MGM Resorts announces return of performers to Las Vegas locations
Following the return of “O” by Cirque du Soleil on 4 July, MGM announced the return of several more performances this month, including shows from Bruno Mars at Park MGM and Dave Chapelle at MGM Grand.
“For the past 16 months, we’ve waited patiently to reignite the heartbeat of Las Vegas with our large-scale shows, sporting events and nightlife – and this weekend marks a major milestone for the full recovery of our city,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts.
“Millions of people travel from around the world to experience the unique entertainment only Las Vegas offers, and with the return of names like Bruno, Chappelle and Cirque, we are letting them know it’s time to come back.”
July’s lineup is the latest in eight months of acts at MGM Resort Las Vegas locations, which saw Carrot Top and Fantasy at MGM Luxor, Australian Bee Gees and Thunder from Down Under at MGM Excalibur, and David Copperfield, Jabbawockeez and Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at MGM Grand.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, MGM Resorts sold an average of 8 million tickets per year for its live events.
“‘O’ has been a fan favorite and source of pride for Cirque du Soleil since it first opened at Bellagio in 1998,” said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
“As we continue to look forward with fresh hope, the grand reopening of one of the shows that has made Cirque du Soleil what it is today – a global leader in live entertainment – is a milestone we want to celebrate. Intermission is over! Let the show begin.”
In April, MGM Resorts’ CityCentre Subsidiary reached an agreement with Infinity World Development Corp to sell a two-acre Las Vegas strip site for an estimated $80m.
Results published by the operator showed that it made an operating loss of $246.7m (£177m/€204m) in the first quarter of 2021, however it said that consumer demand had strengthened in the opening months of the year.
Its Las Vegas Strip resorts, such as the Bellagio and MGM Grand, brought in net revenues of $544.9m, down 52.0% compared to the prior year quarter due to the pandemic and related operational restrictions.