The iconic Las Vegas skyline is undergoing a significant transformation as the site of the former Mirage casino is rapidly evolving into the Hard Rock Las Vegas. Since its closure in July, the property has been a hive of activity, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Las Vegas Strip.
Frank Cassella, Senior Vice President of Finance for HR Las Vegas LLC, shared insights with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, revealing the extensive work underway. He detailed the immediate post-closure tasks, including property liquidation and audits, highlighting the meticulous approach to transitioning the site. Even after closing, services like chip redemption at Treasure Island and handling outstanding tickets continued for a period, ensuring a smooth handover.
According to Cassella, the construction phase is advancing positively, currently dominated by demolition. Passersby can witness the removal of the Mirage’s famed volcano and the transformation of the front drive into a bustling construction zone. This visible progress underscores the scale of the project and the commitment to a complete overhaul.
Adding to the anticipation, Cassella mentioned the erection of pilings for the future guitar tower, a signature Hard Rock element. This towering structure, planned to exceed 700 feet and house 650 suites, will be a prominent feature of the Hard Rock Las Vegas. The comprehensive redesign extends beyond the guitar tower to include a complete reimagining of the existing 3,000-room Mirage tower, the casino floor, and the pool area, with an additional pool exclusively for guitar tower guests. This extensive renovation promises a completely new experience for visitors.
Operationally, Hard Rock executives are already shifting focus towards pre-opening preparations. Departments are actively developing organizational frameworks, including staffing plans, purchasing strategies, and task protocols. This proactive approach ensures that the Hard Rock Las Vegas will be operationally ready for its highly anticipated debut.
Reassuringly, Cassella confirmed that the project remains on schedule and within budget, maintaining the target opening date in 2027. This ambitious project promises to redefine the Las Vegas experience, and the ongoing construction marks a significant step towards the realization of the Hard Rock Las Vegas vision on the Strip.
