MGM Grand

MGM Grand is a major hotel and casino resort located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. Owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, it is one of the world's largest hotels by room count and a defining landmark of the Las Vegas Valley. The resort is renowned for its extensive gaming facilities, world-class entertainment, and numerous dining and nightlife venues, solidifying its status as a premier destination for tourism and major events.

History

The current MGM Grand opened on December 18, 1993, on the site of the former Marina Hotel and Casino. Its development was spearheaded by Kirk Kerkorian through his company, MGM Grand Inc., marking a significant expansion in the corporatization of Las Vegas. The resort's opening was a major event, featuring performances by celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. In 2000, following the merger that created MGM Mirage (now MGM Resorts International), the property underwent a major rebranding, shifting from its original family-oriented Wizard of Oz theme to a more sophisticated "City of Entertainment" concept celebrating Hollywood glamour. This period also saw the absorption of the adjacent Marina Hotel footprint, allowing for substantial physical expansion.

Features and amenities

The resort complex contains 6,852 rooms across several towers, including the main Emerald Tower and the more exclusive The Signature at MGM Grand condominium towers. Its casino floor spans over 170,000 square feet, featuring thousands of slot machines and hundreds of table games. Dining options range from casual eateries to acclaimed restaurants by celebrity chefs such as Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak and Joël Robuchon's L'Atelier. The property also boasts multiple pools in its Grand Pool Complex, a large conference center, and the Wet Republic Ultra Pool, a prominent dayclub venue. Retail offerings include high-end shops along the resort's interior promenades.

Entertainment and events

MGM Grand is a powerhouse for live entertainment and sporting events. Its Grand Garden Arena has hosted countless major concerts by artists like Cher, Madonna, and U2, as well as premier boxing matches, including historic fights involving Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. The resort is the long-time home of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil, a permanent theatrical production known for its innovative stage. Other notable venues include the David Copperfield Theatre and the Brad Garrett's Comedy Club. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also frequently hosts awards shows, mixed martial arts events from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and other televised spectacles.

In popular culture

The MGM Grand has been featured in numerous films, television series, and music videos, cementing its icon status. It appears prominently in movies such as *Ocean's Eleven*, *The Hangover*, and *Casino*. Television shows like *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (set in Las Vegas) and *The Amazing Race* have filmed key sequences at the resort. The property's distinctive emerald green glass exterior and iconic lion statue are instantly recognizable visual symbols of Las Vegas in global media. Several video games, including the *Grand Theft Auto* series, have included casinos inspired by its design.

See also

* List of largest hotels in the world * Las Vegas Strip * MGM Resorts International * History of Las Vegas * Cirque du Soleil

Category:Hotels in Nevada Category:Casinos in Las Vegas Category:MGM Resorts International