Summary:
- Hard Rock Las Vegas executive Frank Cassella updated Nevada gaming regulators on the resort’s progress.
- The exec confirmed that the 2027 opening remains on schedule, and preparations are well underway.
- Construction is currently focused on demolition and the early stages of building a 700-plus-foot guitar-shaped tower along the Strip.
Frank Cassella, senior vice president of finance at Hard Rock Las Vegas, updated regulators for Nevada gaming on the progress of the resort’s construction during a recent meeting with the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Cassella’s licensing was recommended for approval. The Nevada Gaming Commission will finalize the decision later this month.
“Everything Is On Time and On Schedule.”
The project, which began after Hard Rock International acquired Mirage operations from MGM Resorts International for $1 billion in December 2022, is moving ahead as planned.
The iconic Mirage closed its doors in July 2024 to make way for a $4-$5 billion redevelopment, including a striking 700-plus-foot guitar-shaped tower along the Las Vegas Strip.
We’re looking forward to opening Hard Rock Las Vegas. Everything is on time and on schedule
Construction began right after the Mirage’s closure. Cassella described the site as a bustling construction zone, with demolition well underway.
“Most of the work is still in its demolition phase” he noted, adding that the volcano had been “demolished and torn out” and that most of the front drive was transformed into a construction zone.
Pilings for the new guitar tower, featuring 650 suites, are already being erected.
New Tower, Casino, and Pool Areas
The project will oversee the complete redesign of the casino, the 3,000-room Mirage tower, as well as the pool area. An additional pool is planned for the new guitar tower.
The property’s transformation aligns with the Hard Rock brand’s identity and vision for a landmark Las Vegas destination.
Cassella, whose career has spanned tribal and commercial casino audits, executive finance roles at Wynn Resorts, and leadership positions in Macau and Boston, highlighted the challenges and accomplishments of the post-closure period.
The list included liquidating furniture, completing audits, and managing chip and ticket redemptions.
For several months after we closed, and even now, there’s quite a bit of post-closure activity
As the project transitions into pre-opening preparations, Cassella is focused on budgeting, staffing, and organizational planning.
The ambitious project, expected to open in 2027, aims to redefine the Strip with its unique design and world-class amenities, marking a new chapter for Hard Rock International.
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