This week, Hard Rock International named Joe Lupo as President of the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Lupo’s leadership of the property should take place by the end of the year or early next year.
Last year Hard Rock International purchased operations of The Mirage from MGM Resorts. VICI still owns the land. The sale hasn’t closed and is still subject to regulatory approval.
Lupo will occupy the role of President of Hard Rock Las Vegas after the Nevada Gaming Commission completes its licensing process.
Technically, he could oversee the transition of the property from The Mirage to Hard Rock. As part of the purchase, the company has a three-year license to operate the property as The Mirage.
Lupo is no stranger to the Hard Rock brand. He’s worked for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City for the past four years.
Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen looks forward to bringing Lupo’s talent to Las Vegas:
“Thanks to his dedication and expertise, financial results continue to outperform expectations, while our team members share an unmatched commitment to guest service and satisfaction. I am confident Joe Lupo will achieve even greater success at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.”
Prior to working in the casino industry, Lupo attended UNLV. After graduating, Lupo worked at various Boyd Gaming properties in Las Vegas and Laughlin.
Sweet, there will be a guitar-shaped hotel tower on the Vegas Strip
There haven’t been many official announcements about what will happen to The Mirage when the sale to Hard Rock is complete. There is one particular item that the company reiterated in the statement about Lupo’s appointment.
Nevada gamblers rejoice, the Hard Rock is still planning to build a guitar-shaped hotel tower on the Vegas Strip. The guitar tower will be built in front of the casino on the land occupied by the iconic volcano in front of The Mirage.
Not everyone is happy with this change. To date, 7,500 people have signed a petition to save the volcano at The Mirage.
According to Bloomberg, Hard Rock is planning to spend as much as $1.5 billion on remodeling The Mirage. The entire property from the hotel rooms to the casino floor and restaurants will be a part of the transformation.
Music is synonymous with the Hard Rock brand. When renovations are completed, Hard Rock will also feature a live entertainment venue for live music.
The Beatles Love by Cirque Du Soliel will remain at the property through 2023. The deal for the show to remain at the property was negotiated, in part, with Hard Rock International.
Hard Rock Las Vegas to open in 2025
The agreement with Cirque Du Soliel might give some insight into the future of The Mirage and Hard Rock Las Vegas.
A statement from Hard Rock in July offered a sneak peek at an opening date for the new property. At the bottom of a press release not related to Las Vegas, the company said:
“Hard Rock also recently announced property expansion in Las Vegas, set to open in 2025”
Announcing the opening date shortly before announcing Cirque Du Soliel’s announcement that The Beatles Love will remain at the property is a good indication that the property will remain The Mirage for a couple more years.
This could also be a sign that the property will remain open during some or all of the renovations. Remaining open during construction will be a massive challenge for Hard Rock.
The Porte-cochere where people arrive for the current property surrounds the current volcano. Cars arriving will likely have to be re-routed to the small north entrance off the lobby for at least part of the construction.
Guests walking to the property can enter from the south where Rhumbar currently operates.
Hard Rock International should reveal plans for its new Las Vegas property during regulatory meetings and after approval.
