Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

May 16, 2008

LV Sun: City Center Will Open in Stages

Posted by Hunter

Despite the original plan to open everything in November of 2009, it seems MGM Mirage is now planning to open the complex in stages, starting August 2009 with the first condo tower and going through December 15, 2009 when the main hotel opens.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/gaming/2008/may/16/citycenter-will-not-all-open-once-after-all

NOTE: They refer to the main hotel as 'Aria'. It's my understanding this name was scrapped. Also, unrelated - new Vegas Gang going up tonight.

Update: People on the Internets seem to think this name is correct. We'll see I guess. I don't really like the name, FWIW.


Categories: Casino Design, CityCenter, Las Vegas Strip, MGM Resorts International
Tags: citycenter, lasvegas, mgmmirage, pelli, vdara, vegas


Comments

Read archived comments (10 so far)
May 16, 2008 8:22 PM Posted by detroit1051

Since Liz Benston used the name Aria in this article as well, after a recent interview with Bobby Baldwin, I assume it's the real name. It sounds soothing, but Aria lacks oomph. In my opinion, it doesn't make a statement.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/may/16/already-citycenters-scale-complexity-unparalleled/

May 16, 2008 11:09 PM Posted by Mike T

The name may not make a statement, but the building sure will.

May 17, 2008 12:43 AM Posted by Chuckmonster

FWIW, I faked my way through a meeting with a sales rep at City Center Pavilion over the weekend and the guy there said that the casino/hotel at CityCenter had yet to be named.

May 17, 2008 7:16 AM Posted by Mike P.

VT&T claims to have inside information that it is indeed Aria. The name excites me about as much as Encore.

May 17, 2008 9:58 AM Posted by Hunter

If that is the name they settled on, it was a third string choice. They've been kicking that name around for a few months but what I heard was that no one liked it that much internally.

May 17, 2008 10:11 AM Posted by detroit1051

The first thing that popped into my mind when I saw the name Aria was Maria Callas. That's not a good thing. She's been dead for 30 years. CityCenter is the future not the past. That's why I do like some of the other names, Veer and Vdara.

May 18, 2008 9:09 PM Posted by Arthur

I'm sure there's going to be a press release from MGM on Monday regarding this name.

May 19, 2008 8:37 AM Posted by Dave

It could have been worse...i.e., MEGA-ARIA!!!

May 19, 2008 11:10 AM Posted by detroit1051

Aria Resort and Casino. ARIA in caps.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=101502&p=IROL-NewsText&t=Regular&id=1147490&

May 20, 2008 12:11 PM Posted by David McKee

"The first thing that popped into my mind when I saw the name Aria was Maria Callas."

Detroit and I speak the same language (although I thought "Ren�e Fleming" instead)! As for "ARIA," I guarantee you that this all-caps affectation will be seen almost nowhere outside company press releases.