Video: Vegas' CityCenter Opens Doors to World's Most Spectacular Offerings in One Singular Setting, December 2009

Landmark Destination to Introduce New Generation of Las Vegas Resort Experiences


LAS VEGAS, Sept. 16  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In just three short months, the world will be introduced to CityCenter. An extraordinary urban resort destination brought to life by eight world-renowned architects, CityCenter will debut a new era of resort experiences with an ambition to refine and redefine Las Vegas.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/mgm/40097/

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090916/NY76860 )

Conceived to bring a true center to The Strip, CityCenter will be much more than a collection of resorts and residences; it's a community - a welcoming environment for people to gather, relax and enjoy. Great pedestrian corridors, dynamic public spaces, authentic richness and diversity of experiences will evoke the energy of the world's most exciting places. CityCenter's public Fine Art Collection will enliven the street and engage passersby. As if in a strolling gallery, guests will happen upon works by world-renowned artists such as Maya Lin or Nancy Rubins as they wander through CityCenter's walkways, hotels and residences.

A true community also has regard for its surroundings. Upon opening, CityCenter will be one of the largest sustainable developments in existence, bringing a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous Strip. The U.S. Green Building Council already has awarded Gold LEED  certification to ARIA's hotel tower, convention center and theater; as well as Vdara Hotel. CityCenter's remaining venues are poised to receive a combination of Silver and Gold LEED  ratings.

"CityCenter bridges the vitality of Las Vegas with the experiences travelers seek when they visit great cities around the world, whether London, Hong Kong or San Francisco - spectacular architecture, culturally significant art, great public spaces, sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants and incredible amenities," said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO, CityCenter. "It is an evolutionary destination that aims to transform Las Vegas as a new symbol at its core, like the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Pompidou in Paris or the SONY Center in Berlin."

  CITYCENTER'S GRAND OPENING SCHEDULE:
  --  Vdara Hotel - December 1, 2009
  --  Crystals retail and entertainment district - December 3, 2009
  --  Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas - December 4, 2009
  --  ARIA Resort & Casino - December 16, 2009
  --  The Harmon - Late 2010

  --  Residential occupancies slated to begin mid-January 2010

  KEY ELEMENTS:
  ARIA Resort & Casino - December 16, 2009


ARIA Resort & Casino will be a fusion of energy, inspiration and vision, featuring an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities. Even in a city such as Las Vegas, with its extraordinary history of dynamic cutting-edge developments, ARIA will be demonstrably different than anything that has preceded it.

  --  Architecture. Designed by the world-renowned firm Pelli Clarke Pelli,
      ARIA's two breathtaking curvilinear steel and glass towers embody the
      excitement and vitality of Las Vegas in a 21st century building; a
      crystalline, undulating form gleaming in the desert light. Soaring
      open spaces, ranging from ARIA's three-story lobby to its guestrooms,
      will fill with natural light and evoke breadth and freedom.
  --  Dining. ARIA has assembled many of the best and brightest chefs and
      restaurateurs from around the country, uniting a pair of remarkable
      Las Vegas newcomers with those who have played integral roles in the
      development of Las Vegas' culinary scene: Masayoshi Takayama, Shawn
      McClain, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Jean-Georges Vongerichten,
      Sirio Maccioni, Jean-Philippe Maury and The Light Group. Each will
      deliver a concept totally new to their repertoire.
  --  Entertainment. ARIA will take one of the most captivating,
      hip-swiveling forces of all time and re-create an old-school vibe in
      its intimate approximately 1,840-seat theatre. The visionary team at
      Cirque du Soleil has partnered with CKX, Inc. and its subsidiary Elvis
      Presley Enterprises to create a permanent production celebrating the
      timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley. This production aims to pay
      tribute to Elvis' music and life, fusing dance and acrobatics, live
      music and iconic tracks, nostalgia and modernity, high technology and
      raw emotion. Extraordinary artistry, astonishing acrobatics, stunning
      special effects and The King will rev up vintage Vegas into a show
      like no other.
  --  Art. At ARIA, famed artist Maya Lin is creating an approximately
      84-foot silver cast of the Colorado River, which will be her first
      work of art displayed in Las Vegas; Jenny Holzer will display a
      thought-provoking LED sign spanning more than 280 feet; Tony Cragg has
      commissioned three sculptures that examine the relationship between
      nature and the man-made world: Bolt, 2007, Bent of Mind, 2008, and
      Untitled (tall column), 2008; and Antony Gormley will display Feeling
      Material XXVII, 2007, an 8-foot sculpture that uses spiraling steel to
      depict the silhouette of a human body at the center of an orbiting
      energy field.
  --  Accommodations. Within ARIA's 4,004 guestrooms, including 568 suites,
      panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows will offer magnificent views of Las
      Vegas' striking skyline. Modern decor, lavish amenities, cutting-edge
      entertainment and next-generation technology will be the hallmark of
      these plush retreats.
  --  Guestroom Technology. ARIA will feature the most technologically
      advanced guestrooms in the country. As guests first enter, they are
      "greeted" as curtains open, lights turn on and the TV displays a menu
      of preferences. Guests can wake up through controlled temperature,
      preferred music or TV channels and the opening of curtains. One touch
      can make-over the entire room: the "good night" button turns
      everything off - from TV and music to lights - as the privacy
      notification turns on.
  --  Spa. In ARIA's 80,000-square-foot spa, nature's healing properties
      take center stage. Salt, stone, earth, fire and water join to create a
      spa experience that will elevate guests to a meditative state. The
      two-level Spa will feature 62 treatment rooms, a full-service salon,
      an advanced fitness center and Las Vegas' first co-ed spa balcony,
      featuring an outdoor therapy pool and views of ARIA's spectacular
      poolscape.
  --  Nightclubs, Lounges and Bars. ARIA will feature 10 chic bars and
      lounges, including Haze Nightclub by The Light Group, a colossal
      cutting-edge space in which guests will be challenged to question
      their sense of perception and reality. Designed by award-winning
      interior design firm, ICRAVE, the nightclub will feature large hanging
      props over the entryway that will draw guests to a grand staircase
      transporting them to the mezzanine level where they will enjoy a
      bird's-eye view of the action below. The main dance floor will peer up
      at a wall of interactive projection screens stretching 100 feet across
      on a performance structure where impromptu acts by world-renowned
      artists will regularly take place.
  --  Meetings and Conventions. ARIA will provide a premium meeting
      experience with 300,000 square feet of technologically advanced
      meeting and convention space. A spectacular glass curtain wall will
      span the entire north facade of the three-level meeting facility,
      allowing guests the ability to enjoy the brilliance of natural light
      that streams in from ARIA's lush poolscape.
  --  Pools. ARIA's vast 215,000-square-foot pool deck is a tropical oasis
      in the heart of the desert. Shielded by lush plantings of oversized
      palm, acacia, pine and bottle trees, the soft and sensual paradise
      will feature three primary pools, Liquid - an adults-only pool - hot
      tubs and more.
  --  Casino. ARIA's casino approaches the gaming experience in a new light;
      natural light, to be specific, which streams onto the gaming floor in
      pools of illumination. Offering 150,000 square feet of gaming, ARIA's
      unique layout and design elements will allow guests to enjoy the
      energy and excitement of their favorite selections in a more personal
      and intimate setting. For high-end players, exclusive salons will
      offer high-limit slot and table games in private environments.
      Throughout the casino, never-before-seen technologies will allow ARIA
      to provide guests with unmatched customer service.

  --  Reservations. Nightly room rates range from $179 to $799; suites range
      from $500 to $7,500. Reservations can be made for Dec. 17 and beyond
      via http://www.arialasvegas.com/ or 866-359-7757; concierge service and
      reservations for spa, salon and restaurants will be available
      beginning November 9.

  Vdara Hotel - December 1, 2009


Vdara Hotel is an internationally inspired all-suite hotel and spa designed for those who love the excitement of Las Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming and smoke-free environment. Physically connected to Bellagio and directly adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara offers access to all of the entertainment, gaming, shopping, dining and nightlife at CityCenter and in Las Vegas, while also providing a retreat from it all.

  --  Architecture. Designed by RV Architecture, LLC, led by Rafael Vinoly,
      Vdara's distinctive crescent shape and unique skin of patterned glass
      will create one of the most striking design statements in Las Vegas.
      The sleek, shimmering structure will afford guests some of the most
      breathtaking views the city has to offer. Within, open spaces accented
      with materials and colors inspired by the warm desert landscape will
      fill with natural light to evoke a sense of peace and sophistication.
  --  Dining. Martin Heierling, the acclaimed innovator behind Bellagio's
      renowned Sensi, will serve as executive chef for Vdara. Inspired by
      the ancient trade route spanning from Venice to the Far East, Silk
      Road will incorporate subtle spices and exotic ingredients to create
      modern trans-ethnic cuisine. Silk Road will transform as the day
      evolves, from fresh and lively at daybreak to chic and sexy at
      nightfall.
  --  Art. For Vdara, Nancy Rubins has created one of the most visually
      stunning commissions at CityCenter with Big Edge. Measuring
      approximately 57 feet wide and 75 feet long, Big Edge is a colorful
      composition of numerous aluminum rowboats, canoes and other small
      river and ocean vessels finessed into a gravity-defying form that
      Rubins calls "a blooming flower." Peter Wegner has commissioned a
      solar-themed wall piece entitled Sun, 2009, and a lunar-themed piece
      entitled Moon, 2009. Sun soars to approximately 45 feet and Moon
      reaches approximately 34 feet high. Vdara also acquired Frank Stella's
      Damascus Gate Variation I, 1969, which features a design of interlaced
      semicircles made of fluorescent alkyd resin on a 96 x 384 inch shaped
      canvas.
  --  Accommodations. Soaring 57 stories, Vdara will host 1,495 modern hotel
      suites, including 250 corner-end units, ranging from approximately 500
      to 1,650 square feet. Each will feature a gourmet kitchen; many suites
      also will include a washer and dryer as an added convenience.
      Characterized by open floor plans and panoramic windows, the rooms
      will deliver expansive views of the city and mountains creating a
      relaxed and harmonious environment infused with an urban rhythm.
  --  Spa. Vdara Health & Beauty, an 18,000-square-foot, two-level spa,
      salon and advanced fitness facility, is a sensuous spa sanctuary that
      spotlights holistic health and wellbeing in an intimate environment.
      Comprised of 11 treatment rooms and three distinct relaxation lounges,
      it will offer a selection of signature treatments that use quality
      ingredients derived from organic herbs, flowers, fruits, vegetables
      and essential oils. Vdara Health & Beauty is the first Las Vegas spa
      recognized by the Green Spa Network for its commitment to the
      environment and guest health.
  --  Bar and Lounge. Bar Vdara, an eclectic lobby lounge, will be a setting
      inspired by nature that works as well for a morning espresso as it
      does for a late-night cocktail. Bar Vdara will connect to an intimate
      outdoor space that creates the feeling of being in a secluded garden
      oasis where guests can lounge on spacious swings as the nearby
      reflecting pool creates a shimmering mirage of twinkling stars
      overhead.
  --  Meeting and Social Event Space. Vdara's conference facilities will
      welcome guests to a world of sophistication as rich in design as it is
      in technological and culinary offerings. Vdara will be the premier
      choice in Las Vegas for customized executive meetings, corporate,
      social and banquet functions for 10-400 guests in an upscale boutique
      hotel setting. Vdara's beautiful pool also will be available for
      private events and provide the dynamic backdrop of CityCenter and the
      Las Vegas Strip.
  --  Pool. Rising above Harmon Circle, Vdara's luxurious Sky Pool & Lounge
      will invite guests to relax and socialize in an interactive
      environment surrounded by cutting-edge design and phenomenal views.
      The Sky Pool & Lounge will feature fully appointed retreat and spa
      cabanas with semi-secluded plunge pools, and a high-energy bar and
      lounge open day and evening. Guests can enjoy made-to-order cocktails
      and gourmet tapas by Chef Heierling.
  --  Residences. Vdara also will be home to sophisticated condo-hotel
      units, including studios, deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom
      residences as well as studio, one- and two-bedroom penthouses (single
      and two story).

  --  Reservations. Nightly rates range from $159 to $2,000. Reservations
      can be made for Dec. 1 and beyond via http://www.vdara.com/ or 866-745-7767.

  Crystals retail and entertainment district - December 3, 2009


Crystals will house more than 500,000 square feet of sophisticated retail and dining. Designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind* with interior architecture by David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, Crystals will combine dramatic architecture with exclusive offerings from the world's most elite brands to become a preeminent shopping destination.

  --  Architecture. Libeskind conceived Crystals' exterior to be a dynamic
      sculpture that presents a work of art from every angle. The
      multi-faceted, brilliant glass canopy depicts the intricate beauty of
      a quartz crystal that welcomes an abundance of natural light into the
      stunning three-level experiential environment.
  --  Atmosphere. Within, Rockwell was inspired to create an abstracted 21st
      century park that will reintroduce and celebrate nature and seasons. A
      central element of this design is the three-story sculptural tree
      house that reaches 70 feet from the ground level to frame an oculus in
      the roof. Visible throughout Crystals, the tree house will serve as a
      meeting point for guests and unfold on the second level to surround
      the terrace seating at Mastro's Ocean Club. Crystals also will feature
      "changeable artwork" in the way of abstract hanging gardens, flower
      carpet and more. As the seasons change, so will the artwork, and all
      will be offset by intriguing murals and water features.
  --  Retailers. Large-format luxury retailers Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Prada,
      Christian Dior, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, TIFFANY & CO., Mikimoto
      and Ermenegildo Zegna will be among the exceptional brands presented
      under Crystals' multi-faceted canopy of unprecedented brilliance.
      Unique-to-the-market retailers opening their first locations in Las
      Vegas include Tom Ford, Assouline, Kiton, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Porsche
      Design, de Grisogono, H. Stern, Marni and Boutique Tourbillon.
  --  Dining. Restaurants opening their first Las Vegas locations at
      Crystals include Eva Longoria Parker's BESO and Mastro's Ocean Club,
      joining an exciting new pub concept by Todd English. Wolfgang Puck
      will open two innovative new restaurant concepts, including a
      contemporary interpretation of a traditional French brasserie with
      tastes of the Mediterranean region. Many more luxury brands and dining
      concepts will be announced at a later date.

  --  Art. In The Park between ARIA and Crystals, guests will find Henry
      Moore's Reclining Connected Forms, 1969-1974, a sculpture inspired by
      the fundamentals of the human experience. Measuring approximately 10
      feet tall and 17 feet long by 7 feet deep, the abstract work of art
      displays a baby wrapped in its mother's embrace. On The Strip near
      Crystals, CityCenter has acquired works by French designer-sculptor
      Francois-Xavier Lalanne. CityCenter will showcase three of Lalanne's
      edition of Tourterelle, 1997, a large-scale turtledove crafted from
      aluminum and wood with a seat carved into its body and wings.

  Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas - December 4, 2009


Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will be a sophisticated sanctuary of modern elegance. The 47-story, non-gaming hotel and residences will deliver spectacular accommodations, superlative dining, an unparalleled spa, and the legendary service of the renowned hotel group to Las Vegas for the first time.

  --  Architecture. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox with contemporary
      interiors by Adam D. Tihany, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas acts as a
      gateway to CityCenter, while simultaneously conveying a sense of
      intimacy and seclusion for guests and residents. The interlocking
      glass and metal elements of the facade draw inspiration from
      traditional Chinese motifs and serve to create a level of transparency
      that invites a flow of natural light within.
  --  Dining. Situated on the 23rd floor will be the first U.S. restaurant
      by world-renowned, three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire. Twist by
      Pierre Gagnaire will infuse the simplicity of classic French cuisine
      with a modern spin, relying on a pairing of flavors and textures for
      which Gagnaire is renowned. Guests also can enjoy small bites and high
      tea rituals at the Tea Lounge; fresh preparations of world-class
      cuisine at MOzen Bistro; and gourmet pastries, sandwiches and more at
      Amore Patisserie, located directly on Las Vegas Blvd.
  --  Art. Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will display Claes Oldenburg and
      Coosje van Bruggen's  Typewriter Eraser, Scale X, 1998-1999, a 19-foot
      stainless steel and fiberglass sculpture that depicts a giant blue and
      red typewriter eraser with the bristles of the brush turned upward in
      a graceful gesture. In its lobby, the hotel will feature sculptures
      soaring as high as 11 feet by Jun Kaneko: Untitled, Triangle Dango,
      1996; Untitled, Dango, 2002; and Untitled, Dango, 1992. Jack
      Goldstein's Untitled (Volcano), 1983, depicting an explosive and
      vibrant image of an erupting volcano, also will be featured in the
      lobby. The property's exterior will display Masatoshi Izumi's
      sculpture Untitled, 2007-2008, made of large pieces of intricately
      carved basalt, a form of lava that has cooled on the surface of the
      volcano.
  --  Accommodations. Spacious and welcoming, 392 rooms and luxurious suites
      and 227 residences will provide ultimate comfort in a sophisticated
      setting. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city,
      surrounding mountains and glittering lights of The Strip, these
      well-appointed rooms will combine contemporary elegance with subtle
      Oriental design. State-of-the-art environmentally conscious technology
      and cutting-edge entertainment systems, a Mandarin Oriental hallmark,
      will be found in every guestroom and suite.
  --  Spa. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will be a
      27,000-square-foot oasis for serenity and rejuvenation. This 1930s
      Shanghai-design inspired spa was developed to reflect the glamour and
      fusion from that era. This two-level relaxation haven will feature a
      menu based on Eastern methodologies with Western applications. The Spa
      includes 17 treatment rooms, including seven Couple's Suites, multiple
      relaxation and water experiences, a Rhassoul for women and a co-ed
      Hammam. An expansive Fitness Center with a Yoga and Pilates Studio and
      Technogym cardiovascular and strength equipment also will be
      available.
  --  Bar and Lounge. Also located on the 23rd floor with windows
      overlooking the spectacular Vegas skyline, the 82-seat Mandarin Bar
      will provide an elegant respite from the bustling bars of the Las
      Vegas Strip. Decorated with plush furnishings, the boutique Mandarin
      Bar will offer creative snacks and an extensive cocktail menu. A team
      of molecular mixologists will be available to develop customized
      concoctions upon request, and there also will be a separate VIP room,
      available by reservation.
  --  Meetings and Social Event Space. More than 12,000 square feet of
      versatile space, state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled service
      will make Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas an ideal venue to present a
      variety of events, from a grand-scale conference to a glamorous
      wedding. The meeting space will be situated on the hotel's third
      level, flooded with natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows
      that overlook The Strip.
  --  Pool. Guests and residents will enjoy a magnificent pool facility
      featuring 20 cabanas and a Pool Cafe, serving seasonal market-fresh
      fare. The property's two lap pools are in the shape of long blades,
      symbolic of blades on the Mandarin's signature Fan logo.
  --  Residences. One of Las Vegas' most desirable addresses, The Residences
      at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will have a private residential
      entrance. Owners of these 227 luxury condominiums will enjoy full
      access to Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas' amenities - including
      housekeeping, in-room dining, concierge, access to The Spa & Fitness
      Center and other personalized services to complement their lifestyles.

  --  Reservations. Call [phone] or visit
      http://www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas

  Veer Towers


Veer Towers, CityCenter's most unique residential development, will be a masterful translation of energy and excitement into physical form; its two 37-story glass towers will shimmer day and night. Inclined at five-degree angles - a feature celebrated by the development's name - the towers will seem to dance with each other.

  --  Architecture. Architect Helmut Jahn conceived Veer Towers to symbolize
      spirit and optimism with a strong iconic value; by leaning them they
      became a sculpture. Lobbies and public spaces will be developed by
      notable designer Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido** to showcase impressive
      works of glass and metal with plenty of natural light.
  --  Residences. Each tower will house approximately 335 modern condominium
      residences ranging from 500 to nearly 3,300 square feet available in
      studios; deluxe studios; one, two and three-bedroom flats and
      penthouses. Open floor plans will feature floor-to-ceiling and
      wall-to-wall windows that capture spectacular views of Las Vegas and
      the surrounding CityCenter. Light-filled rooms, natural textures and a
      range of whites will infuse streamlined interiors with openness. 
      Modern kitchens, living and dining areas will be ideal for
      entertaining and spacious spa-styled bathrooms will invite retreat. 
      High-end appliances and fixtures will provide efficiency and sleekness
      as floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the Las Vegas vistas. Residences
      will be filled with contemporary, European-style features and
      designer-selected fixtures.
  --  Amenities. Atop each striking tower, residents will enjoy an amenities
      floor featuring an unequaled view of Las Vegas complemented by an
      infinity edge pool,, hot tub, a sun deck and a patio for outdoor
      entertaining. Within, Veer will feature recreation rooms for special
      events or casual celebrations, private media rooms with panoramic
      windows, a fitness center with men's and women's steam rooms, and a
      business center.
  --  Art. On display at Veer Towers will be two large-scale commissioned
      works by Richard Long. Entitled Circle of Life and Earth, Long's two
      mud wall drawings each will measure approximately 80 feet high by 50
      feet wide.

  --  Entertainment. Veer will rise from Crystals, CityCenter's spectacular
      retail and entertainment district, giving residents unprecedented
      access to the best of stylish, big city living. Upscale dining, lavish
      shopping, electric nightlife and entertainment will be just steps
      away.


For more information, please visit http://www.citycenter.com/. For additional information regarding residential opportunities at Vdara, Veer Towers and Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, please call [phone] or toll-free [phone].

*Consultant to AAI Architects, Inc.

**Consultant to Helmut Jahn 

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090916/NY76860

http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/mgm/40097DATASOURCE: MGM MIRAGE



CONTACT:  Natalie Mounier, Kirvin Doak Communications, [phone],





Web Site:  http://www.citycenter.com/ 



Company News On-Call:  http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/000725.html

Copyright