- The Mirage was closed on March 16 as part of the statewide shutdown of the gaming industry in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- At least 12 major Las Vegas hotel/casino properties remain closed.
- MGM Resorts has announced that the Mirage will reopen on August 27.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt the entire economy but few industries have taken the blow that the gaming industry has endured. This is particularly true in Nevada due to the gaming and tourism centric nature of the state’s economy. As of August 15, a dozen major hotel/casino properties in Las Vegas remained closed.
It won’t be long before that number is reduced to 11. MGM Resorts has announced that the Mirage will reopen on August 27. The Mirage–one of Las Vegas’ most iconic properties–closed on March 16 as part of the statewide shutdown of the gaming industry. It is one of only two remaining MGM Resorts properties that is currently not operational. As has become de rigeur in the coronavirus era the Mirage reopening will be subject to a number of statewide regulatory requirements as well as MGM Resorts’ own health and safety standards.
MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle had these comments in the press release announcing the reopening of the Mirage:
“As we have slowly and thoughtfully reintroduced our properties across the country, we have placed the health and safety of our guests and employees first at all times. Reopening The Mirage allows us to bring many more of our employees back to work, which is critical in the recovery of our community.”
As is the case with all of the major gaming company’s Nevada properties, MGM Resorts is emphasizing their commitment to the health and safety of employees and guests. Their ‘Seven Point Safety Plan’ includes:
- Employee screening, temperature checks and COVID-19 specific training
- COVID-19 testing for employees as they return to work in partnership with the local medical community
- Employees and guests are required to wear masks. Complimentary masks are provided, to guests, as needed
- A physical distancing policy has been implemented, with floor guides serving as reminders
- For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, plexiglass barriers have been installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks
- Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on casino floors
- Contactless Check-In through the MGM Resorts App allows hotel guests to go through the check-in process on their personal devices, minimizing interactions
- Guestroom Attendants wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and change gloves between guestrooms
- In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers are utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently
- Digital menus are available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the company’s food and beverage outlets
- To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests receive text message notification when their tables are ready
If you’re interested in reviewing the full MGM Resorts health and safety protocol you can do so here:
MGM RESORTS SEVEN POINT SAFETY PLAN
At this time, the exact list of amenities that will be open including restaurants, retail, etc. is not known. One thing that is mentioned is that self parking will be complimentary as valet parking will not be operational at this time.
The status of the only remaining MGM Resorts Las Vegas property–the Park MGM–remains unknown. CEO Hornbuckle didn’t have much to say about why the Park MGM was the last to reopen in the company’s July 30 earnings call:
MGM Resorts has yet to reopen Park MGM, which includes the NoMad hotel.
In a July 30 earnings call, CEO Bill Hornbuckle said all of the company’s reopened properties are cash flow positive, with the exception of Mandalay Bay. He added that occupancy rates tend to hover in the 30s midweek and in the 50s on weekends.
“We thought it was important to keep the brands alive (by reopening properties) and keep people motivated and excited to come to Las Vegas,” Hornbuckle said during the call.
Hornbuckle did not say why Park MGM are among the last to reopen, and representatives for the company declined to provide further comment.
Ironically, before the COVID-19 pandemic there were no shortage of rumors that MGM Resorts was considering imploding the Mirage. In theory, the low room occupancy rates and general excess capacity in the Las Vegas gaming industry could accelerate the closing of some older results such as the Luxor, Excalibur and others.
