Mandalay Bay Lands a New Cirque-Themed Nightclub

The final piece of the Mandalay Bay renovation puzzle came together when Robin Leach reported that Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte plans to open a nightclub there. The news comes on the heels of the announcement that the Delano will take over THEhotel and The Light Group will bring in two new restaurants to the resort, taking over the leases at China Grill and Red, White and Blue, both scheduled to close Nov. 18.

The Light Group already operates Gold Lounge at Aria and Revolution at the Mirage, both coinciding with the Cirque shows already in place at each resort. No word yet on whether Gold Lounge will renovate to work with Zarkana, the Cirque show that takes over after Viva Elvis closes Aug. 31.

Leach reports this will be Cirque's first standalone club with The Light Group managing it. He also notes it's not clear whether it will take over the long-vacant nightspot Rumjungle, although that space is cloaked in plywood announcing "The Nightclub at Mandalay Bay turned on by Cirque du Soleil."

"The new Mandalay Bay nightclub doesn't have a name yet, but the design calls for it to welcome 2,000 party revelers nightly." But the nightclub will not be associated with the Michael Jackson Cirque show coming to Mandalay Bay in March.

Inside, the roof will be rigged so that performers can move up and down from the ceiling and along walls for integrated performances. Guests may even get a shot a donning Cirque costumes to get in on the fun.

· Cirque To Open Mandalay Bay Club [Vegas Deluxe]
· All Coverage of The Light Group [~ELV~]
The former Rumjungle space at Mandalay Bay [Photo: Susan Stapleton]