Once Again, Rouge Lounge OUT, Losers Bar IN at MGM Grand

For the second time within a year, MGM Grand’s "Ferrari-red" Rouge Lounge has left the resort, but this time permanently. Last December, Nashville dive bar Losers Most Wanted Bar created a pop-up inside the lounge during National Finals Rodeo, expecting to only stay two weeks. The concept stuck around for spring, but in recent months the rough wood exterior had reverted back to the 11-year-old plush, ruby design of Rouge.

Now comes official world the lounge has shuttered for good and following a three-month makeover, Losers Bar will again re-open in the space this December.

The Nashville original was launched in 2005, featuring country legend George Strait's manager Erv Woolsey as a co-owner and a feel-good philosophy, explaining "our house wine is Jägermeister." Its modest stage has been known to entice well-known country acts to jump up and perform impromptu concerts.

In Las Vegas, they hope to clone that atmosphere, offering "live music, draft beers and surprise performances from musical artists." No dining option was announced in news of the switcheroo.

The bar will become a instant rival to the "Nashville style honky-tonk bar" from country star John Rich, of Big & Rich fame, whose Redneck Riviera is being constructed at the Grand Bazaar Shops. Also arriving in December, his bar will include daily live music and offer food delivered from Wahlburgers situated directly below.

Rouge debuted at the MGM Grand in 2007, replacing the equally red-tinged Teatro Ultralounge, but offering a more casual, less intimidating nightlife scene for resort guests.