significant renovation project, estimated to cost around $800 million.

The initial phase of demolition will see the volcano among the first structures to be dismantled. Joe Lupo, President of Hard Rock Las Vegas, indicated that the process of taking down the volcano is expected to take just a few months. This step is crucial as it will lay the groundwork for the new Hard Rock tower, set to redefine the Las Vegas skyline.

The Mirage’s closure is a poignant moment for many, as it signifies the end of an era. The Mirage was a pioneer in the mega-resort trend and its erupting volcano was a beloved feature of the Las Vegas experience. The transformation will also have a significant impact on the local workforce, with the project expected to lead to the loss of over 3,300 jobs. In response, Hard Rock has pledged more than $80 million in severance and compensation to affected employees.

Additionally, as per Nevada State Gaming Law, The Mirage was required to settle $1.6 million in table games payouts before closing its doors.

As the Mirage makes way for the new Hard Rock hotel, the transformation promises to bring a fresh, dynamic presence to the Las Vegas Strip while honoring the legacy of its predecessor.