After more than five years in the making and a phased opening of its gaming facilities earlier this month, the MGM Mirage Company has finally opened the centerpiece of its $8.5 billion City Center complex, the Aria Resort and Casino.
The vast, 61 story, 4,000 room resort boasts a 150,000 square foot casino and entertainment venue, featuring a selection of fine dining restaurants and a top-of-the-range luxury spa, that is sure to be an instant hit with punters in the area.
The official unveiling of MGM’s latest venture took place on Wednesday afternoon, when 400 members of the assorted media were invited to attend a press conference on the Aria’s grand opening, before a special VIP reception welcomed a further 5,000 guests inside the casino resort later that evening for a sneak preview of the facilities.
Of course, no grand opening in Vegas would be complete without the obligatory fireworks display, and the locals were treated to just that at midnight as hundreds of rockets were launched from on top of the hotel tower before the casino opened its doors to the public at large.
Speaking on the eve of the grand opening MGM Mirage Chairman and CEO Jim Murren told the press, “Our opening symbolizes a true recovery here. It symbolizes the reliance of our community, of our ability to persevere, our ability to never give up and our sense of resolve. Whether you live in Summerlin or Green Valley, this is a symbol of hope and recovery and a better year in 2010”. |
