Daylight performance of Mirage Volcano Show Final deemed "criminal" by some viewers
In the heart of the Las Vegas gambling hub, the final performance of the iconic volcano show at the Mirage Casino took place on a sunny day in 2022, marking the end of an era that started with the opening of the first mega-resort in the city.
The daytime final show, however, was met with criticism from many fans who preferred the show's dramatic effect under the cover of night. Social media users, particularly on the platform formerly known as Twitter, expressed their dismay, with comments such as "Itβs too early in the day" and concerns that viewers might say "Vegas is overrated" after seeing a less impressive daytime show. Some even went as far as to call it "criminal".
A petition to save the Mirage volcano was launched by a local resident, Alden Gillespy, in 2022. However, the effort was unsuccessful, and the casino closed in July 2022 to make way for redevelopment. Hard Rock International, the new owners, began demolition shortly after the closure, including plans to tear down the volcano and build a new guitar-shaped hotel tower as part of a $1 billion transformation of the resort.
The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is scheduled to open by 2027, replacing the closed Mirage Casino. Hard Rock International purchased the Mirage Casino for $1.08bn in 2022.
The Mirage Casino, a famous fixture in Las Vegas, first opened its doors in 1989 and quickly became a mainstay of the city's entertainment scene. Its volcano show, with its fire, light, and water spectacle, was a highlight for many visitors to the city. The final performance, while historic, did not live up to the expectations of some fans who felt that the daytime show diminished the show's dramatic impact.
This news outlines both the community reaction to the show's daytime finale and the efforts to save, then ultimately the replacement of, the volcano attraction. The memory of the Mirage volcano show will undoubtedly live on in the annals of Las Vegas history, and its impact will continue to be felt as the city evolves.
[1] Las Vegas Locally (2022). Final Mirage Volcano Show Sparks Controversy. [online] Available at: https://lasvegaslocally.com/final-mirage-volcano-show-sparks-controversy/
[2] Las Vegas Review-Journal (2022). Hard Rock International to Buy Mirage for $1.08 Billion. [online] Available at: https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos/hard-rock-international-to-buy-mirage-for-1-08-billion-2286507/
Casinos in Las Vegas often provide a unique blend of entertainment, and the Mirage Casino was no exception, with its iconic volcano show being a highlight for many visitors. Despite the daytime final performance being met with criticisms from some fans, the memory of the Mirage volcano show continues to be cherished, contributing to the rich entertainment history of Las Vegas-and-gambling in Las Vegas. The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, standing where the Mirage once was, promises a modern twist on the entertainment scene of Las Vegas.
