The iconic Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip has announced its official closing date, set for July 17. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, the current operator of the casino resort, revealed plans to transform the property into the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas. This move marks the end of an era for The Mirage, which played a significant role in elevating Las Vegas from its shlocky past to its current five-star status.

The upcoming 36-story Hard Rock guitar tower is poised to dominate the Las Vegas skyline upon its debut. The Guitar Hotel, standing at 700 feet tall and shaped like a guitar, received unanimous approval for its construction from Clark County commissioners in March. The transition will involve the complete renovation of The Mirage, with all rooms and show reservations scheduled after July 14 being canceled and refunded.

The Seminole Tribe has committed to providing $80 million in severance packages to employees affected by the transition. While the exact duration of the transformation remains unspecified, the closure of ‘The Beatles LOVE’ show on July 7 hinted at the impending changes within the resort.

Originally opened by Steve Wynn in 1989, The Mirage revolutionized Las Vegas entertainment by introducing superstar residencies and upscale dining experiences. It became renowned for hosting the first $100-per-ticket headliner, Siegfried & Roy, who also operated an on-property zoo featuring exotic animals. The closure of Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat last year marked the end of an era for this iconic establishment.

The Seminole Tribe’s acquisition of The Mirage from MGM Resorts for $1.1 billion in 2022 signaled a new chapter for the property. As the transition to the Hard Rock brand approaches, Las Vegas prepares to bid farewell to a landmark that has shaped its entertainment landscape for decades.