Aria Resort & Casino is a big part of MGM Resort International’s expansion plans underway in Las Vegas right now.
With Las Vegas Arena and MGM Park opening next door to the resort in 2016, the Aria expansion allows the key meeting property to enhance event spaces and grow with existing clients, according to Tony Yousfi, vice president of sales.
“We are super excited,” Yousfi said. “We’re very lucky. The demand has been very strong. The biggest part is that we have a lot of repeat clients that are growing. Having that option of growing with clients is fantastic. There are not a lot of places you have that can grow.”
The latest game-changing plan, announced of Dec. 16, calls for a $154 million project that will transform the theater where Cirque du Soleil produces Zarkana; the show will close April 30. Construction is scheduled to begin in May, with anticipated completion in February 2018.
The Aria expansion will add 200,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art meeting space throughout the four levels of the theater. A key component of the expansion includes stunning indoor/open-air spaces and a glass-enclosed venue with dramatic views of the new arena and park. The expansion will give Aria more than 500,000 sq. ft. meeting space and will maintain MGM Resorts International’s commitment to build all new venues to LEED Gold standards or better.
Yousfi pointed to a Fortune 500 tech company that has been meeting at Aria for five years. They were considering moving to a new location, but have committed for three years by virtue of the expansion news.
“Our guests expect luxurious offerings and will be wowed by the new convention space,” Yousfi said. “With the addition of this elite 200,000-square-foot venue, Aria exponentially increases the spectrum of events and services that can be hosted at our AAA Five Diamond resort.”
Aria opened two new event spaces and completed renovations of its convention center earlier this month. Meeting professionals and attendees are going to love The Event Space at Crystals, with 13,000 sq. ft. of flexible, multilevel space that can accommodate 980 guests. The lavish event area, located adjacent to Aria at The Shops of Crystals, overlooks the popular water features, Lumia and Focus Water Wall, creating an unforgettable backdrop for receptions.
