Joe Lupo has been appointed as the President of the soon-to-be Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas by Hard Rock International this week. He is expected to assume leadership of the property by the end of this year or early next year.
Hard Rock International bought The Mirage’s operations from MGM Resorts last year, though the land is still owned by VICI. The sale is yet to be finalized and is awaiting regulatory approval.
Once the Nevada Gaming Commission completes its licensing process, Lupo will assume the position of President at Hard Rock Las Vegas.
In theory, he could supervise the property’s transition from The Mirage to Hard Rock. The company, as part of its acquisition, possesses a three-year license to run the property under The Mirage’s name.
Lupo is well-acquainted with the Hard Rock brand, having worked for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City for the past four years.
Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, is excited about introducing Lupo’s talent to Las Vegas.
Due to his unwavering dedication and proficiency, the financial results consistently surpass expectations. Additionally, our team shows an unparalleled commitment to ensuring guest service and satisfaction. I firmly believe that Joe Lupo will attain even more significant accomplishments at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.
Before entering the casino industry, Lupo was a student at UNLV. Upon graduation, he secured employment at several Boyd Gaming properties in Las Vegas and Laughlin.
Sweet, there will be a guitar-shaped hotel tower on the Vegas Strip
Not many official statements have been made regarding the fate of The Mirage once the sale to Hard Rock is finalized. However, the company did emphasize one specific detail in their statement about Lupo’s appointment.
Gamblers in Nevada can celebrate as the Hard Rock still intends to construct a guitar-shaped hotel tower on the Vegas Strip. The guitar tower is set to be erected on the grounds currently occupied by the iconic volcano in front of The Mirage casino.
This change has not been well-received by everyone. So far, a petition to preserve The Mirage’s volcano has garnered 7,500 signatures.
Bloomberg reports that Hard Rock intends to invest up to $1.5 billion in renovating The Mirage. The comprehensive makeover will encompass everything from the hotel rooms to the casino floor and restaurants.
The Hard Rock brand is synonymous with music. Once renovations are finalized, Hard Rock will also boast a venue for live music performances.
The Beatles Love by Cirque Du Soliel is set to stay at its current location until 2023. The extension of the show’s presence at the venue was partially brokered in conjunction with Hard Rock International.
Hard Rock Las Vegas to open in 2025
The contract with Cirque Du Soliel could potentially provide some understanding of what the future holds for The Mirage and Hard Rock Las Vegas.
In July, Hard Rock released a statement providing a glimpse into the opening date for the new property. The company mentioned this in an unrelated press release about Las Vegas.
“Hard Rock recently revealed plans for property expansion in Las Vegas, scheduled to open in 2025.”
The announcement of the opening date, closely followed by the announcement from Cirque Du Soliel that The Beatles Love will stay at the property, suggests that the property will continue to be The Mirage for a few more years.
This could also indicate that the property may stay operational during some or all of the renovations. Staying open while construction is underway will pose a significant challenge for Hard Rock.
The current property is encompassed by the Porte-cochere where people arrive, which is adjacent to the present volcano. During part of the construction, it is probable that incoming cars will need to be redirected to the smaller northern entrance accessible through the lobby.
Guests who are walking towards the property can access it from the south, where Rhumbar is currently in operation.
During regulatory meetings and upon approval, Hard Rock International ought to unveil plans for its new property in Las Vegas.
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