MGM Resorts announces Aug 27 reopening for Mirage on Las Vegas Strip: Park MGM remains closed

With a comprehensive “Seven-Point Safety Plan” in place, MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) plans to reopen its Mirage resort on Thursday, August 27, 2010, after being closed for several months.

In Las Vegas, casinos were forced to close under state mandate from mid-March until early June in order to help slow the fast-spreading coronavirus. After a 78-day shutdown, on June 4 Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak allowed casinos to reopen and while the majority have begun welcoming customers again, the Mirage and a few other casino resorts on The Strip, the Caesars Entertainment-owned The Cromwell and Park MGM, remain shuttered. The latter is MGM Resorts’ only other property on the famous stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard that has yet to reopen or announce a reopening date.

While currently closed, Park MGM is accepting reservations from Sept 30. 2020, according to its website.

CEO statement:

In a company news release, MGM Resorts, Chief Executive Officer and President Bill Hornbuckle said…

“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.”

The global hospitality and entertainment company went on to explain that its exhaustive “Seven-Point Safety Plan” was created in conjunction with experts within science and medical fields to slow the spread of the coronavirus, protect both customers and employees, and for rapid response to potential new cases.

Key initiatives of the plan include everything from employee screening, temperature checks, and COVID-19 specific training, to digital menus viewable on personal mobile devices for food and beverage outlets. MGM said that it “continues to evaluate and evolve its safety protocols.”

Upon reopening, The Mirage will reportedly have limited amenities. Eight of its 14 restaurants will also reopen on the 27 and reservations can be made for the 27th and beyond as well. Additionally, a complete list of canceled and postponed events can be found here.

Earlier openings:

On May 27, the Nevada-based company announced the June 4th reopening date for its first Las Vegas properties (not including casino-free locations) including Bellagio, New York New York and MGM Grand. At that time, it said more of its properties on The Strip would reopen “as demand for the destination builds.” Joining them just a week later was Excalibur Hotel & Casino followed by Luxor on June 25 and Four Seasons Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, and ARIA on July 1st.

Hornbuckle replaces Murren:

On July 29, 2020, MGM Resorts’ Board of Directors announced that gaming industry veteran Bill Hornbuckle was appointed Chief Executive Officer and President, effective immediately. The Connecticut native had served as acting CEO and President since March 2020 and replaced Jim Murren, who’d been CEO since 2008 and stepped down in March this year with $32 million in exit payments in hand.

In other company news, on August 12, MGM Resorts International Founder, Kirk Kerkorian’s estate announced it would be donating an additional $2 million to The MGM Resorts Foundation for the MGM Employee Emergency Grant Fund. The fund provides short-term assistance and relief to qualified MGM families and their immediate families during unexpected emergencies and hardships.