LAS VEGAS — The redevelopment of The Mirage reflects shifting trends as more immersive destinations compete for global tourism dollars.
Opened in 1989, the Polynesian-themed resort marked the start of a new era of mega resorts, and in 2024, it said goodbye to the Strip after being acquired by Hard Rock International in 2022. Over its 34 years on the Strip, the resort was known for introducing several groundbreaking innovations that redefined the Las Vegas experience.
The Volcano, the front-yard attraction, was the first of its kind on the Strip and showed how the resort blended luxury with entertainment. The closing of The Mirage reflects a broader trend where nostalgia is being shifted for ultra-modern, scalable entertainment designed to compete on a global scale.
The Mirage is not a unique story. The fate of iconic attractions seems uncertain, as other resorts like the Tropicana have had similar stories. In 2024, Tropicana, one of the oldest resorts on the Strip, was demolished to make way for a Major League Baseball stadium. The Riviera closed in 2015 and was replaced by the Las Vegas Convention Center expansion. These closures reflect a trend toward more immersive, experience-based entertainment.
