MGM Announces Opening Date for Their Newest Property in Maryland
MGM Resorts International announced that they will be opening their Maryland property, MGM National Harbour, to the public on the 8th of December 2016. The casino that reportedly cost USD 1.4 million to build will be bringing the first luxury gaming resort experience to the Capital Region, just minutes from Washington D.C., on the banks of the Potomac River. Built on 23 acres of land near the Interstate 495, it is only 10 miles from Washington, D.C, surrounded by the lush woodlands and the river scenery, with sweeping views of the capital's iconic monuments.
What Does MGM National Harbour Have to Offer
MGM Resorts International received the license to begin construction on the site in December of 2013, beating bids from rival companies, Penn National Gaming that wanted to develop a gambling facility at its Rosecroft Raceway and Greenwood Racing that proposed a gaming structure near the Maryland Route 210.
Construction began on the property more than two years ago, in April 2014; now almost ready to open, the resort features a hotel, a large gaming space, a spa, restaurants, retail space, a 3,000 seat theatre, a large meeting and event space and a parking garage for 4,800 cars.
The Casino
MGM Resorts International has mentioned that the National Harbour property will feature more than 125,000 square feet of dynamic casino space, which will house a range of table games, including poker as well as over 3,300 slot machines.
The Hotel
The property will house a 23 storey hotel tower with 308 guest rooms and suites; the rooms will range in size, starting with the smaller 400 square feet rooms going up to the massive 3,210 square feet luxury suites. The interior of the hotel carries the nature theme into the inside of the building; decorated with clean lines, modern functionality, signature wood millwork accents and floor to ceiling windows, the resort's modern and elegant room and suite designs draw inspiration from the forest and water elements from the surrounding landscape. Besides MGM’s renowned service, the hotel rooms also offers stunning views of the woods and river.
The designers at MGM Resorts International have put in a lot of thought into the first impression guests will gather at this property; upon first entering the hotel, visitors will be greeted by a stunning two storey conservatory, masterfully created by designer and celebrity event planner, Ed Libby of Ed Libby & Company Events Inc. The Conservatory, which is expected to fast become a must see attraction for the region, will feature intricate design elements and masterfully interwoven vibrant floral combinations. The feature will be visible throughout the central portion of the resort and also from several vantage points spotted around the property. The designers will change the display five times each year – four times to reflect change in seasons and the fifth time in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Besides the central article, the property will also be celebrating the rich local essence of the area through art. A thoughtfully curated Heritage Collection will be placed throughout the public spaces of the resort; it will feature commissioned and procured artwork by renowned local and international sculptors, photographers and mixed- media artists, including Bob Dylan, Margaret Boozer, Alice Aycock, Ron Beverly, Martha Jackson Jarvis, Sam Gilliam, John Dreyfuss, John Safer, Liao Yibai, Chul Hyun Ahn and many more.
The Eateries
The highlight of many casino resort properties lay in the culinary options available at the facility. The chef driven food and beverage program at MGM National Harbour will capture the flavours of the Capital Region in both upscale and casual dining options. Famous chefs, José Andrés, Marcus Samuelsson, Bryan Voltaggio and Michael Voltaggio will all be responsible for an exclusive concept at the resort. The National Market will boast nine distinct eateries, inspired by both local and international flavours.
Ginger, a Pan-Asian restaurant located at the resort, will serve authentic meals from several regions throughout Far East and South East Asia and TAP, a Sports Bar, which is also located inside the resort’s premise, will offer regionally inspired comfort food that can be enjoyed while watching the latest sporting events. A third venue, Bellagio Pâtisserie, which is a pastry shop inspired by European cuisine, will feature a 26 foot tall chocolate fountain, one of the world's largest structures of its nature; the fountain will circulate close to two tons of sumptuous melted chocolate at a time.
The Entertainment
The 3,000 seat Theatre at MGM National Harbour is an intimate venue, which is expected to host many of the entertainment industry's biggest acts and events in the coming years; complete with VIP suites and reconfigurable seating arrangements, the venue will welcome A- list concerts, comedy shows, UFC fights, boxing matches and many other special events. MGM National Harbour has partnered with the entertainment giant, Live Nation, for their entertainment programming.
Meetings and Event Spaces
MGM National Harbour will feature 50,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor meeting space. The MGM National Harbour Conference Centre will include two board rooms, firstly, the large 16,200 square foot room, the MGM Grand Ballroom, with floor to ceiling windows and secondly, the smaller 6,000 square foot terrace space, which will provide spectacular views for the guests. The property will also house a third space for unconventional meeting and event needs, a flexible 3,000 seat Theatre at MGM National Harbour, which will include VIP suites and variable chair and table designs. Finally, the resort also has an outdoor space, Potomac Plaza, which will feature beautiful views of Washington D. C. and can be set up for weddings and other social gatherings or even special and important business receptions. With fresh air and breath taking views, the incredible outdoor plaza will feature a beautiful fountain and a reflecting pool, alongside sweeping vistas overlooking the harbour, Potomac River and the nation's capital. With the best amenities and services, the MGM National Harbour is expected to become a premier destination for small private gatherings, engaging meetings and elegant galas.
The Pool Area
After the initial winter months, following the December opening date, beginning in spring of 2017, hotel guests at the property will be able to relax and unwind at the resort's outdoor, heated, infinity edge pool. While the modern pool area will be overlooking the resort's peaceful surroundings, this sophisticated setting will offer peaceful alternative designed to be away from all the action, with lush seating, private cabanas and poolside cocktail service it will serve guests with a sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the casino and the resort’s other amenities.
The Spa & Salon
Besides having a pool area to relax in, guests will also have the option to replenish their mind, body and spirit through the tranquil offerings within MGM National Harbour's 27,000 square foot Spa & Salon. The space, which has been designed with timeless modern elements, minimal ornamentation and bright spaces, will cater to a relaxing experience for guests who are both looking for a brief moment of indulgence or a long all day escape. Situated on the corner of the resort, it will feature wrap around windows that can provide amazing views of its beautiful natural surroundings. Taking further advantage of the stunning views, a spacious fitness centre has been fitted adjacent to the salon; this will feature a wide variety of exercising equipment and free weights; guests will be able to enjoy a workout while also taking in views of the resort's outdoor pool.
The Nightlife
Clique Hospitality, the company responsible for shaping much of Las Vegas’ famous nightlife industry for over a decade, has been assigned to create two distinct night time entertainment venues for MGM National Harbour. The first location, Felt Bar & Lounge is a lounge with both indoor and outdoor spaces that will feature the region's first tableside mixology program. The second venue, Blossom Cocktail Lounge, which has been inspired by Washington, D.C.'s renowned cherry blossoms, will be at the centre of all the action; both venues are expected to quickly become the must go to spots for sophisticated socialising amongst guests of all ages.
The Retail Scene
MGM National Harbour will also feature 18,000 square feet of luxury retail spaces with brands that are expected to be announced soon.
Comments from Officials
Lorenzo Creighton, the President of MGM National Harbour said that he was excited to finally be opening the casino resort in Maryland after long months of design and construction work.
He said, “After years of planning, designing and developing, we are thrilled that the moment is almost upon us to share this very special resort with the community and visitors from around the world.”
Creighton added, “We are grateful to Prince George's County, the state of Maryland and all of the local designers, artisans and businesses that have collaborated with us to deliver this international resort with very local roots.”
Bill Boasberg, the General Manager at the MGM National Harbour added that once the venue is open for business, the people of Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia will be able to enjoy a plethora of activities just round the corner and all under the same roof.
He said, “On 8 December, MGM National Harbour will introduce something unprecedented to one of the country's most popular travel destinations. Under one roof, guests will enjoy a sophisticated hotel experience, high- energy casino, celebrity- chef restaurants, world- class entertainment, nightlife, destination spa, upscale retail and curated art, complemented by incredible panoramas of D.C., Maryland and Virginia.”
