| Reno Gazette Journal
After reducing operations to match pandemic-stricken demand on The Strip, MGM Resorts will soon have Mandalay Bay, Park MGM and The Mirage open seven days a week.
The Las Vegas Boulevard resorts will return to 24/7 operations on March 3, reports the Reno Gazette Journal, a USA TODAY Network publication.
“As we begin to see positive signs around the public’s sentiment about traveling, coupled with important progress on the vaccination front and decreasing COVID-19 case numbers, bringing Mandalay Bay, Park MGM and The Mirage back to full-week operations is an important step for us,” Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ CEO and president, said in a statement Wednesday. “We remain optimistic about Las Vegas’ recovery and our ability to bring employees back to work as business volumes allow us to do so.”
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak recently announced he’s rolling back COVID-19 restrictions set in November that limited casino capacity to 25%. On Monday, capacity limits began to roll back in phases.
Casino floors are now limited to 35% capacity. On March 15, businesses operating at 35% will be able to move to 50% capacity.
Indoor dining at restaurants and bars are capped at 35% capacity – but outdoor dining has no capacity limit. Reservations are no longer required, and the number of patrons allowed at a table has jumped from 4 to 6.
In 2020, COVID-19 travel fallout transformed Las Vegas from a global destination to a regional gambling hub dependent on drive-in business from California and Arizona.
The lack of demand led MGM Resorts to shut down hotel operations during the midweek at the Mirage, Mandalay Bay and Park MGM resorts.
“We are constantly evaluating occupancy levels and adjusting operations accordingly,” MGM Resorts said in a statement at the time.
Visitation is now down to levels the state hasn’t seen since 1993. With concerts and conventions cancelled and hotel towers closed, Nevada will remain in financial trouble until COVID-19 restrictions are rolled back and travelers regain their confidence.
Follow Ed Komenda on Twitter: @ejkomenda
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