The Mirage is a trend-setter on the Strip in Las Vegas. Its 1989 opening, the first major new development in that town in nearly two decades, marked the beginning of the “mega-resorts” that now populate Las Vegas like mushrooms after a rainstorm. Its original cost of $630 million, plus subsequent multi-million dollar improvements, began the money-is-no-object competition for most impressive Vegas casino resort, and skyrocketed Steve Wynn into becoming the Donald Trump of Vegas.
With a “tropical oasis in the desert” theme, certainly an appropriate metaphor for a resort and gambling venue, and with its man-made volcano, tropical rain forest and now-famous Y-shaped building, the Mirage created a sensation. Michael Jackson, in his better-regarded days, was a regular visitor, as were other celebrities. The Secret Garden of Siegfried and Roy, which sounds like a Saturday Night Live routine, is a habitat for animals that were once part of the Siegfried and Roy show. It features about 40 endangered species, including three pools with bottle-nosed dolphins, rare white and golden tigers, and an Asian elephant. It was at the Mirage that one of their tigers attacked Roy.
Of course, when you’re in a tropical paradise in the middle of the desert, you may want to play poker. The non-smoking Poker Room is the second largest in Vegas, offering between 24 and 30 tables. Games regularly offered include 7 Card Stud, Texas Hold'em, No Limit Texas Hold'em, and Omaha 8 or Better. There are usually about 20 games every day. Regular evening tournaments, called Poker Zone Tournaments, usually have 3-7 tables to start. Any tournaments with 4 or more tables become qualifiers for the Tournament of Champions. The Mirage is noted for its high- and middle-limit action, which many card connoisseurs consider the best on the Strip.
