The MGM name has been around Las Vegas for a long time. First opening in 1973 as the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Bally Entertainment Corporation purchased the property in 1985. An expansion to the hotel began in 1991 and reopened using the current infrastructure in 1993 but with an upgrade. During that time, MGM Grand Las Vegas was the largest hotel in the world.
The façade of the building today is nothing like the Wizard of Oz theme of the 90’s. The external color of the building glowed an emerald green, while the interior showcased memorabilia from the movie classic. It was the casino that provided the experience of visiting Oz. There was the yellow brick road which included several stops from the cornfield, the haunted forest and the apple orchard, all complete with animatronic images of the original cast including the Wicked Witch of the West. Upon entering the hotel, there were also figures of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion to greet the visitors and welcome them to the hotel. The Wizard of Oz theme lasted only three years, and a new, more mature MGM Grand Las Vegas would appear.
The current Leo the Lion would make his debut in 1998 weighing in at 50 tons and standing 45 feet tall. During a time when Las Vegas was moving toward a family friendly atmosphere, the MGM Grand moved forward with their big plans to include a theme park behind the casino to attract those of non-gambling age. Unfortunately, the park would only survive one year and the space would be used to create The Signature at MGM Grand, as luxury condos and hotel complex.
MGM Grand Las Vegas hosts the Cirque du Soleil show, Ka and the magic of David Copperfield. Visitors can also enjoy a night of comedy at the Brad Garrett Comedy Club. The most recent attraction is the CSI Experience, which is an extension to the television show, CSI based in Las Vegas. The Garden Arena is an entertainment complex which includes sporting events as well.
With five swimming pools, waterfalls and a river on the property, the resort is also home to some of The Strip’s top restaurants by famous chefs such as Joel Robuchon, Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck.
The MGM Grand Las Vegas is an icon and Leo the Lion continues the tradition. For more information about the MGM Grand Las Vegas, you can visit their website at www.mgmgrand.com. The resort and casino is located at 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Which Las Vegas hotel is your favorite? I would be interested in learning more about which hotels bring you back and what features and attractions are of interest to you! Leave your summary in the comments section below! Happy Travels!