MGM Resorts to Reopen First Las Vegas Properties on June 4

MGM Resorts will reopen three of its Las Vegas properties, MGM Grand Las Vegas, New York-New York and the Bellagio, on June 4, the first three MGM reopenings in the city since properties on the strip were shut down because of COVID-19.

MGM had been planning on opening just two of its Vegas properties when it was given the green light to reopen, but announced on Wednesday the addition of MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Signature.

Amenities will initially be limited at all three locations and more will reopen as demand builds throughout the city, MGM said on Wednesday. The Bellagio, for instance, will open its fountains, some food and beverage amenities, its fitness center and salon, and its lush pool with some cabanas.

MGM Grand and New York-York will offer the same, with their fitness centers and salons, along with some food and beverage options, reopening. New-York-New York’s signature Big Apple Roller Coaster and Big Apple Arcade will also reopen on June 4.

All of MGM’s properties will follow the company’s seven-point health protocol, which it unveiled on its website earlier this month.

The plan calls for a new set of health protocols for both its employees and its guests including: temperature checks and health screenings for employees and self-screening for guests; mandatory masks and personal protective equipment required for employees and recommended for guests; six-foot of physical distancing; new handwashing and sanitization stations throughout properties; air quality and HVAC checks; new incident response protocols; and digital innovations.

The physical distance protocol will see every other slot machine in MGM’s casinos placed out of service and a reduction in the number of guests allowed at blackjack and other gaming tables. Employees will also discourage guests from standing at tables (aside from Craps) and plexiglass will be placed at tables where physical distance isn’t possible.

All gaming machines and other touchpoints will also be frequently cleaned.

MGM’s digital innovations include a new, touchless check-in procedure that will have guests avoid the front desk and waiting in line. Instead, guests will be able to complete the check-in process on the MGM app before coming into the lobby. They will then receive a notification when their room is ready and will be able to unlock their door with a digital room key.

MGM will still offer a traditional check-in process, changed to be contactless, for those who want to use it.